An important aspect of a Pickwick Pug puppy is our comprehensive training and socialization program which starts while the puppy is still in the womb and continues through daily, individual sessions with each puppy until they go to their forever home. The price of the puppy is based upon the choice of the training level.
Along with our extensive health-testing and screening, and consultation with top certified trainers and behaviorists, we strive to produce amazing pugs who are beautiful inside and out. Beauty and brains is our motto! Our pugs live with us in our home so we can truly examine their temperament and with our pugs' participation in performance sports, we are also able to observe each dog's learning curve and intelligence quotient. Pickwick pugs are intelligent but, most importantly, we teach our puppies how to learn so they will have the greatest success in their new homes.
At Pickwick Pugs, we not only strive to produce healthy and beautiful pugs who meet the breed standard but we also work very hard individually with each puppy on a daily basis to create emotionally resilient and inquisitive pugs. One of Pickwick Pugs unique distinctions is our optional, extended puppy training program which we call our "Star Puppy Academy" (SPA). In addition to our daily work with each puppy, we also pay amazing professional, certified trainers/behaviorists to work with each puppy in Level 2 of the SPA program.
Along with our extensive health-testing and screening, and consultation with top certified trainers and behaviorists, we strive to produce amazing pugs who are beautiful inside and out. Beauty and brains is our motto! Our pugs live with us in our home so we can truly examine their temperament and with our pugs' participation in performance sports, we are also able to observe each dog's learning curve and intelligence quotient. Pickwick pugs are intelligent but, most importantly, we teach our puppies how to learn so they will have the greatest success in their new homes.
At Pickwick Pugs, we not only strive to produce healthy and beautiful pugs who meet the breed standard but we also work very hard individually with each puppy on a daily basis to create emotionally resilient and inquisitive pugs. One of Pickwick Pugs unique distinctions is our optional, extended puppy training program which we call our "Star Puppy Academy" (SPA). In addition to our daily work with each puppy, we also pay amazing professional, certified trainers/behaviorists to work with each puppy in Level 2 of the SPA program.
Training Levels
We offer 2 different levels of puppy training from which Pickwick Pug puppy owners can choose. The cost of the puppy is determined by the choice of training level. Level 1 (Puppy Preschool) is included in the cost of the puppy. Level 1: Puppy Preschool (Day 3-Week 12) Level 2: Circus Dog and SPA Graduate (Day 3-Week 15) |
Through our training with Dr. Ian Dunbar, Victoria Stillwell, Denise Fenzi and other important veterinarians/animal behaviorists/dog trainers, we are aware of the importance of early socialization and training which is why the 1st level of training is required and included in the cost of each Pickwick pug puppy.
A Pickwick Pug puppy receives training most every day of its life while with us ... even as a newborn. From the early neurological stimulation exercises during the first weeks to barrier challenges and "shaping games", we train a puppy how to think and learn. We start loading the clicker and formal training sessions (puppy friendly ;) before the puppy is even weaned from the mother, and before it can even walk steadily! Before the puppy has even left the whelping box, we work on startle and recover exercises so they will have a "so what" response later in life as adults, and introduce them to new textures, items, toys, experiences, scents, and people. As soon as they can take a treat (and even before they are eating solid food) they work on things like resource guarding, drop it, leave it, attention, and manding,
A Pickwick Puppy does not simply hang out in the puppy playpen all day with a bunch of toys for entertainment. Every day each puppy experiences a novel texture, scent, sight, sound, environment, and experience. Yes, the puppies have awesome toys and do enjoy time playing with siblings, aunts, uncles etc., but they are also safely and gently exposed to all sorts of different environments and they interact with, are hugged and handled by, and even trained by all sorts of people including children, strangers, men, people in uniform, costumes, wearing hats, hoodies, glasses, jewelry, and more. To learn more about the Puppy Culture protocols each puppy is raised with click here.
