Puppy Series

SF puppy prep's puppy series starts with the ABC's on straight on through to a High School Diploma!

101- kindergarten for both young and slightly Older pups--We guide you through this definitive stage of your dog's life and teach you and your pup to speak a common language ; not only will they learn the basics quickly, they will be eager to learn and by graduation, training will be you and your pup's favorite activity together!

201-Junior high,--Adolescence is the next stage in your pup's development, and just like human teenagers, they can begin to test your boundaries, tune you out, and tire your out. Get one step ahead of your rebel without a clue, and teach them that yes, they can get what they want (within reason), but they need to ask you first.   We'll build-up those impulse control muscles, rocket recalls, leash skills, and more!

301- High School--Now that you and your pup are a winning team, you can work on more complicated training goals, rely on their attention in the midst of distractions, and graduate with well-rounded, brilliant dogs who are ready for the real-world.

All classes meet for 6 weeks long.  You can sign up for one, two,  or all three.

Want to get more practice on specific topics while your pup is still young and eager?

Check-out our Puppy Clinics

101 - Young Puppy Kindergarten
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Prerequisite: At least one set puppy vaccinations. Pups must be between 10-16 weeks at class start.
Have a puppy 16 weeks or older? Check out our Older Puppy Kindergarten classes.

Early puppy training establishes good manners and habits right from the start. Early puppy training helps prevent barking, mouthiness, jumping, pulling, and aggression later in life. Early contact with many people, places, and other puppies allows your puppy to grow up confident and friendly.

Manners & impulse control. Teach your pup to sit rather than jump, pay attention, come when called, wait at the door or curb, walk nicely on leash, and more.
Bite inhibition. Keep your hands and sleeves safe, and lay the foundation for a gentle mouth throughout your pup’s life.
Socialization. Shape your puppy into a well-mannered urbanite who likes children, strangers, other dogs, and the whole city environment.
Handling. Teach your pup to enjoy being touched for easy nail clipping, vet exams, grooming, etc.
House-training. Get the A to Z on potty training, complete with a schedule and helpful tips.
Confinement & crate training. Learn about these essential management tools.
Puppy-proofing your home. Hide those slippers. Protect your plants. Cover the electric cords
Planning around a puppy. Our tips from the trenches make puppyhood stress-free for you and your household.

Class meets for 6 consecutive weeks. The first class is an orientation for humans only.

Need extra training help before puppy class begins?

We offer Puppy House Calls  to guide you through the early days of crate training, house training, chewing and biting, and get you and your pup on the fast-track for socialization and training.

Puppy house-call/kindergarten package: $300 (290.00 rescue )

Puppy Daycare & Kindergarten-the perfect combo to train, socialize, and exercise your young pup!!

(10 % off your first daycare package)

Prices:
6 week puppy kindergarten course: 200.00 (rescue 190.00)
1 day recall and leash workshops: 45.00 each, 75.00 for both

Packages with Jr. High & High School:
Two course combo:  380.00
Three course combo: 540.00

Discounts for SF Puppy Prep Day Care Clients and Rescue Dogs

Older Puppy Kindergarten classes

Register Here

Pre-requisites: Puppies should be between 17 weeks to 8 months  at start of class

Upcoming Older Puppy Kindergarten classes
Tuesdays, May 21-June 25, 6:15-7:15pm (Dominika)
Saturdays, June 8-July 20, 11:15-12:15pm (Aishe)

Older Puppy Kindergarten for petite pups (20lbs or less)!
Thursdays, June 13- July 25, 7:30-8:30pm (Michelle)

Just cause your pup's a little older doesn't mean they don't need socialization and training to build the confidence and manners they need for our urban lifestyles. Our classes are always designed to be a fun-filled and highly effective way to teach your pups the abc's of city manners, continue to work on house-training, crate-training, and other puppy developmental milestones and help you and your puppy learn to communicate with each other across species.

Manners & impulse control.Teach your pup to sit rather than jump, pay attention, come when called, wait at the door or curb, walk nicely on leash, and more.
Continued socialization. Shape your puppy into a well-mannered urbanite who likes children, strangers, other dogs, and the whole city environment.
Handling. Teach your pup to enjoy being touched for easy nail clipping, vet exams, grooming, etc.
Confinement & crate training. Learn about these essential management tools.

