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Puppy Classes at Trainers Academy, LLC
A class for puppies between the ages of 9 weeks and 5-1/2 months.

This class focuses on socialization exercises that will help your pup grow into a confident and calm dog! We will have behavioral discussions and begin laying the foundation for obedience as well.

The Importance of Early Socialization
The first months of a pup's life is referred to as the Socialization Period, and is the most important phase of the dogs entire life, particularly in the development of social bonds. Much of what is learned about the environment during this period is lasting, and provides the foundation for many adult behavior patterns - and problems.

It is vital that dogs experience positive interactions with a wide range of other dogs and people. It is also important to do this without compromising the health and safety of your dog, Class is the perfect option. You can rest assured that all of the other dogs in class have been vet checked, and play will be supervised by our training staff.

In addition to socialization with the other dogs in class, your dog will be exposed to different types of people. We also use tools like tunnels (pictured above) to help build environmental confidence.

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
In class, we will also help reduce the chance of future behavioral issues from popping up by showing you preventative exercises. We can help you nip common issues in the bud. When done correctly we can help you dog cope with being a canine living by human rules.

Topics Addressed:

Puppy mouthing/biting
Housebreaking
Chewing
Coming when called
Sit & release
Walking nicely on lead
Preventing Resource Guarding
Accepting Restraint

Visit these tips, which illustrate the importance of  early socialization:

Fear: The Effects of Inadequate Socialization
My Puppy is Already Scared!

Thank You From a Future Puppy Student

Dear Lisa,

I recently signed up my puppy, Libby, for the puppy training class. We start  next week, but we''ve been having some issues with mouthing during playtime and pulling on the leash when I take her for walks.

I've read numerous books and magazine, but today I was browsing the Trainers  Academy's website and found the Tips link. I read a lot of the tips, but the  two that made a HUGE impact on me were the about walking Libby on a leash the  your philosophy about mouthing.

I've decided to stop our long walks until after puppy training classes.

Every article I've read about mouthing has said that I should stop her. That canine teeth should never touch human skin.  These people must have never actually owned a dog because it's almost impossible to keep an 11 week old puppy from mouthing.  Your philosophy about jaw pressure made total and complete sense
to me and struck such a cord of relief. I know now that this is normal and natural puppy behavior and that my job is to teach Libby how much is too much.  THAT I can do!

Thank you so much for your words of wisdom.  I was looking forward to starting our classes next week, but now I'm genuinely excited! 

Your Future Student and Libby's Mom,
Teri Woolley