Puppy Training Classes in Auburn, WA
Give your puppy the best possible start with positive, reward-based training. Our puppy classes focus on socialization, growing confidence, and teaching essential life skills. You will also develop the tools you need to continue training at home.
View Puppy Classes Find the Right Class
Classes are held at our training center in Auburn, WA, serving puppy owners throughout South King County and the greater Seattle area.
Our group classes provide dog training for puppies in a supportive environment, with guidance from Run Wild’s instructors.
Puppy Training Options: Group Classes and Private Training
Run Wild offers several puppy training options for puppies aged 8 to 24 weeks. Choose the class that best fits your puppy’s age, your training goals, and the type of experience you are looking for.
Puppy Kindergarten
For puppies 8–20 weeks old at the start of class.
Puppy Kindergarten is a four-week, rolling-admission class that helps you and your puppy build a strong training foundation.
This class gives puppies the opportunity to learn and practice age-appropriate skills while helping owners develop positive, reward-based training techniques they can use at home.
Rolling admission means you can choose an available class day and begin during any week with an opening. Once you start, your spot is reserved for four weeks.
Puppy Kindergarten is also available as part of a Puppy Package that includes the next step in Run Wild’s basic manners series.
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class
For puppies 8–20 weeks old at the start of class.
The six-week AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class helps puppies and their owners work toward the skills included in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy® program.
The program provides an early foundation for training and responsible puppy ownership while preparing teams for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test. Purebred and mixed-breed puppies are welcome to take part.
Puppy Playtime Sessions
For puppies 8–24 weeks old.
Puppy Playtime provides structured, carefully monitored opportunities for puppies to socialize and play. Sessions are limited to eight puppies, allowing interactions to be supervised.
The program runs for four weeks with rolling admission. Choose an available day, and once you begin, your puppy’s spot is reserved for four weeks.
Private Puppy Lessons
For puppies of any age.
Private puppy training is a flexible alternative for puppies who need one-on-one help with skills not covered in group class, or for owners who cannot attend classes at our facility. Lessons are available on-site in Auburn or in-home if you live within 50 miles of our campus.
Our trainers can help with housebreaking, puppy biting and mouthing, chewing and destructive behavior, digging, jumping, leash walking, recalls, resource guarding, separation-related concerns, sibling dynamics, settling, confidence building, socialization, puppy management, and more.
Choose from 30-, 60-, or 90-minute private puppy lessons on-site, or begin with an in-home puppy training initial assessment followed by in-home puppy training follow-up lessons. Package deals are 15% off when you purchase multiple private puppy lessons together.
Not Sure Which Puppy Class Is Right?
Find the Right Class for You and Your Dog
You can also answer a few quick questions about your dog and your goals, and we'll recommend classes that fit.
A typical starting path for puppies 8–20 weeks old is Puppy Kindergarten or AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class, followed by continued basic manners training as your puppy grows.
Private Manners Evaluation
Run Wild offers a 15-minute Private Manners Evaluation to help determine which class is the best fit for you and your dog.
An evaluation is especially helpful if your puppy is very barky, highly excited around other dogs, or showing behavior that makes you unsure if puppy classes or manners training is appropriate.
Meet Your Puppy Instructors
Our puppy classes are taught by experienced, positive-reinforcement instructors who help young dogs and their people build confidence, communication, and practical skills from the start.
Jennifer Schneider
25 years’ experience · NCPDT · AKC CGC Evaluator
Brenna Peterson
Puppy and manners instructor · B.A. in Psychology
Karen Beattie Massey
Certified Dog Training Professional · AKC Breeder of Merit
What Our Clients Say
“Bjarki started at Run Wild when he was only eight weeks old, so we really grew together. It was difficult at first, but now we're doing great and having fun. Training has strengthened our bond, and I love the positive-reinforcement approach. It's good for my dog and for me.”
Seattle-Area Puppy Training at Our Auburn Training Center
Run Wild Dog Sports offers puppy classes and dog training at our training facility in Auburn, WA. For families that need Seattle puppy training, we serve the greater Seattle area and South King County.
Puppy owners looking for Seattle-area puppy training can find Run Wild at:
Run Wild Dog Sports and Training Center
35612 212th Way SE
Auburn, WA 98092
Our puppy programs are part of a larger training community where dogs and their people can continue learning together.
What Will My Puppy Learn in Puppy Training Classes?
Puppy classes build skills through positive, reward-based training that you can use at home and in everyday situations. You will learn how to communicate clearly and strengthen the relationship with your puppy.
Depending on the class you choose, you may work on:
- Improving attention and engagement around distractions.
- Growing confidence in new situations and environments.
- Practicing age-appropriate socialization with people and other dogs.
- Forming the foundations for polite leash walking.
- Developing recall and coming when called.
- Learning basic manners and everyday life skills.
- Managing excitement and encouraging calm behavior.
- Becoming comfortable with handling and new experiences.
- Strengthening communication between puppies and their owners.
- Supporting skills that can help prevent common behavior challenges.
Puppies develop at different rates. Our goal is to help you understand how your puppy learns and give you practical tools you can use at home.
When Can My Puppy Start Training?
Puppies can start classes as early as 7–8 weeks of age and don’t need to be fully vaccinated before starting. They do need to have received at least one set of vaccines, along with their first deworming, before starting their first class. Puppies should remain up to date on vaccinations throughout the class.
