Core SKILLS: Great Puppy Level
Skills 2
in-studio courses l 6 months +
cost $360 | 8 weeks
Wouldn’t it be great if your dog could notice distractions like squirrels, dogs, people, etc, and respond by calmly looking back at you and staying when asked? This is an example of exactly what we aim to achieve in this second level of our Skills Series, while still providing plenty of support for our developing adolescents. This course combines what you learned in Calm + Focus 1 & 2 and Skills 1, and then adds the complexity of real life scenarios to it. It helps your pup to relate to distracting environments in a calm way which makes impulse control and performing skills much more enjoyable and successful. Instead of asking our dogs to ignore their surroundings, we get to invite the distractions to be a part of the training itself!
In Skills 2:
You’ll be encouraged to expand your training system and use less food rewards
Your dog will learn to settle next to you and when separated from you without needing continuous entertainment and food
You’ll train the many versions of stay—when someone’s at the door, while you’re making food, when someone greets you on leash, when a skateboard goes by and more
Your dog will practice the other skills with added duration, distance and/or distraction…and chill!
The goals: To support you and your puppy through the first half of adolescence, and to apply basics skills to real life in a calm and connected way. This class also includes items from the AKC Canine Good Citizen test to help prepare you for taking the evaluation after Skills 3!
To maximize learning: Complete Calm & Focus 1 and Skills 1, and ideally Social 2 and Calm + Focus 2 before starting this course. While Socials and Calm + Focus classes are not required, it can really help you and you puppy to succeed in this more advanced course!
Interested in taking Skills 2 but didn’t take Skills 1 with us? Reach out at info@wonder-puppy.com or (503) 697-7877 to see if Skills 2 is the right fit for you and your pup. Depending on your level of experience, we may require attending the Wonder Parenting Orientation, taking Skills 1, or signing up for private sessions to catch up on our training methods.
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8 weekly 1-hour classes conducted in studio.
5 puppies per class
skills covered:
adolescence behavior management techniques | relaxation techniques | when and how to maintain, expand, and/or fade food rewards + add play rewards | stay around food + toys | park it for someone at the door I come when called past food + toys | take it + drop it on cue I leash walking around obstacles + leave it on a walk I stay when approached for greetings and around sights + sounds | calm behavior for grooming
class slides, videos and a clicker will be provided
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age requirements: 6 months or older
previous class requirements:
completion of Skills 1 course (or equivalent). It's recommended to attend after at least one Calm + Focus course, preferably 2.did you take a first level basic skills course somewhere else? Reach out to us at (503) 697-7877 or info@wonder-puppy.com to see if Skills 2 is the right fit for you!
puppy skill requirements: puppy should be somewhat reliable with basic skills in the presence of distractions, and be able to relax on a mat, focus, sit, down, stay, and come when called.
puppy behavior requirements:
puppy must be comfortable and manageable when in close proximity to other people and dogs. If your puppy has been known to fixate on, lunge, or be vocal 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. -
semi-hungry, semi-tired, pottied puppy
6-8 ft non-retractable leash
harness and/or collar—no chain/prong/shock/vibrating collars
treat pouch
clicker
treats—3 types of HIGH-value, pea-sized yummies including 1 that’s slimy (turkey dogs, chicken…)
3 types of edible chew items and stuffed food puzzles
tug or squeaky toy
small portable mat
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go out with your puppy at least 3 times per week until class starts with the "we're working" training mindset
in a public location near dogs and people, practice settling on a mat together and go through your core skills
alternate work time with play that involves you and sniffing/exploration
to strengthen your connection and be best prepared, don't allow your puppy to greet, or be greeted by, others during these outings (think of them as YOUR special time TOGETHER to practice connection with each other - that’s what class will be like! :)
reminder: if your puppy is known to be very vocal (stressed or unable to calm during class) 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: (503)697-7877 or info@wonder-puppy.com
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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!
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Please note: If a course’s date range is longer than 8 weeks, then there’s a skip week or two (no class that week). Your trainer will fill you in on the specifics!
puppies must be socialized to attend in-studio classes; very vocal and/or reactive dogs are not a fit for in-studio classes