Puppy

From the time of introducing the puppy to the household, this course is intended to teach the basic disciplines required to promote manageable behavior in and around the home.

An initial training consultation and evaluation is conducted in order to assess the dog and to tailor the training program with regards to the dog's age and temperament.

This initial training consultation (which can take one to two hours) covers:

• The prevention of the typical problems associated with all puppies.
• Introducing the puppy to the basic obedience commands.
• Instructing the dog owner as to the proper handling techniques and how to perform routine care and maintenance of the puppy.
• The recommendation of an appropriate schedule and routine which will enable the owner to understand how to approach the ongoing training and raising of the puppy.

Should the owner decide to enroll in the full puppy training program, then the cost of this initial session can be applied towards the cost of training.

Goals of the Training Program:

• Produce a dog that is safe with the family and the general public - especially children. Essentially 'a dog that does not bite.'
• To insure that the dog develops into a good neighbor and a welcome member of your community.
• To enable the owner to establish proper control of their dog - on and off the lead.

To call this a puppy training course is somewhat of a misnomer in that it is unlike any of the typical puppy courses that usually run for six weeks, or so. This program, however, begins when the pup is three to four months old, and continues right through the crucial developmental stages, and until the dog reaches his/her first birthday (so, a typical course can last nine months). By this time all undesirable behavior traits will have been prevented, eliminated, or modified, and the dog will be under full voice control of the owner under all circumstances. Depending on the temperament of the particular puppy, training sessions are usually every two or three weeks.

The instruction and training is done mostly on an individual basis, but it includes some socialization with other dogs and people -- an indispensable part to any puppy program. For those enrolled in this course, I am at all times available for advise and guidance, by phone and email, throughout the training.

The cost of the initial consultation/training session depends on the time spent (usually one to two hours) and my fees are $150 an hour for my private work. The cost of the full training progam is $2000, and should the owner decide to enroll in training the cost of the initial session can be applied to the cost of the program.