PUPPY KINDERGARTEN:  OVERVIEW & DESCRIPTION

• For puppies 12-18 weeks old at start date

• Critical developmental time

• Combines socialization AND actual early learning of commands!

• Basics include: sit, down, loose leash walking, coming when called (its best to imprint a solid recall as early as possible to create a pup that ALWAYS comes when called, no matter what!)

• Other skills: Attention, handling, targeting, "leave it", polite greetings, effective redirection to prevent accidents and destructive chewing.

• Prevent chewing, nipping, jumping up

• Housebreaking tips

• Specialty developmental exercises such as teaching pups to wait for permission before greetings, handling and socialization exercises

• Puppy play at each class.  Supervised free-play for proper socialization (prevent potential frustration/aggression issues later)

• Obstacles for fun and confidence

• Positive reinforcement - understand reinforcement markers to prevent treat dependence

• Prevent problems before they happen!

• Handling and safety-issues (your veterinarian and groomer will thank you)

• Learn the 4 different types of chews/toys to keep pups busy and prevent destructive habits

• Puppy psychology, communication and timing

• Easy and effective ways to teach

• Be a good leader, without physical force!

• Proper use of redirection/incompatible behaviors to create desired outcome

• Incrementally proof behaviors for reliability even with distractions

• Understand timing, clickers (or verbal markers)  and randomization of reinforcement to avoid future treat dependence

• Verbal control: loose leash, loose leash, loose leash!!! 
  (did we mention train, don't restrain?)

• More!

• Not all Puppy Kindergartens are the same!  Trust your pup's education to the experts.

REGISTRATION DETAILS

• 5 week class/$199 + tax 

• 45 minute classes

• Sign up for Beginner Puppy too and receive $20 merchandise certificate!

• New protocols due to coronavirus:  Full learning with class size limited to 4-6 puppy/human teams.  Two people may attend per puppy, we are sorry we cannot welcome the whole family as we did before (possible exceptions made if space allows, please call).  Private sessions may be added to do training with more people if needed.  

• All classes require prepaid registration to ensure your enrollment.  Please check your schedules and veterinary approval first, class fees are non-refundable and not transferable to private sessions, other services or merchandise.  Exceptions will be made in case of illness, filled classes and some other situations.  If pup is unable to attend temporarily one week, we encourage owners to come without dog and then do the practice at home.

• Puppies are required to be ON SCHEDULE for vaccines.  If you have a rabies certificate, please make a copy and leave it with us the first week of class.  Kennel cough vaccine is not required, but highly recommended.

• You are responsible for missed classes, we are happy to provide written homework and brief instructions.  A 30 minute make-up private session may be purchased (recommended more depending on week missed)  If another class is on the same schedule we are happy to let you attend a different night at no charge.  Often start dates are staggered so that is not always possible.

• Week 1 is required and held WITHOUT puppies for an undistracted start.

• 6 foot leash needed (any material/leather, no chain or retractable leashes!).  We will review other equipment options the first night.

• Some issues are not able to be addressed in a group format.  Consider private sessions if you need to deal with specific behavioral issues.  Private sessions may be added to group classes on an a la carte basis.  Dogs with aggression are not appropriate for group classes (many dogs are noisy due to frustration when leashed near other dogs, this is usually NOT aggression and is usually fine - just stresses the owners a little).  Feel free to call if you have questions.

• Please read terms of enrollment before you register

• Class meets every week on same day unless holiday or skip date (in the event of skip for weather or other reason, full number of classes will be held - dates will be added)

• Private sessions available as discounted add-on for extra help or so that more family members can attend session

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN GROUPS
2024 entire year  Start Dates* (for each 5 week class)

for puppies 12-18 weeks old at start date
(see Beginner Groups for pups/adult dogs over 18.5 weeks old)

5 weeks/$199 (+ tax).   Limited to 4 -6 dogs, first come first served)

classes are held the same day each week consecutively unless holiday or skip week,
*Each date show is the first date of the five week class

To register for class, use our secure registration form

* PLEASE NOTE:  Sometimes new classes are  "ADDED!"  may not appear on drop down menu.  If your class time is not listed, just pick "misc" and write in class in comments section. Thank you.

Refunds/credits gladly given if class is full, so please feel free to register online to secure your spot (registrations are first come, first serve).
Otherwise, classes are non-refundable/non-transferable, please check your schedule
and veterinarian approval regarding vaccines carefully

In the event of weather cancellations or holiday/holiday weekends, class will be postponed
to following week until all weeks are completed

We limit class size to give you more personal attention (and now social distancing too!)