C.A.R.E. Puppy Program
Support focused on a puppy’s welfare
When “behavior problems” arise with our family dogs, it’s not a matter of obedience, or that they simply just need more “training”. Rather, these “problems” are actually an expression of a dog’s complex needs, and often involve ‘normal’ canine-specific behaviors. These tend to occur in contexts we humans may understandably find “undesirable”, challenging and frustrating. This is especially the case with puppies!
Our C.A.R.E. Puppy Program™️ is focused on the individual puppy’s well-being and their needs - from the sensitive period of socialization (3-12 weeks), through their juvenile stage (3-6 months), and into the start of adolescence. We seek to first understand the puppy’s unique needs, or L.E.G.S.® (Learning, Environment, Genetics, Self). We then consider how that all intersects with the family, so we can provide strategies to support the puppy’s needs and welfare. Learn more below…
Step 1: Puppy Consult
This is the starting point, where we provide individualized recommendations to support the puppy and family. This is a proactive approach, so we recommend starting your puppy at 8-10 weeks of age. Eligibility: puppies up to 6 months of age.
What’s included:
• Assessment of your puppy's history and L.E.G.S.®
• Puppy Plan- prevention, provisions and enrichment, training life skills; instruction and feedback; handouts, text and video support; and an emailed report to you and your primary veterinarian.
Cost: $185 per 90-minute consult
A travel fee may apply for in-home puppy consults and packages; see scheduling page for more details.
Step 2: Six Session Puppy Package
With the completion of a puppy consult, you can elect a Six Session Puppy Package to support your puppy’s needs and welfare throughout their development. Sessions are in-home, scheduled every 2-3 weeks. We recommend scheduling the first package session immediately following your puppy consult.
What’s included:
Positive socialization adventures, social bonding
Provisions for healthy natural behaviors in nature, social/play with other puppies
Teaching life skills (recall, calm settle, leash walking) in safe environments, breed-specific provisions/needs
Environmental management, predictable patterns
Strategies for grooming/vet visits, basket muzzle training
“Hands on” Instruction and feedback, handouts, and text and video support— helping humans with the “puppy woes”!
Cost: $675 for six one-hour puppy sessions
