Best Starting Point · Ages 18 Weeks – 12 Months

Level 1: Foundations

$225
4-week group course · 4 weekly group sessions
Designed to empower guardians to build stronger bonds through clear communication. Tackles common problem areas including leash walking, building positive associations, and addressing behavior challenges at home.
  • 4 weekly group sessions
  • Max 6 dogs per class
  • Ages 18 weeks – 12 months
Book Free Assessment →
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  • Small groups — max 6 dogs per session
  • 4.9★ Avg Rating
  • 4,000+ Dogs Trained
  • #1 Rated in San Francisco
  • CPDT-KA Certified Trainers
  • Positive Reinforcement Only
Program Details

Foundations at a Glance

Everything you need to know about our best starting point for adolescent dogs.
4 Weeks
Course Duration
4 weekly group sessions designed for progressive skill building.
Max 6
Dogs Per Class
Small group sizes ensure every dog and guardian gets individual attention.
18w – 12mo
Age Range
Designed for adolescent dogs ready to build a strong foundation of skills.
$225
Course Price
All 4 sessions included. Free assessment to confirm fit before you commit.
Everything You Get

What's Included

A structured group course focused on the skills that matter most for everyday life.
Leash Walking Fundamentals
Learn techniques for loose-leash walking and how to handle pulling, lunging, and distractions on city streets.
Bonding & Engagement
Build a stronger relationship with your dog through engagement exercises, focus games, and positive associations.
Home Behavior Solutions
Address common at-home challenges like jumping, counter surfing, door dashing, and settling on cue.
Small Group Environment
Max 6 dogs per class means personalized attention for every guardian-dog team in a supportive setting.
CPDT-KA Certified Trainers
Every session is led by certified professional dog trainers using science-backed, positive reinforcement methods.
Positive Reinforcement Only
Force-free, science-backed training methods that build trust and confidence rather than fear or avoidance.
Is This Right for You?

Who This Program Is For

Foundations is the best starting point for adolescent dogs. Here’s how to know if it’s the right fit.

Dogs aged 18 weeks to 12 months who need a structured start

Guardians who want to build a stronger bond through clear communication

Dogs who pull on leash, struggle with focus, or have at-home behavior challenges

First-time dog owners looking for guidance in a supportive group setting

Not quite right? Try these instead:
Under 18 weeks → Puppy First Steps
Already have basics → Level 2: Advanced
Need 1-on-1 → Private Training
Your Training Team

Meet the Team

The people who’ll guide you and your dog through Foundations. Real photos, real team members.
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.
Meet the full PrimePaw team →
Getting Started

How It Works

From first call to confident team — a clear path with no surprises.

Free Assessment

Quick evaluation to confirm Foundations is the right fit for your dog's age and goals.

Join Your Cohort

Get placed in a small group (max 6 dogs) matched to your dog's needs and schedule.

4-Week Course

Weekly group sessions covering leash skills, bonding, engagement, and home behaviors.

Graduate & Next Steps

Receive personalized recommendations — many graduates continue to Level 2: Advanced.

Real Client Stories

Real Dogs, Real Results

Hear from guardians who enrolled their dogs in PrimePaw’s programs.
JC

Alex Basile & Pup

Started as an anxious puppy

Before

An anxious puppy needing confidence and structure from day one.

After

Transformed into a confident adolescent through socials and group classes — a well-rounded, happy dog.

“Prime Paw has been an invaluable resource in my dog’s journey from anxious puppy to confident adolescent. The socials and group classes are a blast for our pup and a great crash course in parenting for my partner and me. Everyone at Prime Paw clearly loves what they do!”
MR

Caity Ferdinando & Dill

New puppy needing basic commands

Before

A new puppy with no training foundation and typical adolescent behaviors.

After

Learned all basic commands and the family continued training at home using PrimePaw's Google Classroom resources.

“We love PrimePaw! Our little man learned all basic commands and the Google Classroom they share with you was incredibly helpful for continuing training at home. Dill loved going every single day!”
Inside the Academy

Training at PrimePaw

Real photos from our San Francisco facility and group training sessions.

First Steps Reviews

What First Steps Guardians Say

From real PrimePaw clients on Google and Yelp.
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!”
LM

Liz Miller

PrimePaw Client · Bernedoodle

“Prime Paw has been an invaluable resource in my dog’s journey from anxious puppy to confident adolescent. The socials and group classes are a blast for our pup and a great crash course in parenting for my partner and me. Everyone at Prime Paw clearly loves what they do!”
AB

Alex Basile

Group Classes

“We love PrimePaw! Our little man learned all basic commands and the Google Classroom they share was incredibly helpful for continuing training at home. Dill loved going every single day!”
CF

Caity Ferdinando

PrimePaw 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

PrimePaw Programs

“My wife and I met Dominic at a puppy social at PetFood Express. After chatting with him about PrimePaw, we decided to enroll. Our dog loved going and learned a lot over the sessions. Dom is extremely professional and tailors plans to each family.”
KH

Kenneth Han

PrimePaw 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. Maddie absolutely LOVES going there!”
LD

Lejla Delic

PrimePaw Programs

Read All 1,000+ Reviews →
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before enrolling in Foundations.
Level 1: Foundations is $225 for the complete 4-week course, which includes 4 weekly group sessions. Your free assessment is included at no extra cost.
No prior training is required. Level 1 is designed as the starting point for adolescent dogs aged 18 weeks to 12 months. We'll do a free assessment to confirm your dog is a good fit for the group setting.
Each class has a maximum of 6 dogs. Small group sizes ensure every guardian-dog team gets the attention and coaching they need.
Foundations covers leash walking fundamentals, bonding and engagement exercises, and home behavior solutions. You'll work on common challenges like pulling, jumping, settling, and building focus around distractions.

Start by booking a free assessment. During the assessment, our team will walk you through available class times and help you find a cohort that fits your schedule. You can also call us at (628) 222-5932 or email info@primepaw.com.

Many Foundations graduates continue their development with Level 2: Advanced, which builds on the skills learned in this course. Our team will recommend the best next step based on your dog'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.

Free assessment — no commitment

Positive reinforcement, always

Response within 1 business day

243 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94103

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