Beginner Group Course · Ages 8–18 Weeks

Puppy First Steps Academy

$1,000
Complete in-home package · Private sessions + socials + group class
The all-in-one training package for under-vaccinated puppies. Combines private in-home sessions with supervised puppy socials and a full group class enrollment — everything your young puppy needs, safely delivered.
  • 4 private in-home sessions
  • 4 puppy socials included
  • 1 group class enrollment included
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  • Safe for under-vaccinated puppies — in-home + controlled facility
  • 4.9★ Avg Rating
  • 4,000+ Dogs Trained
  • #1 Rated in San Francisco
  • CPDT-KA Certified Trainers
  • Positive Reinforcement Only
Program Details

The Complete Puppy Package

Everything a young, under-vaccinated puppy needs — private training, socialization, and group learning, all in one package.
4 Private
In-Home Sessions
One-on-one training in your home where your puppy is most comfortable and safe.
4 Socials
Puppy Socials
Supervised socialization sessions with other puppies in our sanitized facility.
1 Group
Class Enrollment
Full enrollment in our Puppy First Steps 4-week group course included.
$1,000
Complete Package
All components bundled at a package price. Ages 8–18 weeks.
Everything You Get

What's Included

A comprehensive program that covers every angle of early puppy development — at home and in a social setting.
4 Private In-Home Sessions
A trainer comes to your home for one-on-one sessions tailored to your puppy’s specific needs, environment, and challenges.
4 Puppy Social Sessions
Supervised socialization in our sanitized indoor facility — safe even for under-vaccinated puppies. Learn body language and play styles.
1 Group Class Enrollment
Full enrollment in Puppy First Steps — our 4-week group course covering sleep, potty training, body language, and foundational behaviors.
Under-Vaccinated Safe
Every component is designed for puppies who haven’t completed their vaccine series. In-home sessions plus a sanitized, controlled facility.
Positive Reinforcement Only
All sessions use science-backed, force-free methods. Your puppy’s trust and confidence are the foundation of everything we do.
Flexible Scheduling
In-home sessions are scheduled around your availability. Socials and group classes run on a regular weekly schedule.
Is This Right for You?

Who This Package Is For

The Academy is our most comprehensive option for young puppies. Here’s how to know if it’s the right fit.

Puppies aged 8–18 weeks (under-vaccinated OK)

Guardians who want both private and group training

Puppies who need socialization but aren't fully vaccinated yet

Families wanting the most comprehensive early start possible

Not quite right? Try these instead:
Want group only → Puppy First Steps ($225)
Fully vaccinated 18+ weeks → Puppy Kindergarten
Your Training Team

Meet the Team

The people who’ll guide you and your puppy through your first training journey together.
James Baybayan

James Baybayan

CEO

Clients describe James as “incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and non-judgmental.” He oversees all PrimePaw programs and is known for his generosity with time and helpful guidance.
Dominic Padron

Dominic Padron

Assistant Manager

Called “a natural dog whisperer” by clients, Dom runs consultations, puppy socials, and day school sessions. Known for being extremely professional and tailoring plans to each family.
Steve Hamill

Steve Hamill

Kindergarten / Daycare / Adolescent Academy Associate

Steve works across Kindergarten, Daycare, and Adolescent Academy — one of PrimePaw’s most versatile team members. Clients have worked with him for years and praise the team’s attentiveness.
Plus associates Jordyn, Daniel, Mariza, and Lola — meet the full team
Package Comparison

Academy vs. Individual Programs

See how the Academy bundles everything together at a package price.
Getting Started

How It Works

From first contact to confident puppy guardian — a clear path.

Reach Out

Fill out the form or call us. We'll discuss your puppy's age, vaccination status, and goals.

In-Home Sessions Begin

A trainer visits your home for private sessions tailored to your puppy's environment and needs.

Socials & Group Class

Attend puppy socials for safe socialization and join a Puppy First Steps group cohort.

Graduate & Next Steps

Complete the Academy with a well-socialized, confident puppy ready for the next stage of development.

Real Client Stories

Real Puppies, Real Results

Hear from guardians who enrolled their puppies in Puppy First Steps.
JC

Jane Christmas & Chocolate

Adopted from SF SPCA at 12 weeks

Before

Newly adopted SPCA puppy at 12 weeks — untrained and adjusting to a new home.

