- What should I look for in a good trainer and a training program?
- How is a puppy parenting center different from a general dog training company?
- What are Wonder Puppy’s trainer qualifications and what makes Wonder Puppy’s programs the best?
- How early should I start socializing and training my puppy?
- Is it safe to bring my puppy to your facility if his/her puppy vaccination series has not been completed? What are your vaccination requirements?
- What kind of training methods do you use?
- I don’t want my puppy to perform only when I have a treat… Will that be a problem with your methods?
- What is a clicker and what is clicker training?
- What type of training services do you have to offer, and how do I know which one is best for me and my puppy?
- I have questions about puppy classes…
- How do I sign up for training?
- Where are you located?
- What puppy training books and start-up products do you recommend?
- Can adult dogs come to Wonder Puppy?
What should I look for in a good trainer and a training program?
How is a puppy parenting center different from a general
dog training company?
What makes Wonder Puppy’s trainers and programs
the best choice for me and my puppy?
Qualified Trainers
Wonder Puppy works with Certified Whole Dog Trainers (WDTCs) and Certified Pet Dog Trainers (CPDTs), as well as trainers who are working towards becoming certified through the The Whole Dog Academy (WDA) and Certification Council of Pet Dog Trainers (CCPDT). Our trainers are all members of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), the world’s largest international dog training association. The APDT is an advocate for trainer continued education and the use of ethical training techniques and business practices.
Reward-based, Leading Edge Methods
We use only gentle techniques and tools and never use mental or physical intimidation. The only type of punishment we will teach is a neutral “time-out.” At Wonder Puppy, we will show you how your leadership can be established through bonding with your puppy, setting consistent boundaries, and reward-based training.
Our trainers will teach you and your puppy using leading edge training methods, as our trainers are committed to continuing their education and updating their methods to keep up with the latest in scientific research.
Flexible School Options
Wonder Puppy offers a variety of training service options! Click here to visit our Puppy School page.
Puppy Supply Store
Wonder Puppy has all of the trainer-recommended puppy products that you will need before and after getting your puppy. You can find our products on-line or in-store.
How early should I start socializing and training my puppy?
Is it safe to bring my puppy to your facility if his/her puppy vaccination series has not been completed? What are your vaccination requirements?
At WP, we sanatize and clean to the satisfaction of veterinarians! To make our facility as safe as possible for you and your puppy, we:
- Sanitize our floors daily with a vet-approved disinfectant (Kennelsol).
- Run an air filter with a Germicidal Protection Lamp (UV-C light).
- Have a paw and bum "wiping station" at the front door (lessening the possiblity of parasite transmission).
- Provide "potty pads" for very young or tiny puppies to place on the ground outside of the facility during potty breaks.
- Sanatize our "community water bowls" between classes.
- Require that only healthy and parasite-free dogs are allowed in WP (dogs that have been lethargic, coughing, vomiting, or had diarrhea within 24 hours, are not allowed in the facility until cleared by a veterinarian.
WP requires puppies to have two sets of puppy vaccinations (DHPP) administered by a licensed veterinarian before attending their first class.
In the case that your puppy has been under-vaccinated, is sick, or you are simply uncomfortable with exposing your puppy to other dogs at such a young age, we can make arrangements for private training sessions to get you and your puppy started off on the right paw. In any case, you should not wait to start socialization and training — we will find a way that works for you and your comfort level!
What kind of training methods and tools do you use?
At Wonder Puppy, we can show you how to establish your leadership role through bonding with your puppy, setting consistent boundaries, and reward-based training. We will show you how to use management to prevent “bad” puppy habits and how to clicker train to encourage “good” puppy habits. Wonder Puppy can help you and your puppy learn through success!
No! This is one of the big differences between WP and other positive reinforcment training programs! For all of our basic skills, we use methods where the behavior happens before indication of earning a reward. As your puppy’s learning foundation becomes solid, we will also take care to step you through the process of fading out your management and training tools.
We recommend that you decrease regular daily meals by the amount you are substituting with training foods, and only use natural, healthy treats. In fact, most of the treats we use and recommend are actually holistic types of dog food.
What is clicker training?
Clicker training is a type of positive reinforcment dog training that uses sound (a click) to instantly tell a dog when he/she does something right. When the “click!” sound is consistently followed by food, it becomes a meaningful to the dog; the dog learns, “when I hear the “click!” there is a treat on the way!” In turn, this provides you with an effective communication tool to instantly mark good behavior. In a short time, your dog’s brain will recognize the muscles that are acting at the moment the click happens. Your dog will begin to enthusiastically repeat the behavior in hopes of more clicks and treats. This is the building of good habits!
Does the clicker tell my puppy when I want him/her to do something?
Clicking doesn’t tell your puppy when to perform a behavior – that is what a cue/command does. The click only “marks” a behavior, conveying to your dog that, “Yes! That is a good behavior,” at the exact moment it happens so that your puppy knows exactly what is being rewarded. In other words, the click doesn’t cause the behavior; the behavior causes the click. Once your dog is performing a behavior reliably, you would then pair a verbal cue or a hand signal with the behavior so that you can communicate when you want the behavior.
