Home

Services

Philosophy

Training Tips

Class Schedule

Custom Pets Dog Training Introduces:

The Puppy Discovery Experience is designed take advantage of a puppy's first

three months of life, because what he learns during that time, whether good or

bad, can affect his behavior and personality for the rest of his life. We provide a

unique socialization opportunity where your puppy learns all about everyday life in a fun and safe environment, sort of an interactive, instructional puppy party!

 
Benefits
First and foremost, this program is designed to help puppies learn to be 
comfortable with changes in their environment. A confident dog is less likely to 
develop problems caused by fear, such as barking, fear-biting, and fear-based aggression. This program’s safe 
and controlled exposure to different sights, sounds, surfaces, people, dogs and other experiences helps to 
create brave puppies. 
 
A common belief is that puppies should be ‘socialized’ by being taken to crowded places where dozens of people 
handle them in an uncontrolled and often overwhelming fashion. While this technique, called ‘flooding’, can be 
effective for some dogs, it’s much too frightening for most puppies, often teaching the dog to fear people and 
strange things. In the Puppy Discovery Experience, you will learn how to create safe and controlled situations in 
which to successfully socialize your puppy.
 
There won’t be any formal training, but your puppy - and you – are learning the whole time. Short but frequent 
training games are played throughout each session. These games are designed to teach the two-legged students 
how to influence and direct the puppies to appropriate behaviors in a way that is fun and conducive to learning. 
 
A typical session looks something like this:
-- Puppies begin to arrive and explore the environment while owners sit quietly on benches, chairs, stools, or 
floor. Novel stimuli will be available; floor surfaces, mirrors, things that move, etc. Puppies are not 
pressured or forced to explore, but rather encouraged and praised for doing so.
-- Every few minutes, you will be are directed to one of the motivational teaching signs posted around the 
room, and the moderator will help you play that training game with the puppies. For example, you might be
asked to watch for anything you consider brave or polite in your puppy and encourage it – calmly, briefly, 
and often, per the Encouragement sign. Other teaching opportunities include redirection for chewing, how 
to use reinforcement, checking in, and more. 
-- New stimuli replace pre-explored ones throughout the session, between training games.
 
Safety Considerations
The play area is double-gated, with one door/gate always closed between the loose puppies and outside.
 
Sessions are grouped based on puppy weight; under 12 pounds during the first hour of the 2-hour session, 
and 12 pounds and over in the second. 
 
The facility is set up to accommodate separation of puppies within weight group if necessary; for example, very 
shy puppies can be separated from very active puppies, or a 4-pound puppy can be paired with a calmer 8-pound 
one. This provides an excellent setup for helping the shy or smaller pup become braver by putting him with just 
one slightly more outgoing or a calm larger pup to start with.
 
Ask your veterinarian if the Puppy Discovery Experience is right for your pup! 
   Check Schedule
 
For more information, contact Lori.

© Custom Pets Dog Training – All Rights Reserved