PUPPY & DOG CLASS Curriculum

Puppy Kindergarten Class Curriculum

SPCA Puppy Classes are FUN and interactive for the whole family. Start your puppy off on the right paw!

Classes are one hour a week for five weeks, focusing on four major topics:

1. Prevention of Problem Behaviors
   • Learn how to quickly and painlessly house-train your puppy for error-free results.
   • Teach your puppy bite inhibition to help prevent future aggressive behaviors.
   • Keep jumping, digging, and chewing from destroying your home.
   • Reduce the risk of serious behavioral problems like separation anxiety or fearfulness.
2. Obedience
   • Learn how to focus and maintain your puppy's attention as the foundation of all communication and training.
   • Learn how to integrate useful commands that will keep you in control of walks, play and social interactions with your puppy.
   • Practice "emergency" commands that may save your puppy's life.
3. Socialization (for both puppy and person)
   • It's vital that your puppy learn to enjoy interacting with a variety of people and dogs of different sizes and ages.
   • Off-leash play sessions help establish reliable bite-inhibition.
   • Share the joy of learning with others who share their homes with a new puppy.
4. Handling
   • Puppy Classes will help make grooming, bathing, nail clipping, ear and teeth cleaning a breeze.
   • Learn to make visits to the veterinarian free from trauma for you, your puppy and the doctor.

Family Dog Class Curriculum

SPCA dog training classes are fun and interactive for the whole family! Your dog is never too old to learn new behavior. Basic dog training is open to dogs 5 months and older. Group classes are limited to six dogs per session to assure personal attention. For the protection of your pet and other dogs in class, your dog must be currently vaccinated for rabies and DHLP-P. Proof of vaccination is required week one of training.

Classes are one hour a week for five weeks.

Basic Obedience

The following commands are taught:

• Sit
• Down
• Stand
• Come (Recall)
• Stay
• Heel
• Loose Lead Walking

Discussion of Potential Problem Behaviors

• Keep jumping, digging, and chewing from destroying your home.
• Tackle important issues such as house training and walking with a loose leash.
• Learn how to focus and maintain your dog’s attention as the foundation of all communication and training.
• Learn how to integrate useful commands that will keep you in control of walks, play and social interactions with your puppy.
• Practice "emergency" commands that may save your dog’s life.

Family Dog 2 Class

Open to dogs that have successfully completed the basic dog training class at The SPCA or who have met with the Pet Behavior Specialist for permission to attend the class. In the class, you will:

• Continue to work on basic obedience with an emphasis on off-leash training in group situations.

For more information on upcoming class schedules call (831) 264-5422 or email us.