Puppy Preparatory
Mastery Program

​The Puppy Preparatory Mastery Program is a multi-phase program designed to provide puppies with foundational training during their early months and to address new challenges that arise as they grow older. This unique structure ensures your puppy not only starts strong but stays on track for long-term success. Our program offers a flexible, staggered approach, allowing puppies to receive tailored training at critical stages in their development.
 

Phase 1: Onboarding & Goal Setting

Duration: 1 to 2  Weeks

During the first phase, we will connect with you for a video call to learn more about your puppy, training goals, prior dog experiences, household, and more so we can design a custom program to fit your needs. After the initial call, we will send over our proposed training plan and set up a call to hear feedback and make any changes as you see fit. 

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Phase 2: Preliminary Virtual School 

Duration: 2 to 4 Weeks

Prior to your puppy starting their first Board & Train Session, we will provide a training outline to follow, promoting early learning to set your student up for the most success possible. This outline will be created with your schedule in mind to ensure it is realistic and sustainable. Video or Audio Calls (your choice) will be completed to offer guidance along the way. 

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Phase 3: Board & Train for Essential Puppy Skills

Duration: 2 to 4 Weeks

Age: Ideally started between 1o and 12 weeks of age
During the first phase, your puppy will focus on building essential skills that create a strong foundation for good behavior.

• Potty Training: Establishing consistent habits for indoor and outdoor settings.

• Crate Training: Introducing the crate as a safe and comfortable space.

• Play Biting: Managing play biting and encouraging appropriate chewing behaviors.

• Socialization: Safe early introduction to new people, places, experiences, and other dogs. 

• Basic Commands: Learning commands that will be used to create good habits and obedience.

• Leash Training: Initial steps to comfortable, calm walking on a leash.

• Impulse Control: Introducing skills to help your puppy manage excitement and self-control.

• Desensitization: Creating confidence around new noises or experiences and comfort being handled and held for grooming or vet visits. 

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Phase 4: Virtual School (and Day School Option) Between Board & Trains

Duration: 2 to 4 Months 

During this phase, you will have the chance to practice and reinforce skills learned in phased three through your customized at-home training plan. Our team of trainers will also offer guidance and virtual training sessions along the way to ensure your puppy stays on track. For those local to Charlotte, we recommend 1-2 Day School sessions a week be included in this phase to promote additional learning and socialization. 

 

Phase 5:  Board & Train for Advanced Skills

Duration: 2 to 4 Weeks

Age: Ideally started between 6 and 9 months of age
As puppies grow, new behaviors and challenges can arise. The second phase of Board & Train focuses on reinforcing good behavior, focus despite distractions, and tackling any emerging issues.

• Impulse Control: Building on early lessons to strengthen self-control around distractions.

• Distraction Work: Training in busy environments to ensure your dog can remain focused.

• Leash Training in Public: Mastering leash skills in real-world situations.

• Addressing New Behaviors: Any problem areas that may have developed since Phase 1, such as jumping, barking, or pulling on the leash.

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Phase 6: Graduation & Long-Term Support

Duration: 6 Months 

Prior to the second Board & Train Session ending, we will complete an evaluation and create your Graduation Guide to promote continued progress and consistency at home. There will be one month of Virtual training sessions followed by five additional months of virtual support to ensure success. For those local to Charlotte, we recommend continuing with Day School for added consistency and practice. 

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Why Choose the Mastery Program?

Our staggered training approach aligns with your puppy’s developmental needs, ensuring that they receive the right training at the right time. By splitting the training into two stages, we are able to provide focused support when it matters most, setting your puppy up for success both in the short and long term. This program also comes with enhanced virtual support. Not only is virtual support offered between Board & Train phases but it is also offered from the time of enrollment through six months after the completion of the program. ​