Your puppy is ready for Puppy Kindergarten if he/she is 8 weeks old! We ask that your puppy has been in your home for at least 2 weeks to make sure there is no health issue lying dormant in his/her system. Your puppy must have received age-appropriate vaccinations to protect self and other puppies in class. Your veterinarian can tell you what shots are needed at appropriate ages.
Please bring a health statement from your veterinarian certifying that your puppy has no contagious disease or internal or external parasites. If you look at your record from the puppy's visit(s) to the vet or if you look on the veterinarian's invoice you will generally find this information.
Puppy Kindergarten is designed to provide early socialization and lay the groundwork for basic obedience. Owners are taught how to take care of the puppy's teeth and trim nails. Discussions range from feeding, to housebreaking, and how to stop those "puppy bites", jumping up plus more!
Puppies are exposed to safe agility obstacles for mental and physical stimulation. They also are handled by other members of the class so they can have good experiences with other people and puppies they don't know. The puppies have a playtime which is great to build their confidence as they explore what behaviors work to play or not play with each other.
This is the first step for any puppy learning how to walk quietly on a leash. Your puppy will also learn how to sit, down, and how to come when called. He will meet a friendly cat in class, and also will learn about different sounds not being so frightful to him. The last class night in the six week session begins with a costume contest which is fun for all! The purpose is not all for fun however because as an owner handles a puppy to 'dress' it for the contest, the puppy learns another lesson, that it is okay to be handled in a way different than normal petting or training allows.
Our aim is to teach you how to teach your puppy the behaviors and vocabulary that will help it remain a 'forever' member of your family!