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Puppy Training in Glendale AZ with FurBabies & Friends

Whether you're navigating crate training, tackling potty accidents, or preparing your puppy for vet visits, FurBabies & Friends offers puppy training in Glendale AZ designed to help your young dog grow into a confident, well-mannered companion. Our programs include private in-home puppy training, day training, and AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy classes, all grounded in positive reinforcement puppy training methods that support healthy development and lasting behavior.

Raising a puppy may seem simple, especially for experienced pet parents, but the reality is that early puppyhood is a critical learning window, one that only lasts about 12 to 18 months. During this time, your puppy needs structured socialization, confidence-building experiences, and consistent guidance to grow into a well-adjusted adult. Unfortunately, many dogs end up in shelters because they lacked that foundation. With the right early training and personalized support from an expert puppy trainer, many of those behavioral issues can be prevented entirely.

Each option includes printed training guides, real-world skill practice, and access to a professional trainer who’s as invested in your pup’s success as you are.

Start Your Puppy Off Right with Confidence &Clarity

Investing in early puppy training means fewer behavioral issues later, better communication between dog and handler, and a more enriching bond with your pet. From potty training to early leash manners, we help your pup (and your family) get on the same page with consistent, kind training that works.

FurBabies & Friends Puppy Training Options

Kristie Halverson, positive reinforcement puppy training in Glendale, AZ, helps a family at home with their new black lab puppy.Private in home puppy training in Glendale, AZ with positive reinforcement puppy trainer Kristie Halverson with FurBabies & Friends.Carmella the pitbull puppy during in home puppy training with FurBabies & Friends in Glendale, AZ.Nothing Cuter than a little boy sleeping with his new puppy during private puppy training.

Private Puppy Training At Home

4 One Hour Sessions  - $450

In-home training gives your puppy the best start in a familiar, low-distraction environment. Kristie, your force-free dog trainer, will come to you to work through common puppy challenges while tailoring sessions to your family’s lifestyle.

This 4-session program is ideal for puppies under 6 months who need structure, positive exposure, and a strong behavioral foundation.  However, puppy training covers core foundational building blocks that are often overlooked so puppy training can also be beneficial for newly rescued puppy's and dogs too.  Moreover, positive reinforcement puppy training creates trust and a healthy working relationship between owner and puppy that lasts a lifetime.

Topics Covered In Puppy Training:

*  Humanization don’ts & a puppy's learning process
*  Surviving the initial days & weeks with your new puppy
*  Importance of early socialization, experiences, & exposure & how to facilitate positive interactions
*  Outlets for both physical & mental stimulation
*  Housebreaking & positive potty training
*  Crate training, importance of a set schedule, & prevention of separation anxiety
*  Preventing bad behaviors like jumping, chewing, or demanding attention
*  Nipping, biting, & enforcing soft mouth/no bite
*  Tactics to avoid resource guarding including:
     >  Leave It
     >  Drop
     >  Food Bowl Handling
*  Appropriate introduction to walking & grooming tools
*  Early leash walking skills and structure
*  Body handling for grooming & vet care
*  Name game for recall training

Additional One On One Puppy Training Assistance Tools:

*  A complete Training Guide covering all fundamental puppy training topics, additional education, videos, practice exercises, & a variety of puppy specific information.
*  Homework worksheet to guide at home practice
*  Real life relevance practice worksheet
*  Complimentary training treat bag provided at the first session

Service Area: Glendale, Peoria, and surrounding Phoenix West Valley neighborhoods.
Get Your Puppy Started on the Right Paw & Schedule In Home Puppy Training Now
Annie the French Bulldog excelled during her puppy day training and obedience programs with FurBabies & Friends in Peoria, AZ.Emma Lou, the Yorkie puppy, in Peoria, AZ loved her positive reinforcement puppy training with FurBabies & Friends.Chance, the pit bull puppy, in Peoria, AZ takes cute pet photos during puppy training,Oliver the adorable corgi puppy during a puppy day training session with FurBabies & Friends in Peoria, AZ.

Perfect Puppy Day Training Program

4 Weeks  -  $900

Not everyone has the time or ability to train a puppy multiple times a day.  That’s where day training comes in. Our Perfect Puppy Day Training program provides hands-on training support from a professional puppy trainer while you go about your day.

