Training for Puppies in Austin, TX
If you’ve got a puppy under 6 months, you’re in the right place! At Every Dog, our certified positive reinforcement trainers are here to help your puppy grow into a happy, confident, and well-behaved member of your family.
We offer puppy training in Austin through group classes, private lessons, and puppy day school—flexible options designed to fit your lifestyle and your puppy’s needs.
Our team can help with:
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Puppy socialization with people, dogs, sounds, and new environments
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Building important skills like walking on leash, coming when called, and coping with distractions
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Preventing and reducing biting, mouthing, and chewing
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Potty training and setting a reliable routine
Puppy Training and Socialization Options in Austin
Our puppy classes in Austin give your puppy the chance to learn and socialize in a fun, supportive group environment.
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Puppy Kindergarten (8–14 weeks) – Focused on socialization and early foundations
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Puppy First Grade (4–5 months) – Continued skills training with more challenges
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Puppy Second Grade (5-8 months) -Recommended for dogs that have already gone through our 1st Grade class.
Classes run on a rolling basis, so you can start right away! Available at both our North Austin and South Austin locations.
Prefer one-on-one support?
Our private puppy training in Austin is a great way to focus on your goals. Try our Puppy Package, including:
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One in-home private training session with you
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Three “tutoring” sessions where our trainers work directly with your puppy
This package is perfect for new puppy parents who want extra guidance at home.
Busy schedule?
Our Puppy Day School in North Austin is a half-day program of training, socialization, and enrichment.
Your puppy will spend time with our certified trainers in a safe, structured environment at our North facility.
Day School pairs beautifully with group classes or private training to accelerate progress.
What are the benefits of puppy training?
Enrolling your puppy in training early provides socialization, prevents problem behaviors, and teaches skills that set the stage for lifelong success. By starting now, you can:
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Prevent problem behaviors like biting, mouthing, and chewing before they start
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Teach important skills such as recall (coming when called), leash manners, at an early age
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Build your puppy’s confidence in new environments, with people, dogs, and sounds
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Take advantage of your puppy’s critical socialization period when they absorb skills quickly
Early training also connects you with our certified puppy trainers in Austin, giving you expert support through your dog’s “teenage phase” and beyond.
When should I start my puppy in training?
You can start puppy training as early as 8 weeks old. Puppies go through a critical socialization window from 8–12 weeks, so beginning training during this time is essential.
Your puppy does not need to be fully vaccinated to begin classes or private training. We follow the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s guidelines on puppy socialization, offering safe training spaces and in-home sessions for younger puppies.
What vaccines are required for puppies in training classes?
For group puppy classes in Austin, puppies must have:
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Distemper/Parvo (DHPP or DLPP)
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Bordetella (kennel cough)
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Rabies (once they’re old enough)
Puppies starting before full vaccination must continue their vet-recommended booster schedule and provide proof of vaccines to remain enrolled.
How do you keep puppies safe if they're not fully vaccinated?
We take extra steps to keep young puppies safe, including:
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Thorough cleaning protocols before every class
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Requiring up-to-date vaccinations for all adult dogs in group classes
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Offering in-home puppy training or safe public training options when needed (e.g., using sanitized blankets or carts, avoiding high-dog-traffic areas)
These precautions allow your puppy to get the socialization they need while staying safe from illness.
Why should I train my puppy with Every Dog?
Every Dog offers positive reinforcement puppy training in Austin led by certified, experienced trainers. We stand out because:
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We use modern, science-based training methods (no fear, pain, or punishment)
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Our trainers attend continuing education workshops, conferences, and mentorships
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We provide flexible training options: group classes, private coaching, and puppy day school
Our goal is to help you raise a happy, confident, and well-mannered puppy in a supportive, fun environment.
Do you use prong collars, shock collars, or choke collars?
No. At Every Dog, we never use prong collars, e-collars, shock collars, or choke chains. These tools can create fear, stress, and long-term behavior issues.
Instead, we rely on positive reinforcement methods—rewarding the behaviors we want and teaching puppies to make good choices. This approach is proven, humane, and highly effective for building a trusting relationship with your puppy.
What's the difference between puppy private training & group puppy classes?
There are a few key differences between puppy private training and group puppy classes that you should consider when deciding which is the best fit for your furry friend.
What are group puppy training classes?
These classes are held in a group setting, with several puppies and their owners attending together. The focus is on basic obedience and manners training, socialization, and addressing common behavior issues (like puppy biting and jumping) in a group environment.
Let’s look at puppy private training.
Puppy private training is more individualized, with a professional trainer working one-on-one with you and your puppy. This allows for a more personalized approach that can address specific behavioral concerns or goals that you have for your puppy.
Let’s keep in mind that the setting of the training can greatly impact your puppy's learning experience. Private training is typically one-on-one with just your pup and the trainer, whereas
group classes involve multiple puppies and their owners in a group setting. Private lessons can be beneficial for puppies who may become easily distracted in a group setting, or who have specific goals to work on beyond the basics. But group classes can be a perfect fit for socialization with other puppies and people!
Another difference is the level of attention and guidance given to each individual puppy. In a group class, the trainer will work with multiple puppies at once, while in private training, all focus and attention are on your puppy. This can be beneficial for puppies who may need more individualized attention or have specific goals that require a more focused approach. Group classes may also be helpful as you see how the different puppies (and people) learn each skill, giving you more ideas on troubleshooting.
The structure and content of the classes also differ. Group classes typically follow a set curriculum, with the training set for a general group of puppies. Private training, on the other hand, can be tailored to your specific needs and goals for your puppy. The trainer will work with you to create a personalized training plan that addresses your puppy's unique needs.
This means that in private training, your puppy will have the full attention of the trainer and can progress at their own pace without any distractions from other dogs. On the other hand,\ group classes allow for socialization with other puppies and owners, which can be beneficial for their development and behavior around others.
Cost is also a factor to consider when choosing between private training and group classes. Private training tends to cost more due to the personalized approach and individual attention from the trainer. Group classes, on the other hand, are more budget-friendly because you’re in a group setting and sharing the trainer’s time.
Both options have their own benefits, and it ultimately depends on your puppy's needs and your personal preferences. If you’d like to work on specific behaviors, like counter surfing, jumping on guests, or pestering an older dog in the home, private training may be the best option. If you're
looking for socialization opportunities and basic obedience and manners training, group classes may be the best option.
And don’t forget- you don’t have to choose one or the other! Many puppies attend group classes AND do private training lessons. This allows you to get the best of both worlds: lots of puppy socialization in classes as well as many basic skills, and then individualized attention in private training lessons.
No matter which option you choose, the most important thing is to ensure that your puppy receives proper training and guidance in their early stages of development. This will set them up for success in the long run and help create a strong bond between you and your furry companion. So, carefully consider your puppy's needs and choose the option that will best support their growth and well-being. Remember, every puppy is unique and may require different approaches to training, so don't be afraid to seek professional guidance if needed.