Puppy Class

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.

Let’s build confidence, good manners and much more!

Congratulations on the newest addition to your family! Having a new puppy is such an exciting time, and Puppy Class at Airdrie Puppy Pals is the perfect complement to your puppy’s early training.

Every class includes a mix of small, medium, and large puppies between 8 and 16 weeks of age. We focus on building essential skills, creating positive first experiences, and supporting healthy development during this important socialization window.

✨ Register online to reserve your spot in Puppy Class — spaces fill up fast! ✨

A happy golden retriever puppy with a pink harness sitting on a gray floor, looking up at the camera.

What vaccines are required?

To participate in Puppy Class, puppies must be at least 8 weeks old and no older than 16 weeks. They must have received their first set of core vaccinations before attending:

Most puppies follow this schedule:

  • First round: around 8 weeks

  • Second round: around 12 weeks

  • Final round + rabies: around 16 weeks

If you have questions about the risks and rewards of socialization, we encourage you to read the position statement by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, the AVMA and discuss with your Veterinarian.

A woman with curly brown hair smiling next to a Pembroke Welsh Corgi inside a pet stroller outdoors on a cloudy day.

What’s Covered in Class?

All training is led by Nikki Nordick, certified professional dog trainer (CBCC, CDBC) and owner of Airdrie Puppy Pals. Nikki uses positive reinforcement and a relationship-based approach to create safe, enriching learning experiences for both puppies and their people. In Puppy Class, we’ll work on:

  • Sit, down, and stay

  • Coming when called (recall)

  • Loose leash walking

  • off-leash socialization with other puppies

  • and much more!

Whether your puppy is confident or cautious, we tailor the experience to support their learning goals. Each class gives you practical tools and guidance to continue training at home.

Adorable Australian Shepherd puppy sitting on a light gray surface, looking at the camera. The puppy has a black harness and a pink and black leash in Airdrie, Alberta.

Class Schedule & Pricing

We offer two scheduling options for Puppy Class. Both follow the same curriculum and are taught by the same trainer. The only difference is how you choose to attend.

Five-Week Course

  • $195 + GST

  • 5 weekly 45-minute classes

  • Set day and time with the same group each week

Open Enrollment

  • $39 per 45-minute class

  • Book as many classes as you like

  • Flexible scheduling

  • Perfect for shift workers or families needing more schedule options

📆 Click here to view our calendar and register online

Pictures of Puppy Class

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What vaccines are needed to participate in Puppy Class?
A: Puppies must have received their first set of core vaccinations. This is usually given around 8 weeks of age. If you’re unsure, check with your veterinarian.

Q: Will my puppy be grouped only with others of the same size?
A: Puppy Class is mixed-size, with small, medium, and large puppies between 8 and 16 weeks of age learning and playing together. All play is supervised by their humans and guided by Nikki Nordick, our Certified Professional Dog Trainer.

Q: What is covered in Puppy Class?
A: Every class is a little different, but we focus on key life skills and manners including:

  • Sit, stay, and coming when called

  • Walking on a loose leash

  • “Leave it” and polite greetings

  • Preventing jumping and other common challenges

Q: How many people can I bring to class?
A: Each Puppy Pal is welcome to bring up to two humans. Junior Handlers (under 18) must be accompanied by an adult.

Q: My Puppy Pal is 16 weeks - is this still the right class for us?
A: When your Puppy Pal turns 16 weeks old, they’re ready to move up from Puppy Class. You can enroll them in Jr Puppy Class, Minding Our Manners, or Dog Daycare.

A small black puppy with big, round eyes, wearing a pink collar, sitting on a gray floor with blue and white leashes nearby in Airdrie, Alberta, Canada.

What to Bring to Puppy Class

To help your Puppy Pal have the best experience, please bring:

  • A flat collar or harness

  • A 4–6 foot leash (no retractable leashes)

  • Soft, high-value treats your puppy loves

  • A treat pouch or easy-access container

These small items go a long way in setting your puppy up for success during class. If you’re not sure what treats to use or where to find a pouch, feel free to ask — we’re happy to help.

🐾 Ready to join us? Click here to view our calendar and register online