Bradford Dog Training
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 - Level One
9 weeks to 18 weeks old
(on first day of class)
Puppy Kindergarten is a group dog training class for young puppies using progressive dog training that addresses common puppy challenges such as crate/separation training, nipping, mouthing & biting, polite greetings, come when called, loose leash walking; 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 18 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.​
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6-week Kindergarten Class
$250​
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Enrolling:​​
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Mondays at 7pm starting 7/14
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Tuesdays at 6pm starting 7/22
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Wednesdays at 5pm starting 7/23
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Puppy Requirements
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9-18 weeks of age at first class (ideally under 12 weeks of age)
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living with you for 14 days and showing no symptoms of illness
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first distemper parvo (at least 14 days before pup attends class*)
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up-to-date distemper-parvo boosters as pup gets older (every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks old)
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bordetella (at least 72 hours before attending)
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rabies (but not necessary until 16 weeks of age)
*first week of class is a dogless orientation
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FAQs
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How long is each class? 45-50 minutes
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How many puppies are in class? We have small classes of 5-7 pups
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Who can come to class with me? Anyone who cares for your pup (family, friends, pet sitters, etc)
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What to bring to class? Treats, harness, flat leash, treat pouch
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How do I decide what age to start? ASAP! Check out the AVSAB position statement.
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GET STARTED THIS WEEK
Once your pup is enrolled in one of our current or future Kindergarten Classes (and has met the Puppy Requirements),
you can sign your pup up for our once weekly Puppy Play Classes!
Tween Kindergarten - Level One
19 weeks to 24 weeks of age
(on the first week of class)
Tween Puppy Class is a 5-week beginner class for pups who will be 19 weeks to 6 months of age at the start of class. (Be sure to check a calendar to count weeks.) 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.
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Ideally, pups should begin training sooner - during the critical socialization period (under 18 weeks of age).
If your pup meets the criteria, don't wait, sign up for our other beginner class: Puppy Kindergarten (above).
Note: this class is not for pups who have already completed our Puppy Kindergarten Class - check your email for Puppy Level Two Class sign up links.
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5-week Kindergarten Class
$250
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Enrolling:​
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Sundays at 4pm starting 7/20
Taught by Rachel Drachman of Paws & Connect
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Puppy Requirements
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19 weeks to 7 months of age at first class
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living with you for 14 days and showing no symptoms of illness
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first distemper parvo vaccine (at least 14 days before pup attends class*)
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bordetella vaccine (at least 72 hours before attending)
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rabies vaccine
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friendly and quiet around dogs & people
*first week of class is a dogless orientation session
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Pups in this age range may start to show strong emotional responses to people and dogs in close proximity.
Pups who bark in the presence of people or dogs should not attend group classes. Reach out for recommendations for private training. Email Us!
Puppy - Level Two
Graduates of Our Puppy or Tween Kindergarten Class | Up to 8 months of age
Puppies who attend our Level One Class (Puppy or Tween Kindergarten) 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, distance & distracted stays and house manners. 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.
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5-week Class - $180
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Enrolling:​
Level Three Training Classes
Graduates of our Puppy Level Two Class
Class options...
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Impulse Control (polite greetings, food manners, house manners, etc.)
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Refresher Class (reviews all skills from Puppy Kindergarten & Puppy Level Two)
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Loose Leash Walking (held at The Puppy Center; 6ft leash walking skills for neighborhood walks; walking past distractions)
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On/Off Leash Class (held at different locations; long line skills for hiking, parks, etc.)
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Out & About Class (held at different locations indoors & outdoors; settling in public places; restaurant & city skills)
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Tricks & (Non-Competitive Agility & Coordination) Games
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Canine Good Citizen & Therapy Dog Prep
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Enrolling:
Weekly Puppy Socialization Class
Ideally, puppies should begin socialization at The Puppy Center before they are 12 weeks of age.
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The American Veterinary Society of Animal 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 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. Puppies can attend Puppy Play Class as soon as they have met the requirements (click "learn more," below).
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. Join Us!
Meet Your Trainer:
Mary Bradford
With Over 15 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!
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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!
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