Professional Puppy Training School in Marin, CA

20 years experience, Daylong Puppy School & Online Learning Courses Available

Jumpstart School
Jumpstart Online

Enroll Your Pup in the Finest Puppy Training School in the Region!

Welcome to Hillary’s Hound House, your premier puppy training school in Marin, CA! With over 20 years of experience, my mission has been to create a harmonious and joyful relationship between you and your puppy.

Whether you’re dealing with challenges like puppy biting, potty training challenges, jumping, pulling on the leash, or simply want to teach your dog some basic manners, we’re here to help.

Why Choose Hillary’s Hound House?

Over the past twenty years we have trained thousands of puppies, all ages, sizes and breeds in my Jumpstart Program. Despite many commonalities among them, some also struggle with shyness, fear, or anxiety. Others are outgoing and gregarious yet have little impulse control and tend to overwhelm other puppies. Much like human children, all puppies need careful supervision and age-appropriate training to reach their potential.

Our puppy Nursery is specially designed to meet each puppy’s needs while preventing many of the problems that take hold early, like excitability and lack of impulse control, reactivity toward other dogs or people, poor potty habits, and difficulty paying attention when distracted. We are experts in helping puppies learn the right behaviors from the beginning and develop the confidence and coping ability to help each puppy thrive.

Here are some of the key benefits of choosing my school for your puppy training needs:

Expertise and Experience

My team has years of experience in puppy training, ensuring that your puppy receives the best care and attention. We utilize state of the art training principles and protocols and positive reinforcement techniques to make training a fun and rewarding experience both for your puppy and your family.

Comprehensive Training Programs

Our training is designed to address all aspects of puppy behavior and development, including:

  • Daylong Potty Training plus potty bells
  • Laser focus – We develop this vital skill in our puppies to prepare them for rapid, effortless learning. This ultra-focused state of mind translates to more attentive puppies with better impulse control. 
  • Proximity Imperative – Our puppies learn how to stay close and come back quickly, anytime, anywhere.
  • Lightning-fast Recall – wherever, whenever you call, your puppy will race back at top speed. We train this critical skill daily in multiple outdoor locations.
  • Go to Bed and Lay down
  • Stay till released.
  • Go Say Hi!®  Say Goodbye to jumping, lunging, and barking when your puppy walks over and sits to greet new people.

What People are Saying

“We love your program. We love you. We love your staff and look forward to being part of your pack for years to come.”

Brucine, Francis and Daisy

“Hillary has a charisma & presence that is quite memorable.”

“This program has been life changing!”

“Hillary has a charisma & presence that is quite memorable.”

“ This program has been life changing!”

“Hillary knows what makes them tick…”

“Hillary is a dog whisperer! ”

“Hillary knows what makes them tick…”

“Hillary is a dog whisperer! ”

A Local and Convenient Puppy School in Marin County, CA

Located in the heart of Marin County, CA, Hillary’s Hound House is easily accessible for puppy parents throughout the region. Our location makes it simple to incorporate training into your busy schedule.

Communities We Serve:

  • San Rafael
  • Novato
  • Mill Valley
  • Sausalito
  • Larkspur
  • Corte Madera
  • San Anselmo
  • Fairfax
  • Marin City
  • Stinson Beach
  • Kentfield
  • Ross
  • Bel Marin Keys
  • Lucas Valley-Marinwood
  • Lagunitas-Forest Knolls
  • Woodacre
  • Strawberry
  • Sleepy Hollow
  • Tamalpais-Homestead Valley
  • Black Point-Green Point

Personalized Attention

I believe in providing personalized attention to each puppy and their family – including children. We are experts at ensuring every puppy gets the care and training they need to succeed and thrive. Private sessions play a big role in the Jumpstart Program.

Community, Support and Puppy Playdates!

When you join Hillary’s Hound House, you join a supportive community of puppy pet parents. In addition to a superbly trained and socialized puppy, you’ll have access to our expert staff daily. Our Saturday classes are a great place for you and your children to learn and participate in your puppy’s training. You can make new friends, meet your puppy’s playmates, and schedule playdates with other puppies in the Jumpstart Program.

Hillary’s Story

Twenty years ago, I fell in love at first sight. It started with a photo in my inbox that led to a flight, that led to a journey I could not have prepared for nor anticipated. But there I was two days later in Shreveport, Louisiana, picking up a gorgeous 8 week old Australian Shepherd puppy named Stevie.

I’d just accepted a new job in LA and I didn’t know better. What lay in store were long hours and a lot of work to raise money for a nonprofit group home for teens. It was not the best time for a new puppy.

My Training Philosophy

I believe in using positive reinforcement to teach and guide puppies. This approach not only helps in building trust and confidence but also ensures that training is a positive and enjoyable experience for puppies during their most formative months.  My methods are humane, effective, and backed by the latest research in animal behavior.

From our Nursery to Yours…Two Ways to Learn and Train

1) Online Puppy Training Courses

Train with Hillary in the comfort of your home and Say Goodbye to biting, barking, jumping, chewing, pulling and potty accidents!

Be sure to check out Hillary’s FREE Crash Course in Marker Training.

Online Classes

2) Local/Daylong Puppy School

Our Jumpstart® Puppy School is for puppies 8 weeks to 6 months old.
Daylong School

Join the Hillary’s Hound House Family Today!

At Hillary’s Hound House, we’re more than just a training school—we’re a family. Enroll your puppy in our daylong Jumpstart Puppy School or my online courses – where you and your puppy can train alongside me and our puppies in the Jumpstart Nursery. And watch your puppy transform into a well-behaved companion of a lifetime.

How To Get Started

Bring your puppy for a Visit to the Nursery. Visits are an ideal way for you both to get acquainted with us and the puppies in the Program.

Contact us to learn more and bring your puppy for an unforgettable visit to the Jumpstart Nursery soon.

Fool-Proof Potty Training Guide

Fool-Proof

Potty Training Guide

Potty training begins the moment that paw hits the floor of your home. Get started ASAP with this guide.

Plus: FREE Weekly Training Tips and Videos – from our Nursery to yours!

“From the very beginning, our little pup was well taken care of and quickly learned essential commands such as sit, stay, and come when called. The socialization aspect was a game-changer, as our puppy was able to interact with other pups in a safe and controlled environment. He absolutely adored going to school every day, and we could tell by the way he raced in with excitement!”

Suzannah, Peter, and Deebo Scully

Fool-Proof Potty Training Guide

Fool-Proof

Potty Training Guide

Potty training begins the moment that paw hits the floor of your home. Get started ASAP with this guide.

Plus: FREE Weekly Training Tips and Videos – from our Nursery to yours!

“From the very beginning, our little pup was well taken care of and quickly learned essential commands such as sit, stay, and come when called. The socialization aspect was a game-changer, as our puppy was able to interact with other pups in a safe and controlled environment. He absolutely adored going to school every day, and we could tell by the way he raced in with excitement!”

Suzannah, Peter, and Deebo Scully