Positive Puppy Skills

Taught by Michelle Carroll this 7-week class is designed for dogs between the ages of 4 – 6 months. In this class you will take an in-depth look at what it takes to rear a puppy at this crucial time in its life. You will learn how dogs communicate to people and other dogs. How stress can create changes in a dog’s behavior. How dogs learn: what works and what doesn’t. You will implement force free and reward based techniques to teach your puppy basic skills such as sit, down, stay, come, leave it, loose leash walking, meet n greet people & dogs. Discuss ideas on how to keep your puppy happy through positive play and mental stimulation. You will also review typical undesired behaviors such as nipping, jumping, barking, house training, stealing and body handling. Puppy play will be offered at the end of the class and will be based on size of dog, play styles and a desire to interact with others. By the end of the class each dog will be able to complete the American Kennel Club S.T.A.R. Puppy Test. See Test Items Below:

Socialization Training Activity Responsibility

OWNER’S RESPONSIBILITY:
1. Maintains puppy’s health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy)
2. Owner receives Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge
3. Owner provides in writing adequate daily play and exercise plan
4. Owner and puppy attend at least 6 classes by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator 5. Owner brings bags to classes for cleaning up after puppy
6. Owner has obtained some form of ID for puppy-collar tag, etc.
PUPPY BEHAVIORS:
7. Free of aggression toward people during at least 6 weeks of class
8. Free of aggression toward other puppies in class
9. Tolerates collar or body harness of owner’s choice
10. Owner can hug or hold puppy (depending on size)
11. Puppy allows owner to take away a treat or toy
12. Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner
13. Grooming – Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet)
14. Walks on a Leash – Follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)
15. Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away
16. Sits on command – Owner may use a food lure
17. Down on command – Owner may use a food lure
18. Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called
19. Reaction to Distractions – distractions are presented 15-ft away
20. Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)

The official AKC STAR Puppy Test will be given at the conclusion of this class. If you opt for the test results to be submitted to the AKC for your Official Certificate the processing fee is $20.00. Upon submission you will also receive from the AKC:

  • AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Certificate
  • AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Medallion
  • Listing in S.T.A.R. Puppy database
  • AKC Puppy Hand book
  • Discount to enroll in AKC Reunite (Pet Recovery Program – ties into your microchip)
  • Free AKC Monthly Newsletter

Class Information:

Prerequisites:

Two rounds of DHPP, Rabies and Bordetella. (Proof from veterinarian required)

  • Cost: $175 (cash price)
  • held one hour session weekly for 7 weeks

ALL Vaccinations and Payment must be completed (1) one week prior to the start of class.  Please call credit card payment to 717-397-0726 or mail check and/or vaccinations to Oscar’s Pet Resort 521 Willow Road, Lancaster PA 17601.  Fax 717-397-0731.

Class Schedules:

**PLEASE DO NOT BRING YOUR PUPPIES TO THE FIRST CLASS

PUPPY – SUNDAY Trainer: Michelle Carroll
DateWeekTime
Sunday, May 12, 2024 – Orientation/No Dogs 14:00 – 5:00pm
BREAK
Sunday, May 26, 202424:00 – 5:00pm
Sunday, June 2, 202434:00 – 5:00pm
Sunday, June 9, 202444:00 – 5:00pm
Sunday, June 16, 202454:00 – 5:00pm
Sunday, June 23, 202464:00 – 5:00pm
Sunday, June 30, 202474:00 – 5:00pm
PUPPY – SATURDAY Trainer: Michelle Carroll
DateWeekTime
Saturday, May 18, 2024 – Orientation/No Dogs 12:30 – 3:30pm
Saturday, May 25, 202422:30 – 3:30pm
Saturday, June 1, 202432:30 – 3:30pm
Saturday, June 8, 202442:30 – 3:30pm
Saturday, June 15, 202452:30 – 3:30pm
Saturday, June 22, 202462:30 – 3:30pm
Saturday, June 29, 202472:30 – 3:30pm
PUPPY – SATURDAY Trainer: Michelle Carroll
DateWeekTime
Saturday, July 13, 2024 – Orientation/No Dogs 12:30 – 3:30pm
Saturday, July 20, 202422:30 – 3:30pm
Saturday, July 27, 202432:30 – 3:30pm
Saturday, August 3, 202442:30 – 3:30pm
Saturday, August 10, 202452:30 – 3:30pm
Saturday, August 17, 202462:30 – 3:30pm
Saturday, August 24, 202472:30 – 3:30pm
PUPPY – SUNDAY Trainer: Michelle Carroll
DateWeekTime
Sunday, July 14, 2024 – Orientation/No Dogs 14:00 – 5:00pm
Sunday, July 21, 202424:00 – 5:00pm
Sunday, July 28, 202434:00 – 5:00pm
Sunday, August 4, 202444:00 – 5:00pm
Sunday, August 11, 202454:00 – 5:00pm
Sunday, August 18, 202464:00 – 5:00pm
Sunday, August 25, 202474:00 – 5:00pm