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.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page, or call 415.522.3509 and we'll be happy to assist you.

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 
• Pet First Aid and CPR
• Human-Directed Canine Aggression Seminar (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  
• Small 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
• Reactive Rover 2
• Recall!
• Tricks

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.