Beginner Group Course · Ages 8–18 Weeks

Puppy First Steps

$225
4-week group course

A beginner group course designed for guardians new to dog training or who have recently adopted a puppy. Addresses sleep schedules, potty training, body language, and foundational behaviors—all during the window that matters most.

  • 4 weekly 1-hour sessions
  • Max 6 puppies per class
  • Positive reinforcement only
Reserve Your Spot →
View All Programs
  • Small groups — max 6 puppies per class
  • 4.9★ Avg Rating
  • 4,000+ Dogs Trained
  • #1 Rated in San Francisco
  • CPDT-KA Certified Trainers
  • Positive Reinforcement Only
Program Details

Your 4-Week Foundation

A structured group course that gives you and your puppy the skills, confidence, and knowledge to thrive together from day one.
4 Weeks
Course LengthPer Walk
4 weekly 1-hour group sessions over 4 consecutive weeks.
Max 6
Puppies Per Class
Small group sizes ensure every puppy and guardian gets individual attention.
8–18 Wks
Puppy Ages
Designed for puppies in the critical early socialization window.
$225
Total Investment
All 4 sessions included. Positive reinforcement methods only.
Everything You Get

What's Included

A complete beginner curriculum covering the essentials every new puppy guardian needs to know.
Sleep Schedules & Routines
Learn how to establish consistent sleep schedules and daily routines that help your puppy settle into their new home.
Potty Training
Proven methods for house training your puppy, including schedules, cue words, and how to handle accidents positively.
Body Language Reading
Understand what your puppy is telling you. Learn to read stress signals, play invitations, and emotional states.
Foundational Behaviors
Sit, down, recall, and other core behaviors taught using positive reinforcement — building a training vocabulary that lasts.
Early Socialization
Controlled exposure to other puppies, people, and environments in a safe group setting during the critical socialization window.
Guardian Confidence Building
This course trains you as much as your puppy. Build confidence in handling, cueing, and understanding your new companion.
Is This Right for You?

Who This Course Is For

First Steps is designed for brand-new puppy guardians. Here’s how to know if it’s the right fit.

Puppies aged 8–18 weeks

Guardians new to dog training or puppy raising

Recently adopted puppies needing a strong foundation

Under-vaccinated puppies (safe in our controlled environment)

Not quite right? Try these instead:
Under 8 weeks → Wait until 8 weeks
18+ weeks → Puppy Kindergarten
Need private sessions → Puppy First Steps Academy
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 inquiry to confident puppy guardian — a clear 4-step path.

Reach Out

Fill out the form or call us. We'll confirm your puppy's age and answer any questions you have.

Join Your Cohort

We'll place you in the next available group of up to 6 puppies matched by age and temperament.

4 Weekly Sessions

Attend 4 one-hour sessions covering sleep, potty training, body language, socialization, and foundational behaviors.

Graduate & Next Steps

Complete the course with confidence and a clear recommendation for your puppy's continued 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 First Steps

A Class at PrimePaw

Real photos from our San Francisco facility and puppy classes.

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 First Steps

“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

“Started with Puppy First Steps, then Day School, and plan to continue. Especially good for first-time owners.”
LD

Judd B.

Puppy Programs

“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

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

“This was our first puppy and we were very anxious. Once we found PrimePaw, our anxiety melted away. Our puppy loved going and we felt supported throughout.”
NP

Lejla D.

Puppy Programs

Read All 1,000+ Reviews →
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know before enrolling in Puppy First Steps.

Puppy First Steps is $225 for the full 4-week course, which includes 4 weekly 1-hour group sessions. There are no hidden fees.

Puppy First Steps is designed for puppies aged 8 to 18 weeks. If your puppy is under 8 weeks, we recommend waiting until they reach that age. If your puppy is over 18 weeks and fully vaccinated, our Puppy Kindergarten program may be a better fit.

No. Puppy First Steps is specifically designed for puppies who may still be under-vaccinated. Our controlled environment and small class sizes (max 6 puppies) keep your puppy safe while they complete their vaccination series. We recommend having at least their first round of DHPP.

Bring your puppy on a flat collar or harness with a standard leash, plus some of their favorite treats. We provide all training equipment and materials. If you haven't already, bring your puppy's vaccination records to your first session.

Classes are capped at 6 puppies to ensure every puppy and guardian gets individual attention from our trainers. This small group size also creates a safe, controlled environment for early socialization.

Over 4 weeks, you and your puppy will cover: establishing sleep schedules and routines, potty training techniques, reading your puppy's body language, foundational behaviors (sit, down, recall), socialization with other puppies, and building your confidence as a new guardian. Everything is taught using positive reinforcement methods.

For details on our cancellation and rescheduling policy, please ask when you reach out 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.

$225 for 4 weekly sessions

Positive reinforcement, always

Response within 1 business day

243 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94103

ABOUT YOUR
ABOUT YOUR DOG
Schedule Preferences

😄

Happy Dogs
Happy Dogs

Pure Joy — After a Great Session

This face says everything. This is why we do what we do.

  • Happy Dog
  • After Training

Find the Right PrimePaw Program

Answer a few quick questions and we’ll recommend the best services for your dog.

All-in-one service request fluent form
Get Started with SF’s Dog Experts

Complete the form and our team will reach out soon.

About You

Tell us a little about yourself so we can stay in touch.

About Your Dog

We'd love to get to know your furry friend.

Choose Your Service(s)
Training & Behavior History( Optional)
Vaccination Information( Optional)
Additional Details( Optional)

Share any goals, concerns, or special notes about your dog.

How You Heard About PrimePaw ( Optional)