VMC Puppy Start Right training class

The Lewis Small Animal Hospital offers puppy training classes modeled after the Karen Pryor Puppy Start Right program led by certified trainer Dana Emerson, BS, VT, KPA-CTP. Designed for puppies aged 7-13 weeks, this five-week course covers a range of training topics and includes activities and exercises to get your puppy comfortable with veterinary care!

The entire family is encouraged to attend class. Anyone under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Children under 8 must have two adults present (one puppy parent and one child parent).

Your registration includes a training manual, clicker, and class handouts. Classes are held in person at the Nutrena Conference Center at the Leatherdale Equine Center on the St. Paul Campus. DVM students provide one-on-one support for you and your puppy. Class participants must upload current vaccination records when registering for class.

Course information

Dates:
May 24, 2022 - June 21, 2022 (every Tuesday)
*puppies must be between the ages of 7-13 weeks by the first day of class. Enroll in this section if your puppy was born AFTER 03/01/22 and BEFORE 04/12/22.

Time & location:
6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. CT
Leatherdale Equine Center Conference Room

Cost of class:
$125

Class themes

Each session includes play time, a training topic, a prevention topic (jump/bite/etc), exploration time (puppies get to visit different stations), a second prevention topic, and concludes with play time and a class wrap-up. You and your puppy have homework between classes to reinforce training outside the classroom.

In person orientation (no puppies)

Receive your training materials and discuss expectations and the outline for the next four weeks.

Children and Toys

Build your puppy’s confidence around moving objects and children’s toys.

Costumes and Appearances

Build your puppy’s confidence around people with new and novel appearances.

Obstacles and Sounds

Build your puppy’s confidence exploring new and novel objects and sounds.

Health and Handling

Build positive associations with handling, restraint for vet visits and grooming.

Meet your trainer

Dana Emerson, BS, VT, KPA-CTP

Puppy Start Right Certified Instructor

Dana Emerson, is a graduate of the esteemed Karen Pryor Academy for animal training and behavior program. She is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner along with being a Puppy Start Right Certified Instructor. Dana has also earned her Silver Certification in Low Stress Handling. She maintains her certification by attending continuing education. Dana has over 30 years of experience working as a veterinary technician, with 14 of those years working exclusively with a Board-certified Veterinary Behaviorist. She has been involved with training dogs since the 1980's and has worked with veterinarians going on to specialize in behavioral medicine.

Questions? Please feel free to reach out to us at vcsce@umn.edu