Puppy Steps

Crate games
Socialization - Exposure to novel sights, sounds, smells, people, and other dogs in a safe, clean, expertly-supervised environment is key to a dog’s well-being and happiness.
exposure
puppy manners
naps
Nature Pup - safe off leash experience
Pond puppy
learn to board
​Grooming and body handling training

focused on careful exposure to novel objects, sights and sounds, off leash following outdoors, early grooming, body handling and gentle introduction to suitable playmates. Some puppies are ready for the early stages of sit, down, come and place. The program is individualized and occurs as an additional activity during a normal day of daycare.
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PuppySteps  (level 1)

​Get your puppy started with good habits and positive exposures.  This 6 session program will introduce your new family member to all the things that make for a well rounded and balanced dog.  During their first months of life puppies develop impressions about the world around them that will last a lifetime.  It’s the best time in their development to establish good habits and introduce them to as many new things and experiences as possible. With safe and proper guidance, our professional staff will guide your puppy though new sounds, sights, and surfaces while encouraging curiosity and fostering resilience. The Grinning Dog facility is unique. We’re able to utilize our 10 acres of fenced woods, meadow and pond to expose your puppy to real life situations. Along with these sensory exposures we will begin the foundations of basic manners training.
These 6 sessions are ½ hour long and are incorporated into a puppy’s regular day of daycare.  As your puppy’s socialization period is brief, we recommend that your puppy attend at least two days per week.  If twice a week doesn’t work for your schedule, we’re happy to accommodate what works best for you.
The Puppy Steps Program includes handouts to continue the work at home; two fifteen minute phone consults with the trainer per week; plus video of your puppy’s progress.
​$275