Our Rescue Rehab class is as much a training class for your pup as it is for you. First, we start with a temperament test to gauge where your pup is at and meet with you for a Pet Parent Check-in to identify areas you want to work on and your personal goals. Based on your pup's needs, we also set up special socialization, counter-conditioning, and desensitization sessions in a safe, low-stress manner to help your pup overcome any behavioral obstacles they may have. 

Class Length: 6 weeks (avg.)

 Sessions: 20 (avg.)

NOTE: This course is designed for pup parents with pups over 1 year old. If your pup is under 1 year old, we recommend our Puppy Preschool class unless you have specific concerns about where this class may be more relevant.

 
We'll walk you through what to expect in the first days and weeks, how to set up your home for success, and how to begin building routines around potty training, crate comfort, socialization, and basic handling. You'll also learn how to avoid common pitfalls and create positive early experiences that set the stage for a lifetime of learning and trust.

Think of it as your puppy parenting crash course — full of support, expert guidance, and practical tips to help you raise a happy, well-adjusted pup from the very beginning.

Upon checkout, please book TWO “Pawsitive Beginnings Class”  appointments. 

Start your new puppy off on the right paw! Our puppy preschool is a six-week program where we go over all the ins and outs of puppy parenthood, positively socialize your pup, and provide them with basic obedience training and communication skills. We also act as an expert resource for you during this critical time. If you have any questions or concerns about your new pup, we're here to help and support you and your family!

We schedule one Pet Parent Check-In and one 1:1 puppy training session each week. The initial sessions will take place in your home. As your pup advances, we may hold sessions locally to work on proofing specific skills in more distracting environments.

Initially, your dog may have only been exposed to its new human family, close relatives, and the
occasional new person. To become a true good canine citizen, they must learn to positively and appropriately interact with new people, places, and things.

1st Grade: Good manners while the owner greets new people

2nd Grade: Good manners when receiving petting from new people

3rd Grade: Accepts simple grooming and inspection of ears & feet

4th Grade: Proper reactions to common distractions in public

5th Grade: Proper reactions to loud and unfamiliar sounds in public

Once comfortable within their surroundings, the next level of learning for your dog is to teach
them how you will communicate to them how they will be expected to behave while out in the community.

6th Grade: Walks on a loose leash, including direction changes and stops

7th Grade: Sit and Down on cue, without luring

8th Grade: Sit-Stay or Down-Stay while the owner moves 20 feet away

Just as with humans, the last stage of learning before being sent off into the adult world is to
practice applying the skills we've learned in the new and unfamiliar places we've been preparing for.

9th Grade: Politely walking through a crowd of people on a loose leash

10th Grade: The owner greets someone with a dog; the dogs don't interact

11th Grade: The dog can be walked by someone other than the owner

12th Grade: The dog can be left with someone, with the owner out of sight

Upon completion of the program, K9 K-12 students will be ready to take the AKC Canine Good Citizen® Test hosted by Puppy Prep, by an AKC-approved Canine Good Citizen® Evaluator