Puppy Prep classes

Dog Latin Dog Training is all about learning that’s fun: reinforcing what works while teaching you how to communicate with your canine companion. We teach people and dogs through positive reinforcement, using principles rooted in the science of learning. Dogs learn during training, staying engaged, developing predictable behavior and building confidence — while strengthening human-animal bonds. Dog Latin Dog Training sets you up for success by helping you learn how to use rewards, to capture behaviors and shape your dog into behaviors you will reward and ultimately make reliable.

Imagine the freedom you’ll feel ― from shouting “no” or from yanking on a choke chain. It’s truly all about you and your dog becoming a great team.

We will begin with the clicker, a simple device you will use to offer your dog a consistent, repeatable “good job” sound. We will work on how to pair the clicker with “reinforcers,” establishing a sequence and rhythm that help the dog, puppy or adult, catch on quickly. Then we’ll move into specifics: socialization, best practices, and puppy behaviors. There’s no doubt that puppies can learn every bit as fast as they grow.

• Puppy Prep classes enroll dogs 5 months and under for five sessions.

• Classes meet at the Kenwood Animal Hospital, 5439 Butler Road, Bethesda, Md.

Cost is $395 per client/dog pair. Registration will be considered final after payment is received.

• Make-up classes cannot be offered.

• Attendance is limited to one handler/dog per family.

• Dogs must be healthy and not show aggression toward people or other dogs.

• No prong collars, choke chains, or retractable leashes are allowed.

• Body harnesses are preferred.