Starting early gives puppies the opportunity to build confidence and learn the skills that will support them as they grow.
The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) supports starting socialization before completing the full vaccination series when the appropriate precautions are followed. Read the AVSAB Puppy Socialization Position Statement for additional information.
Not sure whether your puppy is ready? Contact our training team at training@runwilddogsports.com.
Our Approach to Puppy Training
Positive, Reward-Based Dog Training for Puppies
At Run Wild, we use positive, reward-based training to help puppies learn while strengthening communication between dogs and their people.
Puppies are learning about their environment from the moment they come home. Our approach helps you reinforce the behaviors and skills you want while creating positive training experiences for your puppy.
Socialization With a Purpose
Socialization gives puppies the opportunity to play with other dogs while learning how to respond to people, environments, handling, sounds, and movement. Our puppy programs offer age-appropriate opportunities to build confidence and teach owners ways to support their puppies as they navigate new experiences.
Puppy Playtime gives puppies the benefit of carefully monitored, structured social interaction.
Skills for Life With Dog Training
The skills you develop during training create a foundation you can continue building on as your puppy grows.
For many Run Wild students, puppy training is the beginning of a longer training journey. As puppies grow into adult dogs, teams can improve their skills through basic manners classes and other dog training opportunities. For those interested in dog sports, Run Wild also offers activities such as agility, rally, nose work, and specialty workshops.
What to Expect at Puppy Class
Puppy training is a team effort. Practice with your puppy in class while learning techniques you can continue using between sessions.
Regular practice at home helps puppies apply what they are learning and gives you more opportunities to improve communication and reinforce useful behaviors. Before your first class, review your specific program’s registration information for current requirements and any items you need to bring.
If you have questions about your puppy’s behavior or readiness for group training, contact training@runwilddogsports.com.
Learn With Run Wild’s Expert Dog Trainers
Our experienced trainers and instructors help you understand how to communicate clearly and develop tools to use at home. With positive, reward-based training and guidance, our instructors help you feel confident in your training ability and build a stronger relationship with your puppy.
Puppy Training FAQs
Do you offer puppy training near Seattle?
Yes. Run Wild Dog Sports serves puppy owners throughout South King County and the greater Seattle area. Puppy classes and dog training are held at our Auburn training center at 35612 212th Way SE.
What vaccinations does my puppy need to start class?
Puppies should receive at least one set of vaccines and their first deworming before their first class. Puppies should remain up to date on their vaccinations throughout the class.
Puppies do not need to have completed their vaccination series before beginning socialization classes.
Contact training@runwilddogsports.com if you have questions about your puppy’s specific situation.
When should my puppy start puppy training?
Puppies can begin socialization classes as early as 7–8 weeks old, provided appropriate vaccine and health precautions are taken. Starting early develops socialization, confidence, attention, and foundational skills during an important stage of development.
How old does my puppy need to be for Puppy Kindergarten?
Puppies should be between 8 and 20 weeks old when they start Run Wild’s Puppy Kindergarten class.
What is the difference between Puppy Kindergarten and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class?
Puppy Kindergarten is a four-week, rolling-admission program that helps puppies and their owners establish early training foundations.
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy is a six-week class designed to prepare puppies and owners for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test.
If you’re unsure which program is the better fit, contact our training team or use the Run Wild class finder.
Does my puppy need to be fully vaccinated before attending class?
No. Puppies don’t need to complete their full vaccination series before starting puppy classes. They should have received at least their first vaccine before class and remain up to date on vaccinations throughout the program.
What should I bring to puppy class?
Requirements may vary by program. Review the current registration information for your class before attending. If you have questions about what equipment, treats, or other items to bring, contact the training team at training@runwilddogsports.com.
How much do puppy training classes cost?
Current pricing and available class times are listed on each program’s registration page. Visit the registration links for Puppy Kindergarten, AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy, or Puppy Playtime for the latest information.
Are puppy training classes worth it?
Puppy classes provide structure to work on socialization, confidence, communication, and everyday skills while teaching owners techniques they can practice at home.
Early training can also help establish habits and skills you can continue to build on as your puppy grows.
Can a shy or nervous puppy attend puppy class?
The right class depends on the individual puppy and their behavior. If you’re concerned about how your puppy responds to other dogs, people, or new environments, contact our training team before registering.
A 15-minute Private Manners Evaluation is also available to help determine which program is right for you and your puppy.
What comes after puppy class?
Puppies can continue building their skills through Run Wild’s basic manners training programs. Teams interested in dog sports can explore more classes as their puppies develop, including Sport Prep and agility.
Where are Run Wild’s puppy training classes held?
Puppy classes are held at Run Wild Dog Sports and Training Center at 35612 212th Way SE in Auburn, WA. Run Wild serves dog owners from Auburn, South King County, and the greater Seattle area.
What if my dog is too old for puppy classes?
Run Wild’s puppy classes are for puppies who are 8–20 weeks old when they start class. If your puppy or dog is older than 20 weeks, Basic Manners is a good starting option for foundational training.
Basic Manners focuses on practical skills for everyday life and gives older puppies and dogs an age-appropriate way to work on attention, communication, polite behavior, and other essential manners.
If you are unsure which class is the best fit for your dog, contact our training team or use the Run Wild class finder.