Class meets for 6 consecutive weeks. The first class is an orientation for humans only.

Price: 200.00 (190.00 rescues)

*Discount Packages available for combining with jr. high and high school.

201 - Junior High
Register Here

Prerequisite: Puppy Kindergarten at SF Puppy Prep, or equivalent private training or class elsewhere with consent of instructor.

Junior High is next step for your confident puppy kindergarten grad. They'll go from the ABC's to the 3 D's--Distance, Duration, and Distraction, the basis for advanced doggy education.

For a teenage dog, the world is full of temptation and distraction: Chicken bones on the street. Other dogs. Pizza on the coffee table. Too much fun to come when called. In this class, we continue your puppy's education and socialization to foster easygoing, well-mannered pups who listen to their parents.

Impulse Control 201. Show them how settling down can be reap greater rewards than jumping and barking.7
Focus 201 . Teach them to check-in with you, before something else grabs their attention.
Life Rewards . Anything your puppy loves can be a treat: balls, walks, play, etc.
Manners 201. Build on your pup’s existing skills. Take sit, down, watch me, and loose-leash walking to the next level.
New learning . It’s time to add the tougher stuff. ‘Go to your mat,’ longer stays, ‘leave it,’ and more.
Rocket recall . Want a dog that boomerangs back to ou at the dog park? This is the way.
Flexibility . We’re working on and off leash.

Upcoming Puppy Junior High classes
Thursdays: May 2-June 6, 7:30-8:30pm (Michelle)
Saturdays: May18-June 29, 12:30-1:30pm (Aishe)
Tuesdays: June 4-July 16, 6:15-7:15pm (Aishe) skip 7/2)

Price: 200.00 (190.00 rescue)

Package with High school: 380.00 (340.00 rescue)

301 - High School
Register Here

Prerequisite: Intermediate level course at SF Puppy Prep, or consent of instructor

Dogs should be 1 year or under

Now that you and your puppy have become a tight training team, it's time to step it up another grade level--In this course you'll challenge your pups with new brain puzzles: Distance commands, long down stays, smooth leash moves, and the know-how to be calm, cool, and collected on the street or at your front door. Oh, and did we say you'll learn a lot too?
Class runs for 6 consecutive weeks.

Upcoming Puppy High School Classes

Price: 200.00

190.00 rescue

Young Puppy Clinics

A series of extra-credit workshops for young puppies and teenage pups.

Register here!

Trusting a pup on the mean streets of San Francisco, means knowing they have a stellar Recall, and lovely leash manners, two of the most important skills we can teach them.  Start before they have picked up any bad-habits.  

Our one day workshops will teach you how to prevent problems down the road.  In fact not only is it much easier to train them, it's much more enjoyable for you both.  We use games and play to give you the tools you'll need to make training a breeze in your daily life..  Everybody wins!

Pre-requisite for Young Puppy Clinics: pups must be between 10-20 weeks, no prior class required

Young Puppy Leash Clinic "Walk this Way":
Saturday, April 20, 2:00-3:30pm (Aishe)

Taking a walk with your puppy doesn't have to be a push me- pull you of frustration! Whether you have a puller, or a staller,-work out the kinks on your leash walks. 

This seminar will focus on fun training games that teach your pup the rules of the road. You'll learn the secret to:

• Increase their focus on you vs. what's up ahead.
• Build impulse control muscles to help resist distractions like garbage or other dogs.
• Make the choice to walk by your side.

includes off-leash puppy play! Limit: 6 puppies.

Young Puppy Recall  Clinic "Come to Papa":

Saturday, April 6 , 2:00-3:30pm (Aishe)

Start Recall training early before your pup starts to dread the word "Come".  Teach your pups to orbit; build trust that it's safe to let them off-leash .  We use reverse psychology and the power of motivation to show our pups that coming to us is as rewarding than running in the other direction.  We'll use games and off leash play to transform our pups into a canine boomerangs!

includes off-leash puppy play! Limited to 6 puppies.

