Puppy development program
A custom training program for you and your puppy during their critical first year. For puppies starting at 8 weeks old.
A Complete Training Program for You and Your Puppy
Training your puppy to become the perfect canine companion is a journey that starts as soon as you bring them home. Investing in your puppy at an early age is critical for establishing good habits and preventing unwanted behaviour.
The Puppy Development Program includes up to 12 months of training, custom tailored to the needs of you and your puppy. You will learn critical foundational skills and how to apply them to your real-life situations. With private coaching throughout the program, you’ll become an amazing life-long leader for your puppy through a relationship built on mutual trust and respect.

“Words cannot express how great Kim is with dogs. She took the time to work on the things that my Mini Australian Shepherd puppy, Cricket, really needed, as well as things I never thought of – things she knew would benefit us. Her approach to training is built on positive reinforcement and has set me and Cricket up for success. Kim has set the right foundation for me to build on, so I can continue to strengthen my bond with my pup. I highly recommend her.”
Lynn & Cricket
The Puppy Development framework

Formal Training
Formal training teaches you and your puppy obedience and other foundational skills required for them to successfully participate in different activities. This includes:
- Obedience (sit, down, stand, stay, leave-it, drop-it, etc…)
- Manners (proper greetings, impulse control, settle, bed, door-dashing, etc…)
- Loose-Leash Walking
- Recall
Socialization
Socialization is the key to raising a happy and well-adjusted dog. It is how they learn to interact with people and dogs, as well as how to cope in different environments and situations. This includes:
- Basic Puppy Socialization (people, dogs, cars, scooters, wheelchairs, elevators, etc.)
- Appropriate Play with Other Puppies
- Being Handled (grooming and vet visits)
- Staying Calm in Different Situations (looking to you for direction)
Lifestyle Training
Lifestyle training helps you apply foundational skills and socialization to real-life situations. This is where your dog truly becomes part of your family. Lifestyle Training can include things like:
- Off-Leash Fundamentals
- Car Ride Manners
- Cafe/Patio Etiquette
- Jogging/Biking/Hiking
- Hunting/Fishing
- Boating
- Canine Sports/Tricks
- Service Dog
What’s Included in the Puppy Development Program?
Standard Program
Completion Time: 6-8 Months
- ✅ Introduction & Goal Setting (2-week module)
- ✅ Puppy Kindergarten (4-week module)
- ✅ Obedience Level 1 (8-week module)
- ✅ Critical Skills Workshop #1 (3-week module)
- ✅ Lifestyle Training (8 private lessons)
- ✅ 1-on-1 Private Coaching & Check-Ins
Elite Program
Completion Time: 10-12 Months
- ✅ Introduction & Goal Setting (2-week module)
- ✅ Puppy Kindergarten (4-week module)
- ✅ Obedience Level 1 (8-week module)
- ✅ Critical Skills Workshop #1 (3-week module)
- ✅ Lifestyle Training (15 private lessons)
- ✅ Obedience Level 2 (6-week module)
- ✅ Critical Skills Workshop #2 (3-week module)
- ✅ Critical Skills Workshop #3 (3-week module)
- ✅ Board and Train (3 nights or 5 days)
- ✅ 1-on-1 Private Coaching & Check-Ins
Module Descriptions