Puppyhood does not last long, and it’s the most important development period in a dog’s life. Puppy Head Start is designed to proactively take advantage of the critical time that young dogs experience between the age of approximately 8 weeks and sexual maturity.

We have two puppy class sections, Part One that begins for puppies at 8 weeks and lasts until 16 weeks, and Part Two for puppies that begins at 16 weeks and lasts until 24 weeks.

To be eligible to enroll in Part One, a dog must be 8-9 weeks old, and the customer must commit their dog to the entirety of the 8 week program.

To be eligible to enroll in Part Two, a dog must be 16 weeks old and have completed Part One OR undergone a behavior assessment to determine temperament and eligibility.

Classes are held Wednesdays and Fridays at our Columbia Heights location.

Classes for both Part One and Part Two Begin

• The first Wednesday in January - FULL
• The first Wednesday in March - FULL
• The first Wednesday in May - 2 spots left
• The first Wednesday in July - 3 spots left
• The first Wednesday in September

Part One runs from 8:30-11:30am (drop off as early as 8am; pick up as late as noon)

Part Two runs from 1:00-4:00pm (drop off as early as 12:30pm; pick up as late as 5)

Missed classes cannot be made up and will not be refunded.

What we do

Puppy Head Start is all about teaching dogs how to learn, play with others, be independent, and recognize that new things are good. We do this in a way that is purely positive and force free for each puppy.

Our Puppy Head Start classes are extremely small, based on individual attention, and focus on the mental, physical, and emotional needs of each puppy. We also set goals and create lesson plans for each puppy based on your lifestyle and future with the puppy.

We support you, the puppy parent(s). Getting a new puppy and integrating them successfully into your household is an enormous commitment and a lot of work. We’ll help you, support you, and serve as a resource throughout your journey.

What We Focus On:

• Socialization
• Puppy Manners
• How to Play with Others
• How to Learn
• Choice, Consent, and Motivation
• How to Share Toys
• How to be Independent and Rest
• Potty Training

What makes us special

Our purely positive, force free, and science-based program is founded on the education of animal behavior luminaries such as Karen Pryor, Victoria Stilwell, Pat Miller, Patricia McConnell, Ian Dubnar, and Prasorp Tipprasert, as well as the research of world class institutions including the Duke University Canine Cognition Center, The Royal Dick School of Veterinary Studies at the University of Edinburgh, and the Mandalao Elephant Conservation. Instructors are independently certified professional dog trainers and specialize in puppy socialization.

Looking for more?

In addition to Puppy Head Start, we also Dog Montessori School for adolescents and adults, grooming by fear free certified groomers, as well as force free purely positive dog training. You can also balance your dog's week by doing a combination package of dog walking from your home on some days and day care on other days.