Puppy’s First Steps 

 

Our regular adventure packs begin at 8 months of age, but learning how to be part of a pack can start much earlier!

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Puppy’s First Steps is designed to slowly introduce younger dogs to the skills, routines and social experiences that can help prepare them for pack life.

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We begin with private 30-minute neighborhood sessions, focusing on loose-leash walking, engagement and check-ins, recall, touch, confidence building and everyday distractions.

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These sessions aren't about how far we can walk. Puppies are learning about the world around them, so sometimes we may spend 30 minutes and barely make it down the street! The focus is on meeting your puppy where they're at, building positive foundations and giving us the opportunity to really get to know them.

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Meeting the Pack

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As your puppy progresses, we may begin introducing them to carefully selected older, sensible Dogs on Board dogs.

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These introductions may include neighborhood walks together, small outings or supervised backyard time. We'll choose dogs who are kind, appropriate and experienced around younger dogs so your puppy can begin learning how to interact, walk and settle around other dogs without immediately being placed into a full pack.

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As they become more comfortable, we can gradually introduce additional dogs and new experiences.

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8–12 Months: Gradual Pack Integration

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Once your puppy reaches approximately 8 months of age, and both you and Dogs on Board feel they're ready, we can begin slowly introducing them into our adventure packs.

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Rather than immediately placing them into a full 4–6 dog pack, we may start with one or two familiar dogs, then gradually add more dogs as your puppy becomes comfortable and shows us they're ready.

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This stage also gives them experience with more of our regular pack routine, including vehicle travel, loading and unloading, settling around other dogs, different environments, long-line work, recall and moving together as a group.

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Every puppy progresses differently, and we won't rush them into a pack before they're ready. Between approximately 8–12 months, we'll gradually work toward regular pack participation when appropriate.

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By around 12 months of age, our goal is to have a clear idea of whether your dog is ready to transition into regular pack walks or whether the pack environment may not be the right fit for them.

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Our goal isn't simply to get your puppy into a pack. It's to give them the time, experience and gradual exposure they need to have the best opportunity to successfully become part of one.

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30-minute private sessions: $40 + GST

Limited availability

Participation in Puppy’s First Steps does not guarantee acceptance into our regular packs.