Puppy Kindergarten is a dynamic and educational class designed for puppies that are 12 to 18 weeks old when the class starts.  It introduces the world of positive training to you in a way that will keep you challenged and excited about working with your puppy.  You will learn how to lure, shape and capture behaviors so that teaching your puppy manners will be fun for you and lay the foundation for how to learn in a fun manner in the future.  You and your puppy attend class once a week for one hour on Thursday evenings and then practice at home for a very short period several times each day.  Class begins at 7:00 p.m. or 8:00 p.m.  You will need to bring a 6 foot leather or nylon lead, an adjustable buckle collar (both of which may be purchased at our facilities if needed), some soft puppy treats, and of course your puppy. The cost of the class is $150, including Apprentice Membership, and all classes are held indoors in our air-conditioned and heated facility.

Although family members are encouraged to participate at times, one person must train the puppy through all of the classes.  Children must be at least 12 years old to act as the primary handler and all children must be directly supervised by an adult while in our facility.

Our program is designed to help you create a working relationship with your puppy during this critical developmental period.  We teach you the skills you need to train your puppy how to be a well behaved member of your family.  This includes: 

• How to look to you and pay attention to you in a distracting or scary situation
  
• How to walk politely on a leash
  
• How to come happily and quickly when called    
  
• Training your puppy how to sit, down, and stay
  
• How to wait and stay, and the difference between the two
  
• How to go to a designated place and lie down on command
  
• How to perform tricks
  

We also work with you to help your puppy develop confidence and physical coordination through play and the use of equipment such as the tunnel, stairs, ladder, and balance cushions.  We introduce the puppies to different surfaces and encourage you to expose them to a wide variety of sights and experiences through the "Social Butterfly" work.  You are encouraged to research your breed and help others understand your puppy's breed characteristics.  

At the end of each class we have a discussion period where we deal with any training or behavioral issues you may have (such as barking, jumping, biting, or chewing) and talk about socialization, grooming, crate training, and feeding schedules.  Any and all questions are welcomed.  You also have access to your instructors through email for any problems that arise during the week.  

Enrollment in each class is limited to a small number of puppies.  Participants must pre-register by submitting an application and payment in full - see the "SIGN UP NOW - APPLICATION AND PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS ARE HERE" link at the top of the page.  Most classes typically fill up 7 to 10 days in advance.  

If the class is already full when we receive your application, we will contact you immediately to discuss other options.  If upon receipt of your application, we do have room in the class for you, we will confirm your registration by email.  Then one week prior to the class start date, we confirm  your registration with a reminder of the date and time for the first class.  

This first class (Class Start Date) is a required class - if you do not attend the first class, you will not be able to participate in the remaining classes and no refunds will be given. 

CANCELLATION POLICY

Any cancellations must be received no later than 48 hours prior to the Class Start Date (noted in the table above).  No refunds will be issued after this.​

VACCINATION RECORDS

We do require that all puppies have at least their second set of puppy shots as well as bordetella.  We will not allow a puppy into our building until we receive written proof from your veterinarian that all vaccinations are current.  The form your veterinarian needs to sign is included with the application which you may return to us with your application or bring to class on the first night.

Existing CATC members should follow the above same procedures to register for Puppy Kindergarten including the submission of the vaccination history form.  They may take the class for free - Two spots in each session are reserved for them.  They must pre-register by submitting an application and the required vaccination record to the Apprentice Membership Chair - see the "SIGN UP NOW - APPLICATION AND PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS ARE HERE" link at the top of the page.  Applications are accepted in the order that they are received and these two spots are on a first come-first serve basis.

Puppy Kindergarten Class

The scheduled start dates and corresponding puppy birth dates for the Puppy Kindergarten  class are listed below. PLEASE NOTE:  we strictly adhere to the age requirements, and you should make sure that your puppy will be the appropriate age when the class starts.

Our Puppy classes are on Thursday evenings at 7 P.M. and 8 P.M. ONLY.  Start dates for the next sessions are below.​

SIGN UP NOW - APPLICATION AND PAYMENT INSTRUCTIONS ARE  HERE

NEW:   Now there are classes at 7 and 8 p.m. on Thursday nights!!!!!

​​Columbus All-Breed Training Club​