Here’s what makes EPPA different:

At Early Paws Puppy Academy, we believe puppies learn best in an environment that mirrors the life they’re going to live. Our approach is intentionally small, deeply personal, and centered around helping your puppy become a confident, well-mannered member of your family, not just a “trained dog.”

🐾 Why We Only Train One–to–Two Puppies at a Time

Your puppy is never one of many here.

We intentionally limit our program to one or two puppies at a time so each dog receives consistent attention, structure, and care throughout the day, not just during scheduled “training sessions.”

This allows us to:

  • Closely monitor potty cues and progress

  • Reinforce good habits all day long

  • Adjust training based on your puppy’s personality and pace

  • Provide plenty of affection, rest, and real-life experiences

Most importantly, it removes the stress of your puppy spending the majority of their day in a kennel. Instead, they’re learning how to exist calmly and confidently in a home.

A white, curly-haired dog sitting outdoors on dry grass, on a blue leash, with trees in the background.
A woman with red hair, wearing a black turtleneck, white vest, and blue jeans, stands on a grassy field, holding a leash attached to a German Shepherd sitting attentively in front of her, under a large leafy tree with sunlight filtering through.

Why Home-Based Training Works Better

Puppies don’t live in kennels, they live in homes.

At EPPA, your puppy lives in our home, sleeps in a crate in the living room, interacts with our dogs, and experiences daily life just like they will with you. This creates training that actually translates when your puppy comes home.

Home-based training helps puppies learn:

  • Household manners (no furniture, no jumping, appropriate chewing)

  • Calm behavior around people and other dogs

  • How to settle during downtime

  • Structure within a real family environment

This approach bridges the gap between “training” and real life, so the transition back to your home feels natural, not overwhelming.

Learn more about our training programs

What Clients Often Worry About and How We Help

“I don’t want to miss the puppy phase.”

You won’t. Even puppies who start training at 12–16 weeks still have plenty of playful, silly puppy moments ahead, just with better manners and clearer boundaries.

“Will my puppy forget me?”

Not at all. We provide regular updates with photos and videos so you can watch your puppy grow and progress throughout training.

“Is my puppy fully trained when they come home?”

Your puppy will have a strong foundation and we make sure you’re trained too. Every package includes a hands-on transition session so you know exactly how to maintain the training at home. Ongoing support and tune-ups are always available.

“Do you travel or offer pick-up and delivery for training?”

Yes! Early Paws Puppy Academy works with families both locally and out of state.

Sarah has trained dogs from Connecticut to Florida and Texas, and is open to travel-based training depending on scheduling and location.

For added convenience, pick-up and delivery options are available for select programs, making the training process seamless for busy families.

Travel fees may apply based on distance and logistics. Every situation is unique, so we’ll provide a clear, upfront quote before moving forward.

A woman with dark brown hair, wearing a beige dress, sitting on a white blanket in a grassy field with flowers, smiling next to a happy, cream-colored dog with curly fur and a pink leash.
A happy, cream-colored dog with floppy ears and a pink leash, sitting on a dirt and grass surface, with its tongue out and looking at the camera.
A woman with brown hair wearing a rust-colored dress smiling and playing with a golden doodle dog outdoors on a grassy field with trees and a white fence in the background.

“Choosing Sarah as our trainer was an absolute no-brainer. What sets her apart is the deeply personal, home-based approach she brings to every puppy. She only takes one or two dogs at a time, which means each puppy is truly treated like one of her own — living in her home, learning in a calm, structured environment that mirrors real life.

Sarah’s thoughtful outings and real-world socialization helped our puppy build confidence and adaptability from the very beginning, all through positive, reward-based training. Six years later, our dog’s behavior, confidence, and joyful personality are a direct reflection of the strong foundation Sarah gave her. If you’re looking for someone who will truly love, understand, and set your puppy up for lifelong success, Sarah is the one.”

-Bailey G, Owner of Wrigley