Puppy Training in Santa Rosa, CA

Is this your puppy?

Constantly biting hands and clothing?
Having accidents in the house?
Crying when left alone?
Pulling on the leash?
Jumping on visitors?
Nervous around new people or places?
Chewing everything?
Struggling to settle after play?
Ignoring you outside?

You're not alone. The first few months of your puppy's life shape far more than simple behaviors. They influence confidence, resilience, emotional development, and your relationship together. Good training isn't simply about teaching skills.

It's about giving your puppy the best possible start in life with Puppy Start Right

Why Choose Private Puppy Training?

Private training allows every lesson to be tailored to your puppy's individual needs.

It may be the ideal choice if your puppy:

is shy or sensitive
becomes overwhelmed easily
is highly excitable
is a rescue puppy
lives with young children
has a busy family schedule

Every puppy develops differently. Private training allows training to progress at your puppy's pace rather than following a fixed group class schedule.

What we will work on:

Building confidence
Puppy socialization
Potty training
Puppy biting
Preventing unwanted behaviors before they become habits
Cooperative care & calm handling
Collar & harness wearing
Recall
Loose leash walking
Enrichment
Calm behavior
Marker training
Building focus

Private lessons are:

Once a week, flexible days & times
8 x 30 min sessions
4 x Puppy Yappy Hours included (worth $80) more info below on Yappy Hour.
Course price - $600

Vaccination requirements:

Proof of at least one distemper/parvo combination vaccine at least seven days before the class or Yappy Hour start date.
Proof of current bordetella vaccination.
Proof of vaccinations must be uploaded with the Dog Behavior & History Form on the Booking page (Step 1)

What to Bring:

A healthy pup! We kindly ask that unwell puppies or those showing signs of illness stay home until they are healthy enough.
Treats: puppy kibble or slightly higher value treats. Please see the Training Treat Guide.
Treat pouch to wear, like a fanny pack. I sell clickers.

How many people can attend? Everyone in your household is encouraged to attend.

Because experiences during early puppyhood can have a lifelong impact, this course is designed for puppies under 18 weeks (4.5 months) of age at the start of class.

For dogs older than 5 months, please book an assessment.

Purchase Private Puppy training

Puppy Yappy Hour

Early puppyhood is a critical time for socialization and learning

Short, supervised, positive, and safe play sessions help young puppies develop essential socialization skills and independence, while also allowing them to burn off excess energy. Puppy parents must be present, as it's an opportunity to learn about puppy behavior. Preference is given to puppies that are very shy or scared and need extra support.

Right of admission is reserved.

Please NOTE:

Toy & Small Breeds Only on Wednesday 6:15 - 7pm - click to a see video preview

Medium to Large Breeds Only on Thursday 6:15 - 7pm - click to a see video preview

If your pup/dog is older than 5 months, please contact us as we do allow older, fearful adolescent dogs into Puppy Yappy Hour on a case-by-case basis. A free assessment is required.

Yappy Hour Duration - 45 min
Yappy Hour Frequency - See Schedule on Booking Page
Cost - $20
Puppy Age Range - 8 weeks - 18 weeks (4.5 months) I

Vaccination requirements: Proof of at least one distemper/parvo combination vaccine at least seven days before Yappy Hour. Proof of current rabies vaccination if the puppy is over four months. Proof of current bordetella vaccination. Proof of vaccinations must be uploaded with the Dog Behavior & History Form on the Booking page (Step 1)

What to Bring: A healthy pup! We kindly ask that unwell puppies or those showing signs of illness stay home until they are healthy enough to join the fun.

How many people can attend? - 2 adults or 1 adult and a child over 12 years old.

Book Yappy Hour

Your puppy is not too young for training

Puppies can be socialized & begin training while they're undergoing their vaccinations

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) statement: “In general, puppies can start socialization classes as early as 7-8 weeks of age. Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming. They should be kept up to date on all vaccines throughout the class.”

The American Kennel Club statement: "It used to be that trainers and veterinarians recommended that puppies begin training classes as soon as they were old enough to have all of their vaccines and boosters. What this meant was that some puppies didn't get to class until they already had behavioral issues and were headed down the path to a problem that started in the Critical Period of Socialization or Fear period. As a result, veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal behaviorists and many trainers now recommend that puppies (who do not have health problems) begin classes as early as 7-8 weeks".

Before Training FAQs

Please email training@good-dawg.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What age should I start training my puppy?

Puppies can start training as early as 7 weeks old. It's important to begin early as it builds confidence, attention span, self-control, pup-human relationship and provides enrichment.

Do you offer private training?

Yes, we only offer private puppy training at our facility. Private training yields best results.

What methods do you use for behavior modification?

We mainly focus on the reinforcement (strengthening) of wanted behaviors. We do not use force or fear in our training.

Do owners attend Yappy Hour?

Absolutely! Puppy parents must be present as it's an opportunity to learn about puppy behavior. Puppy Yappy Hour is 45 minutes long.

Are Vaccinations required?

YES, the first round of DHPP (Parvo) and Bordetella are required to be uploaded to your customer portal before attending any puppy activity. These vaccinations help build your puppy's immune system and protect against kennel cough, and other contagious illnesses. If your puppy exhibits any symptoms we kindly ask you to keep them home!

My breeder/ vet told me to keep my puppy home during the vaccination period. How safe is my puppy at Good Dawg Training?

Many dogs develop severe behavioral challenges due to a lack of early training and socialization. This often results in anxious, fearful dogs that become difficult to handle. Sadly they end up in shelters.

American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) statement: “In general, puppies can start socialization classes as early as 7-8 weeks of age. Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days before the first class and a first deworming. They should be kept up-to-date on all vaccines throughout the class.”

All puppies and dogs at Good Dawg Training are required to be vaccinated. Dogs exhibiting any signs of illness are asked to stay home and will not be allowed in. The facility is cleaned with a veterinary-approved sanitizer known to kill parvo, amongst other diseases.

private dog training private puppy training SANTA ROSA, CA

Puppy Training in Santa Rosa, CA

Is this your puppy?

Certified to instruct Puppy Start Right

Why Choose Private Puppy Training?

Puppy Yappy Hour

Early puppyhood is a critical time for socialization and learning

Free Puppy Resources

Your puppy is not too young for training

Puppies can be socialized & begin training while they're undergoing their vaccinations

Frequently Asked Questions

Before Training FAQs

Pet relief area

private dog training private puppy training SANTA ROSA, CA

Puppy Training in Santa Rosa, CA

Is this your puppy?

Certified to instruct Puppy Start Right

Why Choose Private Puppy Training?

Puppy Yappy Hour

Early puppyhood is a critical time for socialization and learning

Free Puppy Resources

Your puppy is not too young for training

Puppies can be socialized & begin training while they're undergoing their vaccinations

Frequently Asked Questions

Before Training FAQs

Pet relief area

Who wants a Cookie?