The first few months of a puppy’s life shape the dog they become. At The Service Dog Team Academy, our Puppy Training program is built around the critical socialization and foundation-building window that happens between 8 and 16 weeks of age — the single most important stretch of time for setting a puppy up for lifelong good behavior. Whether your puppy is headed toward a life as a family companion or the first steps of a future service dog, the habits and confidence they build now will shape everything that comes after.
Our program is led by Valerie Fry and Keisha Tucker, using positive reinforcement methods exclusively — no corrections, no intimidation, no punishment-based tools. Puppies learn best through trust, and that’s exactly what we build from day one.
What Your Puppy Learns
- Potty training and house manners
- Crate training and settling independently
- Bite inhibition and appropriate mouthing behavior
- Basic commands: sit, down, stay, come
- Leash introduction and walking without pulling
- Socialization with people, other dogs, and new environments
- Handling exercises — paws, ears, mouth, and grooming tolerance
- Confidence building around new sounds, surfaces, and situations
Why the Early Socialization Window Matters
Veterinary behaviorists widely recognize the period between roughly 3 and 14 weeks of age as a puppy’s primary socialization window — the stage when a puppy’s brain is most open to forming positive associations with new people, animals, sounds, and experiences. Puppies who are well socialized during this window are significantly less likely to develop fear-based behavior problems, reactivity, or anxiety later in life.
That’s why we start early. Our Puppy Training program is designed to safely expose your puppy to the experiences they’ll encounter throughout their life — while their brain is primed to form positive, lasting associations with all of it.
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Preparation
Our curriculum incorporates elements of the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program, a nationally recognized foundation for well-mannered dogs. It’s a natural first step toward our Canine Good Citizen (CGC) program later on — puppies who complete our foundational training are well-positioned to move into CGC prep as they mature.
Training Options
Puppy training is available through multiple formats depending on what fits your schedule and your puppy’s needs:
- In-Home Sessions — One-on-one training in your home, ideal for house training and puppy-specific behavior issues.
- Group Puppy Classes — Structured socialization with other puppies in a safe, guided environment.
- Board & Train — For families who want an intensive two-week foundation before continuing training at home.
Not sure which format is right for your puppy? Contact us and we’ll help you figure out the best starting point.
Puppy Training as a Foundation for Service Dog Work
If you’re considering service dog training for your puppy down the road, early foundation work matters enormously. Puppies who are well-socialized, confident, and comfortable with handling exercises during this window tend to progress through service dog training more smoothly later on. We’ll let you know if your puppy shows the temperament and aptitude for service work as they grow.
Puppy Training FAQs
What age should I start puppy training?
As early as 8 weeks old, once your puppy has had their first round of vaccinations. Early training and socialization during this critical window has the biggest long-term impact on your puppy’s behavior and temperament.
Is it safe to socialize my puppy before they’re fully vaccinated?
Yes, with appropriate precautions. Controlled socialization — such as puppy classes with other vaccinated, healthy puppies, and safe exposure to new people and environments — is widely recommended by veterinary behaviorists even before a puppy’s vaccine series is complete, because the socialization window closes early. We follow safe, controlled protocols in our group settings. Always check with your veterinarian about your puppy’s specific vaccination timeline.
How long does puppy training take?
It depends on the format. In-home sessions and group classes are typically ongoing over several weeks to reinforce skills as your puppy grows. Our two-week Board & Train program offers a more intensive foundation. Puppy development continues well past the initial training period, so consistency at home matters as much as the sessions themselves.
Can puppy training help prevent behavior problems later?
Yes. Puppies who are well-socialized and positively exposed to a variety of people, animals, sounds, and environments during their early development are significantly less likely to develop fear-based reactivity, anxiety, or aggression as adults. Early training is one of the most effective things you can do for your dog’s long-term behavioral health.
Do you offer group puppy classes?
Yes. Group puppy classes provide structured socialization with other puppies in a safe, guided setting — an important complement to individual training. Visit our group classes page or contact us for the current schedule.
What is the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program?
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is a nationally recognized foundational training program for puppies, covering basic manners and responsible pet ownership. We incorporate elements of the S.T.A.R. Puppy curriculum into our program as a stepping stone toward more advanced training, including Canine Good Citizen certification later on.
Can puppy training lead into service dog training?
Yes. Strong early foundation work sets puppies up well for our service dog training pathway later on. Confidence, handling tolerance, and early socialization are all factors we look for in dogs progressing toward service work. We’ll talk with you honestly about your puppy’s aptitude as they grow.
What breeds do you train?
All breeds and mixed breeds. Puppy temperament and trainability matter far more than breed, and we tailor our approach to each individual puppy.
How much does puppy training cost?
Puppy training is available through In-Home, Group Class, or Board & Train formats, each with its own pricing structure based on your puppy’s needs and the format you choose. Call or text us at (469) 786-7877 for current pricing and to find the best fit for your puppy.
How do I get started?
Reach out through our contact page or call us at (469) 786-7877. We’ll talk through your puppy’s age, temperament, and your goals, and recommend the best training format to start with.