St. Paul Dog Training Club

Puppy Classes

Puppy Classes at Saint Paul Dog Training Club are open to dogs at 8 weeks of age. We require that all puppies participate in a vaccination protocol developed and overseen by a practicing veterinarian, and generally in compliance with the American Animal Hospital Association guidelines for dogs. Owners will be required to provide evidence of a vet visit and vaccination plan/history at the first class. If your puppy shows signs of illness, please do not bring it to class. For more information see the PDF article “The Dilemma of Socialization and Immunity” by club member John Scandurra, DVM.

Puppy Einstein
During this eight week course you will be introduced to a variety of ideas concerning positive motivation with a focus on play, praise and treats. This class is for puppies age 8-16 weeks. You will learn socialization, motivation, and preliminary obedience. Additional topics include house-breaking, chewing, biting, jumping, shyness and more. Plus puppies will get a taste of the sport of dog agility! In addition to you and your dog, you will need your own soft small treats, a buckle collar, a soft or favorite toy and a 6 foot leash.

Cost: $80 for 8 week class. Classes are offered Tuesday nights and begin approximately every four weeks. Puppy Einstein class times are 6:00 and 6:45.

2018 Start Dates for 6:00 Class: February 20 (FULL) • May 1 • July 17 (FULL) • Sept. 25 • Dec. 11

2018 Start Dates for 6:45 Class: January 9 (FULL) • March 20 (FULL) • May 29 • August 14 • Oct. 23

To secure your spot in class you must mail the completed application along with your check. You may also sign up in person on Tuesday nights 5-7 pm but post marked applications are taken into consideration first. This class normally fills up one or two weeks prior to the start date. When we receive your completed application and check in the mail we'll reserve your spot in class. If it's within two weeks of the start date please email the Director of Obedience for class availability at Puppy@spdtc.com.

Download an application form (Microsoft word file) for this class. You may also download the application form in a PDF file format.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at Puppy@spdtc.com.

Competition Puppy Obedience I & II
Want to build a winning Obedience dog right from the ground up? Here’s where you start. Our Competition Puppy class is an in depth, two section journey that will guide you on your start to the Nationals. Or, if that’s not your goal, you’ll still build a dog that will be a joy to show and have in your family.

This course, developed by Trainer Claudia Roberto, combines successful methods drawn from several nationally known trainers and seminar presenters. It’s a hands-on result driven small group environment that will get you going with skills that will support your Obedience goals and a relationship with your new puppy that will benefit every facet of your life.

Because it is designed for current and future Obedience handler, prior obedience training and show experience is desired. But, if you have never trained and shown a dog but want to join the sport with the best possible head start, talk to the Director of Training or Class Instructor for details. Puppies should be at least 14 weeks and no more than 26 weeks of age. The younger, the better.

The program consists of two 8 week sections, part one and part two, taught back to back. Due to the small nature of the classes, (strictly enforced 6 team limit), the fee is $175 per section. Many materials, tools and handouts will accompany these classes and are included in the price.

Classes are held at 7:30 on Tuesday nights. First class will be January 30th, 2018. Email Claudia now to make a reservation.

2018 Competition Puppy start dates:
January 30 (Section 1) • March 27 (Section 2)
Complete program: The first section will run for 8 weeks: January 30 – March 20. The second section will run for the following 8 weeks: March 27-May 15.
The two-part program will then be offered again starting the end of May for two 8 week sessions.

Cost: Competition Puppy is $175 per 8 week section.

For more information on Competition Puppy contact Claudia.

Puppy HeadStart Agility I & II

Puppy Headstart One and then Two are great places to start your puppy learning the building blocks of agility. These classes are for anyone who wants a puppy with self-control, enthusiasm, drive and confidence. You will create a great working relationship with your puppy, and both of you will have a great time learning. Geared for fun and the fundamentals of agility, this class will give your puppy a super headstart on any future training.

The class works on puppy-handler focus, recalls and sends, puppy self-control, play-tug and clicker training. We also spend time on rules for training, sit stays, release word, leave it and agility heeling.

Your puppy gains experience with the bottom board, balance board, body awareness, tunnels and other baby-agility equipment. Your puppy also learns the value of an upright and set-point jumping with puppy speed bumps.

Puppies eight weeks to six months are welcome in Headstart One. Headstart Two is designed to follow Headstart One. Each block is 10 weeks long. No obedience needed. Puppies who have been in the Headstart program do not need to take obedience to get into Foundations.

Class works on:
Puppy-handler focus • Recalls and sends • Self control • Puppy-handler play • Clicker training • Rules for training • Release word • Leave it • Agility heeling with pulls and pushes as well as front and rear crosses

Puppies gain experience with:
Balance ball • Tunnels • Hoops and baby tires • Running through uprights of jumps • Set point jumping with puppy speed bumps • Doing a shoot • Working on the bottom board • Walking the plank, ladder and tiny teeter • Working with a butt box • Skateboard

Puppies ages 8 weeks to 8 months. No Obedience needed.

Classes are on Thursdays.

Puppy HeadStart I @ 6:00 p.m.
, Puppy HeadStart II @ 7:15 p.m.


2018 Puppy HeadStart class block start dates are:
January 4 • March 15 • May 24 • August 2 • October 11

Cost: Puppy HeadStart is $160 per 10 week block.

Click here to register for Puppy Headstart Agility I & II.

For more information regarding Puppy HeadStart Agility contact Headstartagility@spdtc.com.