Sit, Stay, S.T.A.R.!
At Pet Alliance BarkU featuring S.T.A.R. Puppy Classes, we give dogs ages 2 months – 6 months the ability to build confidence and grow their obedience skills in a group class environment alongside their owners.
In each six week course, puppies will master behaviors like sit, coming when called, stay, and more! Puppies will also have the chance to learn valuable social skills by participating in supervised interactions with other members of their class. Our expert trainer will be there every step of the way to answer any questions and help you through those potty-training and separation anxiety growing pains.
Classes take place at our Sanford shelter, located at 2800 County Home Rd.
Why Train Your Puppy? Imagine you’re a child living in a brand new home, far away from a parent and siblings you barely remember. You don’t speak the language of your new household and the instincts that come naturally to you sometimes get you scolded.
Now, what if there was a way for your new family to teach you their expectations in a way you not only understand, but find rewarding? Training builds trust between animal and handler, eases anxiety, and helps your puppy grow into a more confident adult.
Our Trainer
Meet Terra! He is a graduate of Animal Behavior College, specializing in Dog Obedience Training and Service Dog Training, and has been working with dogs since 2018. Terra is also part of the shelter’s behavior and enrichment team and has several years of experience as a dog trainer with Zoom Room. Over the years, he has taught a variety of classes, including dog and puppy obedience, agility, trick training, and the AKC’s Canine Good Citizen Test (CGC Test).
Puppies are Terra’s passion. He firmly believes that early socialization and training are essential for raising a well-behaved adult dog. He understands that most common puppy problems can be resolved with the right guidance and dedication, both of which he aims to provide in his puppy classes. His goal is to ensure that both owners and their new best friends can navigate the world together with confidence and success.
F.A.Qs
Puppies 8-16 weeks of age should be enrolled in Puppy Preschool.
If your puppy is 16 weeks of age or older and has a Rabies vaccination, they may be enrolled in Puppy Kindergarten.
Yes. All pet owners must provide proof that puppies have current Distemper and Bordetella vaccinations.
If the puppy is over 16 weeks of age, proof of Rabies vaccination is also required.
Make-up classes can be scheduled with Terra within two weeks of the missed class date, provided the class is still being offered. If you know you will miss a class, email Terra at [email protected] and they can work with you
to find a make-up date.
Six classes are required to be eligible for the STAR Puppy certificate. However, if the certificate is not a priority to you, you are allowed to attend fewer than 6 classes.
Up to two people per puppy can attend class, including children. Attendees can be swapped each week, but it’s important that those who don’t attend are informed of the material covered to ensure consistency.
We welcome children to class, provided they are non-disruptive and will follow instructions.
Children 12 years and older are allowed to hold the dog’s leash (with an adult present). Children 5-12 are allowed to participate, but the adult must remain in control of the dog.
If your child is being disruptive or not following instructions, we will ask you to have them not attend in the following weeks. If you do not think your child can sit quietly on a chair and listen for an hour, then it is best to leave them at home.
- A treat pouch (not plastic bag or in pocket)
- Treats that are not used at home
- A standard 6 foot or 4 foot leash (no retractable leashes)
- A comfortably fitting collar and/or harness (no slip leads, choke chains, or prong collars)
