Welcome to Your Puppy’s First Classroom
The early days of puppyhood are full of joy and new challenges. At MJ’s Pet Training Academy®, we are here to help with playful, positive training that supports healthy behavior and lifelong learning.
Where Should I Start?
Not sure which option is right for your puppy? Choose the path below that best describes where you are now.
Not Home Yet or Too Young?
Join our Virtual Puppy Q&A to get ready before your pup arrives or while you’re waiting on vaccines. Ask questions, get expert prep advice, and start your journey the right way.
Learn more →Puppy Up to 5 Months Old Months
Enroll in our Puppy Skills class — perfect for pups just starting out. Socialization, confidence-building, and foundational cues in a safe, age-appropriate setting.
Explore Puppy Skills →Need Individual Help?
Schedule a Private Puppy Lesson to address early behavior challenges, create a plan, or get one-on-one support tailored to your home and goals.
Book a Private Session →Group Classes vs. Private Lessons — What's Best for Your Puppy?
We offer both group classes and private lessons to meet your puppy’s individual needs. Group classes like Puppy Skills are a great fit for most puppies who are ready to explore, learn, and socialize with others in a structured setting. Private lessons are ideal if you’re looking for one-on-one support with specific behavior concerns, or if your puppy isn’t quite ready for a group environment yet. Many students choose a combination of both.
Why We Recommend Starting Before 5 Months Old
Puppies under five months are in a unique developmental stage that makes them more open to new experiences and social learning. This is the ideal time to introduce training, handling, and real-world skills in a gentle and positive way. If your puppy is still under five months, we recommend getting started with training as soon as possible. Your puppy must be up to date on their vaccination schedule and under the care of a licensed veterinarian.
Is Your Puppy Between 5 and 6 Months?
Some puppies are still a great fit for Puppy Stars between 5 and 6 months — especially if they’re newer to your home or just getting started with training. Others may be ready to move into our next level: Manners Quest. To make sure your puppy lands in the best spot, we invite you to book a free Puppy Welcome Call with our team. We’ll help you choose the right fit based on your goals and your puppy’s needs.
Over 6 Months Old?
If your dog is over 6 months old and hasn’t started formal training yet, don’t worry — it’s never too late! We recommend beginning with our Manners Quest program. This step-by-step training series helps older puppies and adolescent dogs build the skills and structure they need for success in the real world.
Is My Puppy Ready for Group Class?
Before signing up for a group class, check the boxes below:
Not sure or need help deciding? Book a Puppy Welcome Call — we’ll help guide you!
Choose your plan
Six Class Pass
$165
Use towards all regular classes within 12 weeks of purchase.
Ten Class Pass
$245
Use toward all regular classes within 16 weeks of purchase.
NEW!
Fifteen Class Pass
$315
Fifteen classes with an expiration date of seventeen weeks after purchase.
Great option if you plan to attend multiple classes each week or attend for fifteen weeks.
Classes that expire cannot be used. This pass gives a lower price per class, but please be aware of the expiration date.
Potty Training Help Starts Here
Struggling with puppy accidents? You're not alone — and we've got you covered. Our most popular puppy guide walks you through realistic expectations, training plans, and how to avoid common mistakes.
- ✅ What’s normal by age (yes, 12-week-old pups pee a lot)
- ✅ Sample schedules to keep you on track
- ✅ Crate, pen & setup guidance
- ✅ Free downloadable potty tracking log
AKC Puppy Program
Enroll in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program at MJ’s Pet Training Academy
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program in Acushnet, MA
Acushnet, MA — MJ’s Pet Training Academy® is proud to offer the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program — a nationally recognized training program created by the American Kennel Club® (AKC) to reward responsible puppy owners and help pups get the best start in life.
S.T.A.R. stands for Socialization, Training, Activity, and a Responsible Owner — the foundation for raising a well-mannered dog. This program is a fun and effective way to teach your puppy essential life skills, while setting the stage for future success in our Canine Good Citizen® and Manners Quest programs.
“The AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy program teaches dogs and their owners the first important steps to becoming responsible members of the community,” said MJ Viera, lead trainer at MJ’s Pet Training Academy®. “It is our hope to reduce the number of dogs surrendered to shelters by giving owners the tools they need — starting from the puppy stage.”
🐾 How It Works
To earn the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy title, puppies and their owners enroll in one of our Puppy Skills classes. These group sessions are taught by professional trainers at MJ’s and include both:
Training exercises like sit, recall, and walking on leash
Real-life puppy topics like handling, and enrichment
At the end of class, puppies will take the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy evaluation. Upon passing, they’ll be officially enrolled in the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program and after submitting their application to the AKC receive:
A frameable certificate
A gold AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy medal
🎓 What Comes Next
All graduates are encouraged to continue their training in Manners Quest, our progressive group class series that leads toward earning the AKC Canine Good Citizen® and a Canine Manners Certification through MJ’s.
To participate:
When you sign up for Puppy Skills, let your trainer know you would like to participate in AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy. There is no additional fee for participation, but you must attend all six classes and pass the evaluation. There is an application fee when you submit your application to AKC. Review the pledge which will be provided for you to sign.