Puppy Training in Bakersfield, CA
Puppies can start with us as young as 12 weeks, once they have had two sets of vaccines. Marker training, socialization and the fundamentals, leading into full obedience at five months.
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You can start at 12 weeks, not at six months
A lot of owners are told to wait until their dog is six months old. You do not have to. We can start with puppies as young as 12 weeks, as long as they have had two sets of vaccines, and the puppy track runs from 12 weeks through about five months: marker training, socialization, potty and crate work, and the first commands, using a clicker and a leash rather than an e-collar. That early window is the one you cannot get back. At around five months, e-collar obedience opens up, and your dog moves into our obedience programs or a board and train. All programs are listed on the plans and pricing page.
What puppy training covers
Marker and clicker work
Positive reinforcement, encouraging markers and confidence-building, with no e-collar or prong collar.
First commands
Come, sit, down, place and loose-leash walking, taught at a pace a young puppy can handle.
Potty and crate training
House training and teaching your puppy to actually like the crate, covered in the consultation.
Socialization
Structured early exposure during the window where it does the most good.
A path to full obedience
A foundation that leads straight into e-collar obedience at around five months old.
Puppy programs and pricing
Puppies can start from 12 weeks once they have had two sets of vaccines. Basic Marker Mastery is our positive-reinforcement track and uses no e-collar. Payment plans are available, so call us today to talk through options.
Puppy Fundamentals & Obedience
5 private lessons on the first commands, for young puppies and small adult dogs without aggression issues.
Basic Marker Mastery™
5-week positive-reinforcement program. Clicker and 15-foot leash, no e-collar or prong.
Puppy Training Consultation
A one-hour session on potty training, crate training, nutrition and first commands.
Watch a four-month-old puppy in training
Wally, a four-month-old retriever, working with one of our trainers. More training videos on YouTube →
What Bakersfield dog owners say
“My puppy “Rick” is only 4 months old and already so much more obedient than before. Now I’m able to walk him super close by my side, and he listens much better.”
“Jesse and Miguel have helped me so much with my German/malinois puppy. They not only teach your dogs but also the owners so that way when you leave, your confident in training at home. I did the basic marker package to start with.”
“I and my 4mo goldendoodle pup had a great experience with Jesse! We took the beginner puppy class - it was exciting to see my dog learn and understand.”
Puppy training questions
How old does my puppy have to be to start?
We can start with puppies as young as 12 weeks, as long as they have had two sets of vaccines. The puppy track runs from 12 weeks through about five months, using clicker and marker training rather than an e-collar. What waits until five months is e-collar obedience: as our FAQ page puts it, we generally do not start e-collar training on a dog until it is at least 5 months old.
What happens after my puppy turns five months?
That is when the full obedience programs and board and train become options. Plenty of owners do the puppy foundation from 12 weeks and then move straight into a two-week board and train once the dog is old enough.
Do you use e-collars on puppies?
Not for the early work. Puppies train with a clicker, a slip lead and a 15-foot leash, all provided. If your puppy is between 12 weeks and five months, that is the track we put you on.
Is there anything I can do at home in the meantime?
Yes. Off Leash K9 has an online puppy video course, listed on our plans and pricing page, that covers crate work, marker training and the most common puppy problems. It is a good companion to in-person lessons rather than a replacement for them.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes. Payment plans are available. Call us today to learn more about payment options.
Puppy training across our service area
New puppy in the house?
Book a free phone consultation. Tell us how old your puppy is and we will tell you exactly where to start.