After

Within a very short time: sitting, lying down, settling beautifully, and walking nicely on leash.

“I adopted Chocolate from the SPCA when he was 12 weeks old. The following week, I started him at Prime Paw puppy school and, within a very short time, he was sitting, lying down, settling beautifully, walking nicely on leash. A very positive experience!”
MR

Melissa Renn & Rita

Started at 10 weeks old

Before

A nervous 10-week-old puppy who needed confidence and socialization.

After

Quickly became socialized through day school and socials. The family built training confidence through group classes and the Adolescent Academy.

“Give Primepaw a try! Our nervous 10-week-old puppy Rita quickly became socialized after joining puppy day school and socials. The Puppy’s First Steps group class was fantastic for building our own training confidence. The Adolescent Academy with Steph, Rosa, and Joanne was also outstanding!”
Inside the Academy

Training in Action

Real photos from in-home sessions, puppy socials, and our San Francisco facility.

First Steps Reviews

What First Steps Guardians Say

From real PrimePaw clients on Google and Yelp.
“Give Primepaw a try! Our nervous 10-week-old puppy Rita quickly became socialized after joining puppy day school and socials. The Puppy’s First Steps group class was fantastic for building our own training confidence.”
MR

Melissa Renn

Puppy Programs

“This is our first puppy and we have been both excited and anxious about the entire process. Once we found Prime Paw that anxiety melted away and gave way to pure joy of raising a puppy.”
LD

Lejla Delic

Puppy Programs

“I am so glad Prime Paw is here! I’ve had dogs before but never a puppy, so this was a whole new and overwhelming experience for me. Prime Paw made this stressful experience so much easier. Highly recommend to first-time puppy owners!”
NP

Nick Parker

Puppy Programs

“Primepaw is the best investment we’ve made for our new bernedoodle puppy, Moose! We started with Puppy Day School where he learned basic commands, proper play styles, and how to settle. Moose was so excited to go every day!”
AB

Liz Miller

Puppy Programs · Bernedoodle

“PrimePaw helped my dog grow from an anxious puppy into a confident adolescent. Socials and group classes were great for us as new owners.”
NP

Alex B.

Puppy Programs

“They listened to my specific needs and created a customized training plan. Everything was explained clearly and they were very helpful throughout.”
NP

Francisco R.

Puppy Programs

Read All 1,000+ Reviews →
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the First Steps Academy package.
The Puppy First Steps Academy is $1,000 for the complete package. This includes 4 private in-home sessions, 4 puppy socials, and full enrollment in the Puppy First Steps group class (4 sessions). Purchasing these individually would cost more, so the Academy is the best value for a comprehensive start.
The Academy includes: 4 private in-home training sessions (a trainer comes to you), 4 puppy social sessions (supervised socialization at our facility), and 1 full Puppy First Steps group class enrollment (4 weekly 1-hour sessions). That's 12 total touchpoints for your puppy's development.
In-home sessions allow the trainer to work with your puppy in the environment where they live. This means training addresses real-world challenges like potty training in your actual space, managing doorbell reactions, and building routines specific to your home. It's also safer for under-vaccinated puppies who shouldn't be in high-traffic public areas yet.
The Academy is specifically designed for under-vaccinated puppies aged 8–18 weeks. In-home sessions happen in your controlled home environment. Puppy socials take place in our sanitized indoor facility with only other puppies of similar age and vaccination status. We recommend at least a first round of DHPP, but discuss your specific situation with us.

In-home sessions are scheduled at times that work for you — we coordinate directly with your trainer. Puppy socials and the group class run on a regular weekly schedule. We'll work with you to find times that fit your routine. Contact us at (628) 222-5932 to discuss scheduling.

Once your puppy is fully vaccinated (typically around 16–18 weeks), they can graduate to our Puppy Kindergarten program for structured day school, or continue with group classes. Our team will recommend the best next step based on your puppy's progress.

For details on our cancellation and rescheduling policy, please ask during your consultation or contact us at (628) 222-5932 or info@primepaw.com. We're happy to walk you through everything before you commit.

Ready to Get Started?

Fill out the form and our team will reach out within 1 business day to schedule your assessment and first walk.

$1,000 complete package

Positive reinforcement, always

Response within 1 business day

243 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94103

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