Puppy Playschool with the S.T.A.R. Puppy Program
  We
now offer a new program for puppies of every breed, including
mixed breeds on Monday evenings at 6:30pm; join anytime!
The S.T.A.R. Puppy Program is an exciting new
program designed to get dog owners and their puppies off to
a good start.
This is an incentive program provided by the
AKC for loving dog owners who have taken the time to take
their puppies through a basic puppy training and socialization
class. Your instructor will administer the test at the end
of your 6-week session and - how cute is this - your
puppy will receive the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Medal when
he passes the test!
To pass, your puppy simply demonstrates basic
behaviors that we have covered in class, including showing
that he has learned to walk a short distance on a leash, and
that he can sit and down with a food lure, and come when called.
He must also demonstrate that he will allow
you to take away a treat or a toy, that he will allow petting
by a person other than you, and allow you to examine his ears
and feet.
So go ahead and sign up for Puppy
Playschool! Your dog will soon be strutting his stuff
like the cute little puppy in this photo!
Puppies must be between 8-16 weeks of age at
the start of their playschool session. If your dog is older,
consider attending Beginner Obedience
and supplementing that class with Doggie
Daycare. You can still earn the S.T.A.R. Puppy award though;
as long as your dog is under 1 year old; just ask us to evaluate
your dog after he graduates from Beginner Obedience class.
Socialize your puppy now! According
to the American Veterinary
Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB):
The primary and most important time for puppy socialization
is the first three months of life. During this time,
puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals,
stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely
and without causing overstimulation manifested as
excessive fear, withdrawal or avoidance behavior.
For this reason, the AVSAB believes that it should
be the standard of care for puppies to receive such
socialization before they are fully vaccinated.
Read more.
|
 This
class is a must for new puppy owners. Puppy Playschool is
designed to help you get off to the right start with your
new puppy. Early socialization is very important for your
puppy's development.
Each week, your puppy will romp off-leash to
play with the other puppies and meet all the people.
We also spend time doing some light training
and discussing puppy issues and answering your questions about
what's happening at home with your pup.
Our discussions cover topics like socialization
and play, house training, crate training, chewing, puppy biting,
fear issues, puppy management, and proper handling of a puppy.
General information is also provided on feeding,
health, grooming, and the stages of puppy development. We
also discuss how to play with your puppy and we begin to work
on coming when called and sit and down training. Responsible
dog ownership tips are included as well.
This 6-week class is $125 and includes everything
you need to get your puppy that AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy
Medal. Save when you sign up for Beginner
Obedience at the same time! See our Package
Deals. This class does not take the place of an obedience
class; it is meant to complement our basic obedience training
program. You are welcome to enroll in obedience class at the
same time, or you can wait to attend obedience class after
your dog finishes playschool. However, you must pay for these
classes in advance in order to get the discount.
- Ready to sign up? Register online
or call 978-486-9922 to reserve your spot. Please note
that your registration will not be confirmed until your
payment is received.
Schedule
Listed below are the session start dates. Pick
one session; you will meet each week on the same day/time
for six consecutive weeks.
Bring your dog on a regular nylon leash and collar (no extendable flexi leads please) and some small, soft, smelly treats.
Please Note: If your puppy is not
feeling well, or has been to the vet and is on medication,
please refrain from attending class. We will credit
you for the missed class, so you will still get the six weeks
of puppy class. We want to keep the other puppies safe from
anything that is potentially contagious. Call the office with
any questions!
| Day |
Time |
Date |
| Monday |
6:30pm |
Every Monday |
Your puppy is welcome to join us for additional
weeks as well! Once you complete the six week cycle, just
ask your instructor to keep you on the roster until your puppy
reaches the age of 20 weeks. A $20 drop-in fee applies for
each extra class you attend after the first six.
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