Recommended Progression of Classes

In life its often hard to make a choice with so many great options in front of you. Where is a good place to start your training journey?

We've got you covered! Use the following flow chart to help you plan your training adventure with. your best friend.

What Classes Should I Take?

Note: the following life stages are rough estimates based on typical developmental periods. Overlap in age categories can be reduced by considering the individual dog based on their energy level/maturity, breed (or predominate breed in the case of a mix), learning history, and overall temperament.

Life Stage: Puppy (8 weeks to 9 months)

Puppy classes should focus on socialization (greeting new people and going new places) as well as basic obedience skills like loose leash walking, sit, down, stay, and patience.

For dogs eight weeks to nine months K2K9 recommends the following core classes:

Puppy Foundations
AKC STAR Puppy

From there we suggest you continue your training with more skill building classes as your pup progresses from puppyhood through the awkward (and challenging) teenage phase to adulthood.

Life Skills
Building Blocks

And next stop? Over to the specialty courses.

Life Stage: Young Adult (6 months to 1.5 years)

If you have survived puppyhood or recently brought an adolescent dog into your home we have some great options to help your pup navigate life and become a really awesome adult!

For dogs six months and up that have had puppy class(es) K2K9 recommends the following core classes:

Life Skills

From there we suggest you continue your training with more skill building classes as your pup continues to gain confidence.

Building Blocks

And next stop? Over to the specialty courses.

Life Stage: Adult Dog (1.5 years and up)

Often we see an adult dog that has had a puppy class or two, but then took a break from formal training and needs a refresher course.

For dogs a year and a half and up that have had some basic training K2K9 recommends the following core classes:

Life Skills
Building Blocks

And next stop? Over to the specialty courses.

Life Stage: Super-hero Dog!
Focus on Specialty Courses.

Once your pup has all their core training accomplished, it is time to start focusing on specialty classes to help build and maintain all the hard work you two have put in, keep your pup happy and challenged, and to have fun!

If you are focusing on scent work classes you will of course want to start out with the Introduction to Scent class and then work all the way up to Advanced Scent, but there are non-scent classes that will help you excel. Other classes to consider include:

Building Blocks
Tricks

If you are focusing on your budding athlete (performance sports) you will want to include:

Building Blocks
Tricks

And next stop? Anywhere you want to go, your dog is a rock-star!

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All ages face challenges from time to time . . .

Life Stage: Any dog

Maybe your dog has trouble relaxing or they find it difficult to stay calm around other dogs. Maybe your vet or a trainer told you that your dog is out of shape. Or possibly you accidentally quicked your dog's toe nail and he or she is now saying NO to all your husbandry efforts. Don't worry, there are classes for each of these issues, and more.

If you are struggling with a specific issue look through the following classes--and sign up for our mailing list (the sign up is at the bottom of our main page) so that you hear about special workshops and seminars..

Distracted & Mildly Reactive
Reactive Dog

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Recommended Progression of Classes

Life Stage: Puppy (8 weeks to 9 months)

Life Stage: Young Adult (6 months to 1.5 years)

Life Stage: Adult Dog (1.5 years and up)

Life Stage: Super-hero Dog! Focus on Specialty Courses.

All ages face challenges from time to time . . .

Life Stage: Super-hero Dog!
Focus on Specialty Courses.