A Pickwick Pug puppy receives training most every day of its life while with us ... even as a newborn. From the early neurological stimulation exercises during the first weeks to barrier challenges and "shaping games", we train a puppy how to think and learn. We start loading the clicker and formal training sessions (puppy friendly ;) before the puppy is even weaned from the mother, and before it can even walk steadily! Before the puppy has even left the whelping box, we work on startle and recover exercises so they will have a "so what" response later in life as adults, and introduce them to new textures, items, toys, experiences, scents, and people. As soon as they can take a treat (and even before they are eating solid food) they work on things like resource guarding, drop it, leave it, attention, and manding,
A Pickwick Puppy does not simply hang out in the puppy playpen all day with a bunch of toys for entertainment. Every day each puppy experiences a novel texture, scent, sight, sound, environment, and experience. Yes, the puppies have awesome toys and do enjoy time playing with siblings, aunts, uncles etc., but they are also safely and gently exposed to all sorts of different environments and they interact with, are hugged and handled by, and even trained by all sorts of people including children, strangers, men, people in uniform, costumes, wearing hats, hoodies, glasses, jewelry, and more. To learn more about the Puppy Culture protocols each puppy is raised with click here.
Level 1: Puppy Preschool
Puppy Preschool - Click HERE to expand & Learn more
(Day 3-Week 12) (Minimal required training and Puppy Culture protocols)
Puppy Culture Preschool is the minimal requirement for socialization and training and included in the price of the puppy. From birth through the end of the the puppy's critical socialization period, each puppy experiences age appropriate protocols and lessons.
click to learn more about puppy culture
Our approach to raising puppies is based on the latest science and studies on puppy and animal rearing. Puppies always lead the learning thereby creating confidence and self-efficacy by presenting the appropriate level of challenge that the puppy can do without failing or presenting a danger to him/herself. In the Puppy Preschool program, each puppy works with Jeff or Amy on a daily basis from the day they are born. Did you know that this neonatal handling can desensitize 9 of the 12 most common subliminal bite triggers in an adult dog? But the Early Neurological Stimulation Exercises are just the start. Puppy Culture protocols improve the current and future lives of the puppies and help to limit behavioral issues. There is a dramatic difference when comparing a puppy raised by Puppy Culture protocols verses a puppy raised with an alternative method. Of course, within any litter of puppies the personalities and temperament will vary. The Puppy Culture protocols do not create 'cookie cutter' puppies. Their natural personality will shine through but the protocols help us to create an environment that interacts with genetics to create a stable, inquisitive puppy who:
Gotcha day after completion of Puppy Preschool is at 12 weeks of age. Registered with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and microchipped with AKC Reunite, each puppy will have completed their first 2 (of 3) rounds vaccinations.
Regardless of the training level new owners choose for their puppy, all Pickwick Pug puppies are raised with Puppy Culture (PC) protocols which improve the current and future lives of the puppies and help to limit behavioral concerns. These protocols, implemented with each puppy, actually begin before the puppy is born. Starting at Day 3, we begin the Bio Sensor (Early Neurological Stimulation Exercises) and continue through Day 16. We also include during this neonate period an introduction to scents which is theorized to help develop brain size and function. For an introduction to basic foundational skills and behaviors such as sit, down, stay, and special tricks, loose-leash-walking and more, you will need to enroll in a more advanced training level but, included in Puppy Preschool, your puppy has been "charged up" to learn, introduced to the clicker, hand touch, worked on resource guarding, bite inhibition, following a lure, tug, and basic recalls with littermates as a group. S/he will have enjoyed several positive socialization opportunities, sound protocols, the shaping box game, and will be litter box trained. *Base price for puppy + Puppy Culture protocols and training *AKC Registration *AKC Reunite Microchip *4-generation pedigree *Socialization *6-Week Puppy Party *7.5 Week Temperament Evaluation *8 and 10 Week Conformation Evaluation *ENS Bio Sensor *Puppy Culture Protocols *Manding *Bite Inhibition *Resource Guarding *Introduction to Textures *Sound protocols *Tug-a-war with toy *Weekly grooming, baths, blow dries, taping of ears to lay correctly and frame face *High quality, human-grade food and treats including raw goats milk, probiotics, Nuvet vitamins, fish oil, ester C, calcium *Scent Work *Shaping Box Game *Hand touch *Intro to Clicker Training (load the clicker, shaping games) *Litter Box Trained and start of house training (potty outside) *Paw painted masterpiece by puppy Attention (watch me) Stand Stay (show dog - stack) Introduction to leash (not mastered, this will still need to be trained, if interested in a puppy who does not pull on leash opt for level 2 of training) Introduction to crate training games (not ready to spend long lengths of time in crate at this level and age) Introduction to obedience basics (sit, down, stand, leave it, place, paws up, perch work, get on, get off, get in, get out, jump through hoola hoop, through tunnel, spin, twist) Puppy Go-Home Bag:
Health/Vet:
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Level 2: Circus Dog and Star Puppy Academy (SPA) Graduate
Circus Dog/SPA Graduate- Click here to expand & Learn more
(Day 3-approx. Week 15) AKC Trick Dog ..... Looking for some musical entertainment for your next dinner party? After completion of this level your puppy will have even earned an official AKC (American Kennel Club) title of TKN! Your puppy's official registered name (i.e. Pickwick's Mighty Force of Nature) will always be followed by the suffix of titles earned in all official documentation (i.e. Pickwick's Mighty Force of Nature, TKN).
At around 15-weeks of age, puppies will have completed the first 2 rounds of vaccinations (puppy will still need to complete 3rd and final round with new owner plus Rabies at appropriate date). Level 2 puppy SPA graduates will have received age-appropriate work on loose-leash-walking, and crate training. House-training now consists of litterbox + potty outside plus the "place" command has been introduced along with a plethora of tricks like shake, bow, shake, spin, twist, and even to play a toy piano! Of course the puppy will have had additional time to work on the important skills of "puppy pushups" (sit, down, stand), wait, leave it, recall (come when called), attention, and more. This level of training provides more opportunity to refine and proof all of the protocols and skills learned in Puppy Preschool which makes for an easier transition for both the puppy and owners after Gotcha Day. If the puppy is a show prospect and potential "pick-of-the-litter", (which we have held back to grow out a bit more before choosing our pick), the puppy will have also participated in AKC BPUP (Beginner Puppy 4-6 month class) and possibly earned additional awards and ribbons plus the additional show-dog training and socialization involved. Even if the puppy does not end up staying a show puppy, the skills learned for table examinations (stand stay etc.) are fabulous for other life challenges such as vet visits and stand-stay to be weighed. In addition to the Puppy Culture protocols included in Level 1, the puppy will have also received more extensive training (proofing, adding duration and distractions, fading lure), introduction and mastery of new obedience skills and tricks PLUS an AKC Novice Tricks Title plus Certificate Award! *AKC Registration *AKC Reunite Microchip *4-generation pedigree *Socialization *Field Trips *6-Week Puppy Party *7.5 Week Temperament Evaluation *8, 10, 12, 14 Week Conformation Evaluations *Additional special request training (such as practicing with sherpa bag for flying) *ENS Bio Sensor *Manding *Socialization *Introduction to Textures *Scent Work *Shaping Games & Clicker Training *Hand Touch *Attention Duration *Weekly grooming, baths, blow dries, taping of ears to lay correctly and frame face *High quality, human-grade food and treats including raw goats milk, probiotics, Nuvet vitamins, fish oil, ester C, calcium *Special Training Requests *Fetch *Wobble Board, balance discs *Paw-painted masterpiece by puppy House training (litter box trained + potty outside) *Crate Training *Continued work and refinement of important foundational skills such as attention, recalls, sit, down, stand, get in/get out, get on/off, leave it, *Continued work on and refinement of important foundational