Puppy Class
A four-week learn-and-play puppy kindergarten class that helps your puppy build confidence, practice early manners, and learn through safe, age-appropriate play.
Puppies of all sizes who are 8 to 16 weeks are welcome to learn and play with each other. They'll need their first round of core vaccines to join class.
What Is Puppy Class?
Puppy Class at Airdrie Puppy Pals brings together everything your puppy needs during their early learning window: practical skills, supervised play with other puppies, and guidance from someone who really knows puppies.
Each class is led by Nikki Nordick, owner of Airdrie Puppy Pals and one of a small number of trainers in Canada holding multiple certifications including the CBCC-KA and CDBC, with hundreds of continuing education hours in animal behavior. You'll learn how to support your puppy at home while they build confidence and practice age-appropriate social skills in a safe, structured environment.
What Puppies Learn in Class
Puppies learn early manners and handling skills, practice coming when called, and get support with potty training, teething, and appropriate chewing. They build confidence through age‑appropriate activities and obstacles, and enjoy supervised off‑leash play with puppies their own age. These early puppy training skills help set the foundation for future learning at home.
When Can Puppies Start?
Your puppy can join class once they’ve had their first round of vaccines, usually around 8 weeks of age, and can attend until they’re 16 weeks old.
Why Early Socialization Matters
The first 16 weeks of your puppy’s life are critical for social and behavioral development. During this time, puppies are naturally curious and open to new experiences. With the right approach, early socialization helps prevent fear, anxiety, and behavior challenges later in life, setting your puppy up for a more confident and resilient future.
We follow guidelines from leading veterinary organizations, including AVSAB, AVMA, and CVMA, to keep classes clean and safe while your puppy learns essential skills, plays with puppies their own age, and builds confidence in a supportive environment.
What to Bring to Puppy Class
A flat collar or harness, a standard 4–6 foot leash, high‑value treats your puppy loves, and your puppy’s vaccination records for their first round of vaccines.
A Note About Jr Handlers
Jr. Handlers under 18 are welcome to attend as long as they stay with their puppy and their parent or guardian throughout the entire class. For safety, space and comfort, no more than two people per puppy.
Register for Puppy Class
Puppy Class is $156 +GST for the full four‑week course.
Your puppy must be at least 8 weeks old for their first class and no older than 16 weeks by the final class.