Class name: Puppy Kindergarten

Goals:           Socialization with other puppies and people

                    Problem-solving, such as crate-training, jumping, biting, chewing, house training, manners

                    Basic obedience skills and tricks, adjusted in difficulty for young puppies

                    Teach handlers to work with and train their own dog

                    Desensitize to sights and sounds

Prerequisites    No previous training required

                        Must bring valid vaccination record; pup must have had at least the first round of vaccinations: parvo, distember, bordatella

Promotion requirements:        None. Promotion is not part of this class

Class size, duration, age range:     no fewer than 3 puppies for adequate socialization, no more than 8 puppies with instructor and assistant.

                    60 minutes per week for 6 weeks.

                    Puppies 8-16 weeks of age;

                    puppies will be divided into groups based on age, size, shyness and exuberance to minimize inappropriate interactions.

Publications for instructor guidance: Karen Pryor and other clicker videos targeting puppies.

                    Puppy Love (Karen Pryor)

                    Puppy Kindergarten (Corally Burmaster)

                    The clicker litter and other articles on puppy training by Karen Pryor, Corally Burmaster, Ian Dunbar, Trish King, Patricia McConnell and others.

Skills covered in class:

Safe interactions with other puppies

Non-threatening ways for humans to greet puppies

Leash walking, sit, down, stay, come

Walking on unusual surfaces

Introducing puppy to new things

Calming your puppy

Selecting nutritious foods and treats

GLKC equipment:

Matted ring with gates

Clicker as part of registration fee

Handler equipment: