Classes start on January 31 (Class now full. April 4 class now booking)!
Puppy Academy
A 6-Week Foundation Class for Growing Puppies
Puppies don’t come with a manual, but Puppy Academy comes pretty close.
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Puppy Academy is a structured, six-week group class designed to help you raise a confident, well-mannered puppy with real-life skills that last. This program focuses on clear communication, positive reinforcement, and practical training you can use every day, at home and out in the world.
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Unlike drop-in or rolling classes, Puppy Academy runs as a closed cohort. The same puppies and people move through the curriculum together, allowing skills to build week by week in a calmer, more consistent learning environment.
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This structure helps puppies feel safe, supported, and ready to learn, and it's designed to help humans feel confident and clear about what to work on and when.​
​​The next round of Puppy Academy begins January 31 at 8:30 am (CLASS FULL)
WHAT YOU AND YOUR PUPPY WILL LEARN
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Each class blends hands-on training, guided practice, and discussion, so you leave with skills you can actually use.
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Core skills we’ll cover include:
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Sit, down, stay, leave it, watch me, touch, and “place”
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Recall (come) and loose leash walking
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Waiting politely at doors and thresholds
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Bite inhibition and impulse control (with an emphasis on resiliency)
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House training and healthy daily routines
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Confidence building and appropriate social skills
Socialization with people and other puppies is included to support confidence and good manners without overwhelming young learners.
NEXT CLASS BEGINS APRIL 4
Orientation (Humans Only)
April 4
• 1-hour orientation
• No dogs​
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Weekly Classes
Saturdays at 8:30 AM
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April 4 (orientation)
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April 11
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April 18
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April 25
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May 2
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May 9 Graduation
Total Duration: 6 weeks
Class Length: 1 hour per week
Class Size: Limited to maintain quality and safety
WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR
Puppy Academy is a great fit for:
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Puppies 10 weeks to 5 months old at the start of class
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Families looking for clear structure and realistic guidance
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Puppy parents who want to build skills, confidence, and calm behavior from the beginning
LOCATION
Sugar House Veterinary Wellness Center
2265 S Highland Dr
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
REQUIREMENTS
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Puppies must be up to date on vaccinations appropriate for their age and have veterinary clearance to attend class.
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For most puppies, this includes:
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DHLPP vaccinations appropriate for their age at the start of class
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Bordetella (Kennel Cough) vaccination
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Rabies vaccination is not required if your puppy is too young to receive it.
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If your puppy is following a veterinarian-recommended vaccination schedule and has not yet completed all rounds due to age, that is completely normal. Please contact us with any questions or concerns before registering.
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INVESTMENT
$275 for the full 6-week program
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Payment is required before registration is fully complete.
New Sugar House Vet clients:
Please call (801) 487-9981 to get established (free) before registering.
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Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to pay. If you pay in advance, please disregard the payment link!
SIGN UP TODAY
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT PAYMENT, PLEASE CALL SUGARHOUSE VET AND WELLNESS CENTER:
(801)-487-9981
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FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT WHAT TO EXPECT IN CLASS, PLEASE CALL THE CANINE LIFE COACH:
(925) 389-1799
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Please note: you are not officially signed up until payment is received by Sugarhouse Vet and Wellness Center. Upon registering, you will receive a confirmation email with a payment link.
FAQs
What age does my puppy need to be to join?
Puppy Academy is designed for puppies 10 weeks to 5 months old at the start of class.
What if my puppy hasn’t completed all vaccinations yet?
That’s completely normal. Puppies may attend as long as they are up to date on the vaccinations recommended for their age and have veterinary clearance. Most puppies begin class before completing all vaccination rounds.
Do puppies attend the first class?
No. The first session is a mandatory, humans-only orientation (no dogs). This allows everyone to start on the same page and creates a calmer, more successful experience once puppies join.
How many puppies are in each class?
Class size is limited to 5 puppies to ensure safety, quality instruction, and individual support.
Is this a rolling or drop-in class?
No. Puppy Academy runs as a closed cohort. The same puppies and people move through the six weeks together so skills can build progressively and puppies aren’t overwhelmed by constant new environments or dogs.
What training methods are used?
All training is positive reinforcement–based and taught by a Certified Fear Free Instructor.
No punishment, intimidation, or aversive tools are used.
What happens if I miss a class?
Because this is a cohort-style class, make-ups are not guaranteed. However, you’ll receive guidance on how to practice skills at home so you can stay on track.
Is this class good for shy or sensitive puppies?
Yes! Puppy Academy is intentionally structured to support confidence, resiliency, and emotional regulation, not just obedience. Puppies are never forced to interact and are supported at their individual comfort level.
What should I bring to class?
You’ll receive a welcome email after registration with everything you need, including:
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Treat recommendations
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Leash/collar guidance
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What not to bring
Where is the class held?
Sugar House Veterinary Wellness Center
2265 S Highland Dr
Salt Lake City, UT 84106
How much does the class cost?
$275 for the full 6-week program. Once you register, you will receive a confirmation email with this payment link to pay for class. If you pay in advance, please disregard that link in your confirmation email.
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Please note, you must be a SugarHouse Vet client in order to pay for this class. Please give them a call to sign up for free!
(801) 487-9981
What is your refund policy?
Because class size is limited and spots fill quickly, refunds are not available once the program begins. Please contact us with questions before registering.
Can I stay and watch my puppy during class?
Yes! This is a hands-on class designed to teach both puppies and their humans. You’ll be actively involved each week.
How is Puppy Academy different from other puppy classes?
Puppy Academy prioritizes:
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Structure over chaos
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Resilience over perfection
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Real-life skills over quick tricks
The goal is not a “perfect puppy,” but a puppy who can think, recover, and make good choices, and a human who feels confident guiding them.