skills/behaviors such as attention ("watch me"), duration of attention, recalls ("come when called"), sit, down, stand, puppy pushups, fetch, tug, get in/get out, get on/off, leave it, perch work, introduction to loose-leash-walking, introduction to place, spin, bow, play the piano (toy piano), crawl, close the door, play the drum, paint, get in the box, paws up, hand touch, tunnel, balance beam, jump through hoola hoop, ride in toy car *AKC Novice Tricks Title (or BPUP for show prospects) The pug puppy will earn his/her official AKC Novice Tricks title by mastering the following 10 tricks and preparing a video for submission and evaluation: 1) Balance Beam 2) Get In the Box 3) Get On 4) Hand Signal Only (Sit) 5) Paws Up 6) Spin in Circle 7) Tunnel 8) Touch It (Hand Touch) 9) Handler's Choice: Play the Piano 10) Handler's Choice: Jump Through Hoola Hoop or Push Button) Puppy Go-Home Bag:
Health/Vet:
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(All retired pick of the litters over 6 months of age, and retired champions will have completed advanced training affording a mastery of loose-leash-walking, house-training, extensive socialization, additional awards, ribbons, certificates, and possible titles, plus they will have received all puppy vaccinations. will be up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccinations, plus rabies, and possibly already spayed/neutered if over age 1-2.)
Continued Training:
It's important that each puppy's human receive training, too, which is why Pickwick Pugs requires that each puppy owner complete at least one in-person training class with their puppy after Gotcha Day with an instructor who uses positive reinforcement. No matter how many pugs or dogs you've owned, or how many puppies you've trained (even if recently), the class is imperative for building rapport and a bond with the puppy and important to make connections for future resources and questions. Puppies should begin the class within a month after Gotcha Day and must be enrolled prior to pickup day.
As the old saying goes, "if you don't use it, you'll lose it", so regularly review all of your pug's skills and tricks and have fun adding some new ones! We encourage all Pickwick Pug owners to continue training throughout the pug's life and not allow your pug to become a hermit. Pugs are social creatures and love to learn .... for their entire life, not just the first months. Don't let a bored pug become a boar or recluse. Have fun with a rally obedience class, another tricks class, barnhunt, scent work, swim class (use a life preserver), or any new activity you can think of. Bring your pug to the market on Saturday mornings, or to the beach for vacation.
Your pug only has one life to live and time will fly by. Don't let the sofa or the living room window be the only thing your pug sees every single day ... explore the world together! Check out Kyra Sundance's free online Tricktionary for ideas, or visit www.BringFido.com for dog friendly activities in your area.
It's important that each puppy's human receive training, too, which is why Pickwick Pugs requires that each puppy owner complete at least one in-person training class with their puppy after Gotcha Day with an instructor who uses positive reinforcement. No matter how many pugs or dogs you've owned, or how many puppies you've trained (even if recently), the class is imperative for building rapport and a bond with the puppy and important to make connections for future resources and questions. Puppies should begin the class within a month after Gotcha Day and must be enrolled prior to pickup day.
As the old saying goes, "if you don't use it, you'll lose it", so regularly review all of your pug's skills and tricks and have fun adding some new ones! We encourage all Pickwick Pug owners to continue training throughout the pug's life and not allow your pug to become a hermit. Pugs are social creatures and love to learn .... for their entire life, not just the first months. Don't let a bored pug become a boar or recluse. Have fun with a rally obedience class, another tricks class, barnhunt, scent work, swim class (use a life preserver), or any new activity you can think of. Bring your pug to the market on Saturday mornings, or to the beach for vacation.
Your pug only has one life to live and time will fly by. Don't let the sofa or the living room window be the only thing your pug sees every single day ... explore the world together! Check out Kyra Sundance's free online Tricktionary for ideas, or visit www.BringFido.com for dog friendly activities in your area.