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.

2017 Start Dates for 6:00 Class: February 14 (FULL) • April 25 (FULL) • July 11 (FULL) • September 19 •  November 28

2017 Start Dates for 6:45 Class: January 3 (FULL) • March 14 (FULL) • May 23 • August 8 (FULL) •  October 17

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.

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.


2017 Puppy HeadStart class block start dates are:
January 5 • March 16 • May 25 • August 10 • October 19

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.