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 puppy’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

    • We’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, “sit,” 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 puppy’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 – 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 ‘therapy dog classes’, run! Because the training for a therapy dog is obedience training!” And, yes, we do obedience training…LOTS 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
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