THE FREE PUPPY TRAINING COURSE

Every Puppy Deserves a Great Start

Raise a friendly, confident, well-behaved dog with the free video course from the family that invented puppy training classes.

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 100% free  No credit card  22 short video lessons  4 eBooks included

Looking for a puppy class? Find one near you ↓

Dr. Ian Dunbar holding a French Bulldog puppy
Dr. Ian DunbarVeterinarian, animal behaviorist, and inventor of off-leash puppy classes
1982
Dr. Dunbar invents off-leash puppy classes
Vet + PhD
Dr. Dunbar is a veterinarian with a doctorate in animal behavior from UC Berkeley
125,000+
families helped raise their pups
AS FEATURED INForbesThe New York TimesNPRSan Francisco ChronicleMashable
WHAT MOST NEW OWNERS DON'T KNOW

The 3 Most Urgent Puppy Priorities

 
Socialize NOW

Don't wait for puppy class. By the time most puppies finish their shots, their window for learning to love strangers is already closing. Invite friends over and have 100 unfamiliar people safely meet, handle, and hand-feed your pup at home in the first few weeks.

 
Puppy Biting

Don't stop your puppy from biting. Not yet. A puppy who never bites never learns how hard is too hard. Let your pup mouth you, yelp when it hurts, and teach a soft mouth first. That's what makes a dog gentle for life.

 
Housetraining

Every accident teaches your puppy that indoors is a fine toilet. So prevent them all: crate or close supervision, a trip out every hour, and three treats for going in the right spot. You can even teach your pup to go on cue.

The free course shows you exactly how to do all three.

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WHAT'S INSIDE

Everything a new puppy owner needs to know, in short video lessons

Toilet trainingTeach your pup to pee and poop in the right place, on cue.
Crate trainingTeach your pup to settle down happily and quietly in their crate.
Bite inhibitionTeach your pup to be gentle with their jaws.
SocializationPrevent adolescent-onset fear and reactivity with proactive socialization.
Lure-reward trainingTeach useful skills on cue, reliably and promptly, using your voice, without an ongoing need for food lures.

All included, free

Video excerpts from our Essential Puppy Training Course, plus:

  • 22 short, easy-to-follow lessons
  • Printable worksheets and checklists
  • 4 eBooks by Dr. Ian Dunbar
  • A full year of access
  • No credit card, ever
BEFORE You Get Your Puppy AFTER You Get Your Puppy Doctor Dunbar's Good Little Dog Book How To Teach A New Dog Old Tricks
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Kelly Gorman Dunbar holding a Border Terrier puppyKelly Gorman Dunbar
Jamie Dunbar laughing as a puppy licks his faceJamie Dunbar
MEET YOUR INSTRUCTORS

The family that invented puppy class

In 1982, veterinarian and animal behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar invented off-leash puppy training and socialization classes when he founded SIRIUS Puppy Training. They've since been imitated all around the world.

Kelly Gorman Dunbar and Jamie Dunbar distilled four decades of experience into the Essential Puppy Training Course. This free course gives you its most urgent lessons, so your pup gets off to a great start.

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What our students say

“

I'm a first-time dog owner and was actually quite stressed about doing things right. Now we're both feeling excited and confident.

Chris G. · Essential Puppy Training Course
“

The Essential Puppy course is absolutely wonderful! It is very thoughtfully designed. The guidelines are crystal clear and precise.

Olga B. · Essential Puppy Training Course
“

Dunbar Academy is the single most valuable resource I have found — a one-stop treasure trove of information, wisdom and experience.

David V. · Dunbar Academy student

Questions

Is it really free?

Yes. It's completely free, with no credit card required. You get a full year of access.

How long does it take?

The course is 22 short video lessons, and you can go at your own pace. Start with the most urgent topics first.

My puppy is a few months old. Is it too late?

It's never too late to socialize and train, but the sooner you start, the easier it is. Start today.

I don't have my puppy yet. Should I enroll?

Absolutely. The best time to learn how to raise a puppy is before you get one. Also see our free Guide to Getting a Puppy below.

Give your puppy a great start today

Free video lessons, printable worksheets, and 4 eBooks. No credit card.

Start the Free Puppy Training Course

PART OF THE EVERY PUPPY MOVEMENT

Free resources for veterinarians, breeders, trainers, shelters, and dog owners, so every puppy gets a great start.

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