CORE SKILLS: Wonder level

Skills 3

in-studio course usually recommended for puppies 1 + year of age

cost $375 | 8 weeks

Join us for our Skills 3 course and tackle late adolescence with confidence! In this class, you will apply the the skills you’ve learned—to being in public. It’s fun and fast paced, and focuses on building calm connection and impulse control in close proximity to other dogs and people, and around common real-life distracting situations. It brings real life social situations into the studio!

Specifically, in Skills 2, we will expand on:

  • Your dog’s relaxation skills to include duration with distance and in close proximity to other dogs.

  • Your dog being comfortable and skilled as they walk through crowds of people and dogs, and around worldly distractions like someone on crutches or carrying food temptations

  • Being able to perform your skills on the fly

    Over the course, you will also work as a team to fully proof the many versions of focus and stay that you’ve learned so far— when being greeted and pet, when walking past a dog, when a guest comes to visit the house, and more. You’ll finally become a true Wonder Puppy!

The goal: To attain advanced core skills, and become more fully prepared for the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen evaluation. By the end of the class you be very familiar with, and have practiced, all test items!

For best success: Make sure your pup is ready for this high level of skill and focus- as they will really be put to the test! We recommend taking Calm + Focus 3 and Social 3 (coming soon!) before Skills 3 to set you both up for success!

  • 8 weekly 1-hour in-studio classes

    4 puppies per class

    core skills covered:
    focus around distractions | relax with distractions + distance | stay around people + dogs | come when called with distractions and front and side finish | stay when approached, pet for greetings, and being handled | leash walking past dogs | leave it when offered food

    resources, videos and a clicker will be provided

  • age requirements: 1 year or older and successful

    previous class requirements: completion of Skills 2 (or equivalent). We also recommend completing Social 3 and Calm + Focused 3 to for best preparation for this class (coming soon)

    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.

    puppy skill requirements: puppy must be mostly reliable when doing the following skills in the presence of distractions in close proximity: relax on a mat, focus, sit, down, stay, and come when called

    please note: if your puppy is in heat (estrus cycle), please attend class without your puppy

    • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

    for more information about kids and puppies click here!

    • 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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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!

  • Very vocal and/or reactive dogs are not a fit for in studio classes. For this advanced course, puppies must be mostly reliable with skills around distractions, and well-controlled around other dogs and people (they can not disrupt the work of the other class teams).