CORE SKILLS 301

wonder puppy

in-studio course for ages 8 months+

cost $325 | 8 weeks ($40 per class)

This is the third and final course in our core skills series: Good Puppy, Great Puppy, and Wonder Puppy.

You and your puppy will tackle late adolescence with confidence as you apply the the skills you’ve learned so far—to being in public. Wonder Puppy level is held in our NW studios. The focus of this class is on impulse control at the age when it’s hardest, when in close proximity to other dogs and people, and around common real-life distracting situations.

You’ll expand on your puppy’s relaxation skills to include distance and you’ll proof the many versions of focus and stay that you’ve learned so far— when being greeted, when walking past a dog, when a guest comes to visit the house, and more. You’ll finally become an official Wonder Puppy, and be prepared for canine good citizen class (CGC Puppy) and beyond!

    • consists of 8 weekly 1-hour classes conducted in person

    • skills covered include focus around distractions | relax with distractions + distance | stay around people + dogs | come when called with distractions and front and side finish | stay when approached, pet for greetings, and being handled | leash walking past dogs | leave it when offered food

    • limited to 4 puppies

    • clicker + handouts

    • puppy who’s 8 months or older and completed our second level Great Puppy course or equivalent

    • please review our covid policy before attending

    • puppy behavior requirements - puppy must be comfortable and manageable when in close proximity to other people and dogs. If your puppy has been known to fixate on, lunge, or be vocal toward other dogs (even if they are just being overly-excited), in studio class is not the right fit for now. Please chat with the office for other options.

    • puppy skill requirements - puppy must be mostly reliable when doing the following skills in the presence of distractions: relax on a mat, focus, sit, down, stay, and come when called

    • please note: if your puppy is in heat (estrus cycle), please attend class without your puppy

    • semi-hungry, semi-tired, pottied puppy

    • 6-foot non-retractable leash

    • 20ft long-line or second leash

    • harness and/or collar—no chain/prong/shock/vibrating collars

    • treat pouch

    • clicker

    • mat—must be easy to pick up and move

    • treats—3 types of HIGH-value, pea-sized yummies including 1 that’s slimy (turkey dogs, chicken…)

    • edible chew item or stuffed food puzzle

    • tug or squeaky toy

    • small portable mat for your dog to lay on

    • go out with your puppy at least 3 times per week until class starts with the "we're working" mindset

    • in a public location near dogs and people, practice settling on a mat together and go through your basic skills

    • alternate work time with play that involves you and sniffing/exploration

    • to strengthen your connection and be best prepared, don't allow your puppy to greet, or be greeted by, others during these outings (think of them as YOUR special time TOGETHER to practice connection with each other - that’s what class will be like! :)

    • reminder - if your puppy is known to be vocal or reactive toward other dogs (even if they are just being overly-excited), in studio class is not the right fit for now. Please chat with the office for other options or if you are unsure.

  • We allow children ages 6 and older to attend. Children ages 6-15 must be accompanied by an adult.

 

sign up

book your class below

  • If a course’s date range is longer than 8 weeks, then there’s a skip week or two (no class). Your instructor will fill you in on the specifics.

Reminders!

  • This is an in-studio class - up to two people are allowed per puppy

  • Puppies must be mostly reliable with skills around distractions, and well-controlled around other dogs and people to attend in studio classes; vocal and/or reactive dogs are not a fit for in studio classes

*Please read the prerequisites in the “more info” section before booking your class.