Bradford Dog Training
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The Puppy Center
A positive reinforcement based dog training program serving the Rochester, NY area specializing in puppies and adolescent dogs
Puppy Training Services
Positive dog training for you and your pup based in Rochester, NY.
Puppy Kindergarten Class
8 weeks to 14 weeks old
(on first day of class)
Puppy Kindergarten is a group training class for young puppies (who will be 8-14 weeks of age on the first day of class) using progressive dog training that addresses common puppy challenges such as crate/separation training, nipping & biting, polite greetings; as well as teaching basic obedience skills and socialization exercises. We know that puppy brains develop quickly. From the time your pup comes home until 14 weeks of age is critical for development into a well-adjusted adult dog. In this class, you will learn how to raise a polite, confident and happy pet dog.
6-week In-Person Class - $228
Enrolling:
Thursdays at 6pm starting 2/17*
Puppy Requirements:
first distemper-parvo vaccine & up-to-date boosters
effective bordetella/kennel cough vaccine
home with you for 10 days (by 2nd week of class) and showing no symptoms of illness
*first week of class is a dogless orientation session
The humans who attend classes must also be fully immunized against covid-19 (if they are eligible to receive the vaccine) & wear a mask.
Get Started This Week!
Once your pup is enrolled in one of our Kindergarten Classes (and has met the Puppy Requirements above), your pup can join our Puppy Play Classes the same week!
Puppy Play Class
9 weeks to 18 weeks old
Get Started This Week!
Ideally, puppies should begin socialization at The Puppy Center before they are 12 weeks of age.
The American Society of Veterinary Behavior says, "During this time puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without causing overstimulation manifested as excessive fear, withdrawal or avoidance behavior. For this reason... it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated."
Puppy Play Class is an opportunity for pups who are enrolled in our Kindergarten Classes to experience playtime with other pups in our program and for puppy parents to learn how to read body language and manage play. Puppy Play Class is usually offered once weekly and lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour. Puppies should attend Puppy Play Class as soon as they have met the requirements (below) and before they join Kindergarten Class, if possible. Puppies have a unique need to socialize with other puppies to develop bite inhibition (soft mouth), release energy and learn appropriate play behaviors. This trainer-led puppy playtime is a great way for your pup expend some social energy while learning to be a considerate playmate.
$20 per class
Puppy Requirements:
Pup is signed up for a Kindergarten Class at The Puppy Center
Pup has 1st distemper-parvo at least 7 days ahead of attending
Pup has effective bordetella/kennel cough vaccine
Pup has been home for 10 days and is showing no signs of illness
Pup has not attended a dog park, daycare or boarding program in the past 14 days
Pup is 9-18 weeks of age
When are Puppy Play Classes?
Typically, Wednesday nights, Friday nights and/or weekend mornings and the groups are based on the age, size and playstyle of the pups who are currently in our program.
Sign Up:
The humans who attend classes must also be fully immunized against covid-19 (if they are eligible to receive the vaccine) & wear a mask.
Tween Kindergarten Class
14 weeks to 20 weeks
Tween Puppy Class is a 6-week beginner class for pups who will be 14 weeks to 20 weeks of age at the start of class. This class addresses common tween puppy challenges such as mouthing, polite greetings, house manners, and impulse control; as well as teaching basic obedience skills and building confidence through environmental socialization exercises. Through this class, you will build a stronger relationship with your puppy.
6-week In-Person Class - $228
Enrolling:
All Tween Kindergarten Classes are currently full. Email us for a referral.
Puppy Requirements:
first distemper-parvo vaccine & up-to-date boosters
effective bordetella/kennel cough vaccine
rabies when 16 weeks of age
home with you for 10 days and showing no symptoms of illness
*first week of class is a dogless orientation session
The humans who attend classes must also be fully immunized against covid-19 (if they are eligible to receive the vaccine) & wear a mask.
Puppy Level Two Class
Graduates of Our Puppy or Tween Kindergarten Class | 16 weeks to 8 months of age
Puppies who attend our Level One Class (Puppy Kindergarten or Tween Puppy) are eligible to continue on in our 5-week Puppy Two Class. In this class, we will work on greater impulse control; teaching new skills such as sitting at your side, heel and place (go to bed); as well as continuing to work on confidence building and politeness. We will work on teaching your pup to defer to you, resist temptations, relax and be patient. Some of the skills we will hone in on are leave it, wait, come when called, loose leash walking, settling and stays. Our goal is for your pup to understand that you are the gatekeeper to good things and that working for you is always the best choice.
5-week In-Person Class - $180
Sign Up:
The humans who attend classes must also be fully immunized against covid-19 (if they are eligible to receive the vaccine) & wear a mask.
Our Drop Off Socialization Program
Meet Your Trainer:
Mary Bradford
With Over 12 Years Experience
Training Dogs & Their People
My career started in pet dog training under the mentorship of one of Rochester's most talented trainers. In 2009, I was certified through the former DTIP program. I have continued my formal education through workshops and seminars with some of the world's greatest trainers, including Dr. Sophia Yin, Dr. Ian Dunbar, Suzanne Clothier, Sue Sternberg (to name a few). From 2014 to 2016, I lived in Maryland for my work with Guiding Eyes for the Blind preparing future guide dog puppies for their careers.
Although I have helped many Rochester area families with behavior modification services for fear, anxiety and aggression,
my passion is in training puppies and their people;
getting their relationship started off right!
Why Choose Bradford Dog Training?
Because we strive to be the best! It is important to know that not all dog training programs are created equal. Surprisingly, dog training in most states, including New York, is unregulated and unlicensed. Bradford Dog Training uses the standards set forth by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior as our guideline for humane, scientifically-sound methodology. We promote the use of training techniques and equipment that are considered the least invasive and minimally aversive for training your dog. We believe that your dog will learn best through clear and consistent positive reinforcement based training; creating a relationship that is based in trust and that brings great joy to your family and your dog. Let's get started!
