Star Puppy Training Classes

Puppy training classes are here to empower you and your puppy with communication skills and confidence.

We’re excited to bring a training class lead by a certified Canine Behaviorist, instead of normal dog trainer. We’ll guide you through training basics and how each behavior effects your puppy’s ability to communicate in an effective way. We want to help you avoid unwanted behaviors, instead of fixing them later on. Please let us help you with your puppy!

As with every kind of event at Pickles Playland we are not able to accept people under 21yrs old in our building. This is a state law, not our rule.

Class Details:

• Duration: 6 weekly sessions, up to 1 hour per class.

• When: Every Sunday at 11am February 9th - March 16th.

• Class size: Up to 10 puppies. We limit class size, so you get more 1 on 1 help.

• Cost: $200 per puppy

• Open to: Puppies 6 months or younger.

• Awards: American Kennel Club’s STAR puppy certificate, Pickles Playland certificate, mini trophy, 5 free daycare visit package (for puppies 35lbs or less), & an enviably great puppy.

• Upcoming dates: Kirkland: Feb 9th - March 16th. Redmond: TBD. Issaquah: TBD.

Class Structure:

Every class is a mix of off leash play and structured training, as a rotation of play & train. Yes, there will be a cute backdrop option for maximal photo booth greatness at each class!

Week 1:

• Introduction to each other & the AKC Star Puppy program

• Identifying body language

• Crate training

• Potty training

Week 2:

• Name recognition

• Eye contact & engagement

• Luring & rewarding (intro to leash manners)

Week 3:

• Touch

• Recall

• Stay

Week 4:

• Desensitization to touch (grooming, collars, harnesses, etc)

• Give, drop, release games

Week 5:

• The art of being bored

• Introducing place work

• Introducing target training

Week 6:

• Graduation Day!

What to Bring:

• Your Puppy

• A small bed, towel, or blanket (weeks 3 and 5)

• A list of questions for the Q&A session during each class

• A way to take notes if you’d like

• A standard leash (non-retractable leashes. If you show up with a retractable leash we will not be able to proceed with that day’s training.)

• Your dog’s collar or harness (harnesses are not recommended unless medically necessary)

• Three types of tiny training treats (about the size of a kibble or smaller)

• A treat bag or dispenser that clips to your pants

• Any family members or caregivers 21+ who wish to participate

Join us to build a strong bond with your puppy and achieve certification that highlights your commitment to responsible pet ownership!

The fine print:

1. Puppies must have at least one bordetella, one distemper, and at age 4 months old one rabies vaccine before coming to class.

2. These classes are for people 21yrs+ only (it’s a state law, not ours). Please register in the client portal (see client portal button on this website) to reserve your puppy’s spot in class.

3. Additional private sessions available upon request at $200/session. These can take place in your home, in public, or at one of the Pickles Playland locations.

4. If you send different people to classes please ensure they know and have the skills to follow up with the next steps of training for the class. This will help them and your puppy become more comfortable. You’re welcome to bring dog sitters, friends, and family members at no additional charge.

5. Please refrain from recording our classes. The information in these classes is not widely distributed on social media and/or recorded because we have chosen not to. If you have questions or want to record a specific training technique for you and your dog we can schedule a private session to do so.

6. Cancelation policy: We only accept up to 10 puppies per class. Reservations are non-refundable for any reason. If you miss a class you can choose to schedule a private training session if you’d like, at the standard rate of $200 per private session or to join an upcoming class for the week you missed (ex. if you miss week 3 for this class you can take all of the other classes & just week 3 from next month’s series of classes).