Puppy Start Right Program
Start your puppy off right with training provided by Main Line’s Best Dog Trainers!
The Joys… and Struggles… of Bringing Home a New Puppy
Bringing home a new puppy is an experience filled with joy as you bond and watch them explore their new environment. However, it also comes with challenges, such as adjusting to their energy levels, providing proper training, and ensuring they feel safe and loved with you in their new home.
Puppy Training & Socialization – The Earlier the Better
Early training and socialization in the first few months of your puppy’s life are crucial for their development. Training is essential in supporting behavior management and safety, while proper socialization helps your puppy learn to navigate the world around them, building confidence and promoting positive behavior. Our program is designed to provide a safe, supportive environment where your puppy can interact with other dogs and people, learn essential skills, and develop a strong foundation for future training.
What Our Program Offers & Why It’s Unique
Our program is a combination of thoughtful, science-backed training methods intertwined with foundational socialization and play etiquette skill building. It is designed to provide an enriching and supportive experience for both you and your puppy.
Personalized Attention & Guidance
Our trainers possess a deep understanding of canine behavior and development, implementing evidence-based techniques that promote positive learning experiences. Each puppy receives personalized attention and guidance, creating a nurturing environment for growth.
Incorporating Onsite Canine Mentors
Our program engages with carefully selected adult dogs (who also attend BARK U!) to play a crucial role in helping your puppy learn appropriate social behaviors. These seasoned canine mentors provide valuable, real-time interactions, teaching your puppy essential skills such as bite inhibition and proper play. These supervised peer learning experiences foster confidence and social competence in your puppy.
Engaging & Fun Skill Development
Puppy Start Right includes a variety of stimulating activities and socialization exercises tailored to your puppy’s developmental and training needs. From interactive play sessions to guided group activities, we create opportunities for your puppy to develop essential life and socialization skills while having fun.
Support Beyond Graduation
Early training sets the stage for a lifetime of positive behavior. Our program equips you with the tools and knowledge needed to continue your puppy’s education at home, fostering a strong bond and ensuring a well-adjusted adult dog.
Our Three-Part Approach
Our Puppy Start Right Program is grounded in a three-part approach of our guiding principles to effectively meet puppy development and training goals.
Socialization
Concentrates on positive, calm behavior in social settings with people and dogs:
- Appropriate socialization with all types of dogs
- Desensitization to sounds and sights
- Confidence and resilience building
- Positive interactions with people
- Play etiquette and bite inhibition
Training
Emphasizes the fundamentals of well-behaved conduct:
- Basic good manners, including: no jumping, no nipping, quiet
- Essential skill building:
- sit, down, leave it, wait
- leash walking
- Name recognition and recall
Family Engagement
Empowerment to nurture your puppy’s development at home:
- Tailored take-home activities to reinforce skills learned with support for common challenges, including excessive barking, and separation anxiety.
- Personalized potty-training schedules
- Crate training guidance for smoother transitions
Puppy Start Right Program FAQs
When can my puppy start the program?
The perfect time to begin your puppy’s journey with us is between 10 to 14 weeks old. This age range allows us to make the most of their critical socialization period, helping them grow into well-adjusted and happy pups. We also recommend that your puppy has been living in your home for at least 1 week before starting the program. This way, they can settle in and feel comfortable before diving into all the fun and learning ahead!
What if I want to enroll my puppy in the Start Right Program but he/she does not have all of their shots?
No need to worry! Puppies aren’t required to receive their rabies vaccination until they’re 4 months old, so they can still join our Start Right Program. We do ask that your puppy is as up-to-date as possible on other vaccinations to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all dogs. We’re excited to help your puppy get started on their journey, even if they’re still completing their vaccination schedule!
Will my puppy be given potty breaks while there?
Absolutely! Potty breaks are built into the schedule throughout the day to help reinforce potty training. Your puppy will have plenty of opportunities to take care of business while enjoying their time with us!
Do I attend the program with the puppy?
Nope! You won’t attend the program with your puppy. Instead, you’ll drop off your dog in the morning and pick up a happy, well-socialized pup at the end of the day! Throughout the program, we’ll keep you in the loop with weekly report cards, adorable photos, and fun videos, so you can track your puppy’s progress and reinforce all those positive behaviors at home. We can’t wait to see your pup thrive!
Are there any prerequisites for the Puppy Start Right Program?
Nope! Your puppy can join the fun as early as 10 weeks old, and there’s no need for any prior training. We’re thrilled to welcome them on board right from the start! Our goal is to equip you with clear and concise information to help you raise your puppy the right way, setting them off on the right paw!
