SIRIUS Puppy & Dog Training

Classes are structured by age: Puppy Kindergarten (8-12 weeks), Puppy Training I (12-18 weeks), Puppy Training II (8 months or less, requires Puppy I), and Dog Training I (19 weeks+). Each class is 5 sessions long. Students receive three months of free access to the Top Dog Academy, which includes the Essential Puppy Training Course with 170+ video lessons. Training emphasizes off-leash socialization, home integration, and behavior problem prevention.

Pricing Summary

Group classes cost $249 for 5 sessions. Puppy class bundles offer savings up to $100. The Essential Puppy Training Course is $200 as a standalone product. The Top Dog Academy is $20/month for access to all courses.

SIRIUS Puppy & Dog Training is the original puppy school, founded in 1982 by veterinarian and animal behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar in the San Francisco Bay Area. They offer in-person group puppy and dog training classes designed for puppies 8 weeks to 8 months and adult dogs 19 weeks and older, with a focus on off-leash socialization, basic obedience, and behavior modification. Their curriculum emphasizes positive, reward-based methods and includes an unparalleled collection of online training resources through the Top Dog Academy, featuring over 170 step-by-step videos, eBooks, and webinars to support home training. Classes are held in safe, indoor facilities and require puppies to have at least one set of vaccines and a deworming. SIRIUS also provides free downloadable puppy training ebooks and offers standalone online courses for remote learners. Their instructors are experienced, many with backgrounds in veterinary assistance, shelter work, or long-term students of the SIRIUS method.

The business is veterinarian-owned and family-friendly, with a strong emphasis on preventing behavioral issues that lead to dog relinquishment. They have trained over 120,000 puppies and boast a 40+ year safety record with zero cases of parvovirus or distemper transmitted in class. Their approach prioritizes early socialization and consistent home practice, making them a trusted choice for Bay Area dog owners seeking science-backed, humane training.

In addition to group classes, they offer the Essential Puppy Training Course and Top Dog Academy as stand-alone online products for global access.

Accomplishments

Founded in 1982 by Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian and animal behaviorist with a Ph.D. from UC Berkeley. Created the world’s first off-leash puppy class. Trained over 120,000 puppies. Authored multiple 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 in over 40 years.

How to Get Started!

Choose a class based on your dog’s age and location. Register online for in-person classes or purchase the Essential Puppy Training Course or Top Dog Academy online. Puppies must have at least one set of vaccines and a deworming 7 days prior to class.