Core SKILLS: Good Level
Skills 1
in-studio course I 10 weeks+, ideally by 16 weeks after Calm + Focus 1*
*If you are unable to get into a Calm + Focus 1 class during the critical period, we recommend not waiting and to start with Skills 1 first!
cost $345 | 8 weeks
One of our sayings at Wonder Puppy is that, “Every good relationship has good communication.” …That good communication and relationship starts here! Skills 1 is simply the most comprehensive and effective basic skills course you will find. This course provides a pure form of clicker training for all of the basic skills as well as the essentials of social comfort and bite prevention. Our techniques include strategic use of boundaries and smart positive reinforcement. We use methods that help you get the behavior you want BEFORE indication of reward, so your puppy builds positive habits and a strong connection with you. Learning manners early can make all of the difference later in life!
Basic Skills include beginner level of:
settle and focus
sit, down, and stay
come when called
go to place
take it and drop it
leave it
loose-leash walking
Socialization and Bite Prevention exercises include:
boundary acceptance and supervised separation
sharing food and toy resources
grooming and handling comfort
sub-threshold exposure to sights, sounds, people, and dogs
The goal: not only teaching your puppy good manners and you to become an effective trainer, but also building a healthy, happy relationship with your puppy!
To maximize learning: Start this course immediately after Calm + Focus 1! However, if you are unable to start a Calm + Focus 1 class during the critical period (first 20 weeks of age), we recommend not waiting and to start with Skills 1 first!
Before your first class: If you have not already, we highly encourage attending our the Wonder Parenting Orientation which has a ton of great info on puppyhood and will set you up for success from Day 1!
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consists of 8 weekly 1-hour classes in our studio.
basic skills covered:
focus | name response | sit | down | stay | recall | park it | take it/drop it | leave it | leash walking
social skills covered:
boundary acceptance | sharing resources | bite inhibition | supervised separation | worldly sites + sounds | grooming + handling | play bond | people + dog comfort
limited to one pup per sign-up
class slides, videos and a clicker will be provided
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puppy who’s 10 weeks or older, who has been in their current home for at least 10 days
your puppy is healthy and parasite-free and has not had any diarrhea, lethargy, coughing or sneezing for at least 24 hours before coming to class and meets our vaccine and heath requirements
before your first class - at least one person from each family is highly recommended to attend the Wonder Parenting Orientation. Whenever possible, all people in charge of the puppy are encouraged to attend@ Once you attend, we will send you the slides from the class to share with the rest of the family who could not be there.
puppy behavior requirements - puppy must be manageable when in close proximity to other people and dogs. If your puppy is known to be vocal or reactive toward other dogs (even if they are just being overly-excited), in studio class is not the right fit for now. Please chat with the office for other options or if you are unsure.
please note: if your puppy is in heat (estrus cycle), please attend class without your puppy
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semi-hungry, semi-tired, pottied puppy
treats—3 types of HIGH-value, pea-sized yummies including 1 that’s slimy such as turkey dogs or chicken
6-8 ft non-retractable leash
harness and/or collar—no chain/prong/shock/vibrating collars
treat pouch
clicker
3 types of edible chew items and stuffed food puzzles
tug or squeaky toy
small mat
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go to safe locations that are new to your puppy for socialization field trips with your puppy at least 3 times per week.
attend at least 2 structured play sessions per week (sessions should be well managed with a small trainer-to-puppy ratio such as 6:1).
be prepared -anytime you leave your house with your puppy wear a treat pouch, have a toy, and bring very yummy treats for rewarding good behaviors and pairing positive associations with new experiences.
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We allow children ages 6 and older to attend when accompanied by an adult. Children under 6 must have a second adult dedicated to their supervision
Children must be able to remain calm, sit in their seats and follow directions, and wait to approach puppies unless having permission from all parties involved.
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Cash Refund Window: Cash refunds will only be provided when requested within 72 hours of purchase AND at least 5 days (120 hours) prior to the course start time.
Credit Refunds/ Exchanges: You may switch to a different course or service without penalty when requested with greater than five days before your course is set to start. If you can not complete your course for any reason after the five day deadline has passed, either before or after your course has started, WP will give you an account credit worth 50% of the value of your remaining sessions. Credits for group courses are valid for up to one year.
Missing Class: We do not offer make up classes, however, you will receive a very thorough weekly email that has videos for all the skills from class so you can work at home at your own pace! If your puppy can't come to a class due to illness, injury, or estrus, we also highly encourage you to come to class without your puppy to take advantage learning in person!
sign up
book your class below
If a course’s date range is longer than 8 weeks, then there’s a skip week or two (no class that week). Your instructor will fill you in on the specifics!
Up to two people per puppy are welcome in class.
make sure you get the Skills 1 class you are expecting - double check the time & dates
very vocal and/or reactive dogs are not a fit for in studio classes
If there are 2 parents in the household, we recommend BOTH attend Orientation whenever possible so that everybody in the household is on the same page and set up for success