What is Extended Training?We offer extended training for puppies at various stages of development—not just before going home.
This program is designed to provide structure, guidance, and continued development during key growth periods. Whether your puppy stays with us early on or visits later, training is tailored to their age, temperament, and individual needs. Our goal is to build a well-rounded, confident, and easy-to-live-with dog through consistent, intentional work. Pricing: $850 per week Minimum of 2 weeks recommended Most clients choose 2–4 weeks depending on goals and timing. Available in Southern CA and Northern CA - space limited. Why Choose Extended Training?Extended training gives your puppy the structure, consistency, and guidance that can be difficult to maintain at home—especially during key stages of development. Whether you’re looking to get started on the right foot, build better habits, address specific challenges, or simply maintain progress while you’re away, this program provides a focused environment where your puppy can learn and develop without interruption. It’s not just about training—it’s about creating a smoother, more manageable experience for both you and your dog long-term.
See below for testimonials from real Foothill Families! |
What This Looks Like
Training is customized based on where your puppy is developmentally. We focus on building the right skills at the right time, rather than following a rigid, one-size-fits-all program.
Extended training is approached differently for our service dog families. If you are considering training for a potential service dog, please click here to learn more.
Extended training is approached differently for our service dog families. If you are considering training for a potential service dog, please click here to learn more.
Early Development8-10 weeks
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Learning & Communication10-12 weeks
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Structure & Manners12-16 weeks
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Advanced Development16+ weeks
For puppies staying longer or returning for continued training.
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Important Notes:
- Every puppy progresses at a different rate based on age, temperament, and individual needs
- Length of stay impacts results—shorter stays build foundation, longer stays allow for more advanced skills
- Training is layered over time and not rushed
Puppies go through normal developmental stages, including fear periods and boundary testing.
For long-term success, training must continue at home. We provide the foundation and guidance, but consistency and follow-through are essential to maintaining progress.
For long-term success, training must continue at home. We provide the foundation and guidance, but consistency and follow-through are essential to maintaining progress.
Happy Puppies, Confident Families
Stories and feedback from families who experienced our Extended Training Program
River, Southern CA
“As first time puppy owners, saying we were overwhelmed by our energetic, busy, and sassy Aussie, River, would be an understatement. Enter Alexandra and her magical training!
After just one week of board & train at 3 months old, River was no longer barking, had learned many important commands (and some fun ones), and was much calmer in general! She also got to spend time playing with other dogs, socializing with kids, and swimming - she had a blast! River went back about a month later to spend another week with Alexandra. This time, the focus was on practicing good behavior in real-life situations, like car rides, stores, coffee shops, and restaurants. All of this practice made such a big difference, since we love to be out and about in LA with her. Life with River is so much easier now that she can jump into the car, lie down calmly while we drive, walk well on a leash everywhere we go, and relax out in public. We started off with a great puppy, and thanks to Alexandra’s knowledge, patience, open communication, and genuine love for the work and for the dogs, we now have an absolute dream dog. She’s a better version of herself after every stay and we couldn’t recommend Alexandra more! PS. Do the photo shoot - you won’t regret it. ” - Kirby, River's Mom (Tahoe & Whiskey - Australian Shepherd) |
Nandy, Northern CA
“Signing up my new puppy to spend two weeks with Jennifer was the best decision I could have ever made for the two of us.
Not only did it help ease the transition home, it also set me up for success in nurturing her to become a well-adjusted and loving companion—equipping us both with a solid foundation from which to begin building our relationship. I’m so grateful for Jennifer’s thoughtful, compassionate, and wise guidance and highly recommend her to any family seeking a steady hand in supporting their furry family member to grow in miraculous ways!” - Sephora, Nandi's Mom (Atira X Ichigo - Mini American Shepherd) |
Coco, Southern CA
“As first-time puppy owners, we were nervous about sending our Aussiedoodle away for training, but Alexandra exceeded every expectation we had. Our puppy, Coco, stayed with her for two weeks, and the transformation was nothing short of amazing!
When we picked up our pup, we were blown away by everything she had accomplished. Our little one came home fully crate trained, potty trained, and knew sit, down, place, and shake. We didn 't know these skills could be taught so thoroughly in just two weeks! Alexandra ' s expertise and dedication are truly remarkable. She also made sure the training was tailored to our concerns. For example, I was especially nervous about how Coco would interact with our cat, and Alexandra took the time to do thorough cat introductions during Coco ' s stay with her. Thoughtful touches like this are really what made this experience above and beyond for us. What made the experience even better was how wonderful she was with us as nervous first-time owners. We had SO many questions, and Alexandra was incredibly kind, patient, and responsive to every single one. She made us feel supported throughout the entire process and never made us feel like we were being overly anxious (even when we probably were!). The regular pictures and videos she sent were such a comfort. We could see our puppy was happy, well-cared for, and thriving. It was clear that Alexandra genuinely loves what she does and treats every dog in her care like her own. If you're looking for a trainer who combines professional excellence with genuine warmth and outstanding communication, Alexandra is your answer. We're so grateful we found her and can't recommend her highly enough!” - Jennifer, Coco's Mom (Millie X Theo - Aussiedoodle) |
Cally, Northern CA
"My wife and I were fortunate enough to discover Foothill Aussies
and obtain our puppy Cally. Before bringing her home we decided to board her with Jennifer for several weeks of additional training before . It was an excellent decision and money well spent. It was remarkable how two weeks with Jennifer had our puppy arriving with basic commands, good behavior and excellent manners already ingrained as her daily habits. Jennifer communicated regularly by Zoom and email/texting. She gave us the plan for how to proceed forward with Cally's training and continues to be available months later for any questions which might arise. We would highly recommend that you avail yourselves of the excellent services which Jennifer offers. Regards and hope you are well. Let us know if there is anything else which you would like us to include in our recommendation." - Rich & Barb, Cally's Parents (Atira X Ichigo - Mini American Shepherd) |
Luna, Southern CA
“I can't recommend Alex Kazma enough! She first brought our new puppy, Luna, to us as a flight nanny, making sure she was comfortable and cared for every step of the way. From that day on, she and her family have become like a second home for Luna, and we couldn't be more grateful.
Alex has provided invaluable support across multiple services: Training: Her training sessions were effective and helped us lay a great foundation with Luna. Daycare and Boarding: Luna loves going to see Alex and her family. I always feel completely at ease knowing she is being cared for by people who adore her. Board and Train: While I was traveling, Luna stayed with Alex for a week of board and train. She came back happier and with great manners. As an added bonus, Alex's husband is a photographer and took the most adorable pictures of Luna during her last stay! Alex and her family are incredibly caring, professional, and reliable. I'll absolutely be a repeat customer. Thank you, Alex, for everything you do for Luna!” - Jill, Luna's Mom (Pixie X Theo - Poodle) |
Andy, Northern CA
"Jennifer at Paws-A-Tive Dog Training has worked with Andy our AussieDoodle first as short daily training sessions in October 2024 and then a 2 week board and train in March 2025 while we were on vacation.
She is excellent to work with, keeps you informed and cares deeply for your dogs. Her dog behavioral knowledge allows her to get the most out of your dog to progress their skills. I loved that during his board and train he was part of her household and not constantly kenneled when not in training mode as he was still a puppy going through the teenage phase with lots of energy and feelings. Her dog Maggie became Andy’s best friend and playmate. Andy was a very picky eater at that time and she went above and beyond and made his food a few times, she completely spoiled him. We will definitely continue to use Paws-A-Tive Dog Training for any future needs as well." - Angela, Andy's Mom (Nina X Timmy - Aussiedoodle) |
