Puppy-Wuppy Dog Training

Programs include group classes in obedience, agility, AKC Rally, CGC/Therapy, and specialty skills with small class sizes (avg. 4 dogs). Private lessons are available for obedience, behavior, competition, and agility. The Play Stay & Train program offers structured daily training, play, and mental enrichment for dogs while owners are away, with no dog-to-dog interaction. In-house board-and-train programs provide intensive, individualized training over days or weeks. All programs emphasize consistency, homework, and owner participation for long-term success.

Pricing Summary

Private lessons with Lori Minardi: $90/half-hour or $180/hour for new students; $75/half-hour or $160/hour for existing students. Agility privates: $50/half-hour or $100/hour at facility; $75/half-hour or $140/hour at Dog Dome (includes rental). Play Stay & Train: $90 for half-day, $120 for full-day. Minimum booking: 2 sessions. Cancellation requires 48-hour notice; late pickup incurs $20/hour fee.

Policies

Play Stay & Train requires a 48-hour cancellation notice; cancellations within 48 hours incur a 50% fee. Minimum booking is 2 sessions (preferably 4). Late pickup after 6pm incurs $20/hour fees. All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations including Bordetella, crate-trained, non-aggressive, and free of bite history. No refunds for missed sessions.

Puppy-Wuppy Dog Training is a professional dog training facility located in Hackettstown, NJ, offering comprehensive training programs for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs. They specialize in puppy foundations, basic through advanced obedience, AKC Rally, Agility, Trick Dog classes, and preparation for Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog certification. Their training philosophy emphasizes individualized instruction, positive reinforcement, and building strong handler-dog relationships, with a firm belief that there is no “one size fits all” approach. The facility is a fully climate-controlled 6,000 sq ft space designed for safe, focused training. They offer group classes with small sizes (avg. 4 dogs) for personalized attention, private lessons, and structured Play Stay & Train programs that combine mental stimulation, physical exercise, and obedience reinforcement without dog-to-dog play. Trainers have decades of combined experience and compete in multiple dog sports to refine their methods.

They also provide off-site training, facility rentals, workshops, and seminars. Their team includes Lori Minardi, owner with 28+ years of experience, and other certified trainers specializing in puppies, behavior modification, and competition training. They cater to first-time owners and experienced handlers alike, focusing on real-world behavior and long-term success through consistent home practice.

Additional services include in-house board-and-train programs, day training, and dog walking options, all designed to support training goals while owners are away. They do not offer grooming, boarding as daycare, or pet retail services.

Accomplishments

Lori Minardi, owner, has over 28 years of experience training dogs in obedience, agility, Rally, and competition. Trainers have competed in multiple dog sports. Multiple dogs trained through the facility have earned AKC Canine Good Citizen and Pet Therapy certifications. Clients have successfully completed therapy dog evaluations and competition titles.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients must contact the facility to schedule an evaluation before enrolling in any program. Private lesson availability is booked in advance, with new student slots open for mid-October 2025 through year-end. Evaluation ensures compatibility with training philosophy and program suitability.