If you're one of the wonderful families who is bringing home a Bunji puppy, and you're interested in bringing your puppy home with a few extra skills and manners, our Head Start puppy training program might be right for you!

                                                                   Here's how it works

When your puppy is 8 weeks old, they will be placed into the care of local dog trainer Lilly Peterson, who will board and train your puppy in her home. Your puppy will continue crate training and potty training, and also gain new obedience skills with reinforcing calmness! There is very limited space in the program, so make sure to get your application in early as applications are due by the time puppies are 3 weeks of age.

• Cost: $95/day or $600/week
  
• Program length: Programs are available anywhere between 2 weeks and 6 weeks in length.
• Program Benefits: (Keep in mind there are no guarantees since dogs are living individuals, but this is a pretty good idea of what to expect.)
  • 2 Weeks - two weeks' worth of potty training, crate training, and socialization. You will still need to do some heavy lifting when your puppy comes home, but the hardest part will be out of the way!
  • 3-4 Weeks - three to four weeks' worth of potty training, crate training, and socialization. There will likely be some work you'll still need to do in all three categories, but the bulk of it will be done. We will also start working on basic commands.
  • 5-6 Weeks - five to six weeks' worth of potty training, crate training, and socialization. It is very likely that your puppy will be a rock star in all three categories by the end of the program. They will likely also know all the commands you would learn in your first obedience class.

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Puppy Head Start FAQ

• How many puppies do you choose from each litter?
  I will take up to three puppies at a time. Sometimes all three puppies might come from the same litter, but sometimes I won't take any puppies from a specific litter. It depends on the situation. If there are several litters happening around the same time, I may not be able to accommodate all litters. Applications are due early for anyone interested in PHS, you must get your application in early (due before puppies are 3 weeks old) in order to be considered.
• How do you decide which puppies to take into the program?
  When it's time to select the PHS families, Jen and I will go over all the applications and decide who we think will benefit from extra training the most. There's not a specific formula or list of criteria; we will decide based on whatever varying factors come up in the applications.
• How does the puppy get from Jen to you?
  I will pick up the puppy from Jen! You do not need to worry about transport until the end of PHS.
• How do I get my puppy from you?
  You can pick the puppy up from me at my home in Lowell, Michigan. I may also be available for local transport, including driving the puppy to GRR airport to meet you if you're flying in from out of town.
• How will you communicate with me if my puppy is in your program?
  I will send out a written update at least once a week. Also, I will be regularly updating my Instagram story with pictures and videos of your puppy's training. If you have an Instagram account, I will add you to a "close friends" list so you can see these special pictures and videos!
• How do I continue the training at home?
  A 1-hour training session is included with the program. This can be in person when you pick up the puppy, or if it's more convenient, we can schedule a video call. The 1-hour training session will help ensure a smooth transition from my home to yours, and allow you to successfully continue the training at home.