Puppy Kindergarten

Registration is now open for our Puppy Kindergarten class.

Class Overview

Start your puppy off on the right paw with our Puppy Kindergarten class!

Designed for puppies aged 10 to 20 weeks (2.5 to 5 months), this class focuses on enrichment, adaptation, resilience and essential skill-building to help your pup grow into a confident adult dog. Using positive reinforcement, we’ll strengthen the bond between you and your puppy while introducing new experiences in a safe and encouraging environment. Early skill-building is key to preventing future issues like fear, aggression, and anxiety, setting your puppy up for a lifetime of success.

Please note: there will be NO dog-to-dog interactions in this class. This is NOT a puppy socialization class, but a training class.

Here’s What We’ll Cover

• Basic skill building
• Introduction to both recall training and loose leash walking
• Confidence and trust building games 
• Cooperative care
• Understanding the 3 D’s in dog training (durance, distance and distraction)
• Building neutrality around other dogs*

*Please note: there will be no dog-to-dog interactions in this class.

What You’ll Need

• Flat collar or harness (preferred) 
• 4 to 6 foot leash - no retractable leashes permitted
• Variety of yummy treats
• Treat pouch - optional but recommended
• Mat or dog bed
• Lawn chair (optional)
• Water and water bowl for your pup

Registration & Enrollment

Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that your registration will not be considered complete until payment has been received and vaccination records have been submitted. 100% of the net proceeds from your registration fee goes to the BVSPCA, so not only are you helping your dog by attending, but you are helping our dogs too!

Class Details

Price: $350

Duration: 6 weeks

Session length: 60 minutes

Class size: 6 dogs (we recommend having two adult handlers each week, however, a single handler is permitted. To ensure continuity, the same handler(s) should attend each session.)

Location: Outdoors at The Carla Cumming Sojonky Adoption Centre

Trainer: Dawn Baggley

Pre-requisites: No previous training required

Current Booking: Registration is now open!

• April 27 to June 8, 2025: Classes run for 6 weeks on Sunday afternoons, from 12:30 to 1:30pm. Last class is Sunday, June 8. (Note there is no class on Sunday, May 18th). Register HERE.

Class Requirements

Dog Age: 10 to 20 weeks (2.5 to 5 months)

Vaccinations: Your dog must be up-to-date on vaccinations. For all ages, Bordetella and DAPP are required. For puppies 16 weeks and older, Rabies, Bordetella and DAPP are mandatory.*

Spay/Neuter: Not required for this puppy class. However, if your female puppy goes into heat, they will not be allowed to attend class, and no refunds will be given for missed sessions. Intact males exhibiting disruptive behaviors may be asked to step out to regroup. 

*Proof of up-to-date vaccination (not overdue) must be provided within 48 hours of registration by email to events@bowvalleyspca.org. Failure to provide documentation within this time period will result in cancellation of registration without refund.

Owners must sign a waiver, which includes agreeing not to use aversive/punishment based methods at home. Aversive equipment such as prong collars, e-collars, choke chains and martingale collars will not be permitted in class.

About Your Trainer

Dawn Baggley

With over 12 years of experience in dog training, Dawn is passionate about helping dogs and their owners build strong, positive relationships. As the Head Trainer and Co-Owner of Yoho Tails, Dawn specializes in creating fun, effective, and science-based training programs for dogs of all ages and skill levels.

Experience:

• Private & Group Training: Puppy classes, general obedience, rally obedience, and agility.  
• Service & Therapy Dog Training: Experience selecting and training service and therapy dogs, designing obedience and socialization programs, and coordinating therapy dog teams.  
• Certifications: CPDT-KA, FDM, and Pet First Aid

Whether you’re looking to teach your puppy the basics, refine your dog’s manners, or try something new like rally, Dawn is here to help! Her training methods are force-free, positive, and designed to set you and your dog up for success.