Puppy clinic prices:

Single clinic: 45.00 (40.00 for puppy prep students and rescues)
Two clinic package: 80.00 (75.00 for puppy prep students and rescues)

 Teach your adolescent pup to mind their 'p's and 'q's in mixed company

Register Here

This workshop is for anyone that has a confident teenage pup (age 6 months-1 year) who has is a tad overzealous when greeting people and other dogs, both inside and out in the world.

 
• Teach them to "chill-out" with doggy zen exercises
• Train socially acceptable ways to say "hi" to visitors or strangers.
• Develop your dogs listening skills and attention on you.
• Install solid impulse control cues such as Waits and Leave-its.

• Techniques to prevent potential situations from getting out of hand
• How to use your new knowledge to easily build-in great training habits in real life contexts.

• Make it all an enjoyable way to spend time with your dog

Upcoming Curb Your Enthusiasm Workshop (4 weeks) :

Tuesdays,  June 4-June 25, 7:30-8:30pm

Open to all pups ages 6mo-1year
Limited to 6 dogs

Price:

135.00 (125.00 rescue discount)

Adult dog RECALL 2 week mini-course

Pre-requisite: dogs must be social with other dogs and people and older than 5 months.

Total Recall! --Turn your teen rebels around... and back to you!

Mondays: May 13 & May 20, 6:00-7:15pm (Michelle)
Has your pup started tuning you out when you call them? Are you chasing them around the dog-park when it's time to go; are you persona non grata as soon as something's caught their eye?  It's time to get back to basics & rekindle a strong and fun training relationship, so when you call them to come, they run to you tail wagging!

Loosen up!--How to take the drag out of walking your adolescent pup.

Does your teen-pup nearly pull your shoulder out of joint on your daily walks? Or do they sometimes stall and refuse to move? It can be very challenging to walk a dog on a loose leash--this workshop will focus on skills that won't just teach your pup not to pull, but they'll choose to check in and orbit by your side, and life on the streets will be like a walk in the park.

These workshops meets for two sessions each. The first one is indoors, and the second, outdoors (weather permitting).

Upcoming Clinic dates:

Total Recall:

80.00 (75.00 rescue)

Two Clinic Package:

150.00 (140.00 rescue)

Small Dog Classes

Often small dogs have particular training needs that aren't addressed in general training classes. The world around themis bigger, and can sometimes be overwhelming.  Socialization to people and other dogs is extremely important for confidence building and trust.  Many owners are afraid to let their tiny guys off leash, and/or have difficulty walking them on-leash without  a lot of barking and pulling. Other tough areas can include house-training, hand-shyness, resource guarding, or littles who use their cuteness to wrap us around their mini-paws, getting laps, and treats, and attention whenever they want.

Our program is taught by small dog training experts; our classes are designed to cultivate confidence for shy-guys, and manners for little Napoleons.  We keep our classes mini-sized for more personal instruction. You'll learn how your mini-mutt sees the world, how to keep them safe with big-dogs, and communication skills to teach the little guys a huge vocabulary.

Mini Mutt Manners-101

Mondays, April 15-May 20, 7:30-8:30pm (Aishe)

New! Mini pups- Older Puppy Kindergarten

for small-breed puppies between 17 weeks and 8 months

Packages & Pricing:

1 class: $200 ($180 for rescue dogs).

2 classes: 380.00 (340.00 rescue dogs)

3 classes: 450.00 (420.00 rescue dogs)

MMM 101 Includes one FREE Small Dog Social

MMM class and one hour pre-class training visit:

280.00 (260.00 rescue dogs)

Mini Mutt Manners-101
Mondays, April 15-May 20, 7:30-8:30pm(Aishe)

Register Here
There is no such thing as "vertically challenged"
Is your little one a bit of shrinking violet, or more of a consummate lap dog? Either way, small dogs need to learn etiquette, too! Because of their manageable size, small-dog guardians often choose to overlook shyness, jumping, barking, house-training mishaps, or other typical small-dog quirks. But little ones are very trainable. Find out how in this fun, informal class.

