CLASSES
FOR PUPPIES
AND ADULTS
Stage one:
Depending on your dog's age,
you will choose from either
Preschool,
Kindergarten or Headstart
The curriculum is the same for
PPS, PK and Headstart.
They are all beginning level classes
divided by age.
Younger puppies may attend classes
for older dogs, older dogs may not
attend classes for puppies.
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Puppy Pre-School
puppies under 4-1/2 months Basic commands and important socialization opportunities with people and other puppies, handling, ease of grooming, good manners and free-play time. Your puppy can attend as early as your veterinarian will give permission. Most veterinarians recommend at least 3 vaccinations before attending a group class. |
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Puppy Kindergarten
older puppies under 6 months Basic commands and controlled socialization opportunities for pre-adolescent dogs, with emphasis on self-control, basic commands and leadership exercises to prepare pet owners for the emerging stage of pre-adolescent independence.
Classes start monthly |
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Headstart
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Classes are limited to 8-10 dogs per class for plenty of one-on-one attention.
Puppy classes fill quickly so register early.
If you didn't get a spot in the PPS, register for the Puppy K!
Stage
two:
After
completing a Puppy class or Headstart you will go on to
Prep School -
clicker class!
Stage
three:
Once
you have completed a Prep class, you may continue
your dog's training in any or all of the advanced
Skill Building
Levels classes
The curriculum is the same for Puppy & Headstart classes.
The primary difference is we have puppy playtime in the puppy classes.
Click here
to fill out the
Click here to answer the questions:
When
should you start training your puppy?
You already have!
How
early can my puppy attend class? 
The earlier, the better! Your
puppy's most critical socialization period is actually between 4 weeks and 3
months! Early imprinting and social skills
start before his eyes open, before he is old enough to leave his litter and
every day in his new life with you. Invite your dog loving friends and gentle
children to meet your new baby. Carry him on outings so he can see the world
from the safety of your arms. (The ground is where the germs are, so don't put
him on the ground outside your yard until you have your vet's ok.) This socialization
period extends up to 18 months, so make his puppyhood and adolescence an enriched
one! Everything you want your puppy to be comfortable with as an adult, he should
have positive experiences with as a puppy.
Most veterinarians
suggest that puppies have at least 3 shots prior to attending class. When discussing
this with your vet, remember that the first week of class is for owners only;
your puppy will not come in contact with other puppies until the second week
of class.
What will my puppy learn in Puppy Pre-school or Headstart?
Your puppy will learn the basics - "sit" "down" "stand" "stay" "come" and "let's go" (walking on leash). We will also cover commands like "off" (don't jump on grandma) and "leave it" (don't steal things off the counter.) We will also address typical puppy behavior concerns like mouthing, chewing inappropriate items, and house training. We will also cover basic dog care issues like grooming. There will be time each week for questions and answers, behavior problem solving, and best of all (from the puppy's point of view) socialization.
Why
is socialization important?
Well-adjusted adult dogs have "been there, done that" as puppies.
Dogs who have positive experiences with a broad variety of sights, sounds, smells,
surfaces, people, and other animals prior to 4 months of age are less fearful
and less over-stimulated as adults. They grow into calm, easy-to-control dogs
who are able to listen and follow directions in distracting situations. Most
fearful or aggressive problem behaviors are due to lack of socialization, i.e.
lack of experience or bad experience.
photo
courtesy of Earl Smith
Puppy Playtime
Time
will be spent during each Puppy Preschool and Puppy Kindergarten class to allow
the puppies carefully choreographed free-play social time to meet and interact
with other puppies and human family members. Puppies will learn to "sit
for petting" and "come away from distractions." There is no off
leash play time in the Headstart level for adolescent and adult dogs.
Are
you experiencing frustration with your wild and crazy,
leaping, biting, sometimes bossy puppy?
Visit this page to share
the questions/answers of a fellow puppy owner's blues:
Check
out "The Perfect Puppy - How to Raise a Well-Behaved Dog" by
Gwen Bailey
and "Before and After You Get Your Puppy" by Dr. Ian Dunbar
DVM.
Visit our Suggested Reading list
for more ideas or order these books and more from Dogwise!
Is it
ever too late to start training? NO!
You can teach an old dog new tricks!
I've started
some training at home, should I still register for the beginning level?
Since the exercises in the advanced classes
build on the foundation laid in the entry level classes, it is important to
start at the beginning, even if your dog has some skills already. Many dogs
who know things pretty well in the kitchen at home, still have to learn how
to focus on the owner in a busy class setting.
My
dog has social issues with other dogs or people - can I still attend classes?
We offer specialized classes for
dogs with issues - our Social Skills class and
our Remedial Rovers class. Behavior consultants are also available for
private in-home counseling to help you work with your dog's specific concerns.
Puppy Preschool, Puppy Kindergarten and Headstart
grads go on to the Prep School class.
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If your dog is 'just' six months old, you may choose either PK or Headstart.