Puppies will have the opportunity to socialize with their classmates at the beginning and end of each class. Puppies are separated by play style to ensure a successful playtime experience. Initially, if your puppy is uncertain about playing they will be given an opportunity to watch from behind a baby gate where they can feel safe, until they gain the confidence to join in. 

No, unfortunately we don’t offer make up classes. Each class has 5 stations set up (one for each puppy), so we don’t have the space for an extra puppy in a future session.  

That depends! Send us an email to training@companionvet.ca with your puppy’s date of birth and breed, and we’ll check the class roster to see if we have other participants of a similar age and size that we can potentially match them with during playtime. Generally speaking, unless your puppy is a small breed, they will feel more comfortable in Puppy Foundations instead. 

If you see this while trying to register it means that the next class is currently full. Classes typically run monthly, and sometimes if we get enough people on the waitlist, we’ll add extra sessions. Email us if you’re interested.

The maximum number of puppies for this class is 5. Each class has a certified trainer and an assistant.

Yes! We believe that training a new puppy should involve the whole family, and your children are welcome to attend with you. Our class is set up with stations around the clinic, and there are a couple of stations in exam rooms, so depending on the size of your family, it may feel a bit cramped. 

Our puppy classes use a station-based training format, where puppies and guardians rotate through different learning stations rather than all working together in one shared space.

We’ve found this to be the most effective approach for young puppies, as it provides a low-distraction environment that supports learning, confidence, and clear communication.

Socialization is still an important part of class, and we include thoughtful exposure to new environments, people, and other dogs in a way that prioritizes positive experiences.

To learn more about why we use this format and how it compares to other types of training classes read our full breakdown here:

Dog Training Class Formats Explained (And How to Choose the Right Fit!) – Companion Veterinary Clinic

Play in our classes is intentionally brief and structured. Rather than long, unstructured play sessions, we focus on short, high-quality interactions that support positive social experiences.

In most classes, this looks like approximately 5–10 minutes of play at the beginning and end of each session.

This helps puppies:

• Stay regulated and avoid becoming overwhelmed
• Practice disengaging from other dogs
• Learn to shift between play and focus

Longer play sessions can often lead to over-arousal, frustration, or difficulty disengaging and refocusing, which can make learning more challenging.

Our goal is to create thoughtful, positive social experiences that support learning and development. 

To learn more about how our classes are structured and why, read our full breakdown here:

Dog Training Class Formats Explained (And How to Choose the Right Fit!) – Companion Veterinary Clinic