Learning for Littles. What the world looks like when you’re a very small dog.
Bedrock Basics. Handling, house-training, shyness, all those little-dog challenges…
Social Skills. Playing well with others is a learned skill, not an inborn one.
Mighty Manners. Sit, down, stay, leave it, and come.
Confidence building. Extra attention paid to shy-guys; training and positive experiences will do wonders to help overcome their fear.

Dogs must be over 8 months old, 20lbs or less, spayed or neutered.

Older Puppy Kindergarten
For Minis: small breed pups between 17 weeks and 8 months.check out a more detailed description :  Older Puppy class

Prices:

$200 per course ($190 for rescue dogs plus 5 percent to your rescue).

We welcome rescue minis, and donate 5 percent of your tuition to the rescue group you adopted your dog from!

(Includes one FREE Small Dog Social) 

Need some extra training help for your mini-mutt?

We offer a discounted individual training session to work on any issues you may need more immediate or in-depth help with:

*Barking at home or on walks

*Reactivity to other dogs

*House-training

*Separation stress
*Shyness and fear issues

Single session: 100.00
MMM class and pre-class training visit:

280.00 (260.00 rescue dogs)

The best training should never be "all work and no play". This especially applies to our dogs. Dogs are genetically wired to play--fetch, tug, and chase, are just the tip of the iceberg. Classes like K9 Nosework and Tricks channel their abundant mental and physical energy into some of the most fun activities you and your dog could ever share., And the best part? Life-changing learning!

K9 Nosework classes
K9 Nose Work is taking California and SF Puppy Prep by storm!

SF Puppy Prep offers the following classes:

·       Puppy Power Nose Work

·       Nose Work Starter Course

·       Introduction to K9 Nose Work

·       Continuing K9 Nose Work

·       Introduction to Odor

Nosework starter-course:
Thursdays, June 13-27, 7:00-8:30pm (Dominika)

Intro to Nosework: 
Saturdays, May 18-June 29, 12:30-2:00pm (Dominika)
Tuesdays, May 14-June 18, 7:30-9:00pm (Dominika)

Continuing Nosework class:
Thursdays, May 16-June 27, 7:00-8:30pm (Dominika)

Introduction to Odor:
Saturdays, May 18-June 29, 10:30-12:00pm (Dominika)

 Register here

Puppy Power Nosework (4 week)

Level:   

• Crate training
• Handling exercises 
• Mental stimulation 
• Confidence building 
• Fun activity that tires your puppy out!
• Focus on socialization  

Why Nose Work?

Are you looking for an outlet to channel your puppy’s energy?

Are you amazed by your pup’s amazing ability to find a crumble hidden deep in your pocket and always know who has a treat?

Wondering how you can fulfill your puppy’s mental stimulation needs all the trainers are talking about?

What is Nose Work?

Puppies have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt. This four week course introduces the concept of this fun scenting activity and gives you means for letting your puppy have fun, build confidence and burn lots of mental and physical energy.

Check out the official website to learn more about K9 Nose Work.

Class prerequisites: At least two sets puppy vaccinations.

For pups 12-24 weeks at class start.

Limited to 5 dogs

Classes are each 75 minutes long.

Price: $140.00 

Upcoming Puppy Power Nose Work Classes: TBD

 K9 Nosework Mini-Course(3 week)

Level:

Wondering what all the talk about K9 Nose Work is all about? 

Did you know K9 Nose Work classes are an excellent addition to a behavior modification program for shy or reactive dogs?

Check out our Nose Work Classes and see what all the cool kids are talking about! 

Try one of our new mini-classes.  You and your dog will be hooked!

What is Nose Work?

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt. This three week session focuses on teaching you the basics of this fun scenting activity and gives you means for letting your dog have fun, build confidence, improve focus and burn lots of mental and physical energy. Check out the official website to learn more about K9 Nose Work.

Class prerequisites:  No obedience necessary.

All dogs, other than those that are reactive toward people, are welcome.

Open to all dogs 18 weeks and older.

Limited to 5 dogs.

Classes are each 90 minutes long.

