Puppy Programs
What to Expect
Your puppy’s training begins the moment you bring him or her home, even if you don’t realize it. It is estimated that last year over 4 million pets were euthanized in this country alone, primarily by owners who got off to a bad start with their new pet and behavior problems followed. During the first 16 weeks of a puppy’s life is when they form the majority of their attitudes towards their environment, including people and other animals. New puppy owners shape the behavior of their new canine companion, even if they’re not in a formal training program and are not aware of what they are teaching their puppy.
To assist in preventing possible future behavior problems and to get the new puppy started off on the right paw, Northern Kentucky K9 offers a wide range of options at multiple locations for new owners. We’ll give owners the options of choosing from programs that meet their needs; Private Consultations, or Group Classes. Education on how to teach their puppy limits they can understand, confidence building, proper handling, the importance of proper socialization, effective communication, how to decrease behavior issues and to better understand their new puppy’s needs. Owners will have the opportunity to ask questions of a professional trainer regarding their puppy and receive guidance on possible causes and solutions to problems. The important topics of house breaking, play biting, toy selection, grooming and much more are covered in some of our programs. Owners will receive a packet of valuable information relating to the health and proper care of their new puppy. (Young, well-mannered family members who can sit politely through the class are encouraged to participate so the whole family knows how to handle their new puppy.)
Please ensure you closely review the programs, as the layouts are different for each, vary based on locations and registration for the classes are different.
Puppy Consultation (Private- In Home)
Just looking for some guidance on getting your puppy headed in the right direction? A Puppy Consultation may be exactly what you need! This is an opportunity to have the trainer meet with you and your puppy in your home and consult with you regarding your personal challenges, offering guidance geared specifically toward that.
One on one, in your home, covering the above topics.
Rate: $125, + KY Service Tax of 6% (includes one session; approx 1.5-2 hrs in the NKY area - additional cost for travel if outside of Boone, Kenton, Campbell counties)
Puppy Readiness (Group Class at Grant's Lick Veterinary Hospital)
Approx 90 min of discussion covering housebreaking, crate training, what is reasonable to expect from puppies in the 7-16 week period & basic development, proper/safe toy selection, treats, What is proper socialization, what are the challenges of a puppy, based on breed may be for each owner to help prepare them. Q&A (NO PUPPIES ATTEND THIS CLASS- existing and expectant new owners). Introductory rate - of $30 + KY Service Tax of 6%. Dates & Times are on the Registration Page.
Puppy Preschool (Group Class at Grant's Lick Veterinary Hospital)
This will be a 2 week program, meeting once per week for 45-55 min. Age appropriate for puppies in the 10-16 week range. Various handling exercises, object socialization, discussion of safe/proper socialization for the age level, intro to basic body language from puppy to prevent over stressing of puppies when encountering new people, situations, environments, objects, Q&A, discussion topic- toenail trimming or intro to first aid awareness (checking for dehydration, capillary refill, how to take temp, emergency contact info in your first aid kit, etc). Introductory Rate - $40 + KY Service Tax of 6%. Dates & Times are on the Registration Page.
Puppy Kindergarten ( Group Class at Grant's Lick Veterinary Hospital)
Weekly class of 6 weeks in length. Age appropriate for puppies in the 3-6 month range. Focus on responsible dog ownership. Early stages of shaping basic manners- leash walking, sit, down, stay, proper greeting behaviors (4 on the floor), focus exercises, recall. Meets the requirements for the AKC Puppy S.T.A.R Program. This class is not appropriate for the highly stressed or reactive puppy. If you're in doubt, please contact us for discussion or an evaluation before registering. To meet the Puppy STAR testing requirements you MUST attend all 6 classes. If the STAR completion is not your priority, you have the flexibility to miss a class. Introductory Rate - $115 + KY Service Tax of 6%. Dates & Times are on the Registration Page.