Ages 2 to 6 months

Puppy Head Start program

All-day preschool for puppies: professional training, socialization, and fun in a safe, nurturing environment.

Enroll in the 5x/week program See all schedule options

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Certified trainers since 2004
Fully insured

A Top Dog SF trainer kneeling to work with a curly-coated puppy on the training floor

The most intensive start we offer

Critical windowPuppy training for early socialization
Ages 2 to 4 monthsPerfect for early puppy development
Ages 4 to 6 monthsEssential training
8 hours dailyFull day care & training
Small groupsIndividual attention guaranteed

Why choose Puppy Head Start?

At Top Dog SF, we help build your puppy's foundation to be a Top Dog. Our comprehensive 4-week program gives your puppy the opportunity to play, socialize, and learn with our skilled, certified trainers for 8 hours per day.

Perfect timing

Our program targets the critical early developmental phase (2 to 6 months) when puppies learn fastest. We use positive reinforcement methods for lifelong benefits.

Complements home training

Our program works alongside your home training to strengthen your puppy’s foundation and prepare them for city life and a positive future.

What's included & skills your puppy will learn

Everything your puppy needs for a great start with comprehensive training.

Program includes

8 hours of professional training daily
Small group socialization sessions
Structured play & rest times
Mental enrichment activities
Daily report cards & photos
Access to certified trainers
Safe, supervised environment

Skills covered

Potty training
Crate training
Polite play skills
Handling & grooming
Bite inhibition
Recall training
Sit, down, hand targeting
Drop it & exchanges
Name recognition
Environmental exposure
Gentle leash walking
Basic obedience

Choose the schedule that works best for you

Drop off 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday.

Puppy Head Start pricing
Package	Price
5x/week: 20 sessionsMost popularIncludes 2 free socials	$2,015per 4 weeks
4x/week: 16 sessionsIncludes 2 free socials	$1,750per 4 weeks
3x/week: 12 sessionsIncludes 1 free social	$1,525per 4 weeks
Extension package5x/week for graduates	$1,000per 2 weeks

4-week program duration
Free puppy socials included
Extension packages available
Limited spots, enroll early

Learn more about early puppy socialization from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

A Top Dog SF trainer playing tug with a brown doodle puppy on the training floor

Your trainer films your puppy during her day with us. The clips land in your private portal that evening, inside the exact homework exercise to practice, with a note thread under each one. Included with Head Start.

See what comes home with Head Start

Common questions

Common questions about our Puppy Head Start program.

What age is Puppy Head Start for?

Puppy Head Start is designed for puppies aged 2-6 months, targeting the critical early development period when puppies learn fastest.

How long is the Puppy Head Start program?

The program runs for 4 weeks with 8 hours of professional training and care daily, Monday through Friday.

What does the Puppy Head Start program include?

The program includes professional training, small group socialization sessions, structured play and rest times, potty training reinforcement, crate training, basic manners, and daily progress reports.

How many puppies are in each Head Start group?

We keep groups small to ensure each puppy receives individual attention and personalized training throughout the day.

Will my puppy be tired after a Head Start day?

Yes, puppies get a full day of mental and physical enrichment with scheduled rest breaks, so they typically come home happy and ready for a good night's sleep.

Looking for group classes to pair with Head Start? See our AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy group classes.

Ready to give your puppy the best start?

Space is limited, so enroll now to set your puppy up for success through positive reinforcement and expert guidance.

Enroll now Or call (628) 285-3700