Puppy Class Toronto
The perfect blend of socialization, training, and support for puppy parents looking to raise confident, well-socialized dogs that thrive in urban environments.
Congratulations! You have a new puppy!
We understand how becoming a puppy parent can be exciting, overwhelming, and frustrating all at the same time.
The little furball that is your puppy is counting on you for everything. You want to raise a confident, well-behaved puppy that becomes the dog that everyone in the neighbourhood wants to be friends with, and that you can bring along with you to work, the cottage, friend’s houses, the park, and other adventures.
What’s the key to avoid ending up with a “Covid puppy” that snaps at other dogs, shies away from strangers, and is always nervous and anxious?
The answer? It’s early socialization.
Since 2010, Toronto’s best socialized puppies have depended on our expert run Puppy Start Right classes for that early leg up.
How Puppy Start Right Works
- Start Anytime means open enrollment (we welcome new students every day)
- Classes are taken in any order
- Each class has some training, some puppy raising topics, and socialization time
- You can attend any of our Toronto locations (mix and match, or stick to one – you choose!)
- Don’t wait till they have all their vaccinations! This class is JUST for puppies under 16 weeks.
- Larger breed dogs should start early as possible.
- Too large, or too old? Check out Foundation Skills
What’s Covered?
Module 1
- Socialization Exercise: Resource Guarding/Food Bowl Safety
- Training: Walk with Me
- Training: Focus and Attention
Module 2
- Puppy Topic: Visiting the Vet and the Groomers
- Socialization Exercise: Accepting Handling, Restraint, Grooming
- Training: Lay Down
Module 3
- Puppy Topic: Body Language, Preventing Fear, Anxiety, and Aggression
- Training: Greetings with Consent
Module 4
- Puppy Topic: Alone-Time Training / Housetraining
- Socialization Exercise: Practice being left alone
- Training: Hand Targeting (Touch)
Module 5
- Puppy Topic: Nipping and Biting / Appropriate Play
- Training: Recall Games (Come)
- Training: Tug of War / Drop It
Why Is It Important?
- The first 3 months of life for a puppy is the most important time for socialization
- Puppies must be exposed safely to other dogs, people, animals, stimuli, and environments
- A safe, controlled, supervised environment is essential, such as Puppy Start Right classes at When Hounds Fly
- The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recommends that puppies start in a puppy class prior to receiving all core vaccinations
- Sadly, dogs that are kept away until after 4 months often have lifelong fear and anxiety issues
“My husband and I took the Puppy Start Right classes with our pup when we first got him. Two years later, I still think it’s the best thing we’ve done so far as pet parents.
In addition to teaching him the basics and teaching US how to properly teach our pup, I think the early socialization made a huge difference in how he interacts with other dogs.
Every time we pick him up from doggy daycare, the staff comments on? how good he is with other dogs – even the ones that typically don’t play well with others.
The classes at When Hounds Fly were fun, informative, and taught us how to teach our dog instead of just focusing on obedience and tricks. If you have a new puppy, I highly recommend Puppy Start Right.”
– Lauren K.
Puppy Class Program Tuition
Online
Self-paced learning you can take anywhere- Self-paced
- Lifetime access
- Includes videos of exercises
- 5 Puppy Classes
- Office Hours
- Buy Now
Basic
Our most budget-friendly option- 5 Puppy Classes
- Office Hours
- Online Course ($29 Value)
- Puppy Socials (Extra)
- 5 Adolescent Socials (Extra)
- Foundation Skills (Extra)
- Credit Expiration: 3 Months
Complete
Our Most Popular Package- 5 Puppy Classes
- Office Hours
- Online Course ($29 Value)
- 5 Puppy Socials ($10 Savings)
- 5 Adolescent Socials (Extra)
- Foundation Skills (Extra)
- Credit Expiration: 3 Months
Platinum
For puppy parents most serious about socialization and training- 5 Puppy Classes
- Office Hours
- Online Course ($29 Value)
- 5 Puppy Socials
- 5 Adolescent Socials
- Foundation Skills (7 Classes)
- 12 Months to Complete Foundation Classes
- $130 in savings
Prices do not include HST.
For details regarding class/training policies, please see our Policy page:
Offered at all five of our locations (Dundas West, Riverdale, Yonge & Eglinton, South Etobicoke, and Markham in 2025). Tuition grants you flexible access to all locations!
Okay, I’m Ready to Book!
Help! My puppy bites. How do I housetrain them? And more questions…?
Get our free New Puppy Help Guide and get some answers today!