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 Older pups--We will 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.

Upcoming Puppy Kindergarten classes & Workshops

January:
Mondays, January 23-February 27, 6:15-7:15pm (Aishe)

February:
Thursdays, February 2-March 14, 6:15-7:15pm (Michelle)
Saturdays, February 11-March 17 10:00-11:00 am (Aishe)
Tuesdays, February 21-March 22 6:15-7:15pm (Aishe)

March:
Saturdays, March 3-April 7, 11:15-12:15 (Mac)

Check out our February  puppy clinics

Puppy Leash Skills Workshops "Walk THIS way!":

Puppy Recall Skills Workshops "Come to Mama!":

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

(10 % off your first daycare package)

Prices:
6 week course: 200.00

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

Discounts for SF Puppy Prep Day Care Clients and Rescue Dogs.

101A - Older Puppy Kindergarten
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Pre-requisites: Puppies should be between 17 weeks to 8 months of age, with no prior training

Yes, there’s that critical socialization window. If you missed it, you can still successfully teach your pup the basics. Learn the essentials in this fun and active class. With patience and repetition, your older puppy will become a happy, friendly, and confident urban canine, too.

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.

Upcoming Older Puppy Kindergarten

Mondays, January 16-February 20, 6:15-7:15pm (Michelle)
Saturdays, February 4-March 10, 10:00-11:00am (Mac)
Tuesdays, February 28-April 10, 7:30-8:30pm (Aishe) (skip 4/3)  This is for Mini-pups only (small breeds)

Individual course:

200.00 (190.00 rescues)

*Packages with Jr. High & High School:
Two class combo:  380.00 (360.00 rescues, sfpp clients)
Three class combo: 540.00 (510.00 rescues, sfpp clients)

*Must be purchased the first day of class

201 - Junior High
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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.
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 you at the dog park? This is the way.
Flexibility. We’re working on and off leash.

Class meets for 6 consecutive weeks.

Price: 200.00 (190.00 rescues)

Upcoming Puppy Junior High classes

Price: 200.00

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. Last 2 classes are in outdoor locations.

Upcoming Puppy High-School classes

Saturdays, January 21 -February 25,  11:15-12:15 pm (Mac)
Wednesdays, January 25 -February 28,  7:30-8:30 pm (Mac)

Price: 200.00

190.00 rescue

Young Puppy & Adolescent Clinics

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

The best way to get your puppy or teenager on the fast track to being a stellar hound about town. Clinics will help you understand more about how your puppies learn, and will improve your communication skills. They will teach you how to prevent problems down the road by giving you more skills and practice while your pup is still young. They are designed to be a fun experience for both ends of the leash, with games and techniques that you can use to make training a breeze in your daily life.

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

Pre-requisite for Adolescent Clinics: pups must be between 5-18 months, no prior class required

Young Puppy Clinics:

Leash Skills--Walk this way!
Saturday, February 11, 2012, 2:00-3:30 (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! Limited to 6 puppies.

Puppy Recall--Come to Mama!
Saturday, February 4, 2012, 2:00-3:30 (Aishe)

Start Recall training early before your pup things the word "come" is the last thing they want to listen to.  Teach your pup to orbit around you, so you can trust 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:

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

Adolescent "Teens in Training" Clinics:

Pre-requisite: for dogs between the ages of 5 months and 18 months

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

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)

Curb Your Enthusiasm! --Teaching your adolescent pup to mind their 'p's and 'q's in mixed company!

This workshop is for anyone that has a confident teenage pup who has been or is just starting to be 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:

(Limited to 6 dogs)

Price:

135.00 (125.00 rescue discount)

Register Here

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!

Our Mini Mutt series:

Mini Mutt Manners 101

Intermediate MMM (201)

Advanced MMM (301)  (equivalent of puppy high school)

All Mini-Mutt Manners classes are taught by our small dog expert Brenda Cawley.

New! Mini pups- Older Puppy Kindergarten

for small-breed puppies between 17 weeks and 8 months
TBD

Packages & Pricing

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

2 classes: 380.00 (340.00 rescue dogs)

3 classes: 450.00 (420 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
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.

Prerequisites :

Mini-Mutt Manners 101: Dogs must be over 8 months old, 20lbs or less, spayed or neutered. Application includes pre-screening.

Mini-Mutt Manners 201: Must have attended a basic manners class.

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) 

Mini Mutt Manners 101 classes:

adult small breed dogs 8 mo. and up

Tuesdays, November 8-December 13, 6:15-7:15 pm (Brenda)

Tuesdays, December 20-January 31 (skip December 27) 6:15-7:15 pm

New! Older Puppy Mini-Mutt classes:

small breed pups between 17 wks and 8 mo!!
Tuesdays, November 29-January 10,  6:15-7:15 pm, (Aishe) skip 12/27

Mini Mutt Manners 201 classes:

Tuesdays, November 29-January 10, (skip December 27) 7:30-8:30 pm (Brenda)

Need some one-on-one training before class begins?

