
Andover Dog Training Center and grooming salon
Basic Manners Course at
Andover Dog Training Center
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Is your dog ready to build a solid foundation of obedience and good behavior? Our Basic Manners Course at Andover Dog Training Center is the perfect program for dogs 1 year and older to learn essential life skills, develop focus, and improve their manners both at home and in public.
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​What Is Socialization?
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The socialization period is the critical time in a dog's development, typically from 8 to 16 weeks old, when they are most receptive to learning about the world. During this period, puppies form lifelong associations with sights, sounds, surfaces, and social interactions. Positive experiences now can help prevent fear, anxiety, and behavioral issues in adulthood. All though we are past that critical time it is never to late to socialize a dog.
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At Andover Dog Training Center, our 10 week Basic Manners Class focuses on exposing your dog to age-appropriate experiences in a safe, structured, and fun environment. By the end of the course, your dog will gain confidence with:
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New sights, sounds, and smells
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Different objects and surfaces (stairs, crates, grooming tools, etc.)
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People of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds
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Other puppies and dogs
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Real-world distractions, like loud noises and moving objects​
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What to Expect in Our
10-Week Curriculum
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Our structured curriculum includes hands-on, interactive activities to build your dog’s confidence and social skills each week focuses on key training concepts that set your dog up for success:
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Basic Commands: Sit, down, stay, and recall (come when called).
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Leash Manners: Teaching dogs to walk politely on a leash without pulling.
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Impulse Control: Learning to wait patiently, focus on their handler, and respond to cues despite distractions.
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Social Skills: Positive interactions with people and other dogs to encourage appropriate play and polite greetings.
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Introduction to Grooming Tools: Gentle exposure to brushes, nail clippers, and blow dryers to prepare puppies for future grooming sessions.
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Confidence Building: Navigating different surfaces (stairs, ramps, mats, wobbly boards) and interacting with real-world objects like shopping carts and wheelchairs.
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Positive Human Interaction: Meeting people of various ages, sizes, and with different attire (hats, sunglasses, umbrellas) to reduce fear and hesitation.
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Playtime with Other dogs: Supervised, age-appropriate social play to teach proper play manners and dog-to-dog communication.
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Exposure to Sounds and Movement: Safe introductions to common noises (vacuums, doorbells, traffic sounds) and moving objects (bikes, strollers).
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Basic Handling and Training Foundations: Teaching your dog to be comfortable with handling, such as checking ears, paws, and mouths.
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K9 First Aid: Learn the basics of canine first aid, including handling minor injuries, recognizing emergencies, and how to act quickly to keep your dog safe.
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By the end of the course, your dog will be well-prepared to confidently handle everyday situations and real-world challenges.
​​​Why Choose Our
Basic Manners Course?
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Having a well-behaved dog makes every day easier and more enjoyable. Our Basic Manners Course is perfect for dogs that need to:
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Learn or reinforce basic obedience commands
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Improve focus and impulse control
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Break bad habits like pulling on the leash or jumping on guests
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Practice polite behavior in a structured, supportive environment
We use positive reinforcement training techniques to ensure your dog learns in a fun and rewarding way, making it easy to reinforce skills at home.
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Who Can Join?
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The Basic Manners Course is open to dogs 1 year and older who are:
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Up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccinations
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Friendly and non-aggressive toward people and other dogs
This program is ideal for any dog that needs to build or refresh their obedience foundation.
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Cost & Enrollment Details
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10-Week Basic Manners Course: $325
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Classes are fun, engaging, and structured to help your dog succeed in everyday life.​
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Spaces are limited, so don’t wait to get started! Contact us today to reserve your spot and take the first step toward a well-mannered, happy dog.