Puppy Foundation Curriculum
A Two-Week Program for Puppies 8 to 14 weeks
In the Puppy Foundation Program, we introduce many of the same foundational skills as our Jumpstart Puppy Program – but with a different emphasis. Rather than focusing on performance, we focus on how puppies learn to think, process, and respond.
Throughout the two weeks, your puppy will begin to develop:
Regulation & Calm Behavior
- learning how to settle, and stay
- developing the ability to rest around activity
- building comfort with structure and routine
- beginning potty training & potty bell use
Attention & Connection
- check in naturally with people – early connection and focus
- walk easily on a leash and comfortable maintaining proximity
- easy to get their attention
- choose engagement over distraction
Early Recall (Come When Called)
- we introduce recall from the very beginning (indoors and outside)
- puppies learn that coming back is safe, rewarding, and natural
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Thoughtful Social Interaction
- curated play groups and guided, appropriate play (not overwhelm)
- learning to read and respond to other dogs
- developing early social awareness
Decision-Making Skills
- pausing before reacting
- making better choices in stimulating environments
- learning how to process rather than act impulsively
Early Foundation Skills
Introduced in a low-pressure, integrated way:
- sit and down (as part of daily flow, not drills)
- beginning leash awareness
- early “go to place” and “wait” concepts
- handling and comfort with movement
To Get Started
Socialization & Real-World Experiences
Thoughtful exposure, not overwhelming
Socialization in the Puppy Foundation Program is carefully structured to help puppies build confidence, awareness, and emotional stability in the real world. Rather than overstimulating puppies or relying on unstructured exposure, we guide them through calm, supported experiences that allow them to observe, process, and respond thoughtfully.
Weekly Field Trips
Each week, puppies are introduced to new environments in a gentle, intentional way. These may include:
- Forest walks Exploring natural environments, new textures, scents, and movement in a calm setting
- Home Depot Nursery (the other Nursery) Exposure to carts, sounds, people, and novelty in a controlled, supported way
- Larkspur Landing Observing children, cafes, movement, and everyday life—including the koi pond
These experiences are not about stimulation—they are about learning how to be in the world.
Outdoor Garden & Pond Time
- engage in guided, appropriate play
- explore a natural environment safely
- practice calm behavior around movement and water • learn to settle and regulate between activity
Our Approach
Our goal is not simply to tire puppies out, but to help them learn how to move through the world with confidence, awareness, and emotional balance.
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Through thoughtful guidance and carefully supported experiences, puppies begin learning how to:
- pause before reacting
- observe and process new environments
- stay connected to people
- recover from excitement more easily
We pay close attention to each puppy’s individual responses, helping them build curiosity, resilience, and calm behavior in ways that feel natural and sustainable.
Why We Love This Approach
Early experiences shape how puppies respond to the world for the rest of their lives. Our goal is to create puppies who are not just social, but thoughtful, adaptable, and calm in real environments.
To Get Started
Puppy Foundation Program Days: Monday through Thursday
Times: 8:30am to 3:00pm
Cost: $1500
To Get Started,
We Invite You to Bring Your Puppy
For a Complimentary Coaching & Training Visit!
“We can’t say enough great things about Hillary’s Hound House. Our puppy Marley has had the most incredible experience—Hillary goes above and beyond to create thoughtful, enriching outings that build confidence and curiosity. From socialization adventures (like meeting koi at the mall!) to the videos and updates she shares, it’s clear how much care and intention goes into everything she does. You can truly see the difference in Marley already. If you want your puppy to have the best possible start, Hillary’s program is something special.”