3 FREE PUPPY CLASSES with MONTESSORI PLAYGROUP
-> Registration Link
  • our three free classes for puppies 7 - 16 weeks of age include playtime in class
  • we believe every puppy benefits from having puppy classes - in a safe, fun environment for you both
  • puppies must have their first shots
  • puppies who go to puppy class have a much lower chance of being surrendered to a shelter at age six months (generally the height of teenage puppy misbehaviour)
  • Follow-up 'Puppy Foundations" course is available at the end of three weeks.
  • Montessori education is characterized by an emphasis on independent thinking, freedom within limits, and respect for a youngster’s natural  development.  We want puppies to learn how to want to be great, well- mannered dogs- happy in your family.  We think puppy training basics are critical to make good family pets.
  • We help with puppy potty training
  • We work to help your puppy fit in well with older dogs and with cats
  • We handle puppy biting - too hard, on clothes, while growling - and help you understand if it is aggressive biting including puppy biting leash, puppy biting ankles and puppy biting too hard, puppy biting aggressively, finding puppy training near me
  • A great start is to download our FREE Puppy Socialization Checklist.
If you have registered for one of our puppy classes, please share our Facebook page with your friends so they can see your class photos.

Click on the Safety Pledge Button to see our safety commitment to you and your puppy!
ELITE PUPPY
MONTESSORI CLASS -
Sundays 9:30am - $200.00 -> Registration link
Want the deluxe package for your pup?  We offer an eight week (1.5 hours weekly) class for puppies that covers everything from nipping to down and stay.  Our playgroup is included and if you have to miss a session we arrange for you to sit in on one of our free puppy classes as a makeup.

COMING TO FREE or ELITE PUPPY CLASS?
  • Your are welcome to bring your family to class - just bring an extra 13+ year-old to look after the kids under age 8 so you can concentrate on your puppy (if this is difficult, please chat to us to work something out).  
  • We suggest using a flat buckle collar with a four foot nylon leash for training (or a harness for small dogs.)
  • Bring about 2 cups of raisin sized "high value" soft treats (think liver, cheese and similar goodies in small pieces) and 1 cup of your pup's kibble.  We do use food as rewards a lot at first, but teach you how to reduce relying on food over time.
  • Bring your vaccination papers from your vet.
  • Expect to stay about one hour, so make sure you've had breakfast.
  • Wear comfortable clothes (there will be a lot of getting up and down).
  • If you or anyone in your family has a medical condition or food allergy that may require accommodation or emergency treatment, please let your instructor know when you arrive in class.
PUPPY and SMALL DOG OPEN SOCIAL PLAYGROUPS

For puppies up to 20 weeks old and small dogs.

MUST NOT go to off leash parks.

The purpose of this group is socialization and fun - in an environment that is as safe and clean as possible.

Pups are separated into two groups based on age (with puppies 9-14 weeks in one group and pups 15-20 weeks in another) and/or size. Occasionally, depending on enrollment and the size of the puppies participating we may suggest a group that differs from your pup’s age to provide them more optimal social experiences - for example, a St. Bernard puppy may go into the older group after a week or two.

COST: Cost is $5 per session

TIMES:
Saturdays at 4:30pm - Large Puppy 15-20 weeks - (last entry 5:45 pm) - Book and pay

Saturdays at 5:30pm - All Small (small well-mannered dogs and puppies 9-14 weeks old) - (last entry 6:15pm) - Book & pay

RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED
A maximum of 8 puppies participate in each class at this time to help ensure COVID-19 safety protocols are followed.   Please PAY ON LINE to keep cash handling to a minimum.

What to Bring: Bring treats, vaccination records (if they are not already on file with us), and your dog on a regular leash (not retractable).  Note that puppies must have been in your home for a minimum of 7 days before they can attend their first playgroup.

Where: Play times are in our climate-controlled, clean facility with rubber flooring at 82 Woodlaw Road West, Guelph,, ON  N1H 1B2

 Kids: Well-mannered children are welcome. Children should not run & play with the dogs during the dogs' play time and must be supervised by someone 13 years+ NOT in charge of the dog.
What Vets say About Puppy Training:   American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) paper on:Puppy Socialization

Resources:
New Puppy Shopping List
It Takes a Pack to Raise a Puppy (from Suzanne Clothier)
Socializing Your Puppy
The Puppy Socialization Plan
An overview of Puppy Development Stages from Diamonds in the Ruff
B 4 U Get a Pet.ca
Before You Get Your New Puppy (a big download but well worth it)! The "big book" on getting a new puppy and training it from Dr. Ian Dunbar.