This is a beginners' level class for young pups, "puppy kindergarten," for pups 8 weeks old to approximately 16 weeks old. Small breeds and/or older pups are also accepted for this class, however the pup must be under 30 lbs. in weight at the start of class. (Otherwise, you may wish to enroll in the Good Manners Class)

This is an Off-Leash Socialization class: the pups run and play, learning confidence and good social skills, and go home sleepy! Most behavioral problems in adult dogs are due, at least in part, to lack of socialization during infancy. Puppy Class (as well as Daycare) helps the pups grow into stable, well-balanced adults, who are far less likely to have adult behavioral problems.

While the pups are playing, the instructor teaches the owners the week's lesson. Topics covered include basic puppy raising (house training, chewing, etc.), basic obedience (come, sit, down, stay, etc.), and prevention of behavior problems. Because the majority of Alexandra's private clients are adult dogs with serious behavioral problems, she knows how to give the puppy owners the inside track on preventing these problems from happening. Click here to see the Good Puppy Class Syllabus.

When puppies are between 8 and 12 to 16 weeks of age, they are in what is known as the Imprinting Stage. This means that anything learned during this period becomes a permanent part of the pup's personality. It also becomes a part of the pup's automatic response system, a sort of "mental reflex." Therefore, in the first week of class, we cover three vital, age-related training issues: Socialization, Bite Inhibition, and Restraint Handling. If this training is not accomplished by 16 weeks of age, it is TOO LATE!

Needed for the first meeting:

The Good Manners Class is for pups over 16 weeks of age and friendly adult dogs. Pups must be over 30 lbs. at the start of class (otherwise, you may be able to enroll in Good Puppy Class). This is basically the same class as the Good Puppy Class, but formatted a little differently for the older pups. Click here to see the Good Manners Class Syllabus.

If the dog is over a year old (female or neutered male), or over 8 months un-neutered male, he/she will need a 15-minute evaluation to determine if the dog is friendly enough for the class. There is no charge for this, but it must be scheduled in advance.

Needed for the first meeting:

1. Vaccination Records: Proof of current Distemper complex and Rabies.
Note: Bordatella vaccine is not required

3. Soft, yummy treats!

This is an intermediate level class for puppies who have completed the Good Puppy Class or Good Manners Class. Alexandra's private lesson dogs are also eligible. Pups who have completed a beginners' level course elsewhere may also join, but must be able to perform "sit," "down," "come," and "stay" for up to 30 seconds with other dogs present! Call for an evaluation appointment.

Needed for the first meeting:

1. Vaccination Records: Proof of current Distemper complex and Rabies.
Note: Bordatella vaccine is not required

This is an advanced class, for Good Puppy Class II graduates or "advanced" level dogs from elsewhere, or Alexandra's private lesson dogs. No new material is included in this class; rather, there will be lots of practice for the CGC Test, including game playing.

The final session will be the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Test. In order to earn a certificate and brass collar tag, the dog must be over one year of age when passing the test; otherwise the dog will receive an Honorable Mention Certificate, and may retest at a later date.

Needed for the first meeting:

Vaccination Records: Proof of current Distemper complex and Rabies.
Note: Bordatella vaccine is not required

3. Soft, yummy treats!