Puppy start right

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Puppy Start Right is a comprehensive puppy program designed  by Dr. Kenneth Martin, DVM, Diplomate ACVB (one of only about 100 Board Certified Veterinary Animal Behaviorists nationally and internationally, and Debbie Martin, Karen Pryor Academy-Certified Training Partner, Veterinary Technician Board Certified in Behavior-one of few in the country.  Both are national conference presenting experts and Debbie was my KPA instructor and evaluator. 

*  Five weeks of group lessons covering all the important puppy raising and training questions.

*  Two individual half sessions for demonstration, practice and problem-solving

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends beginning socialization at about 8 weeks, a week after a first round of shots and deworming.

Age 8 to 14 weeks is the primary time period when your puppy develops a confidence building imprint about what they have seen in life is safe and normal.  By about age 16 weeks that important imprinting window closes, so for older puppies we will see what they may have missed and help them in those areas. 

Prepare your puppy for life with you and help prevent common problems that may become reasons for a poor quality of life or surrendering a pet.

Veterinary experts have seen that "Behavioral problems are the greatest threat to the owner-dog bond. In fact, behavioral problems are the number one cause of relinquishment to shelters.  Behavioral issues, not infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age."  

Training topics and problem prevention/problem solving include:

 *  the ABC's of understanding  and changing behavior

 *  house training procedures and problem-solving  

 *  how to create positive crate associations and habits

 *  walking with you/giving to leash pressure

  * how to direct your puppy to chew toys instead of your furniture

  *  greeting politely instead of jumping up

 *  learning puppy level sit, down, 'place', take it-leave it-drop it, wait at a door

  *  build their focus and ability to learn and bond with you

 *  how to make nail cutting, grooming and body handling/tooth brushing a game

 *  jumping, counter-surfing/stealing objects, digging, learning independence, play

     biting/mouthing,  destructive chewing, and lack of food bowl trust

 *  teaching an emergency collar grabs/restraint, muzzle co