Is your new puppy using you as a chew toy or peeing all over your house? Or perhaps they’ve gotten a bit older and started to completely ignore you or have developed some fear behaviors? Maybe they’re an angel, but you’ve heard how important early socialization and training is.
Besides helping you maintain your sanity, early training and socialization is essential to helping your puppy grow into an enjoyable, well-rounded dog. And it can prevent common behavior problems like fear-based aggression and anxiety later in life.
Our puppy classes are designed to get you through the first year of your puppy’s life with your sanity in tact. We help you prevent behavior problems, learn how to properly socialize your dog, and resolve common puppy issues with minimal stress and drama.
Now offering AKC® S.T.A.R Puppy Certifications! Contact us for details and to sign up.
Group Classes for Puppies Under 23 Weeks Old
Puppy Primer: Online Orientation + Six Weeks of 45-Minute In-Person Sessions
(Between 8-16 Weeks Old on First Day of class)
$255
WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR (Age requirements)
Puppies between 8-16 weeks old on their FIRST DAY of class
WHERE & WHEN
Saturdays and Mondays at HDI Headquarters in Tumwater, WA.
Click here to see the schedule and to register.
ABOUT CLASS
You’ve probably that heard that socializing your puppy is essential to prevent future behavior problems. But, what does that even mean? How do we ensure that we do it well, and strategically, versus inadvertently traumatizing them? How do we ensure that we are catching early signs of potential issues and preventing bad habits before they arise? That’s a lot of pressure. That’s what we’re here for!
CURRICULUM & GOALS
Your puppy is learning things at lightning speed, both good and bad – and we’re still not done working on socialization, positive exposure! This means it’s the best and most important time to lay a strong foundation that will stay with him for the rest of his life, and onto future classes.
This class is focused primarily on working with puppies during their prime socialization period. They’ll join class between 2-4 months, ideally as early as possible. We’ll also work to prevent common behavior issues that crop up including play biting, house training, etc. from the moment you bring them home.
Puppy Primer includes:
- An online video orientation to prepare for your class.
- A new training topic each week, including: paying attention to you; capturing calm behaviors; impulse games; grooming and husbandry cooperation; leash skills and obedience basics.
- Online materials in PDF format, including a trusty Socialization Checklist to guide you through the first year with your pup.
- Six weeks of 45-minute group sessions.
- A group play session each class (if your puppy is ready) that is safe, well-managed and supervised.
- Support and help with common puppy issues like house training, play biting etc.
- Socialization and positive exposure (without flooding or overwhelming your dog): We’re not just talking about getting around other dogs here. We’re talking about socialization around adults and children, noises, different floor surfaces – the list goes on. Each week has a theme, and no matter when you join class you’ll get all six curriculum weeks.
VACCINATION INFO
Click here for vaccination details and FAQs (and please do!)
Puppy Life Skills: Online Orientation + Six Weeks of 45-Minute In-Person Sessions
(Between 16-23 Weeks Old on First Day of class)
$255
WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR (Age requirements)
Puppies between 16-23 weeks old on their FIRST DAY of class.
WHERE & WHEN
Saturdays and Mondays at HDI Headquarters in Tumwater, WA.
Click here to see the schedule and to register.
ABOUT CLASS
If you are getting started with puppy class a bit later and need help with your rapidly-growing puppy, then you’ve found it!
CURRICULUM & GOALS
Do you need help with your puppy who seems to be growing up faster than you thought possible? Do you need help YESTERDAY? We hear you.
Puppy Life Skills includes:
- An online video orientation to prepare for your class.
- A new training topic each week, including: teaching puppy to settle; building confidence; reorienting at doorways (versus bolting and rushing); leash manners; veterinary and husbandry skills; recall.
- Online materials in PDF format, including a trusty Socialization Checklist to guide you through the first year with your pup.
- Six weeks of 45-minute group socialization sessions. **Please note that this class does not often include off-leash playtime, due to the nature of pre-adolescent puppies. Thanks for understanding and being flexible here!
- Support and help with common puppy issues
- Continued positive exposure and socialization opportunities
VACCINATION INFO
Click here for vaccination details and FAQs (and please do!).