Why click? Why is it better than using my voice?
The click is useful because it is…
- Precise: marks the exact moment the dog performs a behavior you like
- Fast: processes instantly (faster than words)
- Unique: only heard when something good is about to happen
- Consistent: always sounds the same
- Safe and Forgiving of Mistakes: won’t set back your training or damage your relationship with your dog.
Clicking also creates…
A “bridge” of time for reward delivery: the marker gives you time so that you don’t have to rush to get the treat to your puppy.
Focus, enthusiasm, and creativity: Clicker training creates a safe, nurturing learning environment with clear communication that will bring out the best in your puppy.
I don’t want to have to carry a clicker around with me all of the time. Will I always need to have it with me?
No! The clicker is simply a communication tool that is used when you are working on new skills or spiffing up old ones. If you don’t have it on your when you are working with your puppy, you can still use your voice (“Yes!”) to mark good behavior.
What type of training services do you have to offer, and how do I know which one is best for me and my puppy?
Wonder Puppy offers a variety of training options! You can click on each of the services below for more details:
Public School
Private School
Boarding School
Here is how you can determine which type of service is best for your situation…
Public School might be a good choice, if:
- You want to train in a group setting.
- You are able to make a multiple-week commitment to attend regularly scheduled classes.
- You are on a money budget.
- Your dog is healthy, people-friendly, and dog-friendly.
Private School might be a good choice, if:
- You prefer full one-on-one attention from the trainer.
- You want training that is completely tailored to the needs of you and your puppy.
- You need a flexible training schedule.
- You want in-home training.
- You have a dog that has special needs or health issues.
- You have a dog that is emotionally over-reactive (ie barky; aggressive; overly-hyper; overly-shy; or overly-stressed in new environments)
Boarding School might be a good choice, if:
- You want extra mental enrichment and/or supplemental training for your puppy.
- You need to leave your puppy for a period of time (for the day or overnight) and you want to rest assured that your puppy is safe, nurtured, and practicing his/her training skills.
- You want Wonder Puppy to do most of the training.
(*however, we will provide you with homework and involve you in one or more follow-up sessions, for consistency).
I have questions about puppy classes…
What basic training skills and social skills do we learn in
puppy class?
In “Good Puppy” Class, you will learn…
Basic Skills
name recall, sit, down, gentle, drop, take, come, walk with me, and go to your bed.
Social Skills
self-confidence around: strangers, other dogs, new sites, and sounds;
increasing comfort with being left alone and being handled; softening the mouth/bite and giving up valuable resources.
How many weeks does puppy school last?
The first level (Good Puppy) lasts for 8 weeks, second level (Great Puppy) lasts for 7 weeks, and third level (Wonder Puppy) lasts for 6 weeks.
What if I have to miss one or two classes?
Of course it is ideal if you can be at all of the training sessions. However, we realize that that is just not possible sometimes. Wonder Puppy’s policy on absences is to give you up to a year to make up the missed class in a future training class that has available room, free of charge. That being said, if you know ahead of time that you are going to miss more than one or two sessions, we recommend registering only if you plan on scheduling private make-up sessions.
Can I observe a group class to see if it is right for me?
Absolutely! We recommend attending a playgroup or observing a group class before making any training commentment. We want to make sure that you are where you need to be. Playgroups are on-going or to observe a class that is currently in session, please contact us at: info@wonder-puppy.com.
Can I bring other members of the household to class, too?
You bet! We encourage you to bring all members of the household, including well-behaved children ages 6 and older. Having everyone involved in training will put everyone on the same page and support consistency in your puppy’s training.
What do I need to bring to puppy class?
Bring To Class...
leash — 6ft flat leash; no rectractable leashes
harness and/or collar — no choke chains or prong collars
treats — variety of high value, pea-sized yummies
treat pouch – pouch attaching to you
clicker — provided in class
bed — small blanket, towel or mat
toy — plush or tug type
water & bowl
…and an exercised & hungry pup!
Do you have more advanced classes?
Yes! We have 3 levels of foundational training… Good Puppy, Great Puppy, and Wonder Puppy. We are also developing mini-courses on specific topics.
How do I sign up for training?
To go to the registration page, click here.
Where are you located?
1500 NW 18 th Ave, Ste 117
Portland, OR 97209
We are located at the corner of NW 18 th Ave & Quimby, in the ActivSpace Center behind the Sultan Cafe. Our retail store is open Mon-Sat 2pm - 6pm. The store is also open while school is in session and by appointment.
What puppy training books and start-up products do you recommend?
For recommended training books, click here.
For recommended training and care products, click here.
Can adult dogs come to Wonder Puppy?
Yes—It is never too late to teach an old dog new tricks! Although we specialize in puppy-hood, there are many great benefits to practicing foundational skills with your older dog and we would love to have you join us! We welcome dogs of all ages and stages.
