Puppy Kindergarten
You want the very best for your puppy, and so do we! There is no better way to kickstart puppyhood than with our popular and incredibly flexible Puppy Kindergarten class.
You’ve never seen a puppy class like ours. This one-of-a-kind, carefully designed, class and curriculum is guaranteed to improve your dog’s confidence, sociability, and trainability. We believe so strongly in the importance of early socialization that your first class is FREE with the code 1STDAYOFSCHOOL!
Age Range:
9-16 weeks
Prerequisites:
At least one round of vaccinations
Clean bill of health from veterinarian
Not yet going on walks!
Package Details:
First trial class is FREE!
4 classes - $195
6 classes - $285
What We Cover:
Socialization
with other puppies (off leash exploration and play time!)
to fun novel objects (agility tunnels, ball pits, platforms, and more)
to everyday objects (vacuum, umbrellas, hats, glasses, and more)
to sounds (fireworks, thunder, dogs barking, kids yelling, etc.)
to handling and grooming equipment
Introduction to basic clicker training. Your puppy will learn:
Their name, recall cues, how to settle, sit & down, leash walking foundation skills and more.
Behavior Problem Prevention. You will learn ways to prevent:
Jumping, barking, pulling on leash, counter surfing, and resource guarding.
Trainer Q&As for at-home troubleshooting. Ask us about your plans for:
Potty training, independence or home-alone training, sleeping, preventing biting and more!
More Details
Resources
After each class, you will receive a follow-up email with step-by-step instructions for each exercise covered. This email will also contain links to additional resources, purchasable items, Clickstart’s supportive services and more.
Supportive Services
Once you’re enrolled in a group class, you’ll receive a discount on in-home private training to help address your specific goals and unique challenges. Starting private training early and pro-actively can be just as important as enrolling in a safe and high quality puppy class.
Trainer Qualifications
Our Puppy Kindergarten curriculum was created by co-founders Cassie Pestana and Liv Healy, both multi-certified behavior consultants and dog trainers. The curriculum is based off a combination of highly regarded resources including: The Puppy Start Right program, the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program, and the Control Unleashed Puppy Program. Every trainer on the Clickstart team is a puppy raising expert with plenty of years of experience managing puppy play, troubleshooting puppy woes, and effectively teaching new skills.
FAQs
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Our classes are designed for puppies under 16 weeks of age, per the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s position statement on early puppy socialization.
To ensure the safety of all participants, we require that your puppy is home from the breeder with no signs of illness for at least 7 days. We also require proof of their first round of vaccinations administered by a veterinarian. We disinfect the training space and all props with a veterinary-grade parvocide before every class and we have all participants disinfect their shoes before entering the classroom.
Our class is vet-approved and even vet-attended with their own puppies! Please share this information with your vet to seek approval to attend. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of early socialization.
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You will have your own fenced area to play and train with your puppy. This is your puppy’s home base or safe space to return to at anytime. It also allows training to take place off leash.
Throughout class, your puppy will be invited into the large exploration area where they will be free to explore novel objects, interact with other puppies, play, and run.
Our class is not a free-for-all. Every moment of socializing is carefully observed and curated in order to guarantee that your puppy only grows in confidence.
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Our class is designed to give you all of the tools for a smoothest puppyhood possible using the latest positive reinforcement strategies. In addition to socialization and troubleshooting common puppy woes, this class covers:
Settling around distractions
Introduction to leash walking
Sit & Down
Name recognition & eye contact
Recall or come when called
Introduction to grooming and handling procedures
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Your puppy needs to complete 6 classes total to be eligible for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test! On your last day of class you will receive the test and upon passing, you will receive your ribbon and AKC paperwork.
Every puppy graduate recieves their Clickstart certificate and ribbon, regardless of whether or not they take the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Test.
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This is a no risk purchase. If, for any reason, you can’t complete all 4 or 6 classes before your pup ages out of the class, you will receive a credit for any remaining classes which you can apply to Elementary School or any other service.
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Then your pup is the perfect age for our Puppy Elementary class! Now that your pup is fully vaccinated and exploring their world, it is no longer safe to have them in Kindergarten. Elementry School focuses on age-appropriate training and continued socialization.