This 4-week program is ideal for puppies 14 weeks to 5 months old. Training takes place 3x per week in your home or nearby setting, with weekly family reviews to keep you in the loop. Your puppy gets consistent, personalized training and exposure during their most impressionable stage of life.

The goal is to positively shape your pup’s view of the world while introducing essential skills, proper dog-dog etiquette, and new experiences during the critical early development window.

Time Expectations For Day Training Families:

*  Training is held in your home 3 times per week for 30 minutes each session
     >  Families do not need to be available during these sessions but are always free to participate if available

*  Every Saturday Kristie will review training topics & concepts with family & allow practice time for feedback

*  All family members must commit to training practices 1-2 times a day for 10-15 minutes a piece

*  Training completed by Kristie Halverson, using only force free, positive reinforcement puppy training methods

Curriculum for Puppy Day Training:

Beginning Cues:

*  Name recognition & response for recall
*  Leave It & Take It
*  Drop
*  Off (people & things)

In Home Training Focus's:

*  Potty Training
*  Crate Training
*  Soft Mouth/No Bite
*  Food, Toy, or Resource Handling
*  Touch Desensitization 
*  Tool introductions (grooming/walking)

Out of Home Training Focus's:

*  Car Travel
*  Socialization Trips
*  Playgroup Social 
*  Interactions With Kristie's Dogs

Program Training Assistance Tools:

*  Printed and digital Training Guide provided covering all fundamental puppy training topics, additional education, videos, practice exercises, & a variety of puppy specific information.
*  At home practice homework worksheet
*  Practice worksheet for real life scenarios
*  Free training treat bag provided at the first session

Area of Service: Glendale, Peoria, and surrounding Phoenix West Valley neighborhoods.
Struggling With Puppy Training?  Contact Now To Schedule Your Puppy Day Training Program Now!
FurBabies & Friends proudly offers an AKC S.T.A.R Puppy group training class in Glendale, AZ to help pet parents get their puppy started off strong to be great canine citizens.Lincoln the Boston Terrier successfully passed his AKC STAR Puppy Training exam and graduated from FurBabies & Friends puppy training Class in Glendale, AZ.AKC STAR Puppy Training medal for all puppies that pass the final exam. Kristie Halverson is an approved AKC Star Puppy and CGC Evaluator.

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Group Class

6 Week Class  - $250

In this engaging class, your puppy will practice essential skills like coming when called, walking nicely on leash, sitting calmly for petting, and more covering all of the skills tested in the 20-step AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy exam. We also focus on critical early socialization with people and other dogs.  Each session includes supervised play or group exercises to build confidence. We’ll answer common puppy questions on house-training, nipping, chewing, etc., and provide handouts so you can continue training at home. By the end of eight weeks, you and your pup will be ready to shine in the S.T.A.R. Puppy test.  Of course, successful pups earn a medal and a frameable certificate from the AKC! It’s a paw-some way to start your puppy’s journey toward becoming a Canine Good Citizen.

Requirements for AKC STAR Puppy Training Class:

*  Canine participants must be under a year of age and have their Rabies, Bordetella & at least 3 distemper/parvo vaccines.
     >  Proof of vaccinations required before class start date
*  No shock collars, e-collars, prong collars or choke chains allowed in class or for the test.
*  Only puppies that are behaviorally healthy and show no dog or human aggression signs.
*  Rewards, food, physical & verbal praise allowed during the final test

20 Test Items for AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Training Class:

OWNER BEHAVIORS:

1. Maintains puppy’s health (vaccines, exams, appears healthy)
2. Reads & acknowledges Responsible Dog Owner’s Pledge
3. Pet parent describes adequate daily play & exercise plan
4. Must attend at least 6 classes by an AKC Approved CGC Evaluator
5. Always cleans up pet accidents & is prepared
6. Proof of ownership & safety measures like ID for puppy-collar tag, etc.

