Puppy Primer

What do we cover? 

This is a three week long course with one 45 minute in-person session and one 60 minute remote session each week. The remote sessions cover the big puppy topics such as toilet training, nipping and biting, and separation/sleep. This allows you to focus on the material without having to keep your puppy entertained for that time.

The in-person sessions set up the basics of good two-way communication between you and your puppy, between your puppy and the other dogs, and between your puppy and the other people in the group. We get your puppy comfortable with being handled, so they can be handled by you, the vet, groomer or anyone else. In addition, we start teaching them how to learn both from what we ask them to do and from the context of the situation. This includes choosing to check in, reliable response to their name, chill out when asked to, and going to a defined position.

Each session has off-leash directed play time where the puppies learn to listen to each other, to play nicely and ask for space successfully.

We always follow scientifically verified, aversion free training and behaviour techniques. There are no harsh methods or tools throughout. At all times we follow the code of ethics of both the APDT and IMDT.

Your notes for each session will be sent to you via email after the class. 

Preparing for your course

There are a few things to bring with you to your course.  

• Training treats
• Comfortable puppy harness
• Fixed length leash
• A non-squeaky toy your dog likes
• Water & a bowl to drink from
• Towels for drying off
• Mat or blanket for your dog to sit on

Please try to avoid feeding your dog for 2 hours before class unless they have a medical condition that requires more frequent food. 

Please note that we do not permit any tools in class that are aversive in nature, this includes: choke chains; slip leads; martingales; electric collars; no-pull harnesses (harnesses that get tighter when pulled); prong collars; or retractable leashes.