Age plays an important role in considering the type of training you and your dog should invest in. While we don’t subscribe to the idea that old dogs can’t learn new tricks, we do recognize that learning history is a huge factor in attaining training goals! Check out our age-focused recommendations below*:
*Across all training services at BlueDog, we use clicker/marker training and positive reinforcement training. Our methods are effective, kind, and rooted in the science of how dogs learn.
Puppies 8-16 Weeks (under 4 months)
Known as the critical period in a puppy’s life, this age range is highly influential to your puppy’s future wellbeing. Your puppy’s brain is never more pliable than it is at this stage, which is why proper socialization is a must. You’ll also build the best training habits for sustainable progress!
- Puppy Private Training Package: Curated specifically for this age, you’ll benefit from private training sessions utilizing the BlueDog puppy curriculum for basic manners, as well as socialization sessions to address play confidence.
- Overview: 1 Meet n’ Greet Social Session (45 minutes), 1 Follow Up Social Session (30 Minutes), and 3 Private Training Sessions (1 hour each) for $525. Get to work on your training goals like loose leash walking, puppy biting, potty and crate training, while also providing your pup with a mentor!
- Puppy Group Classes: Work around other puppies and humans in our 45 minute training classes at Stadium Plaza. You’ll receive BlueDog’s Puppy School curriculum, created by FDSA instructor, Kim Palermo.
- Overview: Unlimited classes throughout the week for a monthly fee of $175, similar to a gym membership! Our group classes support you through all stages of life with our Puppy level, and Adult Programs: Elementary, Middle, High School, and College.
- Class Calendar (classes labeled “Puppy School”)
- Group Class FAQ
- Socialization Sessions: One-on-one playdates with mentor dogs specifically matched to your puppy’s temperament and needs.
- Overview: Begin with a 45 minute Meet n Greet ($100) to get your pup acclimated to the training facility. They’ll meet their mentor dogs and find their new best friend! You’ll learn about reading your puppy’s body language, and help them build doggy social skills.
Puppies 16-24 Weeks (4-6 months)
The ending of your puppy’s critical window is less like a door slamming shut and more like a faucet being slowly turned off. It’s important to still take advantage of their young age, while also being aware of their approach into adolescence.
- Puppy Group Classes: Work around other puppies and humans in our 45 minute training classes at Stadium Plaza. You’ll receive BlueDog’s Puppy School curriculum, curated by FDSA instructor, Kim Palermo.
- Overview: Unlimited classes throughout the week for a monthly fee, similar to a gym membership! Our group classes support you through all stages of life with our Puppy level, and Adult Programs: Elementary, Middle, High School, and College.
- Class Calendar (classes labeled “Puppy School”)
- Group Class FAQ
- Socialization Sessions: Introducing your pup to a confident mentor dog will equip them with skills to help with fear periods and regressions commonly seen in adolescence. Get ahead of the curve by strengthening their resilience!
- Overview: Begin with a 45 minute Meet n Greet ($100) to get your pup acclimated to the training facility. They’ll meet their mentor dogs and find their new best friend! You’ll learn about reading your puppy’s body language, and help them build doggy social skills for a confidence boost.
Adolescents 6 Months – 3 Years
Like human teenagers, this life stage can be the most challenging for both you and your dog. Getting them started as young puppies is ideal, but it’s never too late to start the training process!
- Group Classes: If your dog is calm around other dogs on leash, our 45 minute training classes teach you basic manners, loose leash walking skills, leave it, and so much more! FDSA instructor Kim Palermo carefully curated the BlueDog curriculum to train a well-rounded dog.
- Overview: Gain access to unlimited classes throughout the week for a monthly fee, similar to a gym membership! Elementary School gives you foundational learning skills to build on in our higher levels: Middle, High School, and College.
- Class Calendar (classes labeled “Elementary School”)
- Group Class FAQ
- Private Training: To target specific training goals or help you and your dog work through reactivity, our one-on-one training program gives you an individualized training plan. Meet in home or at our facility to work privately with your consistent trainer!
- Overview: Our process begins with a 45 minute Zoom consultation with your trainer. You’ll learn all about training expectations, your trainer will gather relevant information, and you’ll both be prepared for your in person sessions. In person sessions take place at your home, on location, or at our training facility in Lawrence, MA. We offer training packages, as well as individual sessions.
- Private Training FAQ
Adult Dogs 3+ Years
Even in adulthood, learning never stops! New habits can be built with dedication to the process, and patience with your dog.
- Private Training: For adult dogs struggling with aggression/biting, reactivity, separation anxiety, fear, and more, our private training is the perfect avenue to give you the individualized attention required for progress and safety.
- Overview: Our process begins with a 45 minute Zoom consultation with your trainer. You’ll learn all about training expectations, your trainer will gather relevant information, and you’ll both be prepared for your in person sessions. In person sessions take place at your home, on location, or at our training facility in Lawrence, MA. We offer training packages, as well as individual sessions.
- Private Training FAQ
- Group Classes: Dogs who can work calmly and comfortably on leash around other dogs can learn all types of basic skills in our 45 minute group-training classes. Our curriculum, created by FDSA instructor Kim Palermo, covers polite greetings, loose leash walking, recall, and more to train a well-rounded dog.
- Overview: Similar to a gym membership, your monthly payment gives you access to unlimited classes! Elementary School gives you foundational learning skills to build on in our higher levels: Middle, High School, and College.
- Class Calendar
- Group Class FAQ
If you’re still unsure which service is best for you, we’d be happy to help! Contact us at hello@bluedogpetcare.com, or 978-208-7933. Our training director will give you the best recommendation based on your training goals.