Puppy preschool. Puppy Kindergarten. No matter what you call it, it is an exciting time for a young dog and their owner. It's also a great way to guarantee that your puppy develops into a well-mannered and socialized adult dog.
Puppy preschool is typically thought of as a formal series of classes that lasts for many weeks, but it can also just be a sequence of controlled exercises that prepare your pup for later, more advanced instruction.
In their first few months of life, puppies learn a lot of valuable things, such as how to play with other dogs, respond calmly when surprised or annoyed by something unfamiliar, and obey simple instructions like "sit" and "stay."
Puppy preschool is a fun and interactive way to introduce your puppy to basic obedience training and teach them how to behave around other dogs and people.
Let’s review the finer points of these courses and find out if it’s the right move for you and your newest pup!
How Much Does Puppy Preschool Cost?
How much things cost counts. How else will you know what to save for your puppy-shaped investment?
The cost of puppy preschool varies depending on several factors such as location, duration of the course, and the type of training offered. Look for trainers who have certification from reputable organizations such as the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).
If you're looking for a great trainer in your area, be sure to check out the American Kennel Club (AKC) website for a list of certified options near you.
Some training facilities offer group classes, which can be an affordable option. Group classes are typically held with several other puppies and their owners. In contrast, private lessons are more expensive and can range from $75 to $150 per session. However, private lessons offer more personalized attention and can be tailored to your puppy’s specific needs.
Puppy preschool may also be offered as part of a comprehensive training package. These packages can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per week, depending on the training level and the course length.
Some packages may also include additional services such as one-on-one consultations with a trainer, access to online training resources, and follow-up training sessions.
For example, we have a 4-Week Beginner Puppy Preschool that runs $4,500, which includes specialized training where they live with our trainer for that entire time learning everything from potty training to obedience. This can be expanded to our 16-Week Advanced Puppy Preschool. That will cost $13,500 and runs the gambit from all sorts of commands to a fully socialized pup ready to take on the world.
It’s important to note that the cost of puppy preschool is just one factor to consider when choosing a training program for your puppy. It’s crucial to find a reputable and experienced trainer who uses positive reinforcement methods to ensure your puppy has a wonderful learning experience. Find the one that fits your puppy but also your budget.
What Do Puppies Learn in Preschool?
During this time, puppies learn valuable skills that will help them become well-behaved, socialized, and happy dogs. From basic obedience commands to socialization with other dogs and humans, there are several important lessons that puppies learn in preschool.
What your puppy can learn during these classes seems endless so we’ve broken them up into larger concepts.
Basic Obedience Commands
In puppy preschool, puppies are introduced to basic obedience commands such as sit, stay, come, and heel. These commands help puppies learn to focus, follow instructions, and develop self-control.
Through positive reinforcement techniques, trainers encourage pups to learn and obey commands willingly and happily.
Socialization with Other Dogs
One of the most important things that puppies learn in preschool is socialization with other dogs.
Puppies learn how to communicate with other dogs, read their body language, and play appropriately. Socialization helps puppies build confidence and learn to interact with other dogs without fear or aggression.
Socialization with Humans
Puppies also learn to interact with humans during preschool. Trainers teach puppies how to approach humans politely, accept handling and grooming, and respect personal space.
These lessons help puppies learn to interact with humans without jumping, biting, or exhibiting other undesirable behaviors.
Bite Inhibition
Puppies have a natural instinct to bite and chew on things, and while this behavior is normal, it can be harmful if not controlled. In puppy preschool, puppies learn bite inhibition, which is the ability to control the force of their bite.
Through positive reinforcement techniques, trainers teach puppies to control their biting and chewing impulses, so they learn to interact with people and other dogs without causing harm.
Confidence Building
Puppy preschool is a safe and controlled environment that helps puppies build confidence. Trainers encourage puppies to try new things, explore their environment, and interact with other puppies and humans.
This helps puppies develop a sense of confidence that will help them navigate the world confidently as they grow up.
Potty Training
Potty training is an essential part of puppy preschool. Trainers teach puppies to go potty in designated areas and establish good potty habits. Through positive reinforcement techniques, puppies learn to associate going potty in the right place with rewards and praise.
Each of these skills helps puppies become well-behaved, socialized, and happy dogs.
How Long is Puppy Preschool?
Puppy preschool classes typically last between six to eight weeks, with each session being around one hour. Some trainers may offer longer or shorter classes, depending on their training program's features and the level of training offered.
The length of the course will vary depending on the program's goals, but generally, it's long enough to establish good training habits and a foundation for further training.
In the later weeks of puppy preschool, trainers may introduce more advanced commands, such as "leave it" or "drop it," and work on strengthening the pup's training foundation. They may also focus on addressing specific behavior problems or concerns that the puppy's owner may have.
It's important to note that puppy preschool is just the beginning of your puppy's training journey. While it establishes good habits and a strong foundation, consistency is essential to ensure that your puppy remains a well-behaved and happy dog.
Is Puppy Preschool Worth It?
Absolutely! Puppy preschool is worth the investment of time and money. It's an investment in your puppy's future. Offering the above-described benefits of socialization, obedience training, bite inhibition, potty training, and confidence building, it lays the firm foundation upon which all future training will build on.
The skills acquired will help your puppy become a well-behaved, socialized, and happy dog, thus improving your relationship with your furry friend. Puppy preschool is a worthwhile investment that pays dividends daily by making it much easier for you and your family to cohabitate with your pup.
When Should Your Puppy Start Preschool?
There are two main considerations as to when you should enroll your newborn in puppy preschool - age and health.
Most puppy preschools - ours included - are designed for puppies between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks. This is a crucial period in a puppy's development because it is when they are most open to education and socializing.
To make sure that your puppy receives the right training, puppy preschool should begin as soon as feasible. Waiting too long can make it more difficult to remedy troublesome behaviors if you miss out on these early opportunities for training and socialization.
It's important to note that puppies need to have received their first round of vaccinations before starting preschool. Vaccinations protect your puppy from potentially deadly diseases, such as distemper and parvo, which can be contracted from other dogs.
Pups typically receive their first round of vaccines between 6 and 8 weeks of age, and then they need booster doses every few weeks until they are between 16 and 18 weeks old. Make sure your puppy has received the necessary immunizations before entering preschool by speaking with your vet.
A terrific way to get your puppy ready for the rest of their life is through puppy preschool. To avoid forming undesirable behaviors later on when training them will be more challenging, it’s crucial that they become accustomed to being around other dogs and people at a young age.
The wonderful thing about puppy preschool is that even though it only requires a few hours each week, it may have a huge impact on how well-behaved your dog will be in the future.
Ready to start down a road of happiness and joy? Start an application with us today! When the time is right, you’ll be paired with your perfect pooch. Then you can decide if our four, eight, twelve, or sixteen-week programs are right for you!
Jenna and the JLDD Team