Core Programs
Paws On Learning core training programs build on the lessons learned at the previous level.
We suggest you begin your 10 to 16-week-old puppy with Pre-K, but it's never too late to start your dog in Kindergarten, no matter its age.
Pre-K
For puppies 10–16 weeks old
Puppies between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks go through what is called a "fear period.” During this time, puppies have little fear and benefit greatly from positive exposure to new and different experiences (noises, sights, movements, smells, objects, other dogs, people, etc.).
During our 3-day Puppy Pre-K program, we work on positive exposure to these new experiences, which develops confidence and the calmness that is beneficial to proper development and future training.
In addition, we teach puppies how to self-soothe, relax, and focus on their handler for direction, using techniques borrowed from Mark McCabe's Training Between the Ears methods.
We also work on basic obedience including deterring play biting, house breaking, sit, down, and recall.
Puppies that have had their second series of vaccinations (typically around 10 weeks) can participate in training at our facility.
Duration: 3 days of daytime board and train, which may include group classes, semi-private classes, and/or private lessons
Kindergarten
For puppies and dogs 16 weeks and older
Stress reduction and relationship building are of utmost importance in motivating a dog to learn. We utilize a variety of research-based relaxation techniques, body awareness tasks, and focusing activities to set a dog and its owner up for success.
The 8-day Kindergarten program includes balanced obedience training. Through motivation, praise, and correction, dogs learn general leash manners, waiting patiently in a sit at entrances and exits, controlling impulses such as jumping on people, and how to behave near other dogs.
Obedience commands include:
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Heel
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Automatic sit
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Down at your side
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Built-in stay
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Recall
Puppies and dogs over 16 weeks of age participate in the entire 8-day program.
Puppies 10–15 weeks of age that have graduated from Pre-K may be invited to participate in the first 3 days, then take a break until they are 16 weeks to complete the remaining 5 days.
Includes: Training collar, leather leash, and 8 days of daytime board and train including private lessons and flexible group classes.
Duration: 8 days of daytime board and train, which may include group classes, semi-private classes, and/or private lessons
Elementary School
For Kindergarten graduates
The 5-day Elementary School program lays the groundwork for training by guiding the dog through the steps of obedience. Commands are taught at a slight distance from the dog as a first step toward off-leash training.
Obedience commands include:
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Refresher of commands learned in Kindergarten
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Sit in motion
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Down from front
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Sit from Down
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Stay
Includes: 5 days of daytime board and train including private lessons and flexible group classes.
Prerequisite: Graduation from Kindergarten
Duration: 5 days of daytime board and train, which may include group classes, semi-private classes, and/or private lessons
Junior High
Intermediate level commands
The 5-day Junior High program builds on the skills taught in Kindergarten and Elementary School.
The trainer begins to move further from the dog while working on more advanced skills.
Obedience commands include:
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Refresher of commands learned in Kindergarten and Elementary School
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Down in motion
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Sit from Down from front
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Stand for examination
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Introduction to Place
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Introduction to Come
Use of an e-collar is at the discretion of the owner and trainer.
Includes: 5 days of daytime board and train including private lessons and flexible group classes.
Prerequisites: Graduation from Kindergarten and Elementary School
Duration: 5 daysof daytime board and train, which may include group classes, semi-private classes, and/or private lessons
High School
Advanced level commands (introduction to off-leash training)
The 5-day High School program begins off-leash training and reinforces skills from Kindergarten, Elementary School, and Junior High.
Using a long line as a safety measure, the trainer teaches the dog from a distance how to respond to obedience tasks in distracting situations.
Obedience commands include:
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Refresher of commands learned in Kindergarten, Elementary School, and Junior High
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Practice and refinement of Place
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Practice and refinement of Come
Use of an e-collar is at the discretion of the owner and trainer.
Includes: 5 days of daytime board and train including private lessons and flexible group classes.
Prerequisites: Graduation from Kindergarten, Elementary School, and Junior High
Duration: 5 days of daytime board and train, which may include group classes, semi-private classes, and/or private lessons
College
Off-leash obedience training
The 5-day College program puts the finishing touches on an off-leash dog's skills.
All skills from previous programs are reinforced through more intense distractions. The long line is incrementally shortened until only a tab is used to redirect dogs to appropriate behavior.
Use of an e-collar is at the discretion of the owner and trainer.
Includes: 5 days of daytime board and train including private lessons and flexible group classes.
Prerequisites: Graduation from Kindergarten, Elementary School, Junior High, and High School
Duration: 5 days of daytime board and train, which may include group classes, semi-private classes, and/or private lessons
Beyond the Core:
Focus and Relaxation
For dogs suffering from anxiety or stress
If your dog's emotional state is primarily anxious or stressed, we have the solution! Using a program called Training Between the Ears, we will improve your pup's focus and social/emotional well being. A calm dog is a joy to be around and easier to work obedience with.
Each day of training includes a private lesson at pickup, tons of helpful literature, and 24/7 access to Ashley for troubleshooting and problem-solving. Also included are two group classes offered Wednesday evening and Saturday morning.
Available Monday–Thursday, 8:30 am–5:30 pm.
Duration: 3 days of daytime board and train, which may include group classes, semi-private classes, and/or private lessons