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

*Shyness and fear issues

*Barking at home or on walks

*Reactivity to other dogs

*House-training

*Separation issue, & more.

MMM class and pre-class training visit:

280.00 (260.00 rescue dogs)

201 - Intermediate Mini Mutt Manners
Register Here

Prerequisite: Graduate of Mini-Mutt Manners or basic class elsewhere with consent of instructor

Up the training and fun with an intermediate course that continues to develop social confidence with more "real-life" goals:

Leash skills: Even 3 pounders can pull like a Husky--or stage a "sit-in" till you pick them up and carry them. Walk as a team with a prancing, wagging dog eager to be by your side.

Coming when called: Little dogs need big exercise without fear of them running off.  Teach them a rocket-recall so you can trust them in the great outdoors.

Impulse Control: Teach them alternatives to any demanding behaviors such as Jumping and barking.
Confidence building. Extra attention paid to shy-guys; training and positive experiences will do wonders to help overcome their fear. 

Class meets for 6 consecutive weeks.

Price: $200 (10 percent off for mmm 101 students and rescue dogs (Includes one FREE Small Dog Social)

Upcoming Intermediate Mini Mutt Manners class:

Tuesdays, November 29-January 10, (skip December 27) 7:30-8:30 pm (Brenda)

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!

Tricks 101
Register Here
Thursdays, December 1-December 22, 7:30 -8:30pm

Prerequisite:  any dog or puppy with 2 sets of shots or more

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! 

Class runs for 4 weeks
Price: 100.00

K9 Nosework
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Urban life does not afford many opportunities for dogs to use their nose in ways they were born to do--at least not appropriately.  Sure, they’ll sniff and find every little piece of garbage on the street, or bits of dinner sitting temptingly on the counter—dig up our plants in the backyard, chase birds, cats, and joggers. Nosework gives our dogs a structured game in which to pursue these powerful urges and gives us a chance to share in fun with them!  

Benefits of K9 Nosework:

• Provides incredible mental stimulation
• Burns tons of energy
• Builds incredible focus in easily over-stimulated dogs/pups
• Builds up confidence in shy dogs
• Learn what motivates your dog!  
• Learn how to better read dog body language
• Gives owners a great activity to share with their dog and
  It's easy to learn!

Prerequisite:

Puppies or dogs over 10 weeks, must be capable of handling confinement/crating away from handlers-

Introduction to Nose Work

Sundays: June 19-July 24, 1:15-2:45pm

Dogs have an amazing sense of smell and a natural desire to hunt. This class focuses on teaching you how to encourage and develop your dog's natural scenting abilities by using their desire to hunt and their love of toys, food and exercise. It's a great class for your dog to have fun, build confidence and burn lots of mental and physical energy and to find out just how good is your dog's nose. High food or toy motivation is beneficial for this class.

Prerequisites: Dogs 4mo. and older. Dogs in this class must be capable of handling confinement in a crate away from their handlers.

Price: 185.00 (175.00 sfpp students and alum, and rescue dogs or 2 or more dogs from same household.)

Introduction to Odor

Sundays:  April 17-June 5, 1:00-2:30pm

This class advances the dog's scent discrimination skills taught in the Introduction to Nose Work Class. All dogs are taught to identify the first target odor of Birch, a natural essential oil. Additionally, we introduce techniques and tactics for building better dog/handler teamwork.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Nose Work, with instructor approval. Dogs in this class must be capable of handling confinement in a crate away from their handlers.

Class is 1.5 hours long and meets for 6 weeks

Price: 185.00 (175.00 sfpp students and alum, and rescue dogs or 2 or more dogs from same household.)

Odor part II

Sundays: June 19-July 24, 11:00-12:30pm

Prerequisites: Introduction to Odor, with instructor approval.

Instructor: Michele Garlick

Michele Garlick came to pet dog training while pursuing her personal competitive interests in dog sports.  She is a graduate of the Marin Humane Society's Canine Behavior Academy as well as Bob Bailey’s Chicken Camps. Michele is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, is certified in pet first aid and CPR and is active with local German Shepherd rescue.   She is the owner of WholeK9, located in Orinda, CA. Michele believes the best training can and should be fun and interesting (for dogs and people)! 

Besides her K9 NoseWork classes at SFPP, Michele teaches at the East Bay SPCA and Braveheart Dog Training in San Leandro.  Michele also teaches a series of Growly Dog classes (for leash reactive dogs) with SFPP staff instructor Kim Moeller at the SF SPCA. Michele resides with her husband Tim and their German Shepherd in Orinda, CA. 

For more info: National Association of Canine Scent Work

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.

Times:

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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