A puppy gives you genetics and a clean start. A started puppy gives you that plus a head start. The early routines and manners are already in place, so you skip some of the hardest months and still raise the dog
yourself.
Metro K9 Academy breeds working-line German Shepherds and European Dobermans in Bernardsville, New Jersey. Our started puppies come from the same program as every Metro K9 dog, with more time under a professional trainer before they go home.
What a Started Puppy Already Knows
Started puppies are working on the companion foundations every Metro K9 dog builds on:
- House and crate routines
- Sit, down, and stay
- Loose-leash walking
- Coming when called
- Place (going to a bed and staying there)
- Calm greetings with people and neutrality around other dogs
A started puppy is not a finished dog. It’s a young dog with a clear
foundation and good habits, ready for you to keep building.
Who a Started Puppy Is Right For
- Busy households that want a puppy but not the
hardest early months - First-time working-line owners who want structure
already in place - Families who want to raise the dog but start from a
foundation, not from zero
If you need a reliable dog right away, a trained dog is usually the better choice. If you want to be part of every step, start with a puppy.
Puppy, Started Puppy, or Trained Juvenile?
| Puppy | Started puppy | Trained juvenile | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $4,500+ | $6,800+ | $9,000+ |
| What’s in place | Genetics and early development | Early routines, manners, and foundation obedience | A finished level of companion training |
| Your time up front | Most | Moderate | Least |
Prices are starting points. Final pricing depends on the dog and is discussed on a call.
See Pricing Levels for what each level includes.
Why It Works
Structure builds confidence. A puppy that already understands routines, markers, and calm behavior learns faster in its new home, because it already knows how to learn. Our job is to build the foundation. Yours is to keep it consistent.
Started Puppy FAQ
How old are started puppies?
It varies by dog and litter. Ask about the started puppies available now and we’ll tell you each one’s age and progress.
Are started puppies registered and health tested?
Yes. Our German Shepherds are AKC and SV registered, and our Dobermans are AKC and FCI registered. Our breeding dogs have comprehensive, breed-appropriate health testing, including OFA screening.
Do you place started puppies outside New Jersey?
Yes. We place dogs nationwide. We’ll talk through pickup and delivery options for your location.
What support do we get after pickup?
Every buyer gets ongoing support from our team. Group classes and private lessons are available if you want to keep building.
Inquire About a Started Puppy
Availability changes as puppies progress and are placed. Call or text 201-230-2285 to inquire about availability. We will respond within 48 hours.