The choices you make for your puppy will shape their behavior for life — and yours. At SmartyPup!, our expert trainers help your puppy develop confidence, resilience, and responsiveness, and support you through any current behavior challenges.
Our programs use science-backed, reward-based techniques, making training fun and effective for both you and your puppy.
Early training and socialization are prioritized in every course to help prevent future behavior problems.
Our smartypup certified trainers focus on building a strong foundation of good behavior and a loving relationship that lasts a lifetime.
Use your puppy’s age and experience to choose a starting point. Click for detailed descriptions and current pricing.
Puppy 1 – For puppies 8–16 weeks old. Puppies must be no older than 18 weeks when the first class starts.
Puppy Socials – For puppies 8–16 weeks old
Small Dog Socials – For all ages under 22 lbs
Puppy Day Camp – For puppies 8–14 weeks old, full-day training and play from 8:00 AM–4:30 PM
Puppy 1 Catch-Up – For dogs 4 months and up who missed Puppy 1.
Puppy 2 – For dogs that have completed Puppy 1 or Puppy 1 Catch-Up.
Puppy 3 – For dogs that have completed Puppy 2.
Specialty Classes – Ready, set, GO beyond the basics with focused training designed to meet specific goals and challenges.
Each program supports your puppy in a different way.
SmartyPup! Classes
5 weekly, 50‑minute group classes that you attend with your puppy. These sessions focus on foundation skills—obedience, socialization, and real‑life puppy manners—with lots of coaching for you so you can keep training going at home and on walks.
SmartyPup! Socials
50‑minute, trainer‑supervised social sessions designed to give puppies safe, positive play with other pups. You stay on site and watch your puppy’s playtime while we guide interactions, support shy puppies, and help everyone practice good play manners.
SmartyPup! Day Camp
A full‑day (8:00 AM–4:30 PM) drop‑off program — this is not a class you attend with your puppy. You check your puppy in for the day, and our training team provides structured training, play, enrichment, rest, and safe socialization in a camp‑style setting, then reunites you with a tired, happy pup in the afternoon.
No need to worry — we’ve got you and your pup covered.
Here’s the science-y truth: small puppies don’t need to play with big puppies to benefit from them. They also don’t have to engage in play at all. What they do need is safe, positive exposure so their brain files away: “Dogs come in many shapes and sizes, and that’s normal.” That’s socialization.
At SmartyPup!, we match puppies by size, age, and play style and use structured setups (parallel time, calm greetings, quick “sniff-and-done” hellos) so your puppy can learn how to meet other dogs appropriately — without being bowled over.
As dogs mature, most don’t “play with everyone” anyway. The goal is a dog who can notice a much bigger (or much smaller) dog, say a polite hello if appropriate, and move on — confident, neutral, and socially fluent. That skill starts now, when the socialization window is wide open and the experiences are easy to shape.
Your pup is still young and impressionable. We can help transform your tiny dog into a confident, skilled companion, reducing fear for both you and your pup. Our pups are counting on us to guide them toward a joyful, fearless future.
Get to a SmartyPup! class or social ASAP — shy puppies actually need more careful, gentle socialization, not less. Even more than outgoing pups, they benefit from positive experiences with people, dogs, and new environments during this critical early window.
While it’s completely natural to want to “bubble wrap” a shy puppy, waiting can lead to serious behavior issues like fear, aggression, attachment disorders, and an inability to cope in stressful situations — the opposite of what any pup‑parent wants. A confident dog is a content dog, and your pup is still young and impressionable, which means now is absolutely the right time to start.
At our puppy socials, we set up two designated areas: one for first‑time and/or more cautious pups, and another for more experienced puppies, so each dog can learn and play at their own pace. We also offer a special Small Dog Social just for our tiny pups — you can find out more here: Small Dog Socials. We’ll always meet your pup where they’re at and help them build confidence step by step.
Your puppy does not need to have completed their full vaccine series to start Puppy 1 or Puppy Socials, but they do need a basic level of protection at least 7 days before the first class. Most puppies who attend are in the middle of their vaccination schedule, and that’s exactly what we expect.
Before starting class or socials, puppies should have:
• At least 1 set of Distemper/Parvovirus vaccines (the “D” and “P” in DHPP).
