80% of your puppy's brain is fully developed by 20 weeks of age. In just a few short months, dogs go from mewling, blind newborns to the developmental equivalent of a ten year old child.

Do not miss this crucial stage of development - the experiences your puppy has during those early months will create a lasting impact on your dog's behavior and personality. It also sets the stage for your relationship with your dog.

Our puppy education curriculum is modelled on the best practices of service dog schools for their puppies in training. Training sessions are private, and take into consideration the unique needs and circumstances of your household.

Our curriculum is designed to teach your dog how to understand the human world, communicate well with you, and live the best life possible.

Many of our clients are hoping that their puppy will one day become their own service dog. Many are just looking to have the best relationship with their dog possible. Whatever your motives, the goal is the same - to give your dog the best possible start in life, and to create a bond that will last for the lifetime of your dog.

A dog who has been through our puppy curriculum can:

• Walk happily with their human, instead of dragging them.
  
• Calm themselves down when they get excited.
• Interact with humans, including children, appropriately and safely.
• Interact with other dogs appropriately and safely.
• Behave appropriately in human spaces such as homes and stores.
• Make good choices independently without needing to be ordered.
• React intelligently to new situations.
• Understand terms like "later", "wait", "be patient", and "settle".
• Know names of household members and common objects. 
• "Help" around the house by closing doors, cleaning up toys, and/or sorting laundry.
• Communicate their needs intelligently and understand their humans' response.
• Return to their owner voluntarily when off the leash.
• Respond to casual, conversational English. 

Our methods incorporate the latest advances in canine cognition and education including:

• Force-free, choice-based education.
• Attachment/Trust based approach.
• Intensive socialization.
• Social learning.
• Behavior modelling.
• Language and communication.
• Positive, pain-free leadership.

However, we do have frequent group field trips and park meet ups so our clients' dogs can play, have fun, explore, and learn together.

• In-person private training sessions in the comfort of your home or online via Zoom or Google Meet.
• Field trips to pet-friendly stores and parks.
• Homework and online educational materials exclusive to Wag the Dog members.
• An online community where you can connect with other dog guardians
• Puppy meet ups and play sessions.

OR become  a member and pay monthly as you work through the curriculum at your own pace.