Puppy Preschool

The goal of puppy preschool is to socialize your pup and build character! Puppies have a critical socialization window that closes around 12-14 weeks, and prior to that closing, the focus of the bulk of your training should be socialization (which can’t be learned later in life) rather than skills (which can be learned at any time and is purely affiliative prior to 20 weeks.)

People often equate socialization with introducing their pup to other puppies and people, but a well rounded socialization protocol is much more comprehensive than that! In class, your pup will interact with other puppies through guided play to foster appropriate interactions with other dogs, as well as novel objects, sounds, and sensations. They are also introduced to the clicker, positive reinforcement, separation training, grooming/veterinary handling, and age appropriate obedience.

Cost: $40 per class.
Duration: 60 minutes.
Requirements:
– Puppy is under 20 weeks old.
– Handlers are over the age of 18.
– Two handlers maximum per dog.
– Puppy has received at least its first round of DHPP and continues on an appropriate vaccination schedule.

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Designed for:

  • The  Very Young: 8-13 weeks
  • The  Very Small: Under 15lbs
  • The  Very Shy: Puppies of all ages and sizes showing mild fear of other dogs.
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Designed for:

  • The Older: 14-20 weeks
  • The Bigger: Over 15lbs
  • The Bolder: Those demonstrating a robust and confident play style.
Learn More

PUPPY PRESCHOOL AVAILABILITY

Take a look at our frequently asked questions for more information about our puppy preschool.

What is a Puppy Preschool Class?

The goal of puppy preschool is to socialize your pup and build character. People often equate socialization with introducing dogs to other puppies and people, but a well rounded socialization protocol is much more comprehensive than that. In class, your pup will interact with other puppies through guided play to foster appropriate interactions with other dogs, as well as novel objects (skateboards, holiday decorations), sounds (thunder, construction) and sensations (wearing winter coats.) They are introduced to the clicker, positive reinforcement and age appropriate obedience skills. We also work on grooming and veterinary handling for all puppies. The puppy package ($160) includes 4 sessions which may be taken during any of the offered times.

What is the right age for puppies to attend puppy class?

Puppies are allowed to start puppy preschool if they are between 8 to 20 weeks. We have split the class into older/more confident/bigger puppies and younger/smaller/shy puppies, and further divide them within each class based on play style and size.

My puppy is older than 20 weeks but really small/shy/under-socialized, any chance I can still attend preschool?

Possibly! If they are under 24 weeks, feel free to send us an email so we can chat.

My puppy is too scared to play with other dogs!

Don’t worry – this is one of the BEST uses of preschool! If your pup is very shy, we can set up a separate area for your pup so they can get used to the presence of other dogs while feeling safe and unpressured to interact. Even just being around other dogs will help with your puppy’s socialization. We find that most shy puppies gain confidence very quickly. Please send us an email at office@powertothepet.com if you have any questions about class suitability.

Can my puppy attend class on multiple days?

Yes! Once you have purchased your package you will be prompted to select your schedule. You are free to pick any of the available days. However, we do request that you do not schedule your pup for back-to-back days. Puppy class is tiring and pups in back-to-back classes tend to get grouchy and naughty.

My puppy is under 14 weeks old but is (more than 15lbs/a bold player.) Which class should I join?

Always go by age first! If your pup is under 14 weeks, it’s best to start them off in Little Puppy class. During class, if the trainer determines your pup would benefit from moving up, they will let you know.

What kind of training do you do in puppy class?

We introduce puppies to clicker-training and teach easy behaviors such as ‘sit’ and ‘down.’ We also focus on attention based skills like name response and the foundations for recall. Training sessions in puppy class are kept short to make it easier for the puppies to focus and to give them more time to play, though we do actively integrate training time into play time as well.

What does my puppy need to bring to preschool?

  • An appetite! If class is around breakfast/dinner time, feed a half portion.
  • An emptied bladder/bowel. There are potty breaks, but pottying before class limits accidents during playtime.
  • A 4 to 6 foot leash – no retractable or bungee leashes.
  • A flat buckle collar or harness.
  • Your pup’s vaccination records (to their first class)

What vaccinations will my puppy need?

In order to attend puppy class, your pup needs to have the first round of puppy vaccinations, also known as the DHPP vaccine. Your pup must also be free from all contagious illnesses. Common puppy illnesses include Giardia, Coccidia, Parvovirus, Bordetella, as well as worms and other parasites. If your pup has recently been ill with one of these diseases, please bring a note from your vet stating that your pup is now healthy and non-contagious before attending class.

What happens if I miss one or more classes?

Since you only sign up for classes that work with your schedule, missing one is difficult. If you do sign up for a class and can’t make it, or if you attempt to withdraw less than 12 hours before the start of class, you will lose the class. Cancellations made at least 12 hours before the class start can be rescheduled without penalty.

Contact Us

Call Us!

617-520-4922

Email Us

office@powertothepet.com

Schedule a Time to Chat

The Pet Republic | 2400 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140 | 617-520-4922 | office@powertothepet.com