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Puppy School

Repeat exposure to new experiences during which a puppy feels safe and happy is the best preventative for behavior problems such as reactivity, aggression, fear, anxiety and handling intolerance. To say a puppy should see 100 strangers before 12 weeks old is not an exaggeration!

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This is literally a once in a lifetime opportunity. During the socialization period, puppies' brains are uniquely open to forming new connections. This period is approximately from 3 weeks of age to 12 weeks.

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Good socialization does not guarantee a stable adult dog, as there are many other factors such as genetics, the level of stress their mother endures during and after pregnancy, where pups are raised, untreated or undiagnosed medical conditions and past learning. However, the aftermath of puppies who did not receive socialization within this window, vs similar puppies in similar environments who did, is drastic and has been well documented in scientific literature.

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Check out the position statement on puppy socialization from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

Price

Program: $600 

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Includes progress reports with homework, pictures plus video clips of your pup's training!

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*Proof of age appropriate vaccinations is required.*

Curriculum

This is a six session program in which you drop off your puppy for fear prevention training, basic manners intro and socialization including field trips to various public places, and pick them up 2 hours later.

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Scheduling is flexible if in advance, but sessions should be split along 4-6 weeks with 2+ days between sessions. This allows enough repetitive exposure for the socialization goals and training to start seeming "normal" to your puppy.

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This program is not a replacement for socialization and training at home! This program jumpstarts training while written reports help you learn to meet your puppy's developmental needs. You'll see the most progress if you practice the homework and make the effort to arrange for your pup to meet new people, dogs and visit new locations with you, too.

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Progress is at the puppy's pace and depends on practice at home, so may be slower for some individuals. Additionally, breaks for play and rest are given as needed.

Socialization goals:

  • Grooming.

    • nail trimming

    • running water (bath)

    • brushes

    • toothbrushes

    • electric clippers if applicable 

  • Vet visits.

    • restraint

    • tools

    • faux injections

    • medical cones

  • Wearable gear.

    • ​muzzles

    • harnesses

    • sweaters

  • People.

    • canes and medical boots​

    • costumes with masks

    • sunglasses or hats

    • backpacks and accessories

  • Environment changes.

    • crinkly and wobbly surfaces​

    • noise phobia prevention

    • stairs

    • novel shapes, statues and decor

  • Animals.

    • leashed puppies or dogs​

    • cats

Training goals:

  • Holding still is lucrative!

    • give paws for trims​

    • hold still for ear/mouth inspection

  • Resource guarding prevention.​

    • I take chew, you get treat​

  • Basic obedience.

    • ​sit

    • down

    • stay

  • Impulse control.

    • leave it cue, adaptable for more than just treats

    • give into leash pressure

    • teeth on skin makes play stop

  • Proper play.

    • play ceases for bullying or hard bites

  • Name recognition.

    • coming when called

    • breaking focus when called

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One discounted private training session with you, at your home or a public location, is available for add on within 3 months after Puppy School: $50

Manners School

As dogs reach puberty and adolescence, their behavior changes. Much like human teenagers, they have a harder time focusing and making good decisions, even when they want to! This program focuses on training manners and obedience in the face of distractions and in new environments.

 

Graduates of Puppy School have a foundation of socialization and training with me already and will progress faster, however this program is available to all people-friendly puppies, ages 6-11 months. This program is not ideal for puppies with untreated anxiety, fear and aggression problems. If your dog is showing fear or aggression towards strangers and is not familiar with me, please book a private New Client Consultation as I will need your participation in training.

Price

Curriculum

New Puppies: $600 

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Puppy School Graduates: $500

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Includes progress reports with homework, pictures plus video of your pup's training!

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*Proof of age appropriate vaccinations is required.*

This is a six session program, each session is 2 hours. Drop off or pick up (Grand Forks only for the latter) is available as most of our time will be spent in public areas.

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Scheduling is flexible. Your puppy will make the most progress if you space sessions out. 2 sessions maximum per week with two or more days in between, as well as if you practice the homework between sessions. 

Training goals:

  • Loose leash walking.​

    • in various locations​

    • around distractions including people & dogs

  • Impulse control.​

    • resist the urge to jump or lunge​

    • advanced leave it

  • Advanced obedience.

    • ​sit-stay

    • down-stay

    • coming when called

One discounted private training session with you, at your home or a public location, is available for add on within 6 months after Manners School: $50

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