PUPPY
ESSENTIALS
Flexible scheduling: weekday, evening, and weekend classes with new sessions starting every month!
Raising a great puppy can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what to do first.
Puppy Essentials gives you a clear, proven plan so you always know the next step to take.You’ll learn how to build trust, communicate clearly, and teach the foundation skills your puppy needs.
You’re guided by McCann Dogs instructors who have helped more than 100,000 dog owners succeed, so you’re never left guessing.You’re not doing this alone. Our team is with you from the beginning, making sure you and your puppy stay on track and grow together.
With the right plan and the right guidance, you can raise the dog you’ve always hoped for.
A well-trained puppy doesn’t happen by accident. Each day they’re learning something, and these core skills make all the difference:
• Socialize your puppy the right way so they grow confident, calm, and easy to take anywhere.
• Learn how to address small behaviours before they turn into big issues later on.
• End nipping and biting fast with simple steps that stop the habit before it sticks.
• Potty train with a clear plan that helps your puppy understand exactly where to go.
• Build the foundation for a lifetime of learning by teaching your puppy how to focus, listen, and take direction even when the world is distracting.
Helping over 100,000 dog owners just like you!
“As first-time puppy owners, we came across McCann through their youtube videos. We instantly connected with them as they were easy to understand. I questioned whether paying for the course was even worth it, and my gosh was it ever! We decided to take the Online Puppy Essentials course, and I couldn’t believe the support! The course itself is great with short videos, clear instructions and SO much information. The live zoom classes are great as it makes you feel connected, and the Private Facebook group is phenomenal!"
“We have a 14-week-old Goldendoodle puppy who is fabulous, but before this course, she was nipping, zooming around the house, chewing furniture and a bit out of control. The techniques that they teach are easy to learn and so effective that now my puppy is resting peacefully in her crate, waits patiently when I open the door, has good manners when I feed her and is overall a superstar! Thank you for helping me enjoy my puppy and feel peaceful and in control.”
"Six months prior to our receiving our 8-week-old border collie, I came across McCann Dogs on YouTube. I signed up for the Puppy Essentials Program the day after we picked up Jedi. I have so appreciated this course and all of the instructors featured in the videos, Zoom, and on Facebook. I highly recommend this program to new puppy owners."
The McCann Dogs Team
Bringing home a puppy is exciting, but it can feel overwhelming when you’re trying to set good habits right from the start
For more than 40 years, the McCann Dogs team has helped over 100,000 dog owners build confident, responsive puppies. Our instructors spend every day teaching, troubleshooting, and guiding young dogs through the exact challenges you’re facing. They know what works, what doesn’t, and how to adjust the plan to fit your puppy.
You’re not just getting a program. You’re getting a dedicated team that has spent decades refining the process, understanding canine behaviour, and supporting families through every stage of puppyhood.
With their guidance, you’ll build the foundation your puppy needs and the confidence you need to enjoy life together. We’re here to help you succeed from day one.
Training Is Better When The Environment Supports You!
Every part of this facility exists for one reason: to give you and your dog the best possible training experience.
Our facility gives you space, comfort, and a great place to focus on your dog.
We have lots of room for you to walk your dog before class. Then step into one of our four large training halls built specifically for teaching reliability and good manners.
Are you thinking about some more advanced training? Take the next step into our 12,000-square-foot sports arena, featuring high-quality artificial turf and regulation equipment, the same environment used by members of Team Canada when preparing for world-level agility competitions.
Human spectators are always welcome, just reach out for details.
OUR FACILITY
Train in our World-Class Facility or Online with our Expert Trainers
The McCann Method® has evolved, and with it, the facility has become world-class. Originally in school gyms and community centres, McCann Professional Dog Trainers now sits on 21 beautiful acres in the heart of Flamborough. In addition to the main building, which holds 3 large, air-conditioned training halls, there is a 12,000 sq. ft. sports arena with top-quality artificial grass and modern regulation equipment. Agility trials are also held year-round in our facility.
FAQS
Who is this course for?
Puppy Essentials is anyone with a puppy between the ages of 8 and 15 weeks.
Please note that to attend Puppy Essentials In-Person, puppies must be a minimum of 10 weeks of age due to vaccination safety requirements.
Do we get to interact with trainers?
Yes! This is what is truly special about our programs! When you attend classes in person, you'll get to know your consistent Instructors during class each week. Ask questions and get support in real time as you learn and work on the program skills.
I bet you're thinking online will be different. Well, think again! When you attend Puppy Essentials Online, you'll get access to trainers 6 days a week to ask questions. You can email, post questions in the support group, and even submit videos of your training. Your Instructors will provide detailed feedback. In addition to the video lessons, you’ll get to attend weekly coaching calls where we talk about important topics like nipping, barking and how to capture good behaviour. If you can’t make it live, watch the recording later. Take advantage of 4-months of the previous live lessons which are available for your learning!
