Congratulations on Your New Puppy!

There is nothing quite like those first few weeks – the puppy breath, the zoomies, the chewed-up shoe you swore was out of reach. Puppyhood goes by fast, and the habits your pup builds now are the ones you will live with for the next ten to fifteen years. My goal is to help you get it right from the start, so your puppy grows into a calm, confident dog who is a joy to take everywhere.

When Should We Start?

The short answer: as soon as your puppy comes home. Puppies are learning every waking minute, whether we are teaching them or not. It is so much easier to build good habits than to undo bad ones later – I would much rather meet your puppy at ten weeks than get a call about a seventy-pound teenager who drags you down the street!

I work with puppies from 8 weeks to 7 months old. If your pup hasn’t finished their vaccinations yet, please don’t wait. We will start with the things that matter most at home and plan safe socialization as your veterinarian gives the go-ahead.

A tan and white puppy sitting on a dog bed

What Your Puppy Will Learn

Every puppy is different, so I tailor each lesson to your pup and your family. Here is what we will work on together:

Socialization

Meeting new people, dogs, sounds and places in a calm, positive way. Socialization isn’t about letting your puppy greet everyone – it’s about teaching them the world is not scary, and not a free-for-all either.

House and Crate Training

A simple routine that gets your puppy going potty in the right place, and a crate that becomes a safe, happy den instead of a jail. Good crate habits make vet visits, travel and car rides so much easier later.

Leash and Walk Foundations

You know I believe in the walk! We start the leash off right – no pulling, no zig-zagging – so your puppy learns to walk with you instead of dragging you. It is the foundation of everything I teach.

Bite Inhibition and Mouthing

Puppies explore the world with their mouths, and those needle teeth hurt! I will show you how to teach a soft mouth and redirect nipping before it becomes a habit – especially important with kids in the house.

Name and Recall

A puppy who turns to you when you say their name, and comes when called, is a safer puppy. We build a recall your pup is excited about, starting in the house and working up to real-world distractions.

Settling

Maybe the most underrated skill of all: learning to relax. We will teach an “off switch” and a place to settle, so your pup can lie quietly while you eat dinner, have guests over or work from home.

How It Works

All of my puppy training is private – just you, your family, your puppy and me. No crowded classes where your pup is too distracted to learn. We can meet in your home, where real life (and most of the mischief) happens, or at my place in Bellvue, where your puppy can learn around my calm, balanced pack. Scheduling is flexible, and we will work around your life.

Training doesn’t end when our lessons do. I remain available to you for the life of your dog.

The Perfect Pup

Ideal for those bringing home their new pup (8 weeks – 7 months old). Your pup will learn basic obedience, appropriate manners and how to make good choices. Starting with four lessons two weeks apart and ending in a one week Mini Mountain Retreat.

Phone evaluations are available
All puppies are different so we will be able to be flexible with you and your puppy!
After successful completion of a training program, you will be allowed to participate in group lessons and pack walks as offered.
Travel Fee will be added to outlying areas

See our dog training and dog rehabilitation services on our Services page.

What to Expect at Your First Session

Our first session is as much about you as it is about your puppy. Here is how it usually goes:

We talk. I want to hear about your household, your daily routine, who will be caring for the puppy and what you dream of doing together.
I meet your puppy. I watch how your pup explores, plays and responds to new things. Every puppy is different, and this tells me where to start.
We set up the basics. A potty and crate routine, feeding and exercise, and the first steps of leash work and name recognition.
You leave with a plan. Clear next steps and a little homework. A few short, simple sessions each day make a huge difference.

If you can, have everyone who will be handling the puppy there – kids included. Consistency across the whole family is what makes training stick. Have your puppy’s collar, leash and crate ready to go, and don’t worry about having everything figured out. That’s what I’m here for!

Puppy Training