Your Dog's Friend

A NONPROFIT IN ROCKVILLE, MD WITH FORCE-FREE, POSITIVE DOG TRAINING, WORKSHOPS & ADVICE

Puppy Kindergarten

“I couldn’t be happier! Our trainer was very experienced, patient, and open to any questions we had. During our six-week class, my puppy learned basic obedience skills (sit, stay, touch, leave it, etc.) as well as leash training. I also liked how the dogs had ample time to socialize and play throughout each lesson. These short play sessions gave Otto a welcome break and allowed him to spend time with other dogs his age. I’d highly recommend Your Dog’s Friend!”

 – C.R., Potomac, MD

About this Class:

Puppies should be 8 – 18 weeks old when they begin Puppy Kindergarten. We encourage you to start your puppy in class early (as young as 8 weeks). You do not have to wait until your puppy’s vaccinations are complete. For more about this, please read the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s position statement on puppy socialization.

Our Puppy Kindergarten classes have rolling registration. That means that your family and puppy can join the class you choose as soon as space opens. There is a list of the first dates available for each of our classes farther down on this page. You are registering for six weeks in a row, not including class cancellations. However, if you tell your instructor ahead of time about a date you have to miss, you can tack on one extra week at the end.

In Puppy Kindergarten, you will: start training your puppy in basic good manners (like sit, come, loose-leash walking, wait, leave it, attention, settle); learn how to deal with typical puppy challenges (including mouthing, house training, jumping); watch your puppy socialize with other puppies in a controlled environment; and practice training exercises, like “drop it” and handling, to help prevent future fear and aggression issues.

We use only positive methods – no choke, prong, or electronic collars. Training is fun for both you and your dog!

Also look at Puppy Party, additional supervised play with other puppies, on Tuesdays at 1:00pm, Thursdays at 1:00pm, and Saturdays at 12:30pm. For more information and to register (please register in advance), go to https://yourdogsfriend.org/product/puppy-party/

Instructors:

    • Sarah Stoycos (Laughing Dog Academy)
    • Lisa Arant (Small & Tall Dog Training) – Saturday mornings
    • Tony Henline (Totally Happy Dog Training) – Sunday mornings

Fee: $175

Available Starting Dates

The classes below are rolling enrollment. These dates are when we can start another puppy in class.

    • Monday 10:15am – Jan 27
    • Monday 6:45pm – Jan 6
    • Monday 8:15pm – Jan 6
    • Wednesday 10:15am – Jan 22
    • Saturday 8:30am – Jan 11
    • Saturday 9:55am – Jan 25
    • Sunday 10:45am – Jan 5
    • Sunday 5:30pm – Jan 19
    • Sunday 7pm – Jan 12

Support the free programs and services provided by Your Dog’s Friend, a non-profit organization dedicated to educating and supporting dog parents.

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