Service Description
The puppy stage is the most important learning period in your dog’s life, and this class is designed to make the most of it. Created for puppies 8 to 16 weeks old, Puppy Good Start focuses on building positive habits before problem behaviors develop. Young puppies learn quickly, and early guidance helps shape confident, relaxed, and well-mannered companions. We address common puppy challenges such as housebreaking, mouthing, chewing, meeting new people, and appropriate play with other dogs. Puppies are also gently introduced to essential foundation skills including sit, stay, eye contact, recalls, and polite leash walking. Just as importantly, handlers learn how dogs learn, how to prevent future behavior issues, and how to create a trusting and cooperative relationship from the very beginning.
Beginner Dog Training – Foundation Skills & Communication
This foundational class is open to dogs of any age and is ideal for building clear communication and mutual understanding. Foundation games teach basic
obedience skills, such eye contact, sit, down, stay, leave it, come, targeting, polite
greetings, and walking politely on leash. The focus is on teaching dogs to look to their handlers for guidance, learn basic commands and develop impulse control. Handlers gain practical training formulas, management strategies, and problem-solving skills that apply to real-life situations. Please note: the first class is humans only and covers learning theory, training philosophy, and common behavior challenges.
Intermediate Dog Training – Strengthening Skills & Reliability
This class builds on the beginner foundation by adding distance, duration, and distractions to previously learned exercises. Training focuses on impulse control, attention heeling, solid stays, reliable recalls, and distance work. We practice skills needed for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test, introduce fun tricks, explore off-leash foundations, and touch on activities such as Rally-O and Wag It Games. The goal is refined obedience, deeper connection, and confidence for life together.