STUDENT RESOURCES

Puppy Kindergarten

Puppies 7-16 Weeks

Positive Reinforcement Training

Learn about effective, science-based training methods.

Foundations

Build a strong foundation with essential early training.

Basic Skills

Master the essential commands every puppy should know.

Challenges

Tackle common puppy problems with confidence.

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING

What is positive reinforcement training?

Understand the core principles of rewarding good behavior to reinforce it.

Clicker Tips

Learn how to effectively use a clicker to mark and reward desired behaviors.


FOUNDATIONS

Name Game

Teach your puppy to respond eagerly to their name in any situation.

Rewarding Offered Attention

Encourage your puppy to focus on you by rewarding voluntary eye contact.

Watch Me

A crucial cue to capture and hold your puppy’s attention during training.


BASIC SKILLS

Sit

A basic yet vital cue that forms the foundation for many other commands.

Down

Teach your puppy to lie down calmly on cue, fostering relaxation.

Touch / Target

Guide your puppy to touch a specific spot with their nose, useful for various tasks.

Food Bowl Exercise (self control)

Develop your puppy’s impulse control around food with this practical exercise.

Stay

Build your puppy’s ability to remain in place until released.

Stand

Teach your puppy to stand on cue, helpful during grooming and vet visits.

Leave it

A crucial command to prevent your puppy from grabbing something they shouldn’t

Drop it

Encourage your puppy to willingly release objects from their mouth.

Recall

Build a reliable recall so your puppy comes when called, even with distractions.

Leash Pressure Game – No Pulling

Leash pressure game teaches your puppy what to do when he hits the end of the leash.

Loose Leash Walking

Teach your dog to politely walk on a leash without pulling.

Settle on a Mat

Teach your puppy to wait politely in down position or go to mat / place.

Potty Training

Teach your puppy when and where to go with simple, consistent potty training methods.

Puppy Fitness

Keep your puppy active and healthy with daily exercise routines.


CHALLENGES

Unwanted Jumping (handout)

Discover techniques to manage and reduce your puppy’s jumping behavior.

Handling Games Stop Puppy Biting

Engage your puppy in gentle handling games to curb biting tendencies.

Nipping/Mouthing (handout)

Learn how to manage and reduce your puppy’s nipping and mouthing behavior.