Puppy Classes in Kitsilano
Force-free puppy classes minutes from Kits. Start anytime, small classes, no weekly commitments.
Start Anytime
No waiting for the next session start dates.
Puppy Programs run on Thursdays & Saturdays
1 Credit
1 credit = 1 Class
Credits start at $50
Pricing
Max of 6 Puppies
Small classes, expert curriculum, highly qualified instructors. Extra support between classes.
Free Puppy Play!
Every Saturday Morning!
(Note we're closed on Long Weekends!)
About Puppy Training at The Dog School
The Dog School is located at 4333 W 10th Ave (Unit 1), right on the Kitsilano/West Point Grey border.
We're a purpose-built, 900 square foot dog training studio designed specifically for puppies and dogs. Our classes are run indoors in our facility that is not shared with other programs so we can ensure cleanliness and optimum puppy safety.
Our Puppy Program covers the 8 to 16 week socialization window; the most important developmental period in your puppy's life! Our puppy classes focus on socialization, confidence building through obstacle exploration, healthy play and the foundations of engagement and focus that set your puppy up for everything that comes next. Classes are limited to 6 puppies with a high instructor-to-student ratio. All classes are taught by Dr. Sarah Shapiro-Ward (CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP) and Katrina Per-Carruthers (BA Psychology, CASI-CBST pending), co-founders of The Dog School. Between them they bring over 15 years of professional experience and a genuine passion for getting puppies started right.
Everything we do is 100% force-free. Positive reinforcement methods grounded in behavioural science. No intimidation, no aversive tools, no shortcuts that create problems down the road. Want to know more about what our Puppy Program covers? Visit our full Puppy Programs page.
Free Puppy Play - Every Saturday!
Every Saturday morning we open our doors for free, professionally supervised puppy play sessions.
This is not a class. It's a completely free service, open to any registered puppy!
Free Puppy Play gives your puppy safe, structured socialization with other puppies in a clean, supervised environment. Our trainers are on the floor the entire time, reading body language, managing play styles and making sure every puppy has a positive experience. We developed Free Puppy Play because we believe safe early socialization should be accessible to every puppy in Vancouver. We raise funds through donations for the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society (PADS), a Canadian organization that trains certified assistance dogs.
No purchase required for Free Puppy Play! Just register your puppy through our intake form and sign up!
Note: We're closed on long weekends.
Raising A Puppy in Kitsilano
Kitsilano is a great neighbourhood to have a puppy, but it comes with its own set of challenges!
Busy patios, cyclists, dogs of every size and energy level, and Pacific Spirit Regional Park right on your doorstep once your puppy is fully vaccinated. Sarah and Katrina believe that dogs in the city require a very specific set of skills that aren't always covered in other programs. We know how important it is to have a great settle in public, a phenomenal recall and enough confidence to walk past buses with air brakes, busy cafes and traffic.
Most of our Kits puppy owners have the same goal: They want a dog who can walk calmly past a busy cafe, greet other dogs politely and eventually enjoy off-leash trails in Pacific Spirit without running off into the forest with a failed recall. That's exactly what The Dog School's programs build towards. We start with the foundational confidence and engagement skills your puppy needs now, so that you're set up for success later. When your puppy ages out of our Puppy Program (around 16 weeks), your credits roll directly into Key Skills, our flagship basic obedience program.
From there, many of our clients continue into our Advanced Badge Classes with 60+ skills across eight tracks including nose work & scent detection, rally obedience, trick training and pre-agility. Our studio is easily accessible from anywhere in Kitsilano.
We also serve puppy owners from West Point Grey, Dunbar, Kerrisdale, UBC, Arbutus Ridge and Point Grey.​
We also know how important COMMUNITY is when raising a puppy! We have a unique online group included for our current clients where you can share training questions, join us for Q&A with
Sarah and Katrina, find friends for puppy play dates & more!
We know what having a puppy is like and we want you to feel supported inside and outside of the classroom.
Puppy Classes in Kitsilano: FAQ
Q: How old does my puppy need to be to start?
A: Puppies can join from 8 weeks old with proof of their first vaccination. The critical socialization window closes around 16 weeks, so starting early makes a real difference.
Q: Is it safe to bring my puppy before all their vaccinations?
A: Yes. We require proof of your puppy's first vaccination and our studio is cleaned before every class with Prevail, a veterinary-grade disinfectant that eliminates Parvo. We exceed BC SPCA AnimalKind cleaning standards.
Q: Do I have to commit to a specific day every week?
A: No. Our credit system gives you complete flexibility. Attend when your schedule allows. Puppy classes run on Thursdays and Saturdays. Want to understand more about our booking? Visit the Book Now page
Q: What is Free Puppy Play?
A: A completely free, professionally supervised puppy play session every Saturday morning. It's not a class. It's a separate, free service open to any registered puppy. We raise funds for PADS through donations at these sessions. For more information, visit our Puppy Programs page
Q: How much do puppy classes cost?
A: One credit per class. Credits start at $50 with a membership and cost $60 for a one-time pass (that's right! You can try a class!). Visit our pricing page for full details on memberships and packages.
Q: Where exactly are you?
A: 4333 W 10th Ave, Unit 1, Vancouver. Right on the Kitsilano/West Point Grey border. Easily accessible from Kitsilano, West Point Grey, Dunbar, Kerrisdale, UBC and surrounding areas.
Q: My puppy is older than 16 weeks. Is it too late?
A: Not at all. Our Key Skills program is designed for dogs of any age and covers all the essentials. You haven't missed anything. You're just starting a different chapter.
Q: What if I've already started training elsewhere?
A: That's completely fine! Our start-anytime model means you can join wherever your puppy is in their development. If you've done puppy classes elsewhere and want to keep learning during the critical socialization period, we can assess your dog and place you in the right program.