Here at Dog’s Day Out we believe the beginning stages of a dog’s life are extremely important and if you’re lucky enough to be able to have your dog at a young age, we are excited to be able to help you start him off right!

Early socialization and learning is imperative for puppies. In fact, this needs to happen BEFORE your puppy is 16 weeks old (ideally before 14 weeks!). If you wait until your puppy has “finished his shots” you are too late.  Preventing potential problems is much easier that correcting problems later!

PLEASE READ the following links on the importance of early puppy socialization as well as the position statement from the American Veterinary Medicine Association (AVMA) on early socialization for puppies. Also, see What is Socialization and ways to safely do it.

Puppy 101- What To Do With My New Puppy!

We offer a variety of Ballard and Burien puppy training classes and programs designed specifically for young dogs

All current options for puppies 2 to 5 months old include:

1. Puppy Parenting – Virtual for humans with puppies 2-5 months old. Puppy Parenting Virtual is our core course offering for the human learner and we know the humans need training too  (especially new puppy guardians!). We have found this vehicle for Puppy Parenting to be highly effective. The live online class consists of lecture, demos and, if you choose to take the class with your puppy present, students practicing while the instructor watches and coaches in real time. Bonus: you do not need to be in Seattle to take this class and you can take this class with or without you pup present. This is a great class to take even before your pup comes home !

This puppy training course will cover age specific issues such as management, house training, socialization/desensitization to sights, sounds & handling, mouthing/nipping, and recognizing normal and abnormal behaviors.  We will also start introductory work on basic cues including: focus, stationing on a mat, sit, down, come and loose leash walking. We will also discuss what to expect in different stages of canine development. This class is the human education portion of all of our puppy programs. INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA, CFFP, FDM

2. Play & Train (for pups 8-18 weeks old).  During the summer 2022, Play & Train is only offered at our Burien facility. For a fully rounded experience with human education, Play & Train is designed to be taken alongside Virtual Puppy Parenting.  Priority scheduling for those also registered for Puppy Parenting. Once registered you will receive an email to schedule your puppy’s  specific dates. First available start date in BALLARD 3/25/23 and in BURIEN is 4/23/23 (you may start at the Ballard location sooner and do remaining sessions in Burien; please note on your registration or email Info@dogsdayoutseattle.com).  Skip Easter weekend, 4/8 & 4/9.

PLEASE READ FOR PLAY & TRAIN REGISTRATION: 

  • Registration links to the right are each month but you can START ANY TIME, BEFORE OR AFTER the date on the registration link if space is available (see available start dates above)! Once registered, you will receive an email with instructions and your start date for 6 consecutive sessions. You will automatically be given the 6 consecutive (no skipping weeks unless we are closed for a major holiday) dates starting with our 1st available unless you request a different start date. That may NOT be the date on your registration link; it could be before or after the date on your registration. Be sure to check you spam folders. 
  • NO REFUNDS within 10 days of start date. No refunds for missed sessions. Make up for missed classes pending availability only. You may get on a wait list or email (Danette@dogsdayoutseattle.com) 24 hours before the session you would like to attend as a make-up; if no response, there is no space.
  • All sessions must be completed by the time your pup is 18 weeks of age (pups under 20 lbs can continue until 20 weeks of age).   “No shows” for registered dates will count towards your total and be charged. No refunds for missed dates.

These are 45-minute play sessions for puppies 8-18 weeks. Pup must have had their initial Distemper/Parvo vaccine no less than 7 days prior to session. Looking for a bit more socialization time for your pup? You can jump into this group anytime! In this rolling-start play group you can socialize your puppy in a safe and monitored environment and get a few training tips as well. Each week a trainer will be on hand to answer any questions on puppy specific management topics or teach new skills based on needs of the participants while interspersing short periods of monitored play. Puppies will not be running around playing the entire time! Don’t let your pup miss out on learning crucial socialization, play and bite inhibition skills from his fellow pups. We highly recommend these sessions are taken in conjunction with Puppy Parenting as they are not as comprehensive in education and training concepts.

3. Drop-Off Puppy Training Camp – BURIEN ONLY! If you are interested in Camp please email directly to get on the list: Danette@dogsdayoutseattle.com. Puppy Training Camp is comprehensive structured program with a set curriculum. This is a training program developed specifically for puppies in this critical and sensitive period of behavioral development. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET ON THE WAIT LIST FOR UPCOMING PUPPY TRAINING CAMPS EMAIL: Danette@dogsdayoutseattle.com with your puppy’s name, current age in weeks and breed type/weight and we will notify you if a space is available!  

Puppy Training Camp is NOT a substitute for training with the human guardian! It is highly recommended that PTC is taken along with Puppy Parenting or Private Training sessions so the human knows what the pup is learning at camp and can continue that training at home.

The Details:

  • For puppies 8-18 weeks old
  • Monday through Thursday (4 hours, 4 days/week)
  • Drop off between 8:30am-9:00am
  • Pick up between 12:00pm-12:30pm
  • One week (4 days): $350
  • All sessions are limited to 6 puppies with two certified trainers present.
  • DDO Burien Training Center only

Topics and Skills Covered:

  • Structured and monitored play with other puppies to facilitate learning critical bite inhibition and socialization skills
  • Crate training (for house training, settling and separation training)
  • Exposure and conditioning to a variety of sights, sounds and objects
  • Reinforcing desired behaviors – not jumping, mouthing/nipping
  • Handling exercises including touch/petting and grooming
  • Introduction to clicker training
  • Basic Cues including: Focus, Sit, Down and Drop
  • NO REFUNDS within 5 days of start date. Camp date exchanges may be made 72 hours in advance of the session pending availability and the pup still being under 18 weeks. If exchange is not available, no refunds or partial refunds are made.

4. Private Lessons. We also offer virtual private sessions if you need specific, immediate help. Email: Danette@dogsdayoutseattle.com with any questions.

Restrictions: To ensure a safe and healthy environment, puppies who attend non-puppy specific day cares or dog parks are NOT allowed in the Puppy Training Camp Program or Puppy Play & Train.

5. Teens Play Group  If your pup is between 4.5 months and 2 years old, that are eligible to attend our 2-hour Teens Play Groups currently held select Sundays in Burien. Please click the link above for the details and registration links.

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Please check our Ballard dog training schedule or Burien dog training schedule for current listings and locations.

How much are the classes? Please see our rates and services page for class, daycare and seminar costs.

How do I sign up? Click the class you want on the right side of this page or, or more information, please contact us by phone 206-706-4875 or email at danette@dogsdayoutseattle.com.