Puppies About Town: Four 45-Minute Weekly Field Trip Classes in
Olympia & Tumwater
(Current students or recent grads of Puppy Primer or Life Skills)
$195
WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR
Puppies who are currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from our Puppy Primer or Puppy Life Skills and are current on vaccinations.
Puppies who are under six months are welcome to join this class.
WHEN & WHERE
Schedule varies (usually Saturday mornings) around Olympia & Tumwater, Washington.
Specific locations are TBA, and you’ll need to check the homework portal after registering for location dates.
Location examples include Marathon Park, Downtown Olympia’s Boardwalk, the PetWorks, Matchless Brewing, etc.
Click here for current schedule.
ABOUT CLASS
“Socialization” is a big word with a lot of pressure, isn’t it? Whether you are struggling to get your puppy out in the world enough, are worried about safe exposure or overwhelming your pup, we’re here for you. Let us help you do it right!
We’ll work at your puppy’s pace, whether that’s observing from the safety of the car or exploring a new space to their heart’s content. We designed this class to help you with weekly socialization outings for a whole month, either concurrently with your Puppy Classes or after graduation – or somewhere in between. You’re also welcome to take this class more than once!
CURRICULUM & GOALS
In this class, we will:
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- Practice exposing your puppy safely to numerous new stimuli (think: new surfaces, sounds, sights, smells, kids, dogs…the list goes on!).
- Boost your socialization chops by utilizing positive exposure to new places
- Help you learn to work at your puppy’s pace and help them build confidence.
- Discuss the ins and outs of using – of course! – reward-based training.
Getting your puppy into classes early will have a huge impact on your training success, socialization, and the prevention of behavior problems in the future. Purchasing them in packages will save you money, too!
Puppy Packages for Dogs Under 23 Weeks Old
Puppy Primer + Puppies About Town Class
Ten Weeks of Group Classes + Online Content
$420
This package helps you to stay on track in socialization classes with your pup for his or her primary socialization period. All breeds are welcome to go through this program.
Puppies need to be 8-16 weeks old at their first day of class in order to qualify for this package.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Puppy Primer Class
- Puppies About Town Field Trip Class
- Access to all content, videos, and PDF materials for class
Please note: Once you purchase this package, you can either register for classes yourself via our online system. Credits will be applied to your account. We recommend signing up for both classes at the same time so you can take them back-to-back and secure your spot in class.
Puppy Life Skills + Focus & Control for Teens
Twelve Weeks of Group Classes + Online Content
$510
Survive your dog’s teen-hood and save some money at the same time. If you have a puppy between 16 and 23 weeks old, let us help you survive the “terrible teens” with this two-class series.
Puppies need to be 16-23 weeks old at their first day of class in order to qualify for this package.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Puppy Life Skills Class
- Focus & Control for Teens Class (Previously Puppy 3)
- Access to all content, videos, and PDF materials for class
Please note: Once you purchase this package, you can either register for classes yourself via our online system. Credits will be applied to your account. We recommend signing up for both classes at the same time so you can take them back-to-back and secure your spot in class.
Puppy Primer + Puppies About Town + Focus & Control for Teens
16 Weeks of Group Classes + Online Content
$685
Good for you, you’re planning ahead and not skimping on socialization opportunities! With this package, you’ll get that puppy into Puppy Primer class when they’re super cute and little and in their socialization prime. Then, you’ll bridge the gap with some fun field trips, Puppies About Town.
Finally, when they turn into a teenager and start blowing you off, come back for our “Surviving Your Dog’s Adolescence” class, Focus & Control for Teens Class.
If you have a puppy between 8 and 26 weeks old (the younger the better, but be sure to keep them home for a week before coming to class), and you know you want to optimize socialization (again, good for you), choose this package!
Puppies need to be 8-16 weeks old at their first day of class in order to qualify for this package.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
- Puppy Primer Class
- Puppies About Town Class
- Puppy Focus & Control Class
- Access to all content, videos, and PDF materials for class
Please note: Once you purchase this package, you can either register for classes yourself via our online system. Credits will be applied to your account.
