What is Kindergarten Puppy Training (KPT)?

KPT is the furst step in your puppy's education. It began originally with Guide Dogs of Amercia and is now recognized by most Dog Training Professionals as a necessary and beneficial step towards building a happy and correct dog/owner relationship. It provides the new owner with the necessary skills to effectively deal with his/her untrained puppy's behaviour. Using techniques that a child can master, the whole family becomes involved in the training program. Between the ages of 8 - 18 months, a staggering number of healthy dogs are given up to Humane Society shelters or municipal pounds. The majority of these animals had developed owner-created behaviour problems. KPT can prevent this scenario by educating both the owner and the puppy in the puppy's early stages of development before mistakes are made.

What is the training method used?

A "Lure/Reward Motivational" method utilizes natural instinctive behaviours to build your puppy's confidence and promote a happy working attitude. Using food treats to both motivate and reward, you will teach your puppy basic obedience commands, ie: sit - down - stand - stay - come. Aswell, the method will be used to mold your puppy's temperament into that of a happy member of your family pack, giving his life both structure and security. KPT does not emphasize obedience trial perfection. The "sits" may not be picture-perfect. "Come" is still mostly a play exercise, however, the "stays" are both precise and extended. With learning the basic essential commands, both owner and puppy begin communicating with each other, the pup develops respect for his owner, and behaviour problems common to puppies are minimized or eliminated.

Course Structure

The KPT course consists of two personal visits to your hoome and is designed for puppies between the ages of 8 weeks and four months. Eash visit is 1-1/2 hours in length and approximately two weeks apart. The fee is $100.00 and is payable in cash at the time of the first visit.

Course Content

> Explanation of the methodology of crate training/destructive behaviour
> Control of barking, biting, jumping
> Nutrition
> Pack Hierarchy
> Bite inhibition and desensitization
> Health and grooming
> Basic obedience commands

Lessons are in the comfort of your own home where the whole family may participate. You will be provided with homework sheets so that you may practice exercises in between visits and telephone support is always available.

Puppies may enroll in KPT at 8 weeks of age. Call 905 867-9503 to set up your In-Home Kingergarten Puppy Training Package.