The San Francisco SPCA offers a wide variety of reasonably priced dog training classes, as well as playgroups and educational seminars. Knowledgeable instructors use reward-based training methods to help you train your dog—building a stronger bond while creating a well behaved canine companion.

Our August class schedule is delayed.  We apologize for this inconvenience, and hope to have more information in a week or two.  Please contact us at dogtraining@sfspca.org for recommendations of other training resources in the area. 

Categories of Training Programs

Playgroups

Young dogs need lots of chances to practice positive interactions with a variety of other dogs of their age in a safe, supervised environment.  Puppies under 18 weeks of age are invited to join us for Puppy Playgroup, while teenaged pups between 18 weeks and 8 months are welcome to check out Adolescent Playgroup! 

• Puppy Playgroup
• Adolescent Playgroup

Classes, Seminars and Information Sessions for People

Take advantage of opportunities to learn more about everything from how to manage a new puppy or dog in the home to dealing with separation-related issues, to getting certified in Pet CPR. Many of these programs are completely free.  

• Puppy Parent Orientation 
• New Dog 101 
• Dog-Dog Social Behavior Seminar 
• Fido Home Alone Seminar
• Shy Dog Seminar 
• Reactive Rover Seminar 
• Human-Directed Canine Aggression Seminar (NEW!)
• Hiking with Your Dog: Fun and Safe Trail Adventures with your Pup (NEW!)

Level 1 Manners Classes

Whether your dog is 3 months old or 13 years old, start your basic manners training here!  These classes are intended for dogs who have not taken any training classes yet. 

• Puppy Manners 1 - for dogs up to 16 weeks old
• Adolescent Manners 1 - for dogs 4 - 9 months old
• Adult Manners 1 - for dogs over 6 months old 
• Small Adult Manners 1 - for small dogs over 6 months old 

Level 2 Manners Classes

Have fun and continue advancing your dog’s skills, tackling new challenges and building on what you’ve both learned in basic training.

• Puppy Manners 2  
• Adolescent Manners 2
• Adult Manners 2  

Specialty Classes

Does your dog have challenges meeting other dogs on leash or need a refresher on recall? Do you want to learn TTouch, tricks, or master loose-leash walking? Check out our Specialty Classes.

• Bravery Class for Shy Dogs
• Canine Good Citizen Prep Class
• Canine Good Citizen Test
• Focus: Attention, Not Tension
• Loose Leash Walking and Heeling
• Reactive Rover
• Recall!

Sports Classes

Challenge your dog mentally and physically while strengthening your bond - Try an Agility class, or work on developing your dog’s innate scenting ability with K9 Nose Work®.

• Freestyle Heelwork
• Freestyle Heelwork 2  
• Introduction to K-9 Nose Work
• Introduction to Odor
• Continuing Nose Work
• Advanced Topics in K9 Nose Work

View our dog training class calendar.

Please review our class policies before enrolling in a class.

Learn more about our instructors.