Core SKILLS: Great Puppy Level
Skills 2
in-studio courses l 6 months +
cost $360 | 8 weeks
This is the second course in our core skills series: Skills 1, Skills 2 and then Skills 3. Looking for Great Puppy? You’re in the right place!
You'll learn how to practically apply core skills from Skills 1 and help your pup develop greater impulse control as you strengthen your relationship. This course is designed to solidify your pup’s behavior foundation and prepare for our ultimate-level Skills 3 course.
You’ll expand your training system to include more play and less treats and deepen relaxation and the ability to settle without needing continuous entertainment and food. You’ll train many versions of stay—when someone’s at the door, while you’re making food, when someone greets you on leash, when a skateboard goes by and more—as well as other core behaviors with added duration, distance and distraction.
the goal: is to support you and your puppy through the first half of adolescence and to generalize and proof skills around people, food and toy distractions. This class also starts includes some items from the AKC Canine Good Citizen test to help prepare you if you plan on taking the evaluation after Skills 3!
to maximize learning: Have completed Calm & Focus 1 and Calm + Focus 2. While Calm + Focus classes are not required, it can really help you and you puppy to succeed in this more advanced course!
Interested in taking Skills 2 but didn’t take Skills 1 with us? Reach out at info@wonder-puppy.com or (503) 697-7877 to see if Skills 2 is the right fit for you and your pup. Depending on your level of experience, we may require attending the Wonder Parenting Orientation, taking Skills 1 or signing up for private sessions to catch up on our training methods.
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8 weekly 1-hour classes conducted in studio.
5 puppies per class
skills covered:
adolescence behavior management techniques | relaxation techniques | when and how to maintain, expand, and/or fade food rewards + add play rewards | stay around food + toys | park it for someone at the door I come when called past food + toys | take it + drop it on cue I leash walking around obstacles + leave it on a walk I stay when approached for greetings and around sights + sounds | calm behavior for grooming
class slides, videos and a clicker will be provided
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age requirements: 6 months or older
previous class requirements:
completion of Skills 1 course (or equivalent). It's recommended to attend after at least one Calm + Focus course, preferably 2.did you take a first level basic skills course somewhere else? Reach out to us at (503) 697-7877 or info@wonder-puppy.com to see if Skills 2 is the right fit for you!
puppy skill requirements: puppy should be somewhat reliable with basic skills in the presence of distractions, and be able to relax on a mat, focus, sit, down, stay, and come when called.
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. -
semi-hungry, semi-tired, pottied puppy
6-8 ft non-retractable leash
harness and/or collar—no chain/prong/shock/vibrating collars
treat pouch
clicker
treats—3 types of HIGH-value, pea-sized yummies including 1 that’s slimy (turkey dogs, chicken…)
3 types of edible chew items and stuffed food puzzles
tug or squeaky toy
small portable mat
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go out with your puppy at least 3 times per week until class starts with the "we're working" training mindset
in a public location near dogs and people, practice settling on a mat together and go through your core 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 very vocal (stressed or unable to calm during class) 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: (503)697-7877 or info@wonder-puppy.com
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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.
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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.
puppies must be socialized to attend in-studio classes; very vocal and/or reactive dogs are not a fit for in-studio classes