puppy training classes san francisco
our structured classes are tailored to every age and stage of your pup's development
Just choose the class that fits your pup's age, stage—and of course, your schedule—and watch them transform into a loving, well-behaved companion and family member. Beyond the basics and by popular demand, we also offer specialty classes.
Basic Classes
Our structured Basic classes teach you everything you need to know to watch your puppy turn into a loving, well-behaved companion and family member.
Puppy 1
• For puppies 8–16 weeks
• Duration: 5 weeks, 1 class per week
• At least the first set of Parvo and Distemper vaccines.
Puppyhood is a short, high-impact learning window. Puppy 1 builds confidence, bite inhibition, calm manners, and real-life follow-through using reward-based training plus carefully guided socialization. Yes, we teach sit/down/come/drop it/stay—but we’re really building a puppy who can settle, recover, and make good choices in the real world. Play with a plan.
Puppy 1 – Catch-Up
• For pups 4 months and up
• Duration: 5 weeks, 1 class per week
• Current on vaccinations
Missed the age cutoff for Puppy 1? You’re not behind—you’re right on time. This class covers the same essential foundations in a modified format for older (and bigger) puppies, with smart coaching for adolescence: calmer focus, better follow-through, and skills that hold up in the real world.
Puppy 2
• For graduates of Puppy 1 (or Puppy 1 - Catch-Up)
• Duration: 5 weeks, 1 class per week
Ahhh, smells like teen spirit. Puppy 2 is for Puppy 1 grads who are entering adolescence—when hormones, distractions, and “selective hearing” show up. We’ll build impulse control, calm greetings, leash manners, and reliable follow-through using reward-based training and smart management, so your puppy can think in the real world (not just in class).
Puppy 3
• For graduates of Puppy 2
• Duration: 5 weeks, 1 class per week
Ready to level up? Puppy 3 is for pups and pup-parents who want real-world reliability. We tighten heeling, recall, and stays under distraction—building fluency, focus, and calm follow-through so your dog can listen when it actually matters (outside, around people, and around other dogs).
Specialty Classes
Ready, set, GO beyond the basics with focused training designed to meet specific goals and challenges.
Canine Good Citizen
• For graduates of Puppy 2
• Duration: 5 weeks training + 1 week test (optional)
Prepare your dog for the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test with targeted training that polishes real-world manners: calm greetings, loose-leash walking, handling/grooming, polite passing, and settling around distractions. Build your dog’s resume—without turning them into a robot.
Tune-Up Drop-Ins
• For grads of any SmartyPup! Class
• Duration: Flexible drop-in sessions
Refresh and reinforce your dog's play and training skills you’ve worked hard to build. Just register for a Tune-Up session, and drop in as needed. A good sense of humor and willingness to learn are required.
Agility Fun
• For Puppy 2 graduates or equivalent
• Dogs must be people- and dog-friendly
Strengthen your dog’s physical and mental agility as you teach them to jump, climb, and maneuver through obstacles.
Happy Leash
• For pups 5 months old and up
• Dogs must be both people- and dog-friendly
Enjoy relaxed walks happily ever after! Transform your daily walks into delightful experiences with our Happy Leash class at SmartyPup!
Tricks
• For pups at least 5 months old
• Graduate of at least one SmartyPup! class
Teach your pup fun and impressive tricks while strengthening your bond and boosting their mental and physical stimulation.
Pro Recall
• For Puppy 2 graduates or equivalent
• Dogs must be people- and dog-friendly
Transform your dog's recall skills! Master effective techniques for reliable off-leash adventures. Boost your pup's focus, obedience, and responsiveness.