• Their first de‑worming (usually done by the breeder or rescue).
If your puppy is on a special or delayed vaccination protocol, please contact us so we can talk through the safest plan for your pup’s socialization.
No! — waiting is the last thing you want to do. If your vet advises you to wait, please share the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior’s (AVSAB) Position Statement on this topic with them:
"The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. During this period, puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli, and environments as can be achieved safely, without causing over-stimulation manifested as excessive fear, withdrawal, or avoidance behavior. For this reason, the AVSAB believes it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated."
At least 7 days before the first class, puppies should have:
• 1 set of a distemper and a parvo vaccine
• First de-worming
Keep your puppy’s shots up to date throughout the course. The risk of behavioral problems in unsocialized dogs, leading to relinquishment or euthanasia, far exceeds the risk of contracting infectious diseases in a controlled environment like our classes.
At SmartyPup!, we're committed to providing a safe and controlled setting where your puppy can learn, play, and grow, maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and safety to minimize health risks.
We don’t offer make-up classes because our courses run on a strict schedule, and it's important to maintain consistency for all puppies and pup-parents. However, if your puppy can't make it, you can still attend without your puppy so you don’t miss any information. Alternatively, you can send a friend or family member with your puppy.
We’ll send you a summary of the class along with at-home practice exercises to catch up. You can also join a SmartyPup! Social to stay in sync and reinforce your learning. We appreciate your understanding as this helps ensure the best experience for everyone in the class.
Call your vet and share your puppy's symptoms. Follow their advice closely. It's always better to be safe.
If your puppy isn't feeling well, leave them at home. You can still attend the class and observe. This way, you won't miss any information and can practice at home once your pup is better.
If your vet says your puppy can rejoin the class, please bring a note from them. This ensures all our furry students stay healthy. Even if your puppy seems fine, they could still be contagious. We want to keep all our little learners safe.
Thank you for asking! We use reward-based training, also known as “positive reinforcement” or force-free training. Positive reinforcement involves giving your puppy rewards for behaviors we want to encourage. This method increases the likelihood of those behaviors happening again and is highly effective for shaping your pup’s behavior. Better still, keeping it positive makes the learning process positive for all!
As science-based trainers, we do not (and will never) recommend or use any techniques that are aversive to your dog or rely on pain, force, startling, or coercion.
Studies have shown that humane methods are far more effective and support a strong, positive, loving relationship between you and your pup. We believe your puppy should perform because it wants to, not because it is afraid.
100%, yes! (In fact, we encourage all family members who will help train your dog to attend, no matter what their age. We especially love having kids in our classes, as it's essential for puppies to have positive experiences with children during their socialization process.
That said, a focused learning environment benefits everyone. Some instruction will, of course, require quiet and focus. If you think your child may struggle with periods of sitting in silence, we kindly request that you bring something that will help keep them occupied during those times.
Class Refund / Cancellation / Transfer Policy
We get it — life happens! To keep things running smoothly for all our pups and people: refunds need 3 business days’ notice (with a few fees), late cancellations are non-refundable, and transfers need advance notice. Scroll down for the full scoop!
Refunds: You may request a refund at least 3 business days before your class start date, provided we can fill your spot. Refunds are issued minus a $35 administrative fee and the 2.9% non-refundable Stripe transaction fee. Please email us to request a refund.
Late cancellations & non-refundable situations: No refunds once a class has started or within 3 business days of the start date. For Puppy Socials, because attendance depends on the right mix of puppies, cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.
Class transfers: Need to switch to another class date? Please email us at least 3 business days in advance. A $25 transfer fee applies, and transfers are subject to availability. For Puppy Socials, you may request a transfer to another date if you notify us more than 24 hours in advance. No transfer fees apply. Cancellations or transfer requests made within 24 hours are non-refundable.
Missed classes: We do not offer make-up sessions or refunds for missed classes. If you must miss a class, we encourage you to attend without your dog and review the training materials to stay on track.
Class auditing: Want to be sure the class is a good fit? You’re welcome to audit a class before enrolling — just email us to arrange your visit.
