Puppy Training

Don’t miss this critical time window to train and socialize your puppy while having FUN! Our puppy training is open to all breeds up to 1 year of age*. While the main topics covered will be the same for each class, we break the program into 2 age groups and slightly adjust emphasis on some topics.

We will begin laying a foundation of obedience using motivational training techniques and introduce the STAR concepts laid out by the AKC which will give puppies and owners a chance to achieve the STAR Award through the AKC at the conclusion of class. Dogs do not have to be AKC registered to earn this award.

Topics covered will inclue:

• Responsible dog ownership
• Providing proper and sufficient stimulation and activity for your puppy
• Effective socialization techniques
• Various training techniques, including “Marker” training
• Potty training essentials
• Breed-specific grooming requirements
• Addressing negative behaviors
• Discuss elements for the AKC Canine Good Citizenship Test (CGC) for owners that may wish to pursue higher levels of training

Require Equipment for class (all equipment can be purchased at Landheim, but treats should be familiar to your puppy before coming to class):

• Soft, meaty treats your dog is familiar with
  • Hungry puppy (do not feed your dog several hours before class; Evening classes-don’t feed after noon, Morning classes-skip breakfast)
• 6-foot leash in good condition (no bungee or retractable leashes)
• Well-fitted flat/martingale collar
• Food pouch
• Poop bags
• Vaccination records (must be submit to Front Desk staff before date of class, as well as updates on boosters)
• Attendance to all classes
  • Dogs may be left home for first week of class if owner feels they may be too distracted by their pup
  • Missing any class or arriving excessively late will negate possibility of achieving STAR award

Other Equipment that will be discussed in class and is not needed by the first week:

• Form of ID (microchip number, ID tag on collar, tattoo, etc.)
• Brush or comb suitable for coat type

Vaccination Requirements:

• Rabies
  • Many puppies in Level 1 may not be old enough for Rabies vaccination at the start of class, but this must be supplied to the Front Desk staff by the 13th week of age per Indiana State Law
• Distemper
  • The 1st round must be given at least 5 days prior to the puppy attending class
    • If your puppy receives the 1st round too close to the first week of class, the puppy may be left home with the owners attending class
  • Boosters must be given at appropriate times and supplied to the staff to be eligible to acheive the STAR award
•  Bordetella-This vaccination is strongly recommended, but the option of signing a waiver will be available as vaccination is not a guarantee of immunity
  • The 1st round must be given at least 5 days prior to the puppy attending class (see Distemper parameters above)

To achieve the STAR Award owners and puppies must meet all the parameters set by the AKC, but achieving this award is NOT a precursor for any further training at Landheim. The STAR Award is designed to help owners work with their puppies from a young age, identifying areas of improvement for more advanced training in the future.