Class requirements:

  • WALK-INS ARE NOT ALLOWED at this time.  Please contact Dan at least 24 hours ahead of time.
  • Paper proof of RECENT veterinary exam and DHPP vaccination (or similar vaccine protecting against distemper and canine parvovirus).  Also, the kennel cough vaccine (bordetella) and canine influenza vaccine are recommended but not required for participation in class.  Rabies is not a required vaccine for this class.  A recent exam is defined as a wellness visit within the last 4 weeks.  Sick visits and breeder exams do not count.  Stack veterinary clients do not need paper proof as their records will be in our system.
  • Proof of a negative fecal test or proof that an appropriate dewormer has been given by a veterinarian
  • Your puppy must be between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks in order to participate in a session.
  • Your puppy must not be aggressive or play too roughly.  If you are concerned your pup may be aggressive or a rough player, contact Dan.
  • Puppies will not be permitted in class if they are coughing, sneezing, or experiencing vomiting or diarrhea.  If your puppy had these symptoms, they must be well for at least 48 hours before they will be allowed into puppy class.
  • If your puppy has just been to the vet, it's generally not a good idea to attend puppy class that same day.  Puppies are often stressed, painful, or grouchy after their vet visits!

Kindergarten dates and times:

Puppy kindergarten is on a break currently during renovations to our training facility
Q. Where and how do I sign up and pay for class?
A.  To sign up for class, use the link that says "Sign up for class".  This tells Trainer Dan you're coming, but it's not official until you get confirmation from him.  He'll email or call you to make sure you meet the requirements.  Regarding payment, it's free to sign up and then you pay for each session that you attend.  You do this by going to the front desk before the kindergarten session.  If you plan to pay at the time of the session, PLEASE COME EARLY.  5 minutes would be enough.  It's fine to call ahead and pay or stop by in person to do so.

Q. Can I buy more than one session at a time?
A. You may purchase multiple sessions or just one at a time.  It certainly saves time to buy multiple sessions at once.

Q. Is this a course where I have to start from the beginning?
A.  No.  You can attend any of the kindergarten sessions or all of them (provided your puppy is within the age requirements).

Q. Can I attend kindergarten sessions with Dan but also with other trainers?
A. Yes, absolutely!  There are several other trainers in the area who offer fantastic kindergarten and socialization programs.  The more of these you do, the better!  Talk to Dan and get his recommendations.

Q. How long is each session?
A.  Each session runs for 45-50 minutes.

Q. Where do I go for class?
A.  Classes are held at Stack Veterinary Hospital located at 5092 Velasko Road in Syracuse, NY 13215.  When you get here, park in the front and come to the reception area, even if you have pre-paid for class.

Q. What should I bring with me to class?
A.  Soft, bite-size treats (the most exciting treats you can find), a chew toy, a non-retractable leash, and a properly fitting collar or harness.

Q. Who should I bring with me to class?
A. Your puppy!  Also, well-behaved spouses, children, grandparents and grandchildren!  Seriously- your family and friends are invited and encouraged to attend puppy class with you.  Just make sure that if you bring children younger than 8, there is an additional parent or guardian able to directly supervise.  All participants must be able to understand and follow instructions, as well as sit quietly when asked.

Q. What is covered in class?
A. The kindergarten curriculum is geared towards the needs of young puppies so we cover biting, mouthing, chewing, potty training, socialization, and simple obedience commands like Come, Sit, and Down.  The same commands are reviewed each week, but the discussion topic varies week to week on a rotating basis.  For further obedience training, you should enroll in a Level I course or do some private training with Dan.  Remember there is no age requirement for private training but your puppy must be older than 12 weeks in order to do the introductory obedience class "Level I".

Q. Will the puppies in Puppy Kindergarten be allowed to interact with the other puppies and people?
A. Puppy kindergarten is all about interacting with other puppies and people.  Class is conducted off-leash within the safe confines of the training center. This facilitates the development of strong social skills most important of which is a love of being handled by new people.  Puppy playtime with other puppies is also important since this is how pups learn to play nicely and develop a "soft mouth".  That said, some puppies are a little too rough while other puppies are little too shy for puppy kindergarten.  If you feel your pup falls into either category, touch base with Dan and he'll advise you on the best options for your little one.

Q. So my dog will be totally trained after attending these puppy classes?
A. Nope.  These classes get you started off the right way but training is a life-long commitment.  Certainly the canine adolescent stage (6 months to 2 years) is the toughest and you will benefit from learning additional skills beyond what is taught in Puppy Kindergarten.  You will want to get into private training or a Level I class so Dan can help guide you.  Most dogs who have been through Puppy Kindergarten excel in private training or Level I and calm down significantly when they reach 1 to 2 years of age, provided their owners keep up with training and the dog is given sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. 

Q. If I'm going to have to do private training or take Level I anyway, why should I bring my puppy to Kindergarten?
A. Puppies are like clean slates.  From the ages of about 1-4 months, they are very open to new experiences and will quickly learn to tolerate or even love just about anything.  You should take advantage of this sensitive period by starting from day 1 teaching them manners and socializing them so they learn to like people and other dogs.  By the time a puppy is 4 months old, the sensitive period is ending and your opportunity to prevent problems like anxiety and aggression is gone.  Training can still help you solve problems but it's much easier to prevent them in the first place.  Taking a puppy socialization class will make this task much less daunting and you'll actually have fun!  The Level I class is more focused on obedience and has less emphasis on socialization.  As for private training, that can be whatever you want it to be, but it's hard to socialize when you're training in private!

Q. My puppy is already good.  I can skip puppy kindergarten, right?
A. Puppy Kindergarten can take a good puppy and make him GREAT!  It's true that some puppies are very good to begin with.  Their genetics and early experiences have made them super social and easy-going.  These puppies are a joy to live with but an easy baby can spoil you and give the false impression that no serious effort needs to be made to further socialize or train.  When the baby gets older, when your puppy develops into an adolescent, it's too late to go back!  It's wiser to do everything right from the beginning.

Q. Can I attend without a puppy?
A.  Yes, absolutely!  If you're still in the pre-puppy planning stages, now is a GREAT time to attend at least one kindergarten session.  You will learn a lot and your help will be much appreciated as a volunteer to assist with puppy cuddling and other socialization exercises.  Bring the whole family!!  You can attend for free if you are a puppy class alum or have done other training with Dan.

Q. My puppy is afraid of people or other dogs.  Will this class help with that?
A.  Pups that are merely a little shy or who have mild fears can become more confident with gentle exposure to the feared thing, but these situations need to be handled delicately on a case-by-case basis.  Please contact Trainer Dan to discuss your training goals before you go and enroll in puppy kindergarten.