Our Goals:

•Potty Training

•Crate Comfort

•Fun & safe play behaviors

•Socialization

•Teaching basic learning skills- clicker, luring, motivation, etc..

Between eight and twelve weeks, puppies begin forming the foundation for their lifelong relationship with both humans and other dogs. During this stage, puppies learn from their canine family and their human family, developing bite inhibition, communication skills, and social structure awareness.

We gently introduce puppies to new experiences that might otherwise be intimidating—such as household pets, vacuums, loud noises, and other everyday environments.

At the same time, we begin teaching appropriate play behaviors and early learning skills. Every experience is kept positive by working at the puppy’s pace and using praise, treats, and encouragement.

Our goal is simple: build confidence while giving you peace of mind.

Our Goals:

• Continued potty training, crate comfort, safe play behaviors, and socialization

• Creating a training schedule that fits your lifestyle

• Learning foundational commands such as sit, down, stay, and leash walking

• Teaching custom tasks that support your lifestyle as your puppy grows

This stage often includes a fear period, where puppies may become cautious or unsure of things they previously handled easily.

Our approach is to provide a secure, supportive environment where learning remains positive and consistent. We never force a puppy into a situation that frightens them. Instead, we continue gradual exposure to new experiences while encouraging your puppy to look to us for guidance and reassurance.

With patience, structure, and a thoughtful training plan, your puppy learns to navigate this stage with confidence—strengthening their trust in you along the way.

Our Goals

• Continued crate comfort, safe play, socialization, command reliability, and schedule upkeep.

• Confident leash walking

• Teaching lifestyle-based skills as your puppy matures

• Trial overnight stays

• Graduation from our puppy program

This stage can be one of the most challenging for dog owners. As puppies grow out of their fear period, curiosity and energy increase dramatically. Your dog will also begin testing boundaries as they develop independence and their adult personality.

During this time, it’s important to provide plenty of mental and physical enrichment while maintaining consistent rules and routines.

Structure doesn’t mean punishment—it means clear expectations, calm leadership, and positive reinforcement.

With the right guidance, this stage becomes an opportunity to shape a confident, well-mannered adult dog.

Our Goals

• Flexible scheduling for daycare based on your dog’s needs and yours

• Overnight stays when needed

Adolescence brings new challenges. Your dog may suddenly display increased independence or selective listening.

During this stage, it’s important to keep training engaging and mentally stimulating. By continuing to challenge your dog with new environments and skills, you reinforce the habit of looking to you for guidance and direction.

Some dogs may also experience a second fear period during this time. Consistent, calm leadership helps your dog develop confidence and maturity as they transition into adulthood.

Goals:

•Overnight stays when needed

•Flexible scheduling for daycare based on your dog’s needs and yours

•Continuing the training learned over the past year, and growing your dog/handler relationship

Many dogs retain “puppy-like” behaviors for up to two years, but around 18 months most dogs begin developing stronger self-control and emotional maturity.

By this stage, your dog’s core personality is becoming more established. Whether they are outgoing and fearless or more cautious and thoughtful, ongoing training helps strengthen your bond and expand their comfort in new environments.

Training never truly ends—it simply evolves as your dog grows.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) offers a wide range of programs that help you strengthen your relationship with your dog.

We often recommend beginning with the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program.

What is CGC?

The Canine Good Citizen™ (CGC) program is a two-part course designed to help you and your dog become the best team possible.

CGC training helps dogs learn to behave politely in everyday situations while building long-lasting trust with their owners.

It also lays the foundation for advanced AKC activities including:

• Obedience
• Agility
• Tracking
• Performance sports

Denver Area - Prescription Pet Program

What makes a successful Therapy Dog?

• Highly socialized and comfortable in many environments
• Confident in parks, public spaces, patios, and busy areas
• Focused and responsive to their handler
• Gentle and friendly with people—especially children
• Adaptable to new environments

Obedience test

In order to become a prescription pet, your dog must pass an obedience test. Your dog is expected to:

Consistently obey commands including sit, stay, down, heel, and leave it

Follow loose-leash heeling without any harnesses, nose harnesses, pinch collars or choke chains

Remain calm and quickly recover from unexpected events including distractions, exuberant greetings, and being in crowded or unpredictable environments.