4 Weeks — 16 Months

Puppy Foundations

Building Confidence, Communication & Connection. The Puppy Foundations track is designed for young dogs navigating their most influential developmental period. During these early months, experiences shape confidence, resilience, social awareness, and the foundations of lifelong learning. Through structured guidance, practical exercises, and relationship-centred training, we help puppies and their guardians develop the habits, communication systems, and trust required for a harmonious life together.

Duration

8 Weeks

Cohorts

Rolling Admissions

Investment

KES 35,000

Apply for Assessment

The Learning Journey

Phase I

Connection & Foundations

Focus Areas

Name recognition and engagement. Marker and reward-based learning. Building attention and responsiveness. Introduction to training routines.

Home Foundations

Crate confidence. Toilet training strategies. Creating predictable routines. Managing rest, play, and enrichment.

Guardian Education

Understanding puppy development. Building trust through consistency. Setting realistic expectations.

Phase II

Confidence & Social Development

Environmental Exposure

Novel sights, sounds, and surfaces. Positive experiences with people. Building neutrality in busy environments.

Confidence Building

Problem-solving exercises. Balance and body awareness activities. Resilience through structured play.

Social Skills

Appropriate play behaviour. Bite inhibition. Understanding canine communication.

Phase III

Structure & Everyday Skills

Foundation Behaviours

Sit. Down. Recall. Place work.

Impulse Control

Waiting politely. Managing excitement. Threshold awareness.

Household Success

Calm settling. Appropriate boundaries. Focus around distractions.

Final Integration

Life Beyond Training

Public Exposure

Cafés and public spaces. Community environments. Controlled social settings.

Lifestyle Skills

Loose-leash walking. Calm greetings. Environmental neutrality.

Relationship Building

Maintaining focus in distraction. Strengthening communication. Building confidence together.

Expected Outcomes

Confidence: A puppy capable of navigating new experiences with curiosity rather than uncertainty.

Communication: A clear and consistent language between dog and guardian.

Engagement: A dog that naturally seeks guidance and partnership.

Life Skills: Practical behaviours that support everyday family life.

Relationship: A stronger bond built on trust, clarity, and mutual understanding.

Program Includes

Foundation Assessment

Initial

8 Guided Sessions

Core

Digital Learning Resources

Lifetime

Canine Whimsy Training Journal

Premium

Community Access

Ongoing

Preparation

What to Bring

Comfortable flat collar or harness
High-value training treats
Favourite toy or reward item
Water and bowl
Canine Whimsy Training Journal

Academy Philosophy

"Great dogs are not created through control. They are shaped through understanding, consistency, and trust."

The Canine Whimsy Academy exists to strengthen the relationship between dog and guardian through ethical, science-informed, force-free learning.

"Great dogs are not created through control. They are shaped through understanding, consistency, and trust."

Cohort	Dates	Session Schedule	Availability
Summer Cohort	July 2026	Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM	Open
Autumn Cohort	September 2026	Sundays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM	Limited Places
Winter Cohort	January 2027	Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM	Applications Open