Jr Puppy

Group learn and play classes for Jr puppies who are 4 to 12 months* old.

Did you know dogs go through adolescence just like humans? During this stage, they often become more curious, more energetic, and more aware of the world around them. That’s where Jr Puppy comes in.

This class helps your growing puppy continue building good manners, develop stronger focus, and sharpen their social skills. Every session includes a mix of small, medium, and large puppies between four and twelve months old—so your pup learns to feel confident around all kinds of dogs

Two ways to join:

  • Jr Puppy Class has flexible scheduling. You can book individual classes as you go and your puppy will learn with a variety of people and dog friends.

  • Jr Puppy School is five weeks on the same night with the same group of people and dogs. Your puppy enjoys learning with the same group of friends each week.

Ready to get started? Register online to save your spot.

People and dogs in an indoor dog training class in Airdrie, Alberta, with dogs sitting and standing, some on leashes, in a spacious room with chairs against the wall.

What Makes Jr Puppy Class Different

Jr Puppy Class is a great next step whether this is your first class with us or you're continuing from earlier training.

All classes are led by Nikki Nordick, certified professional dog trainer and owner of Airdrie Puppy Pals. We focus on everyday manners, stronger focus, and healthy social skills to support your puppy as they move through their teenage stage.

Each session covers stay, lay down, polite greetings, loose leash walking, and building focus around distractions. We also practice coming when called and include supervised off-leash play with dogs of all sizes. You'll leave every class with clear steps to keep practicing at home.

This class isn't designed for barking or reactivity. If your puppy isn't comfortable with off-leash play in a mixed-size group, we recommend starting with Minding Our Manners or Private Training instead.

Black guide dog wearing a purple harness and sitting on a white floor, with a person sitting on a chair holding its leash.

Before You Join

We want every Jr Puppy class to feel positive and safe for all the dogs in the room. Here's what your puppy needs before joining:

  • Dogs can start Jr Puppy between the ages of 4 to 8 months and continue until 12 months.

  • Rabies vaccination

  • Spayed or neutered if over eight months

  • Comfortable around small, medium, and large dogs

Once you register, we'll send a confirmation email with everything you need to know before your first class. Questions along the way? We're here to help.

Happy dog sitting on the floor, with people and other dogs in a waiting area or training room at Jr Puppy Class.

Pricing

Both options follow the same curriculum and are taught by the same trainer. Choose whichever fits your schedule best. You do not need to complete Puppy to register for Jr Puppy :)

Jr Puppy School – $195 + GST Five classes on the same day and time each week, with the same group. Great for families who like routine and consistency.

Jr Puppy Class – $39 + GST per session Book as many or as few classes as you need. Perfect for busy families who need flexibility.

View our calendar and register online to get started.

Close-up of a light-colored fluffy dog with dark eyes and nose, with a person standing behind it in sandals and shorts, holding a pink and white striped leash attached to the dog, on smooth flooring.

What to Bring

To help your Jr puppy get the most out of class, please bring:

  • A flat collar or harness

  • A standard leash (no retractable leashes, please)

  • Soft, high-value treats your puppy loves

  • A treat pouch or easy-access container

Each class includes a mix of on-leash practice and supervised off-leash play, so a secure leash and easy-to-grab treats will help you and your pup stay connected during both learning and social time.

We recommend treats your dog already loves and can chew quickly. Not sure what to bring or where to find a good treat pouch? Just ask—we're happy to help.

Adorable puppy sitting on a light-colored floor, smiling with its tongue out.

Good to Know

We recommend arriving a few minutes early to get settled, and we're always happy to stick around after class if you have questions.

Need to reschedule? For Jr Puppy Class, just give us at least 48 hours notice. For Jr Puppy School, you can reschedule your start date up to one week before the course begins. Once the course starts, there's no way to make up missed classes, but if you need to miss a week, we'll catch you up during your next session.

Puppy Training

  • Close-up of a fluffy tan and black Shih Tzu dog with a pink leash sitting on a gray floor inside a dog training or grooming facility, with other dogs and people in the background in dog training class in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada.
  • Dog Training Group Class
  • A happy brown Labrador Retriever puppy sitting on a light-colored floor with its mouth open at Jr Puppy Class in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada.
  • Jr Puppy Class Fun
  • Close-up of a light-colored dog with dark eyes, standing on a smooth light gray floor with a pink and white leash. The dog's face is in the foreground, slightly out of focus. In the background, a person wearing sandals is holding the leash attached to the dog.
  • Jr Puppy Dog Training
  • A black Labrador puppy sitting on a light-colored indoor floor, wearing a camouflage-patterned harness, with people and other dogs in the background at a dog obedience class at Airdrie Puppy Pals Dog Training center.
  • Several dogs and their owners inside a spacious, well-lit dog training classroom in Airdrie Puppy Pals. Two dogs sit, one with a gray and white coat and one with a merle coat, both on leashes. Other dogs and owners are visible in the background.
  • A happy golden retriever puppy sitting on a light gray floor looking at the camera, with a person wearing sneakers and dark pants partially visible in the background at Airdrie Puppy Pals Dog Training center.
  • Dog Training Group Class
  • Group Training Classes
  • Jr Puppy Class
  • Jr Puppy Dog Training
Register Online

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between “Class” and “School”?
Both cover the same skills and are taught by the same trainer. The difference is scheduling. Jr Puppy Class is flexible—you can drop in whenever it works for you, which is great if your week changes a lot. Jr Puppy School meets at the same time for five weeks in a row with the same group, so your puppy builds a routine with familiar faces.

What vaccines does my puppy need?
Your Jr puppy needs to be up to date on their core vaccinations and have their rabies shot before joining.

Will my puppy only play with dogs their size?
We group by age, not size. Classes include small, medium, and large dogs from four to twelve months old, all learning and playing together under supervision.

What if my dog is reactive or uncomfortable around other dogs or people?
If your dog can be reactive, uncomfortable, or assertive around other dogs or people, please schedule a private training phone call before registering. We'll help you figure out the best fit.

What do you cover in class?
We focus on leash manners, listening around distractions, sit, spin, sit stays, and more—all in a supportive group setting. Each class combines on-leash training with supervised off-leash playtime.

How many people can come to class with my puppy?
Each Jr puppy can bring up to two humans. If you're bringing a junior handler under eighteen, they'll need to attend with an adult.

My dog is almost twelve months old—what comes next?
Once your puppy finishes Jr Puppy Class, they're ready for the next stage. You can continue their learning with Minding Our Manners, or keep them socializing and active in our dog daycare program.

Register Online