KEYSTONE CANINE CLUB
PUPPY KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION SHEET
Puppy Kindergarten, or puppy socialization class, is the perfect class for the first time dog owner, or for the experienced dog person who wants to bond with a new puppy. Puppies up to and including the age of six (6) months may attend Puppy Kindergarten. Since the immune systems of puppies this young are not as developed as those of adult dogs, Keystone Canine Club does require that all puppies in the class have completed their first two sets of puppy vaccinations and are up to date on wormings. For most puppies, this means they may start Puppy Kindergarten at about eight (8) weeks of age.
The main activity of each Puppy Kindergarten session is a supervised play group in which owners and their puppies get to interact with the instructor and with each other. Other activities for the puppies include a visit by the ever-popular "Mr. Mailman." While the puppies are playing, owners can ask questions and initiate discussions with the instructor about topics that are of interest to them. Since each puppy's breed, background, and living situation are different, no two Puppy Kindergarten classes are identical. However, each Puppy Kindergarten class tries to cover topics including:
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Housebreaking or "potty training" |
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Pro's and con's of crate training your dog |
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Nutrition and hygiene |
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Common grooming tools and techniques |
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How to prepare your dog for easier vet and grooming visits |
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Pro's and con's of spaying or neutering your dog |
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Biting and mouthing, or playing "too rough" |
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How to raise a well-adjusted, well-behaved dog |
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Interpreting canine body language |
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Benefits of positive reinforcement techniques |
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Importance of basic obedience |
At any point during the 3 weeks of class sessions, students are welcome to ask the instructors about any behavioral problems (jumping, chewing, barking, digging...) they are having with their dogs.
Owners and their dogs should arrive at Keystone Canine Club 5-10 minutes before their class is scheduled to start. Arriving too much earlier is counterproductive, since the training floor and parking lot will be filled with members of the preceding class.
With dozens of excited dogs together in one place, bladder and bowel movements are bound to happen! Please DO NOT be embarrassed if your dog goes to the bathroom at the school. Keystone Canine provides paper towels and disinfectant for handlers to clean up their dogs' accidents. Keystone asks class members to potty their dogs before class begins (BEHIND the school only!) and to be sure to clean up any waste and place it in the Club's outdoor garbage can. Any owner who does not clean up after his or her dog, either in the school or in the parking lot, will be dismissed from classes without a refund!
