Puppy Pre-K

Starting a puppy off on the right foot (or paw!) is the absolute best thing you can do to ensure their life-long success and well being. If that feels like a lot of pressure, have no fear! We are here to tackle all the hard parts for you - housebreaking, crate training, confidence building, environmental exposure, safe socialization, obedience foundations, play development… Puppy Pre-K is the jumpstart every puppy needs.

Puppy Pre-K is our 3 week board-and-train program for 10 to 16-week-old* puppies. Your puppy will come to live in-home with one of our trainers and you’ll receive daily updates so you can keep track of what they’re up to! When you come to pick up your puppy at the end of the 3 weeks, we will do a go home lesson with you to go over everything they’ve learned and we will send you home with ideas of what and how to practice to continue your puppy’s progress!

Puppy Pre-K is unique among our training programs as it serves the purpose of STARTING training, but not finishing it. Expecting advanced obedience from a 12-week-old puppy would be like expecting a toddler to have a college degree. Appropriate expectations are extremely important when working with puppies. That being said, enrolling your puppy in our Puppy Pre-K program is like sending them to the very best primary school in preparation for a top notch Ivy League education. When reviewing the commands and markers listed below, consider that most of these concepts will be introduced during Puppy Pre-K, but not refined until later in training.

Because we want to see your dog through the entirety of their training, we only offer Puppy Pre-K in combination with our comprehensive training packages - The Bestie, Keen Camp, and the Whole Enchilada.

*While this program is a great fit for 10 to 16-week-old puppies, we do occasionally work with puppies who are outside of this age range. Please schedule a virtual consultation so we can discuss whether this package is a good fit for your dog!

INCLUDED COMMANDS WE BELIEVE EVERY DOG SHOULD KNOW:

NAME RECOGNITION – look to you for direction when name is given
HERE – recall to handler
SIT – sit and remain in position until released, automatic sits at heel position
DOWN – down and remain in position until released
PLACE – go to a specific boundary and remain until released (bed, crate, etc.)
HEEL – walk on left side, nose to knee, auto sit when handler stops walking
SWITCH – switch from left side to right when heeling
LET’S GO – follow along, less structured loose leash walk
WATCH – make eye contact with handler
TOUCH – two paws on object, i.e. a rubber feed bowl
OUT – drop a toy

INCLUDED MARKERS WE BELIEVE EVERY DOG SHOULD KNOW:

KEEN/CLICK – terminal marker / release word for food reward direct from handler; builds drive, enthusiasm and engagement
GET IT – terminal marker / release word for toy reward or food reward delivered indirectly by handler (tossed out)
YES – terminal marker / release word for toy reward direct from handler (optional)
FREE – terminal marker / release word with no reward (freedom is the reward)
GOOD – duration marker; let’s your dog know you like what they are doing and to keep doing that behavior; food, affection, or praise reward
NICE – duration marker; let’s your dog know you like what they are doing and to keep doing that behavior; no reward (optional)
EH-EH – lets your dog know that they are on the wrong track
NO – stop unwanted behaviors

Frequently Asked Questions

What areas does KeenDog serve?

We primarily serve the Charlotte, NC / Fort Mill, SC area. Surrounding communities we serve include Pineville, Matthews, Monroe, Huntersville, Concord, Indian Land, Tega Cay, Rock Hill and more. If you are not local to the Carolinas, Puppy Pre-K may still be a good option for you if you’re willing to drop off and pick up in the Charlotte area. We would recommend combining Puppy Pre-K with Keen Camp if you’re not local. Please schedule a virtual consultation with us so we can discuss in greater detail!

What is the wait time for Puppy Pre-K?

We try our best to get puppies in for training as soon as possible. On average, our wait time is 1 to 3 weeks for puppies, but this can vary. We always recommend reaching out as soon as possible, even before you bring your puppy home!

Will I work with multiple trainers or just one?

