Puppy & Private Classes
Early training is one of the most important investments you can make in your dog’s future. Puppies begin learning from the moment they enter the world, whether that learning is intentional or accidental. Structured training introduced early helps prevent problem behaviors before they form and builds a foundation of clarity, confidence, and communication between dog and handler.
At MalX Core K9, we believe puppies should begin structured obedience and engagement training as soon as they are developmentally ready. Puppies can safely begin structured training as early as six to eight weeks of age, provided exercises are age appropriate and focused on learning rather than pressure.
That said, dogs of any age benefit from training. While puppies absorb information quickly, adolescent and adult dogs are equally capable of learning new behaviors and developing stability through structure. Training is not limited by age. It is guided by clarity, consistency, and proper instruction.
Our puppy program is designed to create confident, well mannered dogs while educating handlers to communicate effectively and responsibly.
Puppy Training Program Overview
Our puppy program is designed to create confident, well mannered dogs while educating handlers to communicate effectively and responsibly.
What We Cover in Basic Obedience
Our basic obedience curriculum focuses on real world functionality, not tricks or shortcuts. Training is designed to create calm, responsive dogs that can function reliably in everyday environments.
Basic obedience training includes engagement and focus on the handler, name recognition and response, leash manners and structured walking, sit, down, and place behaviors, recall foundations, impulse control, calm behavior around distractions, introduction to neutrality around people and dogs, confidence building, and handler communication skills.
Training is progressive and adjusted based on the puppy’s age, temperament, and developmental stage. The goal is not perfection but understanding and consistency.
Class Structure & Age Groups
Puppy Class Structure and Age Groups
We offer puppy group classes divided by age and developmental stage to ensure appropriate learning environments.
Puppy Foundation Class is designed for puppies approximately six weeks to four months of age. This class focuses on engagement, confidence, basic obedience foundations, impulse control, and structured exposure.
Young Puppy and Adolescent Class is designed for puppies approximately four months to eight months of age. This class builds on obedience foundations, leash skills, environmental exposure, and impulse control as drive and confidence increase.
Group classes run as a six week course, meeting once per week for one hour per session. Class size is limited to maintain safety, learning quality, and individual attention.
Private Training Sessions
Private training sessions are available for owners seeking individualized instruction or for dogs that require specialized handling. Private training is offered in four week packages and is customized after an initial consultation. These sessions are ideal for older dogs, dogs with behavioral challenges, high drive dogs, sport foundation work, or owners seeking accelerated progress.
Private sessions are not limited to puppies and may include obedience, drive control foundations, behavior modification, and structured engagement. MalX Core K9 does not offer police certification or law enforcement training.
Rules & Requirements
Health, Safety, and Veterinary Requirements
All puppies must be current on vaccinations appropriate for their age and must be cleared by a licensed veterinarian to participate in group training and public exposure.
Handlers must provide veterinary shot records at the first session. Puppies without documentation will be turned away from class and training fees will be forfeited.
Any puppy showing signs of illness including coughing, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal discharge, or other concerning symptoms must leave immediately and provide veterinary clearance before returning. Safety of all dogs and handlers is a top priority.
Equipment and Handler Requirements
Handlers must bring a standard six foot leash. Retractable leashes are not permitted. Harnesses are not permitted unless otherwise specified. Appropriate collars or puppy training collars are required.
Handlers must bring high value training treats. Examples include small pieces of dehydrated liver, freeze dried meat, cheese, or other soft high value rewards. Treats should be small and easy to consume quickly.
Do not feed your puppy a full meal for approximately three to four hours prior to training to prevent accidents and improve motivation. Only one handler per puppy is permitted per class. Consistency is critical as the handler is learning alongside the puppy.
Training Locations and Exposure Work
Training sessions may be held at designated training locations and occasionally on our property. Locations may change throughout the course to provide real world exposure. Exposure training may include public environments such as hardware stores, parking lots, sidewalks, and other controlled public spaces.
Puppies participating in public exposure must wear appropriate training vests clearly labeled with markings such as In Training or Do Not Pet. Handlers are responsible for safely securing puppies in vehicles during transport. MalX Core K9 is not responsible for injury or incidents occurring during transport to or from training.
Class Rules and Conduct
These classes are not puppy play dates or dog parks. Puppies must remain under handler control at all times and maintain appropriate distance from other dogs unless instructed otherwise. Handlers must give their full attention during sessions. Photos and videos are permitted provided they do not interfere with learning or safety.
Participants may take notes. Instructors may ask questions throughout class to reinforce learning. Questions are encouraged. Please raise your hand during class. A brief question and answer session will take place after each class. No rude behavior, disruptive conduct, arguments, or drama will be tolerated.
Attendance, Payment, and Forfeiture Policy
Pricing & Enrollment
Training programs at MalX Core K9 are structured, intentional, and customized to each dog and handler. Because every dog enters training with different needs, age, drive level, and goals, pricing is determined after an initial evaluation. All clients begin with a consultation to ensure the appropriate program is selected.
Group puppy classes are a six week course meeting once per week for one hour. Private sessions are four week packages. All payments are cash only. Missed classes are forfeited. No make up sessions are provided. Failure to attend, failure to provide required documentation, or removal due to rule violations will result in forfeiture of training fees.
Program options include structured group puppy courses and private training packages. Enrollment is limited to maintain focus, safety, and individual attention. To inquire about availability and enrollment, please contact us directly.