START YOUR PUPPY OFF RIGHT:
PUPPY KINDERGARTEN I IS PERFECT FOR PUPPIES BETWEEN 8 AND 18 WEEKS.
QUICK LINKS TO PUPPY CLASSES
WHY ATTEND PUPPY K ?
Maximize your puppy’s socialization and learning during their critical period of early development.
For healthy and safe socialization with people and other puppies.
For puppies to experience appropriate play with other puppies.
Small breed pups are now invited to join our Tiny Dog Skills class to be able to safely play with other dogs their size.
To establish the foundation for good behavior using positive reinforcement.
For guidance with elimination training, puppy nipping, chewing, and other puppy behaviors.
PUPPY KINDERGARTEN LEVEL 1
COST: $315 LENGTH: 7 WEEKS
Puppies should be between 8-18 weeks of age at their first class.
** It is NORMAL for puppies to start class without being vaccinated for rabies. We just ask that when your puppy does get vaccinated you email us a copy of their certificate for our records. It is also normal, and recommended, that puppies start class BEFORE finishing their entire vaccination series.
Upcoming Sessions:
SouthPaws Doggie Daycare, Pembroke – Maureen Dwyer KPA-CTP CNWI
PAWSitively Obedient, Hanover – Janice Gifford CPDT-KA
PAWSitively Obedient, Hanover – Jackie Kelleher CVT CPDT-KA
PAWSitively Obedient, Hanover – Janice Gifford CPDT-KA
NO PUPPIES WEEK 1 – this is our HUMAN ONLY orientation!
Cost includes the following training supplies:
- Front Connect Harness – The Freedom No Pull Harness OR Sense-ation Harness (depending on size)
- Training Clicker
- 4″ indoor drag line training leash
- Treat apron
- Orientation packet and supplemental information
- and PAWS training manual PDF
An explanation of “manage and/or train” methods of dealing with your puppy’s problem behaviors such as play biting, chewing, and jumping up! We will demonstrate and assist in settle exercises (calm down exercises) as well as handling exercises (ears, paws, brushing) to aid in grooming. We will explain/show/teach attention exercises such as name game and the touch cue (hand target), and basic obedience cues such as sit, down, stand, look and off/wait. More complex behaviors such as come when called, loose leash walking and stay concepts are introduced.
Socialization exercises are included in each class as well as supervised, appropriate off-leash puppy play. During play time, we will point out/discuss dog communication signals (body and sound) and explain how some of these are “calming signals”. We will also discuss the do’s and don’t of appropriate socialization as it is most important at this age to have as many positive experiences as possible.
It is recommended to follow up with Puppy Kindergarten level 2. If you’re puppy is over 18 weeks, but you are looking for a level 1 class, please go to our Good Manners class page.
Puppy Kindergarten Level 2
Cost: $250 Length: 6 weeks
Continue your puppy's training with this level 2 class. Puppies should have completed either Puppy Kindergarten level 1 or Tiny Dog Skills prior to this class. This class is open to dogs under 1 year of age. Highly recommended to continue shortly after completing a prior class. Those who have started with private training or day training may also be invited. Focus of this class will be on loose leash walking, greeting management and training, stay work, come when called exercises, attention cues, and leave it.
Upcoming Sessions:
PAWSitively Obedient, Hanover – Janice Gifford CPDT-KA
PAWSitively Obedient, Hanover – Janice Gifford CPDT-KA
PAWSitively Obedient, Hanover – Jackie Kelleher CVT CPDT-KA
Proactive Puppy
4 weeks $180
This class is aimed at building confidence in potentially stressful types of situations, such as grooming and veterinary care for both owner and dog. We will introduce and discuss “choice” and “no choice” moments. Confidence will build by targeting objects and desensitization.
Must be currently enrolled in a group class. Ideal age for class is 8-20 weeks. This is a great class to start with your puppy as soon as possible. The goal is to expose them to things like nail clippers, hair dryers, being brushed, being handled, etc. in a safe and positive way that builds confidence for those situations in the future.
Tiny dog skills-Manners & More small breeds dogs!
7 weeks-$315
This is our small breed (under 25#) group class that allows for socialization and training. Dogs of all age welcome, though those over 1 year of age should already have a history of being friendly with other dogs. If you are unsure, please set up a consultation with one of our trainers or email us at hello@pawsitivelyobedient.com. This is a great substitute for Puppy Kindergarten level 1 or Good Manners level 1 for our "tiny dogs" as it offers the same type of introductory training!
Upcoming Sessions:
PAWSitively Obedient, Hanover – Janice Gifford CPDT-KA
PAWSitively Obedient, Hanover – Janice Gifford CPDT-KA
Puppy Happy Hours!
Cost: $35 Length 1hr
Extra-cirricular socialization and training time for our pups currently enrolled with us in a training program and are currently under 1 year of age.
Upcoming Sessions:
PAWSitively Obedient, Hanover – Janice Gifford CPDT-KA
SouthPaws Doggie Daycare, Pembroke – Victoria Montgomery CPDT-KA
SouthPaws Doggie Daycare, Pembroke – Janice Gifford CPDT-KA
SouthPaws Doggie Daycare, Pembroke – Janice Gifford CPDT-KA