SIRIUS Puppy & Dog Training

Classes are structured in five-session packages based on the dog’s age. Puppy Kindergarten (8–12 weeks), Puppy Training I (12–18 weeks), Puppy Training II (up to 8 months, requires Puppy I), and Dog Training I (19 weeks+). Each class includes off-leash socialization and instructor-led behavior correction. Students receive three months of free access to the Top Dog Academy, which includes 170+ video lessons, worksheets, and webinars for home practice.

Pricing Summary

Group classes cost $249 for five sessions. Puppy class bundles save up to $100. The Essential Puppy Training Course is available online for $200, or access to the full Top Dog Academy is $20/month.

Policies

Refund policy is available on their website but not detailed in content. Puppies must have at least one set of vaccines (Distemper and Parvo) and a first deworming at least 7 days before class. Vaccinations must be maintained throughout the course.

SIRIUS Puppy & Dog Training is the original puppy school, founded in 1982 by veterinarian and animal behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar. They offer in-person group puppy and dog training classes in the San Francisco Bay Area, focusing on positive, reward-based methods to build confidence, socialization, and obedience. Their curriculum is designed for puppies as young as 8 weeks through adult dogs, with classes tailored by age: Puppy Kindergarten (8–12 weeks), Puppy Training I (12–18 weeks), Puppy Training II (up to 8 months), and Dog Training I (19 weeks+). Each class includes five sessions and comes with three months of free access to the Top Dog Academy, an online library of 170+ step-by-step training videos, eBooks, and resources. They emphasize off-leash socialization in a controlled environment and require puppies to have at least one set of vaccines before attending. Their instructors are experienced, many with backgrounds in veterinary care, shelter work, or long-term student training with SIRIUS. They also offer the Essential Puppy Training Course as a standalone online product for remote learners.

SIRIUS has trained over 120,000 puppies and has never reported a case of Parvovirus or Distemper in class, despite decades of operation. They prioritize safety and socialization, aligning with the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s position that early socialization is critical to preventing behavioral euthanasia. Their classes are family-friendly and veterinarian-owned, with locations in Berkeley, Campbell, Corte Madera, Los Gatos, Oakland, Palo Alto, San Francisco, San Ramon, Santa Clara, and Walnut Creek.

In addition to group classes, they provide free downloadable puppy training eBooks and sell online training bundles. They do not offer private in-home, board-and-train, or day-training services.

Their founder, Dr. Ian Dunbar, is a globally recognized expert who earned his veterinary degree from the Royal Veterinary College and his doctorate in animal behavior from UC Berkeley. He authored foundational books and videos used worldwide. His daughter, Jamie Dunbar, and other instructors have been trained in the SIRIUS method since childhood or through hands-on experience in shelters and classrooms.

Accomplishments

Founded in 1982 by Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian and animal behaviorist with a doctorate from UC Berkeley. Created the world’s first off-leash puppy class. Trained over 120,000 puppies. Authored bestselling books and training videos. Voted best puppy training classes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Never had a case of Parvovirus or Distemper in class despite 40+ years of operation.

How to Get Started!

Choose a class based on your dog’s age and location. Register online for a five-session group class. Puppies must meet vaccination requirements before attending. Access to online resources begins upon enrollment.