Mary Paranicas BA, CCDT, CPDT-KA

Founder & Owner

Group & Family Class
Limited 4 Dogs Out Doors
Spring and Summer 2022

Our Group lessons offer individualized attention and the benefit of watching others as they learn. This is very helpful in learning how to do the training exercises and avoiding common mistakes.

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Socialization is an important for all dog, especially puppies. Group classes are a great way for puppies to socialize however, it's important to remember it's only one way and there are many others. We go over this extensively with all our puppy owners.

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Group Family class will offer the opportunity to work as a team in training your dog. Not only will you  enhance the human - animal bond between your family and your dog, it will give you a happier, well behaved dog that you can do more with. All household members impact the dog's behavior, make that a positive experience by training the family dog as a team.

Puppy Foundations 1
Six One-Hour Lessons

• AKC STAR Puppy

• Socialization

• Handling & Manners

• House Training

• Sit, Down, Stand

• Targeting

• And more​

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Just like a human infant your puppy's brain and body are in an accelerated period of growth during this early stage of their life. Training at this time will set them up to be amazing adult dogs. At about 8 to 18 weeks of age, puppies are primed for bonding to animals and individuals, for learning that objects, people, and environments are safe, and for learning what the body cues and signals of others mean. Besides socialization, at this age, your puppy is mature enough to begin basic training. This not only teaches them basic obedience and manners but also how to learn. Introducing Positive Reinforcement Methods to your puppy will help them experience learning in this paradigm as second nature, which will serve them well throughout their lifetime.

Puppy Foundations 2
Five One-Hour Lessons

• AKC Canine Good Citizen

• Loose Leash Walking

• Stay Advanced

• Advanced Manners

• Leave It & Release 

• Tricks​

• And more

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This important second level of your puppy's training includes continued improvements on all the Level 1 behaviors. Let's face it, your puppy is still young and goofy. It's important to continue working on the Level 1 behaviors by proofing them so your dog can do them in various environments, not just at home. Your puppy will learn to keep their focus on the person walking them when on leash, so they do not pull and look for things to eat on the ground. Your puppy will also learn some fun and silly tricks. At Tara's School for Dogs tricks are an important part of training because the dog gets lots of treats and smiles!

Adult Dogs
Pack or Single Lessons

• AKC Canine Good Citizen

• Adult Rescue Dog

• Transition to New Home

• Sit, Down, Come, Stay

• Leash Walking​

• Behavior Problems

• And more

If you adopted an adult dog or just want to train your adult dog you have come to the right place. At Tara's School for Dogs we are firm believers in old dogs learning new tricks! Your dog can learn obedience and manners or address problem behaviors. Often times rescue dogs have a bit of trouble adjusting to their new home. We can help with that and be there to support you through the initial transition period. If you have just moved to the city or have a change in your living situation such as moving to a new place we can help with that as well. If you have a senior dog and they develop health-related issues, such as blindness we can help with management and other techniques.

Puppy & Adult

Problem Solving and Behavior Modification

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Problems in puppies and adults can come up in response to changes in the environment, daily routines or physical illness. It may be important to first rule out any underlying medical issues with a visit to the veterinarian.

Common problems include: Barking, Separation Anxiety, Chewing, Leash Pulling, Nipping, Resource Guarding, Jumping, House Accidents,etc. First we'll determine the underlying causes of your puppy or dog's issues and then decide on the best management and training methods to address them.

* Puppy Socialization in a Pandemic

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Socialization especially during the Covid-19 Pandemic requires some creativity. It's important that socialization occurs during this critical period of development which ends between 13 to 16 weeks of age. There is no substitution for intensive and ongoing socialization for your puppy during the critical socialization period. Puppy socialization can be fun and easy even during the pandemic. It's not just about meeting other dogs and people. Think about puppy socialization as a process of experiencing new things and enjoying enrichment activities. At Tara's School for dogs we help make puppy socialization easy, fun and effective.  Puppy Stages of Development on AKC website

Dogs must be vaccinated according to their age and have documentation from a veterinarian. Titers are acceptable proof of immunity, rabies as per New York State Law.  Please see resources and Protect the Pets for more information about vaccines and immunity.