You got a new puppy.  HORRAY! You signed up for puppy class.  WELL DONE, YOU!

How will the trainer make the most of this limited time with you?
Having spent tons of time in puppy classes, I often consider the best way to make use of this precious time.  Many people consider class the place where their dog learns what it needs to, and then you’re good to go. The truth of the matter is that your dog is ALWAYS learning, whether you’re aware of it or not.  Therefore, the biggest impact you will have on your puppy is at home, where interactions are happening all the time. Recognizing this gap is why Pack Up Puppy was born. I want you to gain the everyday habits that tells your dog how you want it to behave.  I want you to learn the ongoing dialogue that is happening between you and your dog. Understanding each other prevents behavior problems and grants a mutually satisfying relationship. I teach you how to read your dog’s body language. I teach you how to use your body language and voice to communicate to your dog the message you want, not the message you think.  I want you to know your dog better.

Most urgently and importantly, I supplement your early training efforts by borrowing your puppy for training sessions, and for outings where your puppy will smell new scents, meet a variety of people, hear new noises, see new objects and movements, and feel new physical sensations.  All of this is imperative if you want your adult dog to be free from fear. Have you heard of a dog who grew up in a cage at a puppy mill who is afraid to walk on grass? Or a dog who is afraid of the metal scale at the vet clinic? Puppyhood is the only time you can switch the track from heading toward fear and anxiety, to heading toward confidence, resilience, and an overall sense of well-being.  There is so much to understand about developmental stages of puppyhood, and important targets to hit. You’re busy with life as it is! And now, you’re needing to pick up the house so Puppy doesn’t destroy shoes and rugs. You’re taking Puppy outside every hour. You’re constantly making sure Puppy isn’t making trouble. Whew, it’s a lot! That’s why I’m here to help now, when it counts. Your theoretical future self who has a mouthy, jumpy, hyper dog, or a shy, timid, snarling dog, will wish you could go back in time and start over the right way.  Your theoretical future self with a friendly, stable, well-behaved dog will thank your present self for following the guide up the right path. The time to choose a direction is finite; within 12-14 weeks of age, to be as specific as we can.  Developmentally, if your puppy lacks certain positive experiences before 12-14 weeks of age, it will be socially deficient.  It is the lack of this brain structure that puts your dog at risk for learning more slowly, and for being unable to handle new experiences for the rest of its life.  I have seen the result of this fall-out way too often. It’s evident in the hundreds of shelter dogs I’ve worked with at the Dane County Humane Society. It’s evident when people with dogs in the vet clinic where I work show they are frustrated with their dog’s conduct and apologize for their behavior.  It’s evident in daycare puppies I have watched grow into adults. These dogs have taught me that taking puppy class is not enough.   It does not have to be this way.  Take the pressure off of yourself, I’ll swiftly put my years of observation and experience to work for you!

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Let me be clear:  Puppy class is terribly important.  I urge you to take it even if this is the 10th puppy you’ve raised.  Puppy class is where you get to practice what you’ve been working on all week, with feedback from your instructor.  In reality, it could be the main place that you’re teaching your dog, but it is NOT the main place where your dog is learning. That happens at home.  Pack Up Puppy’s services are in addition to the puppy class of your choice.

If you do have a dog who is cautious or skittish, I am happy to help it become more brave and relaxed.  I love to watch a dog bloom into a more confident version of itself! It can be a slow, incremental process, but I will coach you to help transform your dog.