Puppies between 3 months and a half year are at an ideal starting time for this class.  On occasion, depending on the breed and size, a pup can begin a little earlier, and if the dog is a small breed and still under a year, it may feel less worried amongst puppies instead of the larger, older dogs in beginner classes.

The course involves proper socialization, learning to learn, gaining a sense of position in the family pack, introduction to walking at your side, coming when called, and staying in place.  There are many fun filled discussions about everyday puppy behavior problem solving.  We focus on 'learning to learn' and this is an excellent time to set the pup's positive attitude toward obedience work.  There's always lots of laughter coming from this area over the antics of these young dogs as they increase their skills.

Here's the exercises you and your puppy will be able to do by the end of the class set, and a look at your graduation score sheet.  We do not expect anything near perfection for these exercises, and we teach that the graduation exercise is just another training class in which you should teach using the usual tools of reward and helping the dog with the correct positioning.

Puppy Handler Report                                                         Handler: ________________

Buena Vista Training Systems                                              Dog: ____________________

1. Pack Drive: 

    Handler motivates dog

    Puppy runs enthusiastically

    Play on the way back                                                                           15

2. Heeling

    Dog is looking up

    Sits are straight

    Good reward/corrections

    Leash is loose

    Speed is appropriate                                                                           25

3. Stand for Exam

    Dog walks into stand

    Stays still for 3 seconds unassisted                                                    10

3. Recall

    Heels puppy to holder’s side

    Handler gives 1 clear stay command

    Handler gives 1 clear ‘come’ command - no body language

    Dog comes with enthusiasm

    Sits straight in front                                                                            20

4. Finish

    Goes to heel position without being pulled

    Sits straight                                                                                        10

GROUP EXERCISES;

5. Sit and Stay

    Dog stays until handler returns

    Handler keeps dog calm                                                                     10

6. Down with stay

    Dog downs on command

    Dog stays down without help                                                               10

                                                                                                  TOTAL 100