Congratulations on your new Puppy!
Getting a puppy can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. With so much for you and your new puppy to learn where do you start?
If your puppy is under 14 weeks old, Young Puppy Socialization Class is the place to start!
Your puppy's 'critical socialization window' (when they are more open to new experiences) closes around 12-16 weeks old. Proper and appropriate socialization is a foundation to a well rounded, confident adult dog. Negative/inappropriate experiences or even a lack of appropriate socialization experiences can have a profound impact on your puppy's behaviour as they develop into an adult dog.
While Puppy Socialization classes are not required as a pre-requisite for other classes they are highly recommended.
In addition to the Young Puppy Socialization Classes we also offer Puppy Group Walks and/or Private 1-on-1 Puppy Walks (more info below). These are fantastic opportunities to give your puppy more appropriate puppy (Puppy Group Walks) or adult dog experiences (Private 1-on-1 Walks) and/or positive socialization outtings (Private 1-on-1 Walks). If you do not have many calm, social adult dogs in your life (outside of other dogs your puppy resides with), I would highly recommend a few Private 1-on-1 walks with my dog Osa and I as it is very important that your dog learns how to appropriately meet and interact with new dogs that they meet when out and about.
After Young Puppy Socialization Class (or at the same time), the next class to take is Puppy Class. This 7 week class teaches your puppy the foundation skills and behaviours we all want our dogs to learn and is the first stepping stone on your puppy's training journey.
You have an option of taking a Group Puppy Class at the training facility with other students or taking a Private Puppy Class from the comfort of your own home. Group Puppy Class is open to puppies up to 5mths old (6 mths for small breeds) at the start of class. If your puppy is past the age limit, Group Basic Manners will be the foundation group class for you to take.
*Note* In order to take an Advanced Level Group Classes (Leash Skills, Rock-solid Recall, Trick Class or Optimistic Einstein), you must have taken a foundation (Puppy/Basic) group class already.
Be sure to scroll down and check out the Group Puppy Package options below. Your puppy's first year of learning is the most important.
If group classes aren't an option for you based on dates and/or times or you would like more one-on-one learning with a Multi-Credentialed Dog Trainer, please have a look at the Private Classes, Private Lessons or Day Training options below.