Puppy Training

For puppies 8 weeks to 6 months of age.

Puppies learn all the time, from everything around them so let’s make sure they learn to socialize well!  The first few weeks can make a huge difference in your puppy’s training and socialization.

You just brought your puppy home and you want to do everything right to be sure your puppy thrives.

Everywhere you turn you’ll get advice about what to do with your new puppy and the information is overwhelming and confusing. Let us make it simple for you to create the relationship with your puppy you are dreaming of.

Join us for Puppy Training that gives you exactly what you need. Our package consists of puppy socialization classes where puppies are off leash learning to play appropriately and group training classes where you will learn how to teach your puppy to be a respectful, polite member of your family.

Did you know puppies need socialization?

There is a critical window from 8-16 weeks for socialization. This important time in a puppy’s life can help shape how they will be as adults in dealing with new people, places, meeting dogs, and handling new experiences. It’s important to expose your puppy to as many different sights, sounds, smells, and experiences as possible during this critical time without overwhelming them. Attending our puppy socialization classes and group training will help set you and your puppy up for success.

What should be expected during Puppy Socialization Class?

Our puppy socialization class is meant to engage your puppy in interactions with other puppies. Even though it is difficult, we ask that you limit your interactions with all of the puppies in the class so they have the opportunity to focus on their own interactions with other puppies.

Our trainers will lead the class combining their expertise in both teaching your puppy how to listen to and be respectful of the other puppies and teaching you what is normal and appropriate puppy play.

There are a few things we would like you to be aware of, should they arise during class.

There are times when puppies behave in unpredictable and potentially dangerous ways. The trainer leading the class will always have safety of you and the puppies as a top priority during every interaction. Should the need arise to limit certain puppy’s interactions in order to maintain a safer environment for all, we will do so by leashing one or more puppies to manage their interactions better or possibly have one or more puppies separated behind a gate during class until they are more comfortable in interacting appropriately. We find that with patience, some clear guidance, and training, most puppies can learn how to interact appropriately during the puppy socialization classes.

Here are some examples of behaviors the trainer leading the class may have to address should your puppy offer any of these:

  • Excessive barking – while we will work with you to help you work through this behavioral issue, know that if it persists to the point of completely disrupting the class, we will ask that you move to set your puppy up for success.
  • Biting – while we understand that puppies are learning and adapting to training as they grow, biting is not tolerated, and we will interrupt it.
  • Anxiety / nervousness – whether you have a clingy puppy (or find yourself socially nervous during class), we ask that you trust the process, and allow us to help guide you to giving your puppy the appropriate space during class.
  • Rough playing – we want all our puppies to have an enjoyable experience, which is why we are vigilant when it comes to playground bullies. Should your puppy be extremely assertive while playing, we will address this in the way we see most appropriate.
  • We also ask that you please keep your puppy home if it is in heat.

Group Training classes give you exactly what you need.

We will cover all the basics in these classes, and then some. Obedience dog training for sit, stay, and down will be the easy part.

We cover all the hard things, too:

  • Come when you call, really.
  • Stop jumping, barking, mouthing, and more.
  • Walk calmly on the leash, no matter what distractions there are.

During class you will learn critical information about dog communication and how important it is for you to be the one in charge. We teach you simple yet highly effective exercises resulting in dramatic shifts in your puppy’s behavior. It goes without saying that you will improve your skills and confidence as a handler.

And the best part of all? You get to:

  • Create the relationship with your puppy you have always dreamed of having.
  • Have a well mannered puppy wherever you go.
  • Own a puppy you are proud of, not embarrassed by.

These aren’t like any other group dog training classes.

How are these classes unique?

  • You receive personalized attention and tips to resolve your puppy’s behavioral problems.
  • You can begin right away, as long as there is space in the class.
  • Each class is structured around the needs of your puppy. Rather than following a pre-set curriculum, we give you exactly what you need each week to make progress.

Simple exercises, easy to understand explanations, and perfect analogies make progress inevitable. Bring your sense of humor and your willingness to do homework.

Are there any requirements to attend?

Puppies must be vet checked for wellness prior to the sessions and have a recent “negative” fecal with proof of results. Puppies do not need to have received all of their shots to attend.  They simply need to be under a vet’s care.

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“Does your dog have issues with manners or socialization? Paws & Possibilities is the way to go! I enrolled my Australian Shepherd puppy in the puppy socialization class and the group training. Paws & Possibilities provided a safe and controlled environment for my puppy to meet and learn to play with other puppies of a similar age in the puppy socialization class. Our group training class was taught by Caylen. She was amazing from the beginning. Caylen began each class with checking in on each family and dog. It’s been a while since our class ended, but we’ve continued to utilize skills we learned in Caylen’s group training to ensure my puppy grows to be a well-behaved adult! Thank you so much to Caylen and the rest of the brilliant and friendly Paws & Possibilities staff (including Aleah!)!” ~ Jade S. | Maryland

Ready to begin?

Are you clear this is the option for you? Excellent! Click the button to purchase a training membership.

not sure where to begin?

No worries - click the button to take our assessment and determine whether you and your dog are a match for group training.