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  puppy & adolescent training classes and programs designed specifically for young dogs:

1. PUPPY PARENTING – 1 hour, 40 minute recording that takes you through 4 weeks of classes. This recording is included in Play & Train and Puppy Training Camp registration and can also be purchased separately. 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!). This is a great class to watch even before your pup comes home! Puppy Parenting will take you through 4 weeks of age-appropriate management and training to get your puppy started off right! The course covers age specific issues such as house training, socialization/desensitization to sights, sounds & handling, mouthing/nipping, and recognizing normal and abnormal behaviors. We will also start you on 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

The full 4 week course may be purchased anytime for $49.95! We are currently updating our website for direct purchase but in the meantime, if you would like to buy this class, please email: Info@dogsdayoutseattle.com and we will send a payment link to you. Within 48 hours of payment, you will receive a link to the recording. 

2. PLAY & TRAIN (45-minute sessions for pups 8-18 weeks old) For a fully rounded experience with human educationThe Puppy Parenting class is included in the purchase of Play & Train.  Once registered you will receive an email to schedule your puppy’s  specific dates. First available start date in BURIEN is 3/31/24. Currently offered at our Burien Training Center only.

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. 

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.
  • Limit 2 people/dog (children included).
  • This class INCLUDES the 1 hour, 40 minute Puppy Parenting Class Recording

3. DROP-OFF PUPPY TRAINING CAMP – DDO BURIEN ONLY. drop off sessions. 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. 

The Details:

  • For puppies 8-18 weeks old
  • Monday & Wednesday (Four sessions over 2 weeks)
  • Drop off between 8:30am-9:00am
  • Pick up between 12:00pm-12:15pm
  • 2 days each week for 2 consecutive weeks (4 days): $399
  • All sessions are limited to 6 puppies with two certified trainers present.
  • Camp fee includes a 15 minute virtual private session with a camp trainer to speak to you about your specific pup – what we worked on and recommendations for further training. 

Topics and Skills Covered:

  • PUPPY PARENTING WEBINAR included!
  • 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/marker training
  • Basic Cues including: Focus, Sit, Down and Drop
  • NO REFUNDS within 7 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. DROP-OFF TEENS CAMP – DDO BURIEN ONLY. 4 Drop off session for dog friendly/social dogs.

The Details:

  • For adolescent dogs 4.5 months – 2 years
  • Tuesday & Thursday (Four sessions over 2 weeks)
  • Drop off between 8:30am-9:00am
  • Pick up between 12:00pm-12:15pm
  • 2 days each week for 2 consecutive weeks (4 days): $399
  • All sessions are limited to 6 dogs with two certified trainers present.
  • Camp fee includes a 15 minute virtual private session with a camp trainer to speak to you about your specific dog – what we worked on and recommendations for further training.
  • All dogs over 1 year must be spayed/neutered, no dogs in heat. 
  • NO REFUNDS within 7 days of start date. Camp date exchanges may be made 72 hours in advance of the session pending availability. If exchange is not available, no refunds or partial refunds are made.

In these sessions your dog will practice appropriate interaction skills in a managed session with certified trainers. We will be reinforcing appropriate social/play skills, attention, breaks and pauses and recall out of play.   If you do not know how your dog will behave in a group of dogs you must register for a Teens Play Group session (where you are present) prior,  to evaluate your dog for camp. 

5. TEENS PLAY GROUP – For dogs (and their humans!) 4.5 months – 2 years2-hour Teens Play Groups  for dog-friendly adolescent dogs. This is a structured play group with training and behavior discussion breaks throughout the session. Humans are included in these sessions and are encouraged to ask the trainer questions! Sessions are limited to 6 dogs. All sessions are run by a certified trainer. 

Vaccination record and proof of spay must be emailed prior to session: Info@dogsdayoutseattle.com. ALL DOGS OVER 1 YEAR MUST BE SPAYED/NEUTERED

6. TEENS & TWEENS JUMPSTART: 3 week course for pups 4.5-24 months that specifically targets those hot button issues you may have with your adolescent dog!
 In this course we will help you understand what is going on in that teenage brain, how best to communicate with your pup, and how to create an enthusiastic learner for the rest of her life. Each week we cover specific behaviors & skills: Week 1 – Attention (foundation skill for Recall) and Relaxation, Week 2- Loose Leash Walking, Week 3 – Jumping Up & Greetings, Leave It. This quick 3-week class is meant to give you some quick tips and jump start your management and training techniques for your adolescent dog. Background on management and how dogs learn is covered in the 75 minute recorded webinar “Behavior Basics – stuff you need to know!”  (included with this course) that you can watch anytime. We also facilitate short play sessions in this class if appropriate with the dogs in attendance.
INSTRUCTOR: Danette Johnston, CPDT-KA, CFFT, FDM

7. PRIVATE LESSONS. We also offering-person and virtual private sessions if you need specific, immediate help. Email: Danette@dogsdayoutseattle.com with any questions.

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