PUPPY CLASSES

'Start Anytime' Puppy Classes: The perfect mix of socialization, training, and guidance for raising confident Yukon puppies.

Congratulations on your new puppy!

Welcoming a puppy into your life is exciting, joyful—and sometimes a little overwhelming. Those big eyes and tiny paws come with big responsibilities. You want your puppy to grow into a confident, well-behaved companion who fits seamlessly into your Yukon lifestyle—whether that means joining you on hikes, visits with friends and their dogs, or cozy days at home staying warm.

The best way to help your puppy reach that goal? Early, positive socialization.

Many behavior concerns seen later in life—such as fear, reactivity, or anxiety—can be prevented through well-managed socialization and foundation training during the first few months. Puppy Start Right gives you expert guidance during this critical stage, helping your puppy build positive associations with new people, dogs, sounds, and experiences, all in a safe and supportive environment.

How Puppy Start Right Works

  • Start right away — open enrollment means you can join as soon as you’re ready.

  • Small class size — designed for calm, safe socialization and individual coaching.

  • Ongoing support — each class includes puppy-raising topics, hands-on training, and socialization practice.

  • For puppies under 20 weeks old — younger puppies benefit most from this early learning window.

  • Puppies need their first DAPP vaccine (usually given at 8 weeks). Don't wait until they have all of their vaccinations.

  • If your puppy is too old or ready for the next step, check out our Basic Manners Class

Schedule, Pricing & Requirements

  • When: Every Monday evening

    • 4:30 PM: Mixed Age Puppies (must be under 20 weeks at start of class)

    • 6:00 PM: Young Puppies (under 16 weeks)

    • 7:30 PM: Older Puppies (16–20 weeks)

    • Puppies who age out of the young puppy group will automatically transition into the older puppy group

  • Format: 4 weekly classes

  • Vaccination Requirements: Puppies must have received their first DAPP vaccine (usually at 8 weeks)

    • You do not need to wait until all vaccinations are complete to start

  • Where: 95 Lewes Boulevard, Whitehorse, Yukon

  • Cost: $220

What We Cover

Module 1

  • Socialization Focus: Handling, grooming, and getting comfortable at the vet

  • Training Skill: Sit

  • Life Skill: Potty training

Module 2

  • Socialization Focus: Noisy or moving objects (kids’ toys, wheels, strollers)

  • Training Skill: Leash walking

  • Life Skill: Preventing counter surfing, stealing, and separation issues

Module 3

  • Socialization Focus: Different surfaces, obstacles, and sounds

  • Training Skill: Leave it & Drop it

  • Life Skill: Preventing biting and resource/food guarding

Module 4

  • Socialization Focus: People in costumes, hats, and unusual appearances

  • Training Skill: Recall (Come when called)

  • Life Skill: Preventing chewing and jumping up

Why Is It Important?

Our program was designed for Yukon puppies and their families, taking into account the region’s unique challenges—long winters, small communities, and the outdoor lifestyles our dogs enjoy. We’ll help you build the foundation for a lifetime of confidence, trust, and connection.

  • The first three months of a puppy's life are critical for socialization.

  • It's important for puppies to be safely introduced to various dogs, people, objects, sounds and environments during this period.

  • Providing a safe, structured, and supervised setting is essential for successful socialization.

  • According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, puppies should begin attending classes before completing their full vaccination schedule.

  • Unfortunately, puppies isolated until after four months of age are at a higher risk of developing issues with fear and anxiety.

New Puppy? Get Help Today!

Bringing home a puppy is exciting—but it can also feel a little overwhelming! Sharp little teeth, endless energy, and potty training challenges can leave any new puppy parent wondering what to do first.

Get our Free Ultimate Puppy Survival Guide and get some answers today! Created by our Wise Canine certified trainers, this guide is packed with expert tips to set you and your puppy up for success.

OTHER PUPPY PROGRAMS

Puppy Day School - A drop-off training program designed to give your puppy the best start in life! Your puppy will build confidence, practice essential skills, and receive expert guidance in a structured environment while you go about your day. Perfect for busy owners who want to set their puppies up for success.

Puppy Social Play Groups – Safe, supervised play sessions where puppies can develop social skills, learn appropriate play behavior, and build confidence around other dogs. Led by experienced trainers, these sessions provide positive early socialization experiences in a controlled setting.

Basic Manners Class - For older puppies who need to learn the basics. Learn foundation skills and behaviors that you and your dog need to achieve a life time of successful learning including focus, targeting, recalls, leave-it, polite walking and settle.

Need more details? Get in Touch.

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