Puppy Preschool
Dreamland’s Puppy Training and Socialization Class
Puppies are incredible! From the moment they join our families our pups are catapulted into an exciting new world filled with endless opportunities to learn. Since learning happens whether we want it to or not, what exactly should we be teaching them?
Like us, our dog’s education happens in layers and begins with lots of positively reinforced opportunities to practice and learn desirable behaviours. Each 45 minutes session is designed just for puppies 10-18 weeks of age. A maximum of 4 pups attend each class, helping to ensure you and your dog will receive the support needed to be successful.
We are committed to offering you and your pup a compassionate, kind, choice filled learning environment. We utilize reward based training methods that do not involve pain, force, intimidation, compulsion or fear.
Pricing
$ 225.00 + HST
The program includes 5 classes,
each 45 minutes in length.
Classes run Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30pm – 7:15pm.
Questions before registering?
Please contact us at play@dreamlandpet.ca for more information.
Our Trainer maintains the following certifications:
Activities
While each class varies in content, each week we will practice activities centred on the following subjects:
- Socialization
- Teaching bite inhibition and reducing puppy biting
- Introductory exercises to support loose leash walking
- Introductory activities for name recognition and recall
- Drop it
- Targeting
- Sit
- Leave it
We will also cover one important puppy topic each class, subjects include:
- How to prevent resource guarding
- Appropriate exercise and enrichment
- Crate Training
- Potty Training
- How to play with your puppy
Requirements:
- Puppies must have be in their home for one week prior to attending class
- Puppies must have received their first DAP vaccine (Distemper, Adenovirus 2, Parvovirus) 10 days prior to their first class
- Puppies can be a maximum of 12 weeks of age at the time of enrollment
What To Bring to Your First Class
- A 6 foot nylon leash, no Flexi leashes please
- 1 cup of treats: They should be the size of a pea, smelly and soft
- ½ a serving of your dog’s food
- A harness with a front and back clip (at minimum it must have a back clip)
- A food dispensing toy like a Kong or West Paw Topple that is stuffed with your choice of food e.g peanut butter, frozen yogurt or canned dog food
- A treat pouch: we need to be able to get food into our pups mouth quickly, a sweater with pockets could also work. Pant pockets or Ziploc bags take too long to open
- A mat, bed or towel suitably sized for your dog to lie on
A special note on puppy playtime: Creating successful play opportunities for puppies involves more than just placing young dogs together in a room. Our puppy classes allow dogs of different sizes and ages into the same class. As a result, off-leash play is not part of this program unless we happen to have appropriately matched dogs enrolled. If you are looking for dog-to-dog socialization for your pup, please check out our Pup Social program.
Determining if private training or a class is the right fit for you pup:
An essential part of successful training involves placing our dogs in the ideal conditions to learn. While classes can be an enriching and enjoyable experience for some pups, learning in class isn’t easy. In fact for many pups, classes are highly challenging environments where distractions are at their highest. As an alternative to the group program, we also offer our puppy class curriculum in a private setting where pups can learn in a less stressful and distracting environment.
A private class may be the best choice for your pup if:
If you are unsure which setting might be the best for your puppy, please send us an email: train@dreamlandpet.ca
Please refer to our Private Training page