PUPPY BEHAVIORS:

7. No aggression toward people during at least 6 weeks of class
8. Aggression toward other puppies in class not present
9. Tolerates collar or body harness of owner’s choice
10. Family can can hug or hold puppy (depending on size)
11. Puppy allows owner to take away a treat or toy

PRE-CANINE GOOD CITIZEN® TEST BEHAVIORS:

12. Allows (in any position) petting by a person other than the owner
13. Grooming-Allows owner handling and brief exam (ears, feet)
14. Walks on a Leash-Follows owner on lead in a straight line (15 steps)
15. Leash manners b other people-Walks on leash past other people 5-ft away
16. Sits on command-Owner may use a food lure
17. Down on command-Owner may use a food lure
18. Comes to owner from 5-ft when name is called
19. Reaction to Distractions-distractions are presented 15-ft away
20. Stay on leash with another person (owner walks 10 steps and returns)

Tools to Assist in Your AKC STAR Puppy Training Journey

*  AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Training packet both printed & digital with detailed step-by-step instructions, explanation on test items, exercises to implement for each test item, troubleshooting, and corresponding videos.
*  Weekly homework handouts
*  Real-life enrichment and confidence-building exercises
*  Certificate of completion (for all graduates) to register with the AKC
*  Official AKC S.T.A.R Puppy certificate (for passing students)
*  Receive a free training treat bag at the first class

💡 Bonus: Retake the group class once for free if needed!

Upcoming S.T.A.R. Puppy Classes

Start Date Start Time End Time Event Name # of Classes
September 27, 2025 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 9/27/25 AKC STAR Puppy Group Training Class 6
November 8, 2025 4:00 PM 5:00 PM 11/8/25 AKC STAR Puppy Group Training Class 6
January 3, 2026 3:00 PM 4:00 PM 1/3/26 AKC STAR Puppy Group Training Class 6
February 21, 2026 5:00 PM 6:00 PM 2/21/26 AKC STAR Puppy Group Training Class 6
Visit the Classes & Event Calendars for AKC STAR Puppy Training Class Dates & Sign Up Now!

Why Start Puppy Training Early?

Puppyhood is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to shape your dog’s future. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior, lack of proper early socialization is the number one cause of behavior issues and relinquishment. Starting training early helps prevent common problems like fear, reactivity, and poor social skills.

Early exposure, paired with clear structure and positive associations, creates confident puppies who grow into dogs that are easier to live with, train, and enjoy.
Understand More About Early Puppy Socialization & Training Through the AVSAB's Position Statement

Why Choose Kristie with FurBabies & Friends for Puppy Training?

Kristie Halverson is the founder of FurBabies & Friends and an expert in positive reinforcement puppy training. With over 20 years of experience, she’s known for her work with bully breeds, shy rescues, and first-time pet parents. She’s also an approved AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy and Canine Good Citizen evaluator.

Kristie’s calm, compassionate approach helps both dogs and humans feel supported throughout the training journey.

Since she got her first rescue dog, Kristie's choice has always been to use reward based training methods.  Today, she continues these practices through her positive reinforcement puppy training.  Numerous studies in the last decade show not only the statistics but also the qualitative impact positive training methods have in animal welfare and training.  Many studies additionally conclude these methods are superior in building relationships and confidence in our animals.  Kristie focus's on practical skills, proper socialization, and safe experiences to set your puppy up for success now and in the future.

Unlike other trainers or facilities, Kristie specializes in working with puppies and pet parents who want guidance that works in the real world, not just in a classroom.

Puppy Training F.A.Q.'s

What age should I start training my puppy?

You can begin foundational training as early as 8 weeks old. Formal programs typically start around 10–14 weeks depending on the format. The earlier you begin, the easier it is to build good habits.  Many puppies are not yet fully vaccinated early on when pet parents need the most help which is a primary reason for our private puppy training program.

What if my puppy is fearful or shy?

Private in-home puppy training is a great solution. We build confidence gradually using safe exposure, positive experiences, and skill-building games.  That being said, the goal should be to build your puppy's experiences and exposure to be able to attend a group class for socialization and distraction practice.  

Is my puppy too young for a group class?

Puppies must be at least 16 weeks old and have age-appropriate vaccines to join group classes. If your puppy isn’t quite ready, we recommend starting with in-home  puppy training or day training first.

What supplies should I have before training begins?

An appropriate leash walking tool like a head collar, easy walk harness, collar or traditional harness and a 4-6 foot leash (no retractables).  Most importantly, have an abundance of different value treats and your puppy's favorite toys.  Don’t worry,  Kristie will guide you on everything you need before, during and after.

Do I need to be home during training?

For private training, yes. In fact, training is most successful when all members of the family participate.  For the puppy day training program, Kristie just asks for an entry method during the week, but that the family attends in the Saturday review session.
Still Have Questions?  Get Answers on The FAQ Page
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(623) 715-4777
6339 W. Tonopah Dr.
Glendale, AZ  85308