When you sign up for Puppy Pre-K, a trainer will be assigned based on availability, breed experience, and client preference. Typically puppy’s stay with one trainer for the duration of their stay, but occasionally they will work with more than one due to availability.

What training methods are used?

We take a modern, balanced approach to training. We do not use a one size fits all approach; we train the dog in front of us, utilizing all four quadrants of operant conditioning.

Why must I sign up for another training package in addition to Puppy Pre-K?

At KeenDog, we finish what we start. We don’t just want to just potty train your puppy and send you on your way… there are trainers out there that will do that for you. We want you to live an optimal life with your dog. We want to holistically train them to be the best that they can be, and we want to train you as well, so that you can pick up where we’ve left off and hold them accountable long term.

Is an e-collar included with this package?

No, but an e-collar will be included in the comprehensive package that you purchase in addition to Puppy Pre-K (the Bestie, Keen Camp, or the Whole Enchilada).

Is a training manual included with this package?

Yes! The training manual is a comprehensive reference PDF that covers everything taught in lessons.

Is KeenDog boarding included with this package?

Yes! Access to boarding with our KeenDog trainers is included with this package (additional fees apply).

Are KeenDog group classes included with this package?

Access to KeenDog group classes will be included with the comprehensive package that you purchase in addition to Puppy Pre-K. Please see our KeenDog Social Community Facebook group for the current class schedule.

Do you offer discounts for completing training with multiple dogs?

Yes! We offer a $500 discount for the second dog if you are signing up two at once. If you would like to complete training with more than two dogs, please reach out before signing up!

Not sure which package is right for you and your dog? Schedule a virtual consultation with one of our trainers. They’ll be happy to discuss your needs and point you in the right direction!

$2,800.00 USD

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Services:

KeenDog shall provide dog training services, Keen Content, and/or a Pro Educator 900 collar set (if included in course / training package). KeenDog will provide all instruction on how to properly train dog using the KeenDog training system.

Keen Content:

Online course content is copyright © 2024 by KeenDog Training. All rights reserved.
No part of any KeenDog Training online course may be reproduced or distributed without written permission from the copyright owner.

Scheduling:

Scheduling is done through our website by client: keendogtraining.com and lessons are booked out on a 7-14 day cycle to ensure consistency between client and KeenDog. All one-on-one lessons must be completed within one year of purchase. For Immersion Training, the scheduling of specific dates should be set up by emailing KeenDog directly at [email protected].

Liability:

Client is responsible for their pet at all training sessions, including group classes and social outings. Client is solely liable for any injury to persons or damage to property caused by the pet. Client agrees that KeenDog will provide all necessary instruction and equipment for training of their dog, but it is up to the Client for success of the KeenDog training program. If pet is aggressive, then client must muzzle dog during training session to avoid causing harm to other people and animals.

Results:

At the conclusion of the one on one coaching sessions and/or the immersion training with KeenDog, the Client will be asked to demonstrate the skills of their pet that have been established through the KeenDog training system. These skills shall include: coming when called (“here”), heeling next to handler, sit/stay, down/stay, place command, being able to correct an unwanted behavior, play development, proper management techniques and knowledge of release command “keen!” All dogs have different temperaments and their owners vary in ability and willingness to follow the program; therefore results will vary. If Client follows the training instructions provided and at the conclusion of the program, the pet fails to perform the skills required, at clients option, trainer will continue to work with the client and the pet. KeenDog does not guarantee services nor does KeenDog give refunds.

Images:

Trainer may photograph and/or video training sessions for future use in training, advertising or other purposes. Client consents to trainer’s use of images and videos of client and pet in such manner.

Payment:

KeenDog accepts PayPal, cash, check, debit or credit card transactions. If the payment is divided up, KeenDog requires to keep a card on file and Client’s next payment will be ran a month after original payment and so forth automatically. A charge of $50 shall be charged for any check returned unpaid by your financial institution for any reason.