Surviving Puppyhood Classes
Class Description: Training & Socialization Classes for Puppies 9 Weeks -to- 16 Weeks of Age.... Get started early, do not chance missing the peak puppy socialization window! Sign up now - don't wait! Class Schedules, Fees, & Sign Ups
Physical & Online Group Classes - See Class Schedules & Fees
By chosing Cindy C. Smith, CNWI & The Right Steps you are making the first important step, by seeking a Long Time Professional Experienced Positive Dog Trainer, to help you get your puppy started on the right foot/paw from the start for early socialization and training! We take training very seriously....
6 Weeks Total - Once a Week for 6 Weeks - 3 Puppies Minimum -to- 7 Puppies Maximum normally - Temporarily Physical Classes will be limited to 2 Puppies Minimum -to- 4 Puppies Maximum while we are all just coming back from the Stay at Home Order.
Week #1 - Human Lecture - is without the puppies lasts approximately 2.0 hours maximum. Lecture may be sat in physically at Week #1 at our Facility or you may watch Videos via a Private Face Book Basic Training Group at home.
Thereafter, Weeks #2-through-#6 - Clients attend with their puppies for 45 minutes (Class includes an attached Complimentary On or Off Leash Play Time at Trainer's Discretion, before or after your Class Time). Please Note - Play Sessions will be adjusted due to the 6 Feet Rule we are all under temporarily.
SPH Videos & Photos #1: https://photos.app.goo.gl/gQHdA9mgJ6K0UrQ82
SPH Videos & Photos #2: https://photos.app.goo.gl/TZXNM7TDA69Dpq0j2
SA/ADBTB Videos/Photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/moDJJXbKcNS4mHoF3
These classes have been specially designed, for over 20+ years now, to help you obtain the best possible puppy! The early months of life are crucial to your puppy's development, both physically and mentally. Classes focus on teaching puppy owners positive methods of getting the behavior they want. Methods are humane methods utilizing Positive Reinforcement and Humane Equipment. Goal is creating a quality bond between puppy and owner, as well as having a future well trained dog they can enjoy.
YES, REWARDS will be used - A true reward has value to the puppy, or it is not a reward. We will utilize food rewards in Class, but other rewards later will be encouraged (toys, playtime, games, lovies for example - again they are only a reward if the puppy/dog values them). Training should be fun!
Clients will be using a Reward Mark/Marker Word for training/clear communication. For those interested, Clicker Training is encouraged and welcomed! We love the Karen Pryor I-Click Clickers. Terry Ryan also offers nice Clickers. We have Clickers for sale in our Student Store.
Old school methods of using dominance, fear, pain, physical corrections, hanging puppies, physical force, choke chains, prong collars, shock collars, flexi-leashes will not be used or tollerated for the health, safety, and both physical/mental well being of puppies and other Clients in Class. These methods truly are not needed and can backfire rapidly creating other bad/scary behavior issues, that in reality never had to happen.
Classes are for all size and breeds of puppies, whether pet/family puppies, show puppies, future performance dogs, or future pet therapy dogs.
Week #1 is without the puppy where owner education is provided on positive solutions to problem puppy behavior (examples: play biting, jumping, house training), you will also learn examples of what motivates puppies,socialization - what it is and is not, how to capture/shape behavior, safety tips, the difference between mental stimulation and physical exercise, equipment, and much more). Lecture normally lasts approximately 2.0 hour maximum.
Following Weeks #2 through #6 are all with the puppies - Training begins by using hand signals first, once puppy fully understands the hand signal and owners are standing in a normal upright position, verbal cues are then added. This enables owners to give their verbal cues once, versus repeat cues that the puppy would learn to ignore. We teach owners to be able to get and maintain their puppy's attention with distractions. Owners are taught how to use rewards properly with a correct rate of reinforcement to motivate their puppy. Each Class is 45 minutes long.
Overview of Cues Covered: Sit, Sit to Stand, Sit to Down, Down to Stand, Down to Sit, Down from a Stand, Attention Walking/Heel, Recall (come), Loose Leash Walking, Sit Stay, Down Stay, Name Recognition, and Shaping Eye Contact. Rewarding/capturing quiet behavior (non- barking/being calm behavior)..
When needed we have blinds we utilize to help puppies succeed in Class (excessively barking puppies and shy puppies for example). Goal is to best set up for success.
We vacuum and mop before puppies arrive, and have an indoor puppy potty litter box, for puppies who have not had all of their vaccinations yet. We have very strict health and proof of vaccinations requirements in place to protect puppies coming to us.
The complimentary/optional approximately 10-15 minute maximum on or off leash socializing time encouraged to give puppies a chance to learn how to build puppy confidence, meet/greet appropriately/nicely, learn bite inhibition while playing, and help owners begin to see appropriate and not appropriate play. This time is for puppies who have attended each Class the paid for 45 minutes of Class Time only. This is not part of the paid Class Time. Whether off leash or on leash is at the Trainer's discretion. Puppies who play inappropriately, too rough for other puppies, too fearful/afraid, and/or aggressively will be pulled from the complimentary/optional socialization play session when warranted - Trainer Decison Final.
*Fee: Please see our Class Schedule for Current Fees - https://therightsteps.dogbizpro.com/Public/Registration/Index.aspx
Questions? Please call or e-mail us before signing up.
Remember Socialization & Training do not stop with a single Puppy Training Class! Training should continue from Puppyhood, into Adolescensce, to Adult. Creating a well socialized and trained dog ultimately takes time, focus, consistency, and lots of patience!
Check us out on YouTube.... On Thursday, February 17th, 2011 we were on FOX40 Live with Bethany Crouch for 2 part segments: Part 1 of 2 & Part 2 of 2. We hope you enjoy!
