Puppy

Group learn and play classes for puppies who are 8 to 16 weeks old.

Bringing home a new puppy is such a special time, and our puppy training classes in Airdrie help you make the most of it. Each session gives your little one a strong start with confidence, good manners, and happy experiences alongside other dogs and people. We blend on‑leash learning games with off‑leash playtime, so puppies between 8 and 16 weeks enjoy safe socialization while practicing essential skills and building positive first experiences.

Our focus is on healthy social development during this important stage of your puppy’s life. Ready to get started? Register online to save your spot in our Airdrie Puppy Pal’s puppy training classes.

A young black and brown puppy with floppy ears sitting inside a blue hula hoop on a light gray floor, looking up at a person wearing black sneakers and shorts at Airdrie Puppy Pals.

Vaccinations

We know starting classes with a young puppy can feel like a big step, especially when it comes to vaccines. To join Puppy Class, your puppy only needs their first set of core vaccinations. Most families follow this vaccination schedule:

  • First round of vaccines around 8 weeks - you can join class!

  • Second round around 12 weeks

  • Final round and rabies around 16 weeks

Early puppy socialization is an important part of healthy development, and it can safely begin after that first round of shots. For more information, we encourage you to read the position statements from the A American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, and the AVMA and discuss with your Veterinarian.

A small black puppy with curly fur sitting on the floor with a purple leash, surrounded by several other dogs and people in a room.

What You'll Learn

All classes are led by Nikki Nordick, certified professional dog trainer and owner of Airdrie Puppy Pals. Using positive reinforcement and a relationship‑based approach, Nikki creates a safe, supportive space where puppies and their people can learn together.

Your puppy will practice:

  • Sit, down, and stay

  • Coming when called

  • Loose leash walking

  • Off‑leash social time with other puppies

  • And more everyday obedience skills

Whether your puppy is bold or a little shy, each session is shaped to meet them where they are. You’ll leave every class with clear, practical tips you can use at home right away, helping your puppy build confidence and good manners from the start.

A small black and white dog looking up while inside a blue and green hula hoop on a gray floor.

Class Details

Our programs are designed for puppies 8-16 weeks old who have had their first set of vaccinations.

Puppy School — $195 + GST
A 5‑week course with the same group of puppies each week. Puppies can join as early as 8 weeks, but need to start before 12 weeks of age.

Puppy Class — $39 + GST per session
Book individual sessions as you go and as many as you’d like. Perfect for shift workers or busy families who would like a more flexibility schedule.

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

Group of people with dogs participating in a training session indoors, with some dogs wearing harnesses.

What to Bring to Class

To help your puppy get the most out of class, please bring a collar or harness, a standard leash (no retractable or extendible leashes please), soft high‑value treats, and a treat pouch or easy‑access container. If you’re unsure what treats work best or where to find a good pouch, just ask — we’re always happy to help.

Please arrive 5 to 10 minutes early so your pup has time to settle in. If you need to reschedule, Puppy Class requires 48 hours notice, and Puppy School allows you to adjust your start date up to one week before the course begins. Once the course is underway, missed classes cannot be made up, but we’ll help your puppy catch up at the next session.

Register Online

Puppy Training

  • A happy black, white, and gray fluffy dog standing on a light-colored floor at Puppy Class
  • Black puppy sitting on a white floor with people and other dogs in during dog training group classes.
  • A small black, white, and tan puppy sitting on a gray floor, looking up through a pink and white hoop held by a person sitting on the floor at Puppy Kindergarten.
  • Alert German Shepherd puppy during obedience session in Airdrie
  • Brown puppy sitting and focusing at indoor training class in Airdrie
  • Puppy jumping through hoop at Airdrie Puppy Pals training facility
  • Large fluffy puppy at early obedience training in Airdrie, Alberta
  • Happy golden puppy learning commands at Airdrie puppy class
  • Curious young shepherd attending training session in Airdrie
  • Playful lab puppy learning leash manners at dog training in Airdrie
  • Happy golden retriever puppy with a harness looking up at the camera at Puppy Class at Airdrie Puppy Pals Dog Training Center in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada.
  • Small Jack Russell puppy learning to sit during puppy class in Alberta
  • Fluffy black and white puppy attending obedience class in Airdrie, Alberta
  • Adorable puppy with black and white fur, sitting on a light gray floor, looking up with a pink and white hula hoop around its neck, and a person standing nearby in Jr Puppy Class in Airdrie, Alberta.
Register Online

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between “Puppy Class” and “Puppy School”?
Both options follow the same curriculum and are taught by Nikki. The difference is scheduling. Puppy Class is flexible and lets you drop in whenever it works for you, which is great if your week changes a lot. Puppy School meets at the same time for five weeks in a row with the same group, so your puppy gets to know their classmates and build a routine. Families in Airdrie often choose whichever format best fits their schedule.

What vaccines does my puppy need?
Your puppy does not need all their vaccines to join. They just need their first set of core vaccinations, usually given around eight weeks by a breeder, rescue, or vet. These early vaccines offer protection while still allowing for safe, supervised socialization during this important window. If you are not sure what vaccines your puppy has had, check with your vet before signing up.

Will my puppy only play with dogs their size?
Our classes include a mix of small, medium, and large puppies between eight and sixteen weeks old. All play is supervised by their humans and guided by Nikki Nordick, our certified professional dog trainer, so every pup stays safe and supported.

What do you cover in class?
Every class is a little different, but we always focus on the early skills that help your puppy learn with confidence. That includes sit, stay, coming when called, loose leash walking, leave it, polite greetings, and how to handle common challenges like jumping. You will walk away with a strong foundation to keep building on at home.

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

My puppy is 16 weeks old. Can they still join Puppy training?
Once your puppy reaches 16 weeks (around 4 months), they’ve graduated from Puppy Training. At that stage, we offer Jr Puppy, Minding Our Manners, or Dog Daycare.

Register Online