With all of this, whether you train with us online or in person, you’ll never feel alone!
What is included in the course?
Whether you choose Puppy Essentials in-person or online, you'll get high-quality instructions and support from our expert team of trainers.
Both programs provide detailed written instructions to supplement your live or recorded demonstrations. You’ll have access to loads of supplemental video content, including repeated instruction, real-life training examples and recorded classes.
Will this course work for my dog?
The biggest benefit of training with McCann Dogs is the collective decades of experience in our expert trainers. If you run into a problem, chances are we've seen it and solved it many times before. Joining Puppy Essentials gives you access to an amazing program that will take you step-by-step through the process of training the skills all pup’s need in order to grow into a well-rounded and safe 4-legged family member. Since dogs are not robots, when they do something different or unexpected, you'll be able to call on us, through your support options, to troubleshoot and solve less common problems.
Can I enroll anytime? Can I enroll from anywhere in the world?
In-Person classes have scheduled start dates and run on the same day and time each week. If you can't make a lesson, reach out to our office team to see about booking a make-up lesson. We're located near Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
Online classes can be attended instantly from anywhere in the world! Start now!! Our doors are always open. You can work at your own pace and on your own schedule. We'll be there to support you when you need us!
How often do classes start?
In-person classes start every month! Online classes start instantly upon purchase.
What if I decide it’s not the right course for me?
No problem! Check out our Full Money Back Offer:
In-Person Program - 24 hours before your first lesson
Online Programs - 48 hours after you purchase
What if my puppy is older than 4 months?
If your puppy is older than 4 months, we encourage you to look at our Life Skills 1 Program. We can support you through any lingering puppy issues and get you started on the skills that are important for an older puppy.
Are your in-person training classes indoors?
Yes! We train in comfort year round. Our modern, bright training halls are fully climate-controlled for a cool experience in the summer and warmth in the winter. Our rubberized flooring provides a great, non-slip training surface and all of our training halls are equipped with stereo systems so you can easily hear all of the instructions. Check out our virtual tour for a better look at our facility.
What kind of equipment do you recommend?
For class, you will need a 6-foot leash and a regular flat collar (we recommend a metal buckle). You’ll also need some training treats and a bait pouch. For your convenience, we have a small store at our facility or you can purchase recommended equipment online. Over the years, we’ve settled on equipment that we like and that very effectively suits the purposes and needs of our training programs. We’d be happy to help recommend products for you.
What if my dog has aggression issues?
Our family dog classes are for dogs who are friendly with people and other dogs. If you are experiencing aggression, fear or undesirable reactivity from your dog, either toward people or other dogs, reach out to us at yourdog@mccanndogs.com for more information.
This is my child's dog, can they train in the in-person classes?
If kids are part of your family, we want to help you teach mutual respect between them and your canine addition. This means teaching the dog to have good manners around both adults and kids. We encourage the entire family to attend classes; however, for safety reasons, all handlers must be a minimum of 16 years of age.
We know through experience that often, kids aren’t able to take charge of the dog, leading to even less respectful behaviour from the dog going forward. We recommend that an adult take the time to teach the dog all of the necessary skills before any children in the family ask the same of the dog.
Our Online Programs provide a perfect setting for all family members to learn together and get involved with the training!
What vaccinations does my dog need for the in-person classes?
We follow a core vaccination schedule. Dogs attending classes must be up-to-date on all core vaccines including Parvovirus, Distemper and Rabies. Up-to-date is dependent on the age of the dog. We require the following:
Dogs 10 - 12 weeks of age must have one vaccination including Parvovirus and Distemper
Dogs 12 - 16 weeks of age must have a second vaccination including the above
Dogs 16 weeks and older must have the two previous vaccinations plus we look for Rabies vaccination between 4 - 6 months of age
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes - we offer private lessons for individuals who require a personalized training program. All in-person private lessons are conducted at our facility in Flamborough, ON, Canada. We also offer Zoom Private Lessons for virtual learning. We do not do home visits.
How many dogs are in the in-person classes?
Our In-Person Classes have a ratio of one instructor for every 4 dogs in class. The bigger the class, the more instructors there are to help out.
Our Online Classes have ongoing registration, but we support our online students 6 days a week. There is not a shortage of instructor interaction!
Can I bring my family to watch in-person classes?
Yes, we love it when the whole family is on board and encourage everyone to come along!
Do the in-person classes have a training manual?
All of our In-Person classes include a comprehensive online training manual that compliments the lessons to assist you with practicing at home!
Can I train two dogs through Puppy Essentials at the same time?
For our In-Person Programs, if you have more than one puppy in the same household, you will need to have a different handler for each puppy and register each puppy separately! We have many family members come to class together!
For our Online Program, if you have more than one puppy in the same household, we offer a special discount to you! Email onlinetraining@mccanndogs.com for more details!