Puppy Kindergarten offers a structured 6-week program designed to set your young dog up for success. This course emphasizes crucial socialization skills, fosters a strong bond between you and your puppy, and establishes clear communication from the start. Our expert trainers will guide you through teaching essential commands such as “sit,” “down,” “come,” and “loose leash walking.” Additionally, you’ll receive valuable advice on housetraining, household manners, and managing puppy mouthing. This class is limited to six puppies aged 8 to 18 weeks at the course’s commencement. Puppies exceeding 18 weeks require enrollment in a Basic Training class. All participants must have age-appropriate vaccinations, including distemper and parvo. Classes are held weekly for one hour over six weeks, with a cost of $199.
The initial session serves as an orientation, and owners are kindly requested to attend without their dogs. This allows the instructor to dedicate their full attention to detailing the course structure and expectations. Please do not bring your dog to the first class.
Vaccination Requirements: Age-appropriate vaccinations are mandatory. Puppies under five months who have not yet received their rabies vaccination are still permitted to attend, provided they meet other vaccination requirements. Distemper and parvo vaccinations are required for all ages. We understand that puppies receive a series of three rounds of these vaccines; please provide the most current vaccination date.
For information on weather-related or scheduled class cancellations, please visit: https://www.sthuberts.org/training-school-weather/
COVID-19 Protocols: New social distancing measures will be in effect. Face masks are mandatory for all individuals at all times. NO MASK, NO CLASS. Maintain a 6-foot distance from the trainer and other students. Hand sanitizer and spray sanitizer will be available.
- One person per dog only. Guests, children, and additional individuals are not permitted.
The Importance of Early Socialization and Basic Commands
Introducing your puppy to a variety of sights, sounds, people, and other animals during their critical socialization window is paramount. This exposure, facilitated in a controlled environment like Puppy Kindergarten, helps prevent fear-based behaviors and aggression later in life. Learning basic commands not only aids in managing your dog but also strengthens the human-animal bond. Early training provides mental stimulation, which is as crucial for a puppy’s development as physical exercise. Teaching commands like “sit” and “come” can be life-saving in certain situations and makes your dog a more well-behaved companion.
Housetraining and Household Manners
Housetraining requires patience, consistency, and a clear understanding of your puppy’s needs. Establishing a routine for potty breaks, rewarding successful elimination outdoors, and promptly cleaning up accidents are key strategies. Beyond housetraining, instilling good household manners prevents common issues such as jumping on furniture, chewing inappropriate items, and excessive barking. These foundational behaviors, addressed in Puppy Kindergarten, contribute to a harmonious living environment for both the dog and the family.
Managing Puppy Mouthing
Puppy mouthing is a normal part of development, but it needs to be managed appropriately. Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and play-biting is how they learn bite inhibition. Redirecting mouthing to appropriate chew toys and yelping when teeth become too sharp can help teach puppies to control the pressure of their bites. Consistent redirection and positive reinforcement are essential for discouraging nipping and biting during play.
Advanced Training and Beyond
While Puppy Kindergarten focuses on the essentials, it lays the groundwork for more advanced training. As your puppy grows, you can explore more complex commands and activities like agility or obedience trials. Continued training throughout your dog’s life reinforces learned behaviors and keeps them mentally engaged. For those seeking to further their dog’s training, resources like dogcare story commands a dog should know offer valuable insights into teaching a wider range of commands. This commitment to ongoing training ensures a well-adjusted and happy canine companion.
Conclusion: Investing in Your Puppy’s Future
Enrollment in a Puppy Kindergarten program is a significant investment in your puppy’s future well-being and your relationship with them. By focusing on socialization, basic obedience, and good manners, you are equipping your puppy with the skills they need to thrive. The structured environment, expert guidance, and bonding opportunities provided by such a course are invaluable. For continued learning and to explore the most important commands to teach your dog, consider resources such as most important commands to teach your dog. A well-trained puppy is a joyful addition to any family.
