Puppy Kindergarten

Puppies 8-20 weeks old that have completed the vaccinations appropriate to their age.

$175 for 6 in person classes to be completed in 6 weeks. Unused Puppy K classes can be used for subsequent Steps. Note that after puppy K ends, you are eligible to purchase classes in 6 or 10 week bundles to continue seamlessly with our Steps program.

Required equipment, vaccinations, and club policies will be in the Orientation materials, but for a preview please see our Class Rules

Get your new four-legged family member off to a good start! Puppy Kindergarten covers socialization and beginning foundational skills for the well-mannered puppy, and the basics of dog training for the puppy owner! Our puppy class is designed to fit…

Get your new four-legged family member off to a good start! Puppy Kindergarten covers socialization and beginning foundational skills for the well-mannered puppy, and the basics of dog training for the puppy owner! Our puppy class is designed to fit seamlessly into our NEDTC Steps obedience program. You and your puppy will learn to train successfully in a positive way, while building your communication skills and good habits!

In Puppy K, we will be focusing on the following steps --

  • Eye contact for 2 seconds, handler smiling!

  • Sit 3 times using hand and/or verbal signal, no lure

  • Down 3 times using hand and/or verbal signal, no lure  

  • Pass the Puppy Sit/Down with lure

  • Respond to name from 5 feet 

  • Body Handling

  • Pass the Puppy Body Handling

  • Calling out of play after 30 seconds

  • Surface/tunnel games

  • Back up and Focus with food/toy distractor

  • Let's get Dressed Up game

  • Recall from 1/2 length of room (or more)

  • Loose Leash Walking for 10-20 feet

  • Take It/Leave It

  • Retrieve different objects

  • These exercises may be performed with continuous rewards

Donna and one of her Puppy Kindergarten classes were featured on The Chronicle!

NEDTC also offers the AKC S.T.A.R Puppy Certificate program as part of our Puppy K!