By enrolling in SmartyPup! classes and socials, you agree to these terms. These policies are in place so we can plan for the best learning and social experience possible for you and your puppy.
At SmartyPup!, we prioritize the health and safety of our puppy students and their families with comprehensive cleaning protocols. Here’s how we keep our environment clean and safe:
Daily Floor Cleaning: We sweep and mop our floors every day. For spills or accidents, we use enzyme sprays to neutralize odors and break down organic matter promptly.
Disinfecting with Rescue: We clean floors, kennels, crates, and high-touch areas with Rescue, a hospital-grade disinfectant effective against various pathogens.
Air Quality Control: We use air purifiers and ensure good ventilation with open windows to maintain fresh and healthy air quality.
Regular Equipment Sanitization: We regularly sanitize all training equipment, play accessories, and feeding bowls to prevent the spread of germs.
End-of-Day Clean-Up: Our team performs a thorough cleaning at the end of each day, emptying trash bins and ensuring all areas are spotless and sanitized.
No!— waiting is the last thing you want to do. Start safely exploring the world together today!
It's a common concern among new puppy parents, but waiting until your puppy has received all their vaccines before taking them outside is harmful to their social development.
Why Early Socialization is Important
Delaying outdoor exposure will negatively impact your puppy's ability to adapt to the world around them. The critical period for socialization is between 8 to 12 weeks of age. During this time, puppies are most receptive to new experiences, which helps them grow into confident and well-adjusted adults.
Safe Outdoor Excursions
Balancing safety with socialization is key. You can start taking your puppy on safe outdoor excursions to controlled environments where the risk of disease is minimal. Here are some suggestions for places you can visit:
- Shopping areas
- Sidewalks in residential neighborhoods (non-pourous surfaces)
- Beaches at low tide and during off-peak hours
- Outdoor cafes
- Home improvement stores like Home Depot
-Shopping
Addressing Socialization Concerns with Your Vet
If your vet advises waiting, consider sharing the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) Position Statement on early socialization. This document emphasizes that the benefits of early and safe socialization outings far outweigh the risks of disease when done correctly. Additionally, ask your veterinarian how many cases of Parvo (or Distemper) they have seen or treated at their clinic. Parvo and Distemper are rare in San Francisco. This information will give you a clearer picture of the actual risk and help you make an informed decision.
Lessons form the Pandemic on Puppy Socialization
We learn from the pandemic, that stay-at-home orders, and similar restrictions for puppies can be detrimental to their mental health and development. Just as humans need social interaction for well-being, puppies require early socialization to grow into well-adjusted adults. Keeping puppies isolated during this crucial period can lead to anxiety, fear, and behavioral issues. Ensuring they have safe, positive experiences with the outside world is essential for their overall mental health and development.By providing safe, positive experiences early on, you'll help your puppy grow into a happy, confident, and well-adjusted dog. Don’t wait – start exploring the world together, safely!
Get Out There, But Be Safe!
Early socialization is essential for your puppy’s development. While some vets recommend waiting until all vaccinations are complete, this cautious approach can lead to unintended consequences. Missing out on early outdoor socialization will result in a dog that's anxious around new people, kids, other dogs, and unfamiliar places.
Thank you for asking! We use reward-based training, also known as “positive reinforcement” or force-free training. Positive reinforcement involves giving your puppy rewards for behaviors we want to encourage. This method increases the likelihood of those behaviors happening again and is highly effective for shaping your pup’s behavior. Better still, keeping it positive makes the learning process positive for all!
As science-based trainers, we do not (and will never) recommend or use any techniques that are aversive to your dog or rely on pain, force, startling, or coercion.
Studies have shown that humane methods are far more effective and support a strong, positive, loving relationship between you and your pup. We believe your puppy should perform because it wants to, not because it is afraid.
We don’t offer make-up classes because our courses run on a strict schedule, and it's important to maintain consistency for all puppies and pup-parents. However, if your puppy can't make it, you can still attend without your puppy so you don’t miss any information. Alternatively, you can send a friend or family member with your puppy.
We’ll send you a summary of the class along with at-home practice exercises to catch up. You can also join a SmartyPup! Social to stay in sync and reinforce your learning. We appreciate your understanding as this helps ensure the best experience for everyone in the class.