Puppy training lays the foundation for your dog's lifelong behavior
The Importance of Training Your Puppy
Training a puppy is essential for developing a well-mannered, confident, and emotionally balanced dog. Early training builds communication, prevents behavioral issues, and ensures your dog can safely and calmly navigate everyday situations. It also strengthens the bond between owner and dog, creating a foundation of trust and mutual respect that lasts a lifetime.
What to expect from the Puppy Training Program
OVERVIEW
You’ll receive seven 1-hour In-Home sessions built around a balanced, reward-based training approach, generous reinforcement for good behavior, with light, thoughtful corrections when needed.
We’ll teach core obedience commands; Come, Sit, Break, Down, Heel, and Place, laying the foundation for a confident, well-mannered companion. Plus, enjoy six months of Group Class access for continued learning, socialization, and support.
WE PROVIDE
We provide high-quality treats, but we always recommend using your puppy’s regular kibble during training. Using your dog’s kibble doesn’t diminish the value of their everyday food; it’s actually a healthier option, and you’ve already confirmed your puppy isn’t allergic to it. The Puppy Program also includes a 4-foot training leash and a cot appropriately sized for your dog’s projected adult dimensions.
SUPPORT
Welcoming a new puppy is exciting, but it can be a handful. We help ease the transition with clear guidance and practical support, tackling common challenges like potty accidents, biting household members, chewing on furniture, and overexcitement. These behaviors are normal, but with the right approach, your pup can build calm, confident habits from the start.
SESSION 1 – Come
The “Come” command is vital for your dog’s safety, protecting them from traffic, wildlife, and other dangers. At Steven’s Bootcamp Dog Training, we elevate recall by teaching hand targeting: your dog must make physical contact with your hand to complete the command. This precision allows you to quickly grab a leash or collar in emergencies. It’s not just obedience; it’s a reliable, life-saving skill that empowers both dogs and owners.
SESSION 2 – Sit and Break
When we teach your puppy the Sit command, we’re building a habit of focus and follow-through, not just a momentary action. Once seated, your pup stays in position until released with the Break cue or given another command. We don’t use “Stay” because that expectation is built into every command. To reinforce this, we apply the 3Ds: Distance (responding from afar), Distraction (ignoring temptations), and Duration (holding the command longer). These skills grow with practice and maturity, laying the groundwork for lasting obedience.
SESSION 3- Place
Let’s introduce your puppy to the “Place” command using the training cot, a foundational skill in obedience. “Place” teaches your pup to mount the cot and stay until released or given another command, building focus and control through the 3Ds: Distance, Distraction, and Duration. The cot’s raised edges create a clear boundary, helping your puppy understand where to remain. While this command can later apply to mats or benches, we’re starting with consistency and repetition to build reliability. As your puppy grows, “Place” becomes a versatile tool for calm, structure, and advanced training.
SESSION 4 and SESSION 5 – Heel
“Heel” is a foundational obedience skill that teaches your dog to walk calmly at your side, typically on your left, with their shoulders aligned to your leg. This structured position builds focus, control, and a strong working bond. At Steven’s Bootcamp Dog Training, we introduce heel early in puppyhood and dedicate two full sessions to it, packed with hands-on guidance for leash handling, body positioning, timing, and reinforcement. Our goal is to help you develop a reliable heel that grows with your dog, making walks safer, smoother, and more enjoyable.
SESSION 6 – Down
The Down command builds on many of the same foundational disciplines as Sit, reinforcing calm, controlled behavior. Again, we never use the “Stay” command because it should be assumed into every command, Down included, so the dog learns that holding the position is part of the command. To strengthen this understanding, we apply the 3Ds: Distance (responding reliably even when the handler is farther away), Distraction (maintaining focus despite tempting stimuli), and Duration (holding the position for extended periods). These elements develop gradually through consistent practice and maturity, forming the backbone of dependable, long-term obedience.
SESSION 7
This session serves as a flexible buffer, allowing us to focus on any commands you and your dog may be struggling with. It’s also an opportunity to demonstrate training in real-world social environments, provided your puppy is fully vaccinated and ready to explore. Whether we’re reinforcing skills or introducing new ones, this time is tailored to your needs. It’s also a great moment to ask any questions that may have come up during your training journey. We’re here to support you every step of the way.