Puppy Headstart
Puppy Headstart introduces young puppies to learning, communication, and the foundations of life within the home. It also prepares the owner and puppy for the next stage of their development together—Armor K9’s three-week Board & Train program.
Early Learning with a Greater Purpose
Puppy Headstart is the first stage of a carefully planned training path. Through enjoyable, reward-based learning, the puppy begins developing engagement, coordination, early communication, and positive habits within the home.
Just as importantly, owners learn how to guide their puppy and continue the work between stages. This shared experience helps strengthen their bond while preparing both puppy and owner for the structure and advanced obedience introduced during Armor K9’s three-week Board & Train program.
Why Begin Early
A puppy’s earliest weeks offer a valuable opportunity to introduce learning before unwanted habits become established. Puppy Headstart uses age-appropriate, enjoyable exercises to help the puppy develop confidence, body awareness, coordination, and an early understanding of communication.
The objective is not perfection or formal reliability at such a young age. It is to help the puppy discover that learning is rewarding, establish useful patterns through repetition, and create a strong foundation for the training that follows.
Two Ways to Begin
Puppy Headstart is offered in two formats. Both introduce the same early foundation; the appropriate format depends on the puppy’s age, health, vaccination status, and veterinarian’s recommendation.
When the veterinarian determines that boarding is appropriate, the puppy spends six days inside an Armor K9 trainer’s personal home. Learning, crate time, rest, play, and everyday household experiences are thoughtfully balanced around the individual puppy.
At pickup, the owner receives an approximately 90-minute lesson, written guidance, and instruction for continuing the work at home.
When boarding is not yet recommended—often because a young puppy has not completed its initial vaccination series—Armor K9 provides six one-hour sessions in the owner’s home. The program may begin as early as eight weeks and is normally completed through three sessions per week for two weeks.
Private sessions are generally available within approximately 30 minutes of Armor K9. Greater distances may be accommodated and may involve an additional travel charge.
What the Puppy Begins Learning
Puppy Headstart introduces a broad foundation through age-appropriate luring, shaping, repetition, and reward. At this stage, the emphasis is on understanding—not perfection.
Between Stages
After Puppy Headstart, the puppy returns to or remains with its owner until it is ready to begin Board & Train. During this time, the owner continues the foundation through two to four short training sessions each day, using the guidance provided by Armor K9.
This intentional developmental bridge reinforces early learning while helping the owner develop clearer communication, greater confidence, and a stronger bond with the puppy.
The Next Stage
At approximately 15–16 weeks old, with up-to-date vaccination records, the puppy returns to Armor K9 for its three-week Board & Train program.
Board & Train builds upon the engagement, movements, and early patterns introduced during Puppy Headstart. The puppy progresses into advanced obedience through leash work, e-collar training, greater structure, and age-appropriate accountability.
Guidance for the Life of the Dog
Armor K9’s guidance does not end when Puppy Headstart or Board & Train is completed. Owners receive the instruction needed to continue the training at home, along with phone guidance for the life of the dog.
For puppies completing the six-day residential format, this support begins with an approximately 90-minute pickup lesson and written instructions. Private-session clients receive hands-on guidance throughout the six visits while learning how to work with their puppy between sessions.
Our responsibility extends beyond completing the program. Armor K9 remains available to guide the owner and dog throughout their life together.
Begin with a Conversation
Every successful training path begins with understanding the puppy, the owner, and the life they will share. Armor K9’s complimentary 30-minute evaluation provides an opportunity to discuss your puppy’s age, health, vaccination status, current development, and your long-term training goals.
Together, we will determine whether Puppy Headstart is appropriate, which delivery format best fits your puppy’s needs and veterinarian’s recommendation, and how the program can progress into Board & Train.
Once the program is confirmed, a deposit is required to reserve your training dates.
Complimentary Private Evaluation