First, Do No Harm
Est. 2009 | 250-929-1400 | Join Us On Facebook
Image Heading
Puppy Start Right Classes

Puppy Start Right

For puppies 8-16 weeks of age. 

Your puppy's socialization period starts at 3-4 weeks of age and ends somewhere between 12-16 weeks of age.

Why is Puppy Start Right so important?

  • The early puppyhood socialization period is a critical and finite period of time during which puppies are developmentally open to new experiences - sights, sounds, smells, dogs, critters, motion, people, environments, novelty.
  • Puppies are learning about how to successfully live in modern human society.
  • Positive socialization can "inoculate" your puppy against future behavioral issues.
  • Positive socialization is so critical that the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviour (AVSAB) has published a POSITION STATEMENT in which it states that “…it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated.
  • Lack of socialization is detrimental to your puppy's ability to cope as an adult dog and can cause lifelong social deficits, which will affect not only your puppy's quality of life, but yours and your family's, too. Living with a fearful/aggressive dog may seriously affect your lifestyle (inability to have friends over, take a vacation, etc.)

Watch this Puppy Class from Cowichan Canine on Vimeo.

 

With our Puppy Start Right classes you will learn to: 

  • Manage your puppy's socialization period correctly, in a positive manner.
  • Use positive reinforcement training.
  • Manage and prevent undesirable behaviours.
  • Understand normal canine behaviour.
  • Build a life-long bond with your puppy.
  • Teach your puppy to be comfortable around new stimuli, people and sounds.
  • Teach your puppy to accept handling and restraint and to become a great veterinary patient and grooming client.
  • Manage meetings and play sessions between your puppy and other puppies of different breeds of an appropriate age.
  • Teach your puppy to be comfortable when separated from owner/caregiver.
  • Guide your puppy when exploring the environment at his/her own pace.
  • Teach your puppy to share or trade valuable "goodies".

 

We offer two Puppy Start Right options:

You can opt for one class, as well as two play groups a week. This option costs $435.00, plus taxes.  Or you can attend one class and one play group a week. This option costs $335.00, plus taxes. Regardless of which option you choose, your puppy can continue to attend play groups until they are 16 weeks old.  So sign up early!

With Puppy Start Right you can start immediately - no waiting around for classes to begin!

What you need to register:

  • Watch our Orientation video on YouTube.
  • Your completed REGISTRATION FORM.
  • Your puppy's vaccination certificate for at least the first vaccination for each of Parvo and Distemper

You can also PAY ONLINE, after which we will email you your registration information so that you can reserve your spot in class. 

Once you have registered and paid, you will be able to book each class attendance yourself online, taking full advantage of our flexible schedule.

CLICK HERE FOR A LIST OF WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS

If you have any questions, please feel free to email Stef at [email protected] or contact the office at 250-732-5415.

 

 

 

 


 

What's New?
What Clients Are Saying:

I cannot say enough wonderful things about cowichan canine!!! My pup went through the puppy start right and then onto the foundation classes. Stef and Stephanie were fantastic!!! Both classes are well run, organized, they are excellent teachers and spend time with you and your dog. The class sizes are small which makes an excellent learning facility. Stef and Stephanie are patient and kind. The knowledge is second to none. You are able to ask questions and have one on one time as necessary. Did I mention how clean the facility is...? Holy you'd never know dogs are there all day. We wanted to give our pup his best chance and cowichan canine certainly facilitated that.

Elizabeth Butler-Smythe and Matt Tregear
cobble hill

Wanting to be new dog owners, we got 16 weeks old puppy, named Pepper. Shortly after bringing Pepper home, she was attacked by much larger dog and seriously injured. After consultation with the vet, we came to understanding that Pepper maybe traumatized by the horrible experience. We soon realized this was the case, Pepper was scared of other dogs and continuously barking. We contacted Lisbeth at Cowichan canine, who came to our home and gave us one on one lessons. We found Lisbeth to be very knowledgeable , professional and patient with novice dog owners. Lisbeth invited us to the Cowichan canine facility, where we were introduced to the staff and other dog owners. Being so impressed with the dedication of the staff and variety of classes, we enrolled Pepper immediately. Whenever we have any concerns or questions, Lisbeth is always quick to respond. Pepper became much calmer dog after reactive dog classes, so I am enjoying walking with her. To Lisbeth and the stuff, Thank you for everything.

Natsuko and Gary Chaperon
Duncan, BC

See more...

©2026 Cowichan Canine Behaviour & Training Ltd. All rights reserved.
Group Classes, Private or Semi-private in-home training Lessons and confidential
Behaviour Consultations in the Cowichan Valley area, on southern Vancouver Island, servicing Chemainus, Cobble Hill, Cowichan, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, Duncan, Glenora, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Malahat, Maple Bay, Mill Bay, Saltair, Saltspring Island, Shawnigan Lake, Vancouver Island and Youbou.
Palm Tree Creative