Iconic K9 Training
Novice Puppy Training Curriculum Ages 8-16 weeks
Program Overview
This 3-week Novice foundational program establishes core behaviours and traits essential for future working. Each 1-hour private session builds upon previous learning while developing the puppy’s drive, focus, and basic obedience.
Class Structure
- 10 minutes: Puppy check-in and warm-up
- 40 minutes: Core training exercises
- 10 minutes: Handler education and homework review
Iconic K9 Training
Weekly Session Breakdown
Week 1: Foundation Building
**Focus Areas:**
– Environmental confidence assessment
– Introduction to marker training
– Food and toy drive development
– Basic engagement exercises
– Proper leash handling techniques
**Exercises:**
– Name recognition drills
– Food bowl exercises for impulse control
– Introduction to targeting
– Basic tug mechanics
– Environmental exposure protocol
Week 2: Basic Commands & Handling
**Session Focus:**
Core commands and body handling acceptance
In-Session Training:
– “Sit” command with hand signal
– “Down” command introduction
– Leash introduction exercises
– Body handling exercises (touching paws, ears, mouth)
– Introduction to grooming acceptance
Homework Assignments:
– Practice “sit” in three different locations, 10 repetitions each
– Begin “down” practice in quiet areas
– Daily handling exercises during calm moments
– Continue socialization with new surfaces and sounds
– Maintain crate training progress
Week 3:Building walking / heel skills
**Session Focus:** Building walking skills and coming when called
In-Session Training:
– Loose leash walking fundamentals
– “Come” command introduction
– “Leave it” preliminary exercises
– Duration building for “sit” and “down”
– Introduction to position changes
Homework Assignments:
– Practice loose leash walking in quiet areas for 5 minutes
– Play recall games in enclosed areas
– Work on “leave it” with low-value items
– Continue socialization with focus on different people
– Practice duration stays starting at 5 seconds
Iconic K9 Training
Final assessment protocol
1
Equipment Requirements
- 4ft leather leash
Flat buckle collar - Training treats (high value)
- Puppy Ball Or tug toys
- Food bowl
- Training pouch
- Long line (15ft)
2
Safety Protocols
- Temperature monitoring during training
- Regular water breaks
- Exercise limitation based on age
- Surface safety assessment
- Proper toy selection guidelines
3
Progress Tracking
Handlers maintain dailytraining logs recording:
- Exercise completion
- Drive levels
Environmental - responses
- Areas of concern
- Breakthrough moments
4
Home Training Requirements
- 3-5 short training sessions daily
- Structured meal times
- Environmental exposure homework
- Crate training protocol
- Socialization checklist completion
5
Next Steps
- Upon completion, puppies are evaluated for:
Advanced obedience training - Specialized K9 work focus
- Additional drive building needs
- Handler skill development requirements