PUPPY CLASSES

Emphasis on good socialization

• Puppy playtime will make up approx. 1/3 of class time​

• Exposing puppy to novel sounds, things under their feet, sights, etc.

Cover basic puppy issues - potty training, nipping, crate training

Cover handling puppy for vet, groomer

Discuss management: kongs, puppy gates, harnesses, etc

Prevention work: preventing resource guarding and separation anxiety

Basic behaviours: drop, watch, name, follow the person, tug

By the end of this series of lessons, the puppy should be able to:​

Settle in a bed 

Basic loose leash walking with minimal distraction

Introduction to recalls - emphasis on building a strong recall through games and challenges

Sits

Lie Down

Stays - sits /downs

Name

Socialization/confidence building - each class should do some type of "fun" work - i.e. walking over fit paws stuff or through a tunnel.  small things that increase dogs confidence

Socialization with more novel things - strollers/wheelchair/people in hats etc - every class should cover something potentially scary to a dog 

Head rest in hand

Handle a basic vet style exam by owner 

Sit when a door opens and exit with permission

Impulse control around food

Sit and wait for food 

Be comfortable with people around their food bowl through R+ methods

By the end of this series of classes the puppy should know how to 

Recall with distraction (through toys/by other dogs/etc)

Loose leash walking with distraction

Send to bed from a distance

Longer stays on bed with owner adding distance

Introduce a heel command

Auto sits when handler stops

Hold sits with distractions and for longer periods of time

Be comfortable with basic husbandry: checking ears/eyes/clipping nails

Handle basic vet exam by instructor

Fetch a toy? 

Demonstrate a basic trick?

Introduce a stand