SAN DIEGO NORTH COUNTY
Puppy Foundations Program
Everything you need to raise a calm, confident, well-adjusted dog. No guesswork. No conflicting advice. No wondering if you're doing things right.
Get direct access to a behavior specialist, personalized coaching, step-by-step training plans, and ongoing support throughout your puppy's most important developmental months.
From potty training and crate training to socialization, confidence building, puppy biting, manners, adolescence preparation, and everything in between, we'll guide you through it all.
What's Covered?
Creating Structure & Routine
Learn how to create a daily routine that supports learning, sleep, confidence, and healthy development.
Socialization Done Right
Go beyond simply meeting people and dogs. Learn how to safely expose your puppy to the world while building confidence and resilience.
Puppy Manners
Address common puppy challenges such as jumping, nipping, attention-seeking, and settling in the home.
Potty Training & Crate Training
Build positive associations with the crate, establish potty training habits, and create independence from the beginning.
Communication & Engagement
Teach the skills that make future training easier, including focus, recall foundations, impulse control, and engagement.
Preparing For Adolescence
Learn how to navigate developmental changes and maintain progress as your puppy grows.
Your Complete Puppy Support System
In-Home Private Sessions
I'll coach you in real time step-by-step and help give you the confidence to work with your pup, not against them.
Sessions are typically conducted in-home, and once your puppy is ready, out in the real world.
Unlimited Call & Text Support
Questions between sessions?
Shoot me a message anytime throughout the day.
Ongoing Plan Adjustments
Dogs are always changing and evolving. As your puppy grows, your training plan evolves too, and I'll be with you every step of the way.
Understanding Puppy Development
The first few months of your puppy's life matter more than any other stage.
Between roughly 3 and 14 weeks, puppies move through a critical window where their brains are wide open to learning what's safe, what's normal, and what's worth being cautious about, shaping the confident (or anxious) adult dog they'll become.
During this window, puppies also pass through fear periods, important socialization windows, and where they build their very first learning history. These windows solidify the habits, coping skills, and trust they'll carry for life.
That's why early training goes beyond sit and stay: it's about building resilience and frustration tolerance the force-free way, in step with their nervous system, not against it.
Why is Puppy Training Important?
Whether we're working with a young puppy or adolescent dog, their brains develop at an incredible pace, and the experiences they have now can shape how they respond to the world for years to come.
Many common challenges like biting, jumping, accidents, pulling on leash, fearfulness, difficulty settling, and chewing aren't signs of a "bad puppy." They're often completely normal parts of development.
The challenge is knowing what's normal, what deserves attention, and how to respond in a way that builds lifelong confidence instead of accidentally creating bigger problems.
That's where professional guidance makes a difference.
With a background in applied animal behavior and years spent working with puppies of all breeds, temperaments, and personalities, I don't believe in one-size-fits-all training.
Every puppy develops differently, and I've spent years researching about genetics, learning history, resilience, motivation, confidence, and environment factors that all influence how they learn.
Instead of simply teaching behaviors, I'll help you understand why your puppy is behaving the way they are and create a training plan that works with their individual development.
The puppy months go by quickly, and they're some of the most influential months of your dog's life. Investing in the right guidance now can help prevent frustration later and give both you and your puppy the tools to thrive together.
Meet Your Trainer
Shannen Standiford, UW-AAB
My name is Shannen, owner of Pups on the Coast.
I've spent over 12 years working professionally with animals, starting in veterinary technology and grooming before finding my real calling in training & behavior consulting.
My approach combines patience, positivity, and science-based techniques, ensuring every dog (and guardian) feels supported and understood.
My mission is to help you foster a deeper relationship with your dog, and to teach you training methods that guide you forward on your journey towards a happier, more well-rounded life with your best friend.
I hold a Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington, I'm a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator through the AKC, and a supporting member of the International Assosiation of Animal Behavior Consultants.
Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior, University of Washington
American Kennel Club - Canine Good Citizen Evaluatior
IAABC - Supporting Member
