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Puppy Training

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Puppy Training: Early Puppyhood Development Program (8-16 Weeks Old)

Give your puppy the best start in life with our Early Puppyhood Development Program! This special and unique program is the only one of its kind in our area is designed to lay a strong foundation during the critical early stages of your puppy’s life, ensuring they grow into a confident, well-behaved companion.

Literally everything one does and / or doesn’t do with a puppy before 16 weeks has an impact on the rest of the dog’s life. This is why owner education on what to do and not to do during this critical developmental period coupled with age-appropriate training and socialization of your puppy is so beneficial.”

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Why Early Puppyhood Development Matters

Did you know that nearly 80% of a dog's brain development is completed by 16 weeks of age? This window is the most rapid learning period in your puppy's life, and the lessons they learn now will shape their behavior for years to come. Proper socialization, housebreaking, bite inhibition, and basic rules are far more important at this stage than formal obedience training.

Missed opportunities during this critical period can lead to lifelong behavioral challenges, such as anxiety, fearfulness, aggression, or lack of attentiveness. Our program ensures you and your puppy make the most of this crucial time.

graduate puppy class

What Is Proper Socialization?

Socialization doesn’t mean letting your puppy pull you toward other people or dogs, play with unstructured groups of unruly puppies, or be petted by strangers indiscriminately. Incorrect socialization can actually lead to:

  • Anxiety and fearfulness
  • Reactivity or aggression
  • Impulsiveness and lack of attentiveness

Instead, we teach you how to correctly socialize your puppy to the world around them. Our training helps your puppy learn to interact confidently and appropriately with new environments, people, and other dogs—without unintentional adverse outcomes.

graduate puppy class

Program Overview

Part 1: Comprehensive Puppy Consultation

This in-depth consultation ensures you have the knowledge and tools to build a healthy relationship with your puppy. A few of the topics included:

  • Canine Leadership: Learn how to establish yourself as your dog’s leader fostering respect and trust as you teach and guide them in life.
  • Housebreaking: Step-by-step guidance to make potty training faster and easier.
  • Play-Biting and Jumping: Effective strategies to stop nipping and jumping.
  • Behavioral Boundaries: Tips on setting rules and appropriately disciplining your puppy.

Time Commitment: Minimum of 3 hours.

Part 2: Puppy Group Classes

These engaging group sessions provide hands-on training and socialization opportunities to help your puppy thrive. Activities include:

  • Confidence Building: Exercises to help your puppy feel secure in new environments.
  • Object Socialization: Hands-on practice learning how to socialize your puppy to unfamiliar objects, sounds, and experiences.
  • Puppy Handling and Examination: Teach your puppy to feel comfortable with touch and vet-like handling.
  • Puppy Engagement Activities: Games and exercises that enhance focus and engagement.
  • Socialization with Other Puppies and People: Supervised interactions to build positive associations.

Time Commitment: 3 two-hour classes held on consecutive Sunday afternoons once the program begins.

Note: Obedience commands are not part of this program, as the focus is on foundational development. Obedience training can begin after 16 weeks of age.

Start Your Puppy's Journey Today

Don't miss this critical window in your puppy's development! Contact us today to learn more about the Early Puppyhood Development Program and give your puppy the foundation they need for a happy, well-behaved life.

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