Core SKILLS: Good Level
Skills 1
in-studio course I 9 weeks+
cost $345 | 8 weeks
Want to set up for success? Looking for Good Puppy class? You’re in the right spot.This is the beginning training course for you! It’s simply the most comprehensive and effective basic skills course you will find to help your puppy grow into a calm, confident, happy dog! This is the first in our comprehensive core skills series: Skills 1, Skills 2 and Skills 3.
This course provides a pure and simple form of clicker training for all of the basic skills as well as the essentials of social comfort and bite prevention. Our techniques include strategic use of boundaries and smart positive reinforcement. We use methods that help you get the behavior you want BEFORE indication of reward, so your puppy builds positive habits and a strong connection with you. Learning manners early, during the critical learning period of development, can make all of the difference later in life!
The goal: not only teaching your puppy good manners and you to become an effective trainer, but also building a healthy, happy relationship with your puppy!
To maximize learning: Starting class at around 9 weeks or as early as possible.* Take this class at the same time as Social 1 to get plenty of puppy play time in as Skills 1 does not provide play time with other pups. Follow this course with Calm + Focus 1.
Before your first class: we highly encourage attending our the Wonder Parenting Orientation which has a ton of great info on puppyhood and will set you up for success from Day 1! Once you attend, we will send you the slides from the class to share with any other family members who were not able to attend.
*If you have not started Skills 1 by 16 weeks of age and your puppy has a hard time focusing around other dogs, we usually recommended taking Calm + Focus 1 before Skills 1. If you are unsure, please reach out at info@wonder-puppy.com or 503.697.7877.
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consists of 8 weekly 1-hour classes in our studio.
basic skills covered:
focus | name response | sit | down | stay | recall | park it | take it/drop it | leave it | leash walking
social skills covered:
boundary acceptance | sharing resources | bite inhibition | supervised separation | worldly sites + sounds | grooming + handling | play bond | people + dog comfort
limited to one pup per sign-up
class slides, videos and a clicker will be provided
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puppy who’s 9 weeks or older, who has been in their current home for at least 10 days
before your first class - at least one person from each family is highly recommended to attend the Wonder Parenting orientation. Whenever possible, all people in charge of the puppy are encouraged to attend. Once you attend, we will send you the slides from the class to share with the rest of the family who could not be there.
puppy behavior requirements - puppy must be manageable when in close proximity to other people and dogs. 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.
your puppy has not had any diarrhea, lethargy, coughing or sneezing for at least 24 hours before coming to class and meets our vaccine and heath requirements
please note: if your puppy is in heat (estrus cycle), please attend class without your puppy
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semi-hungry, semi-tired, pottied puppy
treats—3 types of HIGH-value, pea-sized yummies including 1 that’s slimy such as turkey dogs or chicken
6-8 ft non-retractable leash
harness and/or collar—no chain/prong/shock/vibrating collars
treat pouch
clicker
3 types of edible chew items and stuffed food puzzles
tug or squeaky toy
small mat
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go to safe locations that are new to your puppy for socialization field trips with your puppy at least 3 times per week.
attend at least 2 structured play sessions per week (sessions should be well managed with a small trainer-to-puppy ratio such as 6:1).
be prepared -anytime you leave your house with your puppy wear a treat pouch, have a toy, and bring very yummy treats for rewarding good behaviors and pairing positive associations with new experiences.
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We allow children ages 6 and older to attend when accompanied by an adult. Children under 6 must have a second adult dedicated to their supervision
Children must be able to remain calm, sit in their seats and follow directions, and wait to approach puppies unless having permission from all parties involved.
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Cash Refund Window: Cash refunds will only be provided when requested within 72 hours of purchase AND at least 5 days (120 hours) prior to the course start time.
Credit Refunds: If you can not complete your course for any reason after the five day deadline has passed, either before or after your course has started, WP will give you an account credit worth 50% of the value of your remaining sessions. Credits for group courses are valid for up to one year.
Missing Class: If your puppy can't come to a class due to illness, injury, or estrus, WP encourages you to come to class without your pup. WP does not offer makeup classes, however, but sends out weekly instructional emails for added support.
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 that week). Your instructor will fill you in on the specifics. Up to two people per puppy are welcome in class.
make sure you get the Skills 1 class you are expecting - double check the time & dates
very vocal and/or reactive dogs are not a fit for in studio classes
If there are 2 parents in the household, we recommend BOTH attend Orientation whenever possible so that everybody in the household is on the same page and set up for success