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M&M COMPANION RETRIEVER ASSISTANCE DOG TRAINING PROGRAM.

EARLY LEARNING PUPPY PROGRAM

The M&M Companion Retriever Assistance Dog Program begins with our comprehensive Early Learning Puppy Program, an enriching journey from birth to 8 months old. This program offers an in-depth experience, allowing you to witness and participate in the crucial development stages of your puppy from birth until they are ready to join your family at 8 weeks old.

 

Our Early Learning Puppy Program is a collaborative effort between the Breeder, the Trainer, and you, the new owner. It encompasses 35 weeks of tailored training and guidance designed to nurture your puppy's growth and prepare them for a fulfilling life as an assistance dog.

 

Throughout the program, you'll receive extensive support covering a wide array of topics including:

 

  • Establishing a safe routine for your puppy's first week

  • Socialization and exposure, highlighting the importance and techniques for proper socialization and how to conduct these activities.

  • Understanding normal puppy behaviors such as nipping, sleeping patterns, and managing hyperactivity

  • Enrichment ideas and strategies for implementation

  • Guidance on integrating puppies with children for a safe and harmonious environment

  • Setting up your home to accommodate the puppy's needs including crates, sleeping arrangements, and designated zones

  • Addressing obedience and behavioral issues, separation anxiety, and boredom busters.

  • Refining Obedience training at home and then in public settings under distractions.

  • Preparation for the Public Access Test, with a 6 month assessment.

  • Weekly Rosters, video calls and one on eon communication with your personal dog trainer.

  • Addressing any individual concerns and training needs for you, your fmaily and the puppy.

  • Support with any public access issues, negotiating with businesses, rental accommodation, workplaces ect.

 

You will have ongoing communication and support via Zoom calls, videos, PDF documents, website access, and direct contact with the Trainer from 8 weeks to 35 weeks of age.

 

We recognize that each owner and puppy are unique, progressing at their own pace and with individual goals. Our program is adaptable, tailored to suit your specific needs and aspirations for your puppy, whether it's for personal fulfilment, therapy, or as an assistance dog.

 

For those aspiring to raise and train their puppy to fulfil specific roles or dreams, our Early Learning Puppy Program serves as the essential first step toward achieving those goals.

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While we endeavor to provide exceptional training services, it's essential to understand that various factors influence success, including owner commitment and individual puppy personalities. Completion of this program does not certify the puppy as a full assistance dog; further training via the Assistance Dog Breeding Program will be necessary, including additional modules outlined by the Trainer and Breeder.

 

During the Early Learning Puppy Program, we work under Section 9 of the Disability Discrimination Act. Your puppy does not have full access rights but we work with your local business and community to ensure you are able to train your dog in public settings to set them up for success. 

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Participation in the Early Learning Puppy Program does not guarantee passing future assistance dog assessments, as additional training is required to achieve Public Access and Assistance Dog Certification. 

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To learn more about this transformative program, click the link below to access the M&M Companion Retriever Early Learning Puppy Program Information Session. Join us on this incredible journey of nurturing and guiding your puppy's potential!

YOUNG DOG TRAINING PROGRAM
 

Introducing the Young Dog Training Program (YDTP) by M&M Companion Retrievers—a transformative initiative tailored to elevate the training of your assistance dog. Designed to refine and enhance your dog's skills, our comprehensive program ensures they become a reliable, obedient, and confident partner in every facet of your life.
 

Key components of the YDTP include:

 

  • Weekly Rosters: A detailed training plan will be provided weekly, enabling you to monitor your dog's progress and maintain focus on your training objectives.

  • Public Access Test Preparation: Guidance and preparation sessions for the critical Public Access Test at 8 and 12 months and the initial PAT around 18 months—an essential milestone for an assistance dog.

  • Advanced Obedience Skills: Delve into advanced obedience skills such as "Around," "To Me," "Middle," "Front," and "Back Up," vital for a strong handler-dog bond and effective assistance work.

  • Engagement and Bonding Activities: Fun agility exercises to strengthen the bond between you and your dog while enhancing responsiveness to commands.

  • Continued Personalized Support: Ongoing guidance from your dedicated trainer, Taylor Skinner of Alpha Lykos K9 Training and Behavior, addressing specific challenges you may encounter during training.

  • Customized Task Training: Tailored content focusing on individual tasks aligned with your unique needs and goals for your assistance dog.

  • One-on-One Sessions: Additional personalized training sessions with your trainer for a deeper focus on specific training requirements.

  • Fortnightly Group Calls: Peer support and progress updates, providing a platform to share experiences with fellow participants.
     

This comprehensive program spans from 8 to 18 months of age, offering a 10-month training experience. The pre-requisite for the YDTP is participation and completion of the Early Learning Puppy Program. Enrolling in the YDTP also includes continued membership benefits with M&M Companion Retrievers, offering support with public access issues and serving as a point of contact for assistance.
 

The YDTP aims to further enhance your assistance dog's receptiveness to your commands, making them an invaluable and reliable part of your daily life. With your dedication and our guidance, we are confident that you will achieve remarkable progress in your journey towards a fully trained assistance dog.

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