Price: $120.00

Upcoming K9 Nose Work Mini Course:

Thursdays, June 13-June 27, 7:00-8:30pm (Dominika) 

Intro to K9 Nosework (6 week)

Level:

Why Nose Work?

Did you take your dog for a walk, play fetch, and give your puppy a new chew toy, but she still has lots of energy!? Is it too cold outside for a long walk?
Do you feel under the weather and need a low impact activity to help tire out your dog?
Is your dog shy, nervous or distracted in new environments?

What is Nose Work?

Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt. This six week session introduces the concept of this fun scenting activity and teaches you how to develop your dog's natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt and their love of toys, food and exercise. Fun, confidence building and burning lots of mental and physical energy guaranteed. Moreover, the focus of scent detection work helps reactive dogs ignore other dogs, the training helps shy dogs be more comfortable with their environment and unfocused dogs remain on task doing their scenting job. This class covers interior searches. Check out the official website to learn more about K9 Nose Work.

Class prerequisites:  No obedience necessary.

All dogs, other than those that are reactive toward people, are welcome.

Open to all dogs 18 weeks and older.

Limited to 5 dogs.

Classes are each 90 minutes long.

Price: $245.00

Upcoming Intro to K9 Nose Work Classes: 

Tuesdays, May 14-June 18, 7:30-9:00pm (Dominika) 

Saturdays, May 18-June 29, 12:30-2:00pm (Dominika) skips 5/25

Continuing K9 Nose Work (4 week):

Level:

This session continues to build searching skills and hunting drive while perfecting your handling skills. This class covers interior, exterior and vehicle searches, weather permitting.

Class prerequisites: Introduction to K9 Nose Work Class or Nose Work Mini Course and instructor approval.

Limited  to 4 dogs.

Classes are each 90 minutes long.

Price: 4 classes/$140.00

Single session: $40

Upcoming Continuing K9 Nose Work Classes: 

Thursdays, May 16-June 6, 7:00 -8:30pm (Dominika) 

K9 Nose Work Introduction to Odor: Pairing with Birch/Odor only

Level:

Do you remember the fun your dog had at Intro to K9 Nose Work?

The excitement when they got to search?                                              

And how proud you felt when your dog was able to find all the hides without your help?

Let's take the fun to the next level!

This time the dogs will be searching for the Birch scent, a natural essential oil. A tiny drop of it on a cotton swab can be much more easily hidden than a tennis ball or a treat! Also it provides an opportunity for better blind hides and learning more advanced detection-inspired techniques.

Class prerequisites: Introduction to K9 Nose Work Class and instructor approval.

Limited  to 5 dogs.

Classes are each 90 minutes long.

Price: $245.00

Upcoming Intro to Odor K9 Nose Work Classes: 

Saturdays, May 18-June 29, 10:30-12:00pm (Dominika) skips 5/25

Tricks 101
Prerequisite:  any dog or puppy with 2 sets of shots or more 
Tuesdays, May 7-May 28 6:15-7:15pm (Aishe)
Register Here

Every dog or puppy should have a few tricks up his or her sleeve!  Have a blast with your dog while learning a variety of tricks including (but no limited to): spin, paw, take a bow, sit pretty, wave, hi-five, rollover, jumps, weaving between your legs, and we take requests for additional tricks best suited to your dog!
Shy dogs will boost their confidence, easily distracted dogs will build focus, and all your friends will be impressed. 

This is a great pre-cursor to agility, therapy dog certification, and a potential career as a dog star! 
Upcoming Tricks Classes:
Tuesdays, May 7-May 28 6:15-7:15pm (Aishe)

(4 week course)
Price: 125.00

Life is an education; there is always something new to learn. Graduates from the Puppy Series and Adult Series still have worlds to explore and goals to achieve.

Perhaps you'd like to have your dog certified as a Canine Good Citizen--a high honor in the canine world, that distinguishes your dog as a role-model for urban canines.

Animal Assisted Therapy Prep is the place to start to become a canine-human social work team. You both can provide an incredibly meaningful service to people who really need it.

