Intro to Obedience – Foundational Puppy and Beginner Dog Training in San Diego
Start Your Dog's Journey With the Right Foundation
The Intro to Obedience program from Balance Dog Training San Diego is designed for puppies, new rescues, or dogs with little to no previous training. This five-week in-home program builds the essential behaviors your dog needs to be calm, respectful, and focused—right from the start.

Whether you're bringing home a new puppy or trying to reset your dog's behavior, this is the place to begin. Dave Sherako guides you step-by-step through each session to make sure your dog is learning, and you're gaining confidence as a handler.
Who This Program is For
- Puppies 10 weeks or older
- Newly adopted dogs needing structure
- First-time dog owners
- Owners seeking guidance on how to build leadership and trust
Many problem behaviors later in life stem from skipped or ineffective early training. This program helps you avoid those issues by teaching your dog the rules, expectations, and routine from day one.
What Your Dog Will Learn
Over the course of five weeks, your dog will gain a clear understanding of foundational commands and household behavior expectations. Each week builds on the last, creating consistency and clarity.
Key Skills Taught:
- Sit, down, and stay
- Name recognition and attention focus
- Loose-leash walking basics
- Crate and boundary introduction
- Calm greetings and basic impulse control
- Socialization readiness
This program also includes coaching for you, the owner, so you know how to reinforce these behaviors long after the sessions end.
Owner Education is Part of Every Session
The most successful training outcomes happen when the owner is actively involved. That’s why Dave structures every session to include real-time demonstration, hands-on practice, and ongoing feedback for you.
You’ll learn:
- How to use tone, body language, and leash cues
- What to do when your dog gets distracted or resists
- How to maintain leadership without force
- Simple routines that keep your dog’s training sharp
You are never left guessing what to do or why something is working. Dave is there to guide both you and your dog toward success.
In-Home Training That Fits Your Life
Training happens in your home or at a nearby park so that your dog learns in the spaces they live and walk in every day. This allows for real-world behavior development—not just tricks performed in a training hall. You get practical solutions for the specific environment your dog lives in.
Whether you live in an apartment, a house with a yard, or walk your dog in busy neighborhoods, this training adapts to your life.
Why Start with Intro to Obedience
Starting with a clear and consistent program helps prevent future behavior problems. Dogs trained from a young age are less likely to develop issues with fear, aggression, or anxiety. This program gives your dog the tools they need to become a calm, confident, and respectful companion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How young is too young to start training?
We can begin working with puppies as young as 10 weeks old, as long as they are healthy and cleared by a vet. Early training builds confidence and sets your puppy up for long-term success.
What if my dog already knows sit or stay?
Even if your dog knows a few commands, this program adds structure, improves response, and connects those skills with daily routines. Many dogs benefit from revisiting the basics in a more structured and consistent way.
Can multiple family members be involved?
Yes. We encourage the whole household to participate so that everyone is on the same page with commands, expectations, and handling techniques.
What happens after this program?
After completing Intro to Obedience, most dogs are ready for the Basic Obedience On Leash program to strengthen control and behavior in more complex situations.
Schedule Your Free Evaluation
The best way to start is with a no-cost, in-home evaluation. Dave will meet your dog, learn about your goals, and help you decide if this program is the right starting point.
