Puppy Principles

Building a Lifelong Partnership

Great dogs aren’t just born; they are built through a strong relationship. Our puppy training focuses on positive reinforcement—rewarding the behaviors you love while ensuring unwanted habits, like puppy biting, never get the chance to take root.

By blending play with foundational training, we capture that "puppy energy" and redirect it into focus, manners, and engagement.

Core Skills We’ll Master:

Focus & Attention: Developing natural eye contact and engagement.
Targeting: Using "follow-me" cues to guide your puppy effortlessly.
Reliable Recall: Teaching your puppy to come running the first time you call.
Stationing: "Go to Place" to manage door-bolting or mealtime begging.
Leash Manners: Building the foundation for a loose-lead walk on your left side.
Safety Cues: Master "Drop It," "Leave It," and Crate Training.

Socialization: The Behavioral "Vaccine"

Think of socialization as an insurance policy against future fear and reactivity. Without positive exposure to the world, puppies can grow into anxious adults who struggle with new people, animals, or environments.

We don't just "show" your puppy things; we teach them that the world is a safe, fun place. We will guide you through positive exposure to:

Diverse People: Children, seniors, and people of all different appearances.
Other Animals: Calm interactions with dogs, cats, and local wildlife.
Handling & Grooming: Preparing for stress-free vet visits and brushing.
New Environments: Navigating pet stores, busy streets, and car rides.
Sounds & Surfaces: Desensitizing them to vacuums, bikes, and strange noises.

The Critical Window: Current research (including the AVSAB Position Statement) indicates that the prime socialization window closes around 14 weeks. We help you make every day of that window count.

Problem Prevention & Management

Don't wait for a habit to break—prevent it from starting. We use proactive management to channel your puppy’s energy away from mischief and toward "good dog" behaviors.

We address common puppy hurdles, including:

Play biting, mouthing, and "land shark" tendencies.
Jumping up and "counter surfing."
Destructive chewing and stealing household objects.
Independence Training: Teaching your puppy how to be alone to prevent separation anxiety.
Resource Guarding: Ensuring they are comfortable sharing toys and food.

Puppy Private Lessons

Investment: $450

Six 45-minute private lessons.
Personalized coaching starting in the comfort of your home.
Real-world practice: As your puppy progresses, we transition to public spaces to test their skills in the real world.