Updated 04/16/2022: Thank you for your interest in Happy Hound University, LLC! Due to high demand our books are currently closed as we work through existing client packages. If you would still like to work with us despite the wait we are taking names for a waitlist, please email us at our contact form and we can add you to our list! We anticipate opening our books back up in June!
We do currently have openings in our group classes and would love to work with you!

Dog Training and Behavior Consulting serving the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago
The Premier Puppy Program
Did you recently bring home a new puppy? Looking for a comprehensive group training program that will assist you through your puppy's first year of life? Then the Premier Puppy Program is the best choice for you!


What is it?
The Premier Puppy Program is a series of 4 six week group classes (24 weeks total) designed specifically to aid and assist you with your puppy at each stage of life through their first year. This is a speciality training program that focuses on your dog at each stage of their puppyhood. Unlike typical puppy classes that try to fit everything into a short 6 week class, this program grows with your puppy, with each class building on the previous! This allows your puppy to learn at an optimal pace and allows you to get more reliable, consistent behavior even as your puppy gets older!
What classes make up the Premier Puppy Program?
- Puppy 1: For puppies ages 8 weeks to 18 weeks at start of enrollment. Introduces basic training skills and focuses on off leash socialization to new puppies, people, grooming and veterinary handling, and novel objects. This class is rolling enrollment which means you can start any time!
- Puppy 2: For puppies ages 18 weeks to 7 months of age at start of enrollment. Introduction to more difficult skills and continued off leash socialization. This
class is rolling enrollment which means you can start any time!
- Terrific Teens: For puppies ages 7 months to 12 months at start of enrollment. This class begins to introduce more difficult manners exercises and builds on all of the skills learned in puppy 1 and 2 classes. This class is rolling enrollment which means you can start any time!
- Good Manners 2: For graduates of the Puppy 1, 2, and Terrific Teens or Good Manners 1; focuses on more advanced skills and Canine Good Citizen Prep skills. This class has a fixed start date.
When and where is it?
Classes are held Wednesday and Thursday evenings in the basement of St Martin's Episcopal Church at 1095 E Thacker St, Des Plaines, IL.
How old should my puppy be to sign up?
The sooner you sign up the better! Puppies have what is known as a "critical window of socialization" that starts to close as your puppy approaches 5 and 6 months of age (read more about this here!) Getting your puppy around new people, puppies, and places before the window closes is critical to having a confident and well adjusted adult dog!
What does it cost?
Each 6 week class costs $225. Each class has 6 students maximum to allow for lots of individual attention!
Classes are designed so that once you graduate one class you can enroll in the next as soon as there is an opening with minimal gaps between classes.
How do I sign up?
To sign up for puppy 1 click the button below, and as your puppy graduates you'll sign up for each class after!