Who is this class for?

Puppy Raising is appropriate for puppies who are younger than 4 months old at the start of this class. While families with older puppies will absolutely benefit from this course, it is designed for puppies who are 8-12 weeks old at the first class.

What is the goal of this class?

Puppy Raising is intended to help you grow a strong relationship with your puppy while also setting you up for a successful, happy life together. Our main focus is on socialization, which is crucial during your puppy's early developmental stages. Through our carefully crafted curriculum, we'll help you understand your puppy's needs and teach you how to effectively communicate with them. Our goal is to guide you in raising a confident and well-adjusted puppy who will grow up to be a wonderful companion.

What does this class cover?

In Puppy Raising you will:

• learn how to meet your puppy’s needs so they aren’t destroying your things

• learn how to read their body language so you can notice & listen to what they are telling you

• learn how to appropriately socialize your puppy so they have positive feelings about the world around them and are generally optimistic

• get the opportunity to participate in trainer-facilitated puppy playgroups

• get to try using a longer leash & practice this skill weekly

• learn predictable reinforcement strategies for you & your puppy so they aren’t always gobbling up your fingers

• learn foundations for behaviors like potty training, loose leash walking, greeting people, coming when called, & settling in new places - all via fun games and simple cues!

What are the logistics of this class?

Puppy Raising is a 5-week course consisting of hour-long classes held once a week. Our program includes follow-up emails after each class, listing resources that we discussed that day.

Classes are held outdoors on our private land outside of Lake Crystal. In the event of extreme or inclement weather on a scheduled class day, we'll reschedule.

The maximum number of teams in this class is 8 dog/ human teams and the minimum is 4 dog/ human teams. If less than 4 teams enroll, you’ll be given the option of switching to a different class section or a refund.

Children are welcome in class, but they must be accompanied by an adult and encouraged to remain seated and calm throughout the session.

Your investment for the 5 week course is $175.

Puppies must have had at least one distemper/ parvovirus vaccination by the start of the class.

Recommended Reading:

While it's not mandatory to read these books for class, we highly recommend them! They'll complement and enhance your learning experience. Reading these books will help you gain a deeper understanding of the exercises we're covering in class, and you'll be able to apply what you've learned more effectively. They’ll take your dog training skills to the next level!

1. Puppy Socialization: What It Is and How to Do It by Marge Rogers and Eileen Anderson

   • This book is worth its weight in gold for new puppy parents! I highly recommend you read this book, if no others.

2. Canine Enrichment for the Real World by Allie Bender and Emily Strong

3. Doggie Language by Lili Chin