Puppy Prep Program

Give your puppy the best possible start.

The foundation you build in the first few months shapes everything that comes after. The Puppy Prep Program gives your puppy the experiences, skills, and support they need to grow into a confident, connected dog.

Socialization and exposure Crate and potty training Ongoing virtual support McHenry, IL and nationwide
Puppy Prep Program Freedom Found Dog Behavior and Training McHenry Illinois
Puppy socialization
Puppy training
Puppy enrichment
Puppy play
Two ways to prep your puppy

Choose your path

Whether your puppy needs an immersive start or you just need someone in your corner, there is an option for you.

Board and Train

Puppy Board and Train

Recommended at 3 weeks for best results

Your puppy stays with me for an immersive, thoughtfully structured program designed to build the foundation every dog needs. Real-world experiences, social learning with stable adult dogs, and the kind of early exposure that shapes confident dogs for life.

  • Thoughtful socialization and real-world exposure
  • Crate training and potty training foundations
  • Access to stable, social adult dogs who communicate well with puppies
  • Impulse control and early manners work
  • Daily updates and transfer session included
  • Available for 2, 3, or 4 week stays
$2,750+

Same pricing as standard board and train programs. 3 weeks recommended.

Tell me about your puppy
Virtual Support

Pro in Your Pocket

Available nationwide, no in-person sessions

You have questions at 11pm when your puppy won't stop crying. You need someone who actually knows dogs to tell you what is normal, what to work on, and what to do next. That is what Puppy in Your Pocket is for. Think of it as having a behavior professional on call for the whole puppy phase.

  • Text and call access for puppy questions all month
  • Personalized homework tailored to your specific puppy
  • Support with crate training, potty training, socialization, and more
  • Behavior troubleshooting as issues come up
  • Available for up to 4 months
  • No consult required, just reach out
$350

per month, virtual only, available nationwide

Tell me about your puppy
The foundation

What every puppy needs early on

The first few months are a critical window. These are the things that matter most.

Thoughtful exposure

Not just any socialization. Careful, positive exposure to the world builds confidence instead of overwhelm.

Crate and alone time

Learning to rest independently is a life skill. Puppies who learn this early are more resilient and adaptable for life.

Dog social skills

Access to stable, calm adult dogs who know how to communicate appropriately with puppies. Not just any dog playtime.

Early impulse control

Teaching puppies to think before they react. This is the foundation of every behavior skill they will ever learn.

Real puppies, real results

This is what the work looks like

Puppies in the Puppy Prep Program get to explore, rest, play with appropriate dogs, and experience the world in a way that builds confidence rather than overwhelm.

Every experience is intentional. Every interaction is supervised. Every day is designed to set them up for a lifetime of feeling safe in the world.

Tell me about your puppy
Puppy prep
Alisa Healy Dog Forward Training
Trusted referral

Looking for in-person puppy training sessions?

I do not offer in-person puppy training sessions, and I want to be upfront about that. What I do offer is making sure you know exactly where to go.

Alisa Healy of Dog Forward Training is a trusted colleague, a good friend, and someone I refer without hesitation. If you are looking for hands-on puppy training sessions, she is the person I point you to.

Visit Dog Forward Training
Ready to get started?

Your puppy's foundation starts here.

Tell me about your puppy and I will help you figure out which option makes the most sense for where you are right now.

Tell me about your puppy