6 Week Program

• Holds a sit to wait to be fed
• Can sit with a verbal and physical cue
• Can lie down with a verbal and physical cue
• Can hold a sit and stay for a duration of 10 seconds from a distance of 10 feet
• Can hold a down and stay for a duration of 5 seconds at a distance of 5 feet
• Recalls short distances with a verbal cue (puppy is still not safe to be off leash at this age)
• Can target their nose to our hand on cue

• Can hold their bladder for roughly 3 hours and has developed a preference to use the bathroom outdoors
• Is comfortable sleeping in the crate at night or during the day for naps (may still need potty breaks during the night – this is a manner of bladder size moreso than training)
• Has developed a habit of chewing on dog-appropriate objects
• Has habitually experienced getting attention in concert with calm, polite behavior and losing attention in concert with undesirable behavior (such as jumping up, nipping, etc.)
• Can navigate a small set of stairs at a normal pace

• Is starting to be very comfortable walking on the leash, and is beginning to automatically offer sits when the handler stops walking. (Puppies are still small and can’t keep up with a brisk walk at this age.)
• Has experience with riding in a car safely
• Has been exposed to ambient weather of the Hudson Valley, so they are learning that being outside in rain and/or snow is safe and fun
• Plays appropriately with other dogs in their age group
• Plays actively with a flirt pole

Puppy has had many socialization experiences. Some highlights:

• Has met and interacted with women, men, and children (this is the inoculation against the dreaded “my dog doesn’t like men”)
• Has met and been examined by a veterinarian
• Has been groomed and had their hair dried
• Has been exposed to many common home noises, such as the vacuum, television, and doorbell
• Has experienced public trips to local shops and understands that going in public is a positive, fun experience