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Neighbor News

What a Well-Run Puppy Class Looks Like

Hint: it's not about teaching sit and down!

While I don't run puppy classes myself, I often get asked about training needs for new puppies. The answer is always: focus on house-training, chew-training, and alone-time training, as dogs are often relinquished to shelters because they eliminate in the home and chew stuff up. Puppies also must have positive socialization in a well-run puppy class. Studies have shown again and again that early positive experiences up to about 16 - 18 weeks of age can prevent a lifetime of fears in your dog (fears that are extremely difficult to undo and can give your dog a poor quality of life).

My brilliant colleague Mary Thompson at Happy Hound University shows what a well-run puppy class should look like. Click here to check out all the adorable-ness and super-smart training!


Based in Medford, Mass., Janice Z Dog Training holds all one-on-one training sessions live and online. No need to wear a mask or worry about being 6' away from others, no need to bundle the dog into a car, tidy the house for the trainer’s visit, or get a babysitter for the kids. Visit Janice Z Dog Training for more information and sign up for her monthly newsletter here.

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