Sirius Puppy & Dog Training

Classes are structured by age and progression: 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 is 5 sessions long. Students receive free access to the Top Dog Academy online platform with video lessons, worksheets, and resources. Classes are held in safe, indoor facilities with off-leash socialization and distraction-based training under instructor supervision.

Pricing Summary

All group classes are $249 for 5 sessions. Puppy class bundles save up to $100. Online courses: Essential Puppy Training Course is $200; Top Dog Academy is $20/month. Puppies must be vaccinated and dewormed before enrollment.

Policies

Refund policy is available on their website but not detailed in content. Puppies must be up-to-date on vaccines and dewormed to attend. No-shows or cancellations are not addressed in provided text.

SIRIUS Puppy & Dog Training, founded in 1982 by veterinarian and animal behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar, is the original puppy school and offers group training classes for puppies and dogs in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their curriculum focuses on positive, reward-based methods and emphasizes early socialization, off-leash control, and behavior modification in a safe, indoor facility. Classes are designed 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+). Students receive three months of free access to the Top Dog Academy, an online library with over 170 step-by-step training videos, eBooks, and resources to reinforce learning at home. All puppies must have at least one set of vaccines and a deworming before attending. The business is veterinarian-owned and family-friendly, with instructors who are certified trainers and many who began as students themselves. SIRIUS has trained over 125,000 puppies and has never reported a case of Parvovirus or Distemper in class despite decades of operation.

In addition to in-person group classes, SIRIUS offers the Essential Puppy Training Course and Top Dog Academy as standalone online products for remote learners. They also provide free downloadable puppy training ebooks by Dr. Ian Dunbar. While they do not offer private, in-home, board-and-train, or day-training services, their group classes are held at multiple locations across the Bay Area.

The training philosophy is grounded in science and positive reinforcement, with instructors trained under Dr. Dunbar’s methods. The program aims to prevent behavioral issues that lead to dog relinquishment by building confidence, social skills, and owner confidence from puppyhood through adulthood.

Accomplishments

Founded in 1982 by Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian and animal behaviorist with a Ph.D. in animal behavior from UC Berkeley. Created the world’s first off-leash puppy class. Trained over 125,000 puppies. Authored multiple award-winning books and training videos. Voted best puppy training classes in the San Francisco Bay Area.

How to Get Started!

Choose a class based on your dog’s age, register online, ensure your puppy has at least one set of vaccines and a deworming 7 days prior to class, and attend the first session. Access to online resources begins upon enrollment.