Puppy Kindergarten

Puppy challenges? Collegiate Canine makes parenting a new pup easier.

That's because we specialize in early puppyhood education, and we do so for two important reasons:

Your puppy's "socialization window" is very short.

The period during which she is most open to new experiences lasts from about 4 weeks to, at most, 20 weeks of age. If your pup is taken from her mother too soon or explorations of her big wide world are limited during this time, she may grow into a dog that reacts aggressively or fearfully when encountering new situations, dogs, or people.

What you do now with your pup will affect your interactions for a lifetime.

Puppies are cute and cuddly, but they may also pose challenges: jumping on friends, nipping, whining when confined, or having frequent accidents. Practical instruction for both people and pets can mean the difference between working proactively to promote better manners and behavior early–on versus reacting out of frustration and risking a more difficult relationship between you and your dog in the years to come.

Collegiate Canine knows first–hand how crucial giving your puppy a great start in life can be. That's why we offer two training programs for dogs less than five months of age:

• Puppy Parent Tutoring
  
  
  • 45–minute private lessons at your home, billed at $65 per lesson with discounts for multiple sessions. No Assess n' Learn appointment is generally required for puppies.
  • You set the schedule. Do you only need crate training assistance? Then one lesson may suffice. Have a number of questions/concerns? Make several appointments, and we'll customize the curriculum to your pup's temperament and learning style.
  • Your "tutor" can help with leash manners, resource guarding of food or toys, barking, inappropriate mouthing, submissive or excitement–related urination, nighttime disturbances, and more. We're also happy to teach you about canine body language, principles of learning in new environments, and how to create an effective socialization plan.
  • Note: if serious behavior issues exist in dogs younger than five months, Collegiate Canine's head instructor will suggest they be addressed through our Personal Professor program.
• Housetraining 101
  
  
  • This single, 90–minute lesson makes the housetraining process as easy and accident–free as possible. Unlike similar classes at local pet stores, we teach you and your pup in the very space where accidents occur — thus helping you create a management plan tied to your specific house and yard.
  • All content is geared to the unique problems you face and the particular way your dog responds to you and other family members. Topics include creating effective toileting schedules, teaching your puppy to communicate his needs, preventing accidents (and dealing with them when they occur), and introducing your puppy to eliminating on cue … yes, even in the rain!
  • Our fee is $120, which covers handouts and instruction for everyone in your immediate family who interacts with your puppy on this issue. If your 13–year–old is responsible for letting your pup out after school, he can join us for the lesson. If your spouse does the bedtime walk, she's welcome, too, because housetraining is indeed a family affair.

Whether extending your pup's comfort zone or helping you problem solve more urgent day–to– day issues, we want you to enjoy your new little dog buddy. That means having fun together in public spaces, inviting guests for worry–free dinners, and traveling to see family — all with well–behaved pet in tow. As always, feel free to call for more information or details.

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