What is it like to be a puppy in the Jumpstart Program at Hillary’s Hound House? You’re about to find out.
Meet Bill, a 14-week-old English Cream Golden Retriever puppy in his second week of Jumpstart.
On any given day you’ll find Bill alternating between training sessions and enrichment activities like splashing in “The River” of our Sensory Garden, learning agility, or solving puzzles designed to stimulate his sense of exploration and problem solving.
When Bill arrives in the morning, he’s greeted with tail wags and warm smiles. At just 14 weeks old, he’s already learning how to explore the world with curiosity, calm, and confidence.
Each day is intentionally structured to blend expert training, sensory enrichment, and nurturing care. Here’s what a typical day looks like for Bill:
8:30 AM – 9:15 AM: Puppy Drop-Off & Welcome Cuddles
Bill’s day begins with a calm, cuddly welcome from his Puppy Coach. These first few minutes help regulate his nervous system and set the tone for a day of connection and learning. We believe play is the work of puppies, but safety and trust come first.
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Outdoor Recall Training & Play
This is where the magic starts.
Outdoors, Bill practices lightning-fast recall, learning to return on cue—whether he’s exploring with a buddy or navigating a new environment. Trainers also work on:
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Proximity imperative – Staying close during walks
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Impulse control – Especially during exciting play
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Go Say Hi!® – Calm, polite greetings with new humans
All training is woven seamlessly into small-group play, moderated by expert eyes who know when to pause the action, redirect energy, or encourage curiosity.
Mid-Morning Break: Sensory Garden Enrichment
Next, Bill visits the sensory garden, where he’s invited to explore the soft smells of lilac, lavender, herbs, and natural textures. He gets 15 full minutes of sniff time, which may not sound like much—but for a puppy brain, it’s huge.
Sniffing is like storytelling for dogs. They decode what’s happened in the space over days or even weeks. It’s mentally enriching, calming, and equivalent to an hour-long walk in terms of brain activity and emotional regulation.
This kind of enrichment builds wisdom—without overstimulation.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch & Naptime
Training takes energy, and rest is essential. Bill settles into a cozy crate or bed for a midday nap, paired with soft music or white noise to create a peaceful space. He’s learning how to self-regulate, recharge, and find comfort away from home.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: One-on-One Training & Play
In the afternoon, Bill gets individual time with a trainer to work on core skills from our Jumpstart® curriculum:
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Go to Bed and Lay Down – For bedtime routines or public calmness
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Stay Till Released – A lifesaving skill in emergencies
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Potty Training – Including how to ring bells for potty communication
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Laser Focus – Building attention span and responsiveness
These sessions are personalized based on Bill’s personality, energy level, and developmental stage.
