Off The Leash Academy
The swfl Dog Trainer
Puppy Grade K-9
Your dog is never too young to begin training and the earlier you start, the better.
Avoid common mistakes before unwanted behaviors begin.
One of the biggest misconceptions about puppy training is that it is obedience training. I may look at puppy training differently from other trainers and organizations. I can teach a 12 year old dog obedience. But I may not be able to fix very problematic behavior issues in the same dog. My main focus with puppies is teaching them to live in our homes. Housebreaking is my #1 priority, followed closely by social behavior, confidence building, building a tolerance to touch and handling and eliminating puppy biting and destructive behavior.
Obedience commands and training, such as, Sit, Down, Here and Heel, are relatively minor in importance to building a puppy that is confident, social, pleasant, quiet, relaxed and fun. Instead of one that is vocal, destructive, nipping & biting, fearful, anti-social, or one who pees on your carpet and tile or poops in every corner of your house, on your bed or even in your shoes (yes this happens!!). There are plenty of dogs in the world who know only a couple of commands, but are amazing dogs because they are polite, respectfully and know the house rules. In an older pup (over 20 weeks), obedience can help you control your dog, lead your dog, show your pup what you are looking for because their brain is at a more mature point of development. In young puppies, we have to shape behaviors and create good habits which allow us to avoid problems entirely instead of trying over the life of your dog to fix a problem that really began in puppyhood. I have seen many dogs with behavior problems that actually have good obedience behaviors because obedience was the focus in the beginning. Obedience is important, but it can be trained at any point over a its life. I generally begin formal obedience in dogs over 20 weeks old. I do introduce puppies to the basic commands, but I do not hold them accountable to them the way I may hold an adult or adolescent dog to the same command. I shape the behavior, repeat it often and keep it fun, so your pup doesn't even realize he is "working". I build good habits which can then be refined and polished as the pup matures.
We offer puppy training programs...
First Step (Included at No Charge): In this Private consultation. We discuss things before your pup arrives, when you come home together or after your pup is in the house. We will talk to you and your family about what we would like to accomplish and how to interact with your pup to avoid mistakes while you have the puppy. We will also discuss how we can help you make your new puppy everything you want it to be. The consultation lasts about two hours and covers a spectrum of different subjects.
Housebreaking / Crate Training
Control of Resources
Food / Feeding
Handling Exersizes/ Building a tolerance to touch
Grooming ( including nail trimming )
Leash management
Socialization
Toys & Games
Schedules
Getting the family involved
Preventing / Stopping puppy biting
Fear/Nervousness / Imprinting
Timelines for Training
Types and Methods of Training
Advantages/Disadvantages of each method
What you would like to achieve
Puppy Elementary:
This 2 to 6 week program is conducted in my home for puppies over 14 weeks of age. This two to Six week program goes over everything in the puppy consultation but in greater detail over these subjects in an easier to digest format:
Housebreaking / Crate Training
Control of Resources
Food / Feeding
Handling Drills / Building a tolerance to touch
Preparing your dog for the Vet
Grooming ( including nail trimming )
Leash management
Socialization
Toys & Games
Schedules
Reducing barking, whining and crying
Avoiding major and minor mistakes
Getting the family involved
Preventing / Stopping puppy biting
Fear / Nervousness / Imprinting
Timelines for Training
Words used
Expectations and Boundries
The Future
Additionally, the Puppy Elementary Program creates the following habits:
Obedience (Sit, Down, Here, Heel and Place)
Games: Frisbee, Retrieving and Agility
Socialization with puppies and adult dogs at the end of each session.
Tactical experiences (building confidence on a variety of item surfaces & shapes including agility and confidence building equipment
Upon completion your puppy will be responding to commands and practicing all the good behaviors we have instilled.
* 4 week may be off leash ready
* 6 week is off leash ready
We service Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples, North Fort Myers, Marco Island and all surrounding areas with exceptional puppy training to set you up for success.
Call (239) 560-8681 to schedule your evaluation today.