Puppy Preschool

Give Your Puppy the Perfect Start

Puppy Preschool2025-02-10T13:44:17-06:00

Class Details

  • Cost: $225.00 + tax
  • Duration: 8-week course, but open enrollment allows you to start on a date that works for you
  • Included: Training clicker and treat pouch
  • Age & Home Requirements:

    • Puppies must be at least 8 weeks old
    • Must have lived in your home for at least 7 days
    • Must have received the first round of vaccinations
  • Vaccinations Required: Rabies, Distemper/Parvo, Bordetella, and Canine Influenza (as age-appropriate)
  • AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Material: This class now includes the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program. You may take the S.T.A.R. Puppy exam to earn your puppyโ€™s first certificate after your 8th week of class.

Overview

Puppy Preschool is the perfect opportunity for your young pup to socialize with other dogs of a similar age while learning basic manners. This open-enrollment class gives you the flexibility to start when it suits your schedule, ensuring your puppy has the best possible foundation during these formative weeks.

What to Expect

  • Puppy Playtime

    • Each class involves supervised play, letting puppies tumble and interact safely.
    • Helps them develop crucial social skills and build confidence around other dogs.
  • Housebreaking & Crate Training

    • Weโ€™ll cover tried-and-true methods for successful potty training.
    • Learn how to make the crate a comfortable, secure space for your pup.
  • Addressing Puppy Nipping

    • Strategies to redirect and discourage nipping or mouthing behaviors before they become ingrained habits.
  • Marker Training & Early Behaviors

    • Introduction to clicker (marker) training.
    • Foundational cues like name recognition, โ€œsit,โ€ and learning to walk on a leash.
  • Real-World Socialization & Topics

    • Learn where and how to effectively socialize your puppy.
    • Build a strong, positive relationship through trust, consistency, and fun.
  • AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program

    • A structured approach to teaching good manners and responsible ownership.
    • Option to take the exam on your 8th week of class to earn your puppyโ€™s first official certificate.

Upcoming Classes

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you do housebreaking training?2025-02-07T06:55:07-06:00

No. We can advise you on how to housebreak your dog, but housebreaking training does not transfer. In other words, if we teach your dog not to urinate/defecate in our facility, that’s what it learns โ€“ not to urinate/defecate in our facility. It has not learned not to do those things at your house.

Can I just bring my dog to you and have you train it for me?2025-02-07T06:54:46-06:00

Yes. For more information, see the Day Training tab at the top of the page or give us a call at 479.444.0300.

Do you train service dogs?2025-02-07T06:54:24-06:00

No. There are so very many different types of service dogs who provide so very many types of services. But that is not a “service” we offer here at The Canine Connection.

I wanted to get my dog certified as a Canine Good Citizen (CGC). Can you help me with that?2025-02-07T06:54:05-06:00

Yes we can! We have three AKC-certified CGC evaluators on staff.

I want my dog to be a therapy dog. Do you have classes for that?2025-02-07T06:53:46-06:00

A very wise therapy dog evaluator once told us, “If someone ever tries to charge you for โ€˜therapy dog classes’, run! Because the training for a therapy dog is obedience training!” And, yes, we do obedience trainingโ€ฆLOTS of obedience training. Assuming your dog has the right temperament to become a therapy dog, we can absolutely help you achieve that goal.

What do I need to bring to puppy preschool class?2025-02-11T16:50:38-06:00
  • Proof of current vaccinations (puppy must have Bordetella included in first or second round of puppy shots)
  • Collar
  • 6ft Leash (non-retractable)
  • Soft small training treats
  • Clicker and Treat Pouch (provided by TCC)

 

Ready to Get Started?

We look forward to welcoming you and your pup to The Canine Connection family!

Enroll your dog in a class, schedule daycare, or book boarding.

or Call (479) 444-0300
Go to Top