Urban Field Trips are the ultimate challenge in real world training--and our most advanced offering, synthesizing all you've learned and having it pay-off when you really need it, at the beach, on the streets, in cafe's, dog-parks, even stores and shopping malls!


Canine Good Citizen Certification Prep
Register Here

Prerequisite: Puppy jr. high, Adult intermediate, or equivalent. Pups must be 6 months or older

This program is a runaway success nationwide. After practicing in class, students can take an (optional) test and, if they pass, receive Canine Good Citizen Certification, which, apart from bragging rights, can be helpful in securing apartments from pet-wary landlords. Test or no test, the training is terrific for any dog living in a crowded urban area. The following subjects are covered:
• Accepting a friendly stranger
• Sitting politely for petting
• Appearance and grooming (dog accepts handling and is in good health)
• Out for a walk (loose-leash walking)
• Walking through a crowd
• Sit, down, & stay
• Coming when called
• Polite behavior around another dog
• Reaction to distraction (noise, strange objects, joggers)
• Supervised separation
Class meets for 6 consecutive weeks. Students who are ready, may test at the end of the course.

Upcoming Canine Good Citizen classes:

Price: 200.00

Animal Assisted Therapy Prep (4 week course)
Register Here

Prerequisite: must have completed intermediate level course

Description:
Our dogs are also healers, they've already added so much joy and delight to our own lives. Becoming and animal assisted therapy team with your dog can be incredibly fullfilling if your dog loves people and you have been looking for a way to do some social service.  A well trained and socialized dog can help individuals come out of their isolation, they can sooth them with touch, make them laugh, and offer unconditional acceptance and love.

If you have considered doing pet therapy with your dog, this course will guide you through the steps you will need to ensure your dog can handle the stress of unpredictable environments like hospitals, and rehab centers.

The exercises in class include:
Socialization. your dog should be un-phased by loud noises, wheelchairs, walkers, crowds, etc.
Manners refinement. Friendly, relaxed and able to sit, down, and stay and leave it on a dime--without treats!
Teamwork. You are part of the therapy-team, and your dog will count on you to know what's safe, and what's expected.

Upcoming Animal Assisted Therapy class:

Tuesdays, September 28- October 26, 5:30-6:30pm (Marissa, Aishe)

Price:   140.00 (120 SFPP alumni and rescue dogs)

Urban Field Trips

Come--To Ft. Fun! 

A "recall" field trip in the great outdoors.

for urban pooch graduates of Junior High or equivalent.

Fort Funston is the ultimate off-leash area for dogs in the bay area, and possibly the world!! Otherwise known as Doggy Nirvana, it will be yours too when you can trust your pup to stay in your orbit, and come back when you call them.  We'll practice and play in this 90 minute active workshop.

(limited to 6 dogs--screening required) 40.00

Register Here

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Our dogs are an integral part of our family. They are wonderful, love us unconditionally, and they can also vex and exhaust us. Dogs aren't human and since It's hard enough to understand our own species, we need to work a little harder to communicate with our canines.

We offer seminars for education, training, play, and a variety of hot-topics of our doggy culture.

Our special events cover the gamut from mini-classes for getting a real handle on leash walking, or a reliable recall, to the ins and outs of dog park etiquette, how to play with your puppy, and living with kids and dogs.

Take a seminar to deepen your understanding, sharpen your training skills, and develop an amazing bond with your four legged family members.


Seminars

Register Here

Seminars - Human Only

Puppy Primer: A comprehensive info session for new or expecting puppy parents!

everything you wanted to know about puppies, but were afraid to ask!

We'll cover the hot-topics new puppy parents are desperate to learn, what you need to accomplish during this period of time, and most importantly, how to get there without too many ruined shoes, soiled carpets, and scratches.

Start off on the right paw:
• How to socialize your puppy safely
• Set up a successful house-training routine
• Crate training--how to help your pup love their den.
• What to do about play-biting.
• Ways to prevent behavior problems down the road.

We'll help you see the world through your pup's eyes, so you can successfully communicate with this cuddly, adorable, creature so they understand you.

Upcoming Puppy Info Session

TBD

Register Here
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