The initial year in Marpole ushers in numerous hurdles as you embark on the journey of nurturing your puppy into a self-assured and well-socialized adult dog. You might envision you’re grappling with a newborn shark, a garden digger, or a Tasmanian devil on a leash. Alternatively, you might discern that your puppy is slightly daunted by the vast world and is hesitant to partake in the metropolitan life. The initial few months, especially, are a time of revelation, both in terms of what your puppy requires and the knowledge you need to cater to your new confidant. Who would have thought puppies could be this intricate?

The fortunate part is, you can transform this pandemonium and uncertainty into adorable canine perfection through acquiring crucial life skills and getting coaching that will support the two of you in that pivotal first year.

Marpole Puppy Training Classes

Here’s where we intervene! Through our expansive array of private and group puppy training classes, you will gain insight and reassurance with a training plan that grows in sync with your puppy – enabling both of you to relish this enchanting phase together.

It’s essential for your puppy to comprehend you – and this commences with YOU comprehending your puppy!

Consider initial puppy training as a long-term investment in your impending adult dog: the lessons puppies imbibe first are the ones they grasp best, and often, for life. Through our Marpole Puppy Class offerings, we will provide support from when they are 8 weeks old up to 12 months, with our assortment of puppy development group classes, as well as private course options. Many of our Marpole puppy clients prefer a blend of both, catering to their individual needs at home AND also acquiring knowledge in a group setting.

Zen Dog Canine Training proffers a wide range of Puppy Training Classes, both in the form of private coaching and in a group class format. Irrespective of your needs, experience, time, and travel constraints, we have something to suit everyone – and every puppy. Whether you approach us, or we visit you, help is accessible!

Zen Dog Puppy Socialization Classes

Our Puppy Socialization Classes manifest as a seven-lesson Puppy Kindergarten Class, spanning six weeks with two zoom sessions and five in-store group classes. We will address the puppy-related topics that will aid you in navigating all of your puppy’s basic needs and early education in a succinct and enjoyable format. We delve into marker training, initial socialization, health and wellness, biting, crate issues, chewing, potty training, toy play, equipment and other puppy essentials, body awareness, grooming, early training exercises – and how to secure a good night’s sleep!

When your puppy socialization phase concludes (usually around 16 weeks of age), we are present to steer you through the subsequent stages – particularly the significant adolescent landmark and all the challenges (and occasional frustrations) it presents. This is when we transition to the outdoors! Our Zen Puppy Grade One and Zen Puppy Grade Two pick up where Kindergarten halts and we segue into senior puppy education that will foster both confidence and essential skills beneficial in the real world.

Continued Early Puppy Development Classes

Puppy Grade One targets early leash skills, dealing with distractions in the exterior world, socially astute street greetings, that all-important recall for a lifetime of off-leash fun (in the future), impulse control (for those troublesome squirrels, and sandwiches left on picnic tables) and relationship building tools so that you are your puppy’s top pick. This puppy course is designed for puppies just before they enter adolescence.

Puppy Grade Two zeroes in on the adolescent puppy with a quick-paced and highly game-based approach to your bond. We delve more into choice-based training (as this is what the teenage puppy requires) and discuss strategies to survive the transition period that arrives around the 6 to 8 month mark, depending on the breed. We focus more on play and attention games, encouraging your puppy to operate further from you and relish some carefully constructed independence.

In-home Private Puppy Training Classes

For Marpole clients desiring a private format in their home, our Zen Puppy Jump Start is a condensed version of our Marpole Puppy Kindergarten Class. Through Jump Start, we concentrate on the core exercises required to develop excellent social, leash and off-leash skills, alongside discussions on all the pertinent puppy topics that need consideration in daily life.

If you are searching for Marpole puppy training services, we’ve got your back! We work in accordance with your schedule and learning style, and are with you for the long run. With more than two decades of baby dog experience in our kitty, we can’t wait to share our wisdom with you!