Frequently Asked Questions

The early weeks matter. Puppies benefit most from structured socialization and training between 8 and 18 weeks, and we recommend starting as soon as your puppy comes home. This is a period of peak curiosity, when puppies are especially open to learning about the world. Our foundation programs are designed specifically for this window, offering controlled, positive exposure to other dogs, people, environments, and everyday experiences — in a way that's safe, thoughtful, and age-appropriate.

Yes. Once you purchase a package, you'll go through our onboarding flow where you can indicate that you don't have your puppy yet and select a future start date. If your start date is further out, just email, text, or call us and we'll make a note to reserve a spot in our system. We're happy to help you plan ahead.

Not at all. It's never too late to start training. While early foundations are powerful, dogs of all ages benefit from thoughtful training and structure. We've worked with many wonderful dogs adopted at 1, 2, or even later in life. Depending on your dog's age and needs, Outdoor Education or private training may be a great fit, and we're happy to help you decide.

Yes. Some dogs at SF Puppy Prep have been with us from puppyhood through adulthood, while others join us later. Different life stages require different levels of support. We offer Outdoor Education and daycare options for adolescents and adults, and private training is always available for dogs of any age.

We never compromise on quality, which means our programs can fill up — especially during busy seasons. The best way to secure a spot is to purchase a package, which allows you to reserve space immediately. Current clients receive priority when transitioning between programs (for example, from Puppy Prep into Outdoor Education). When programs are full, we maintain a waitlist and keep families updated.

We guide families based on dog age, development, and real-life needs. Most families can enroll directly in our recommended programs using the Build Your Package flow. If your situation feels more complex or you'd like extra reassurance, a free 15-minute consultation with our head trainer and owner, Mac, is always available.

Not necessarily. Many clients enroll directly without a consult. Some families start with Puppy Prep or Outdoor Education and later add group classes, private training, or socials after meeting the team and seeing how their dog settles in. Consultations are simply an option for extra guidance.

We offer two core programs (Puppy Prep School and Outdoor Education), determined by your dog's age. Pricing is the same for both — the structure changes as your dog matures. Both programs are training-first, not daycare. Dogs work in small, supervised groups with experienced trainers, with 1:1 attention, following structured plans focused on socialization, behavior, and life skills — not just free play or a room full of dogs. Puppy Prep School (8–18 weeks) Our foundational training program for young puppies. Outdoor Education (18+ weeks) Our core program for adolescent and adult dogs, focused on real-world skills. 5 days/week: $125/day ($625/week) 4 days/week: $135/day ($540/week) Additional options include: Itty Bitty Doggy City Daycare: from $50/day Virtual Private Training: $75/ 30min | $125/ 1 hour In-Home Private Training: $165/session Puppy Socials: $35/session Group Classes: $300 for a 4-week course Most families start with one core program and add other options as needed. If you're unsure what's right for your dog, we're happy to help - customize your program now, or book a 15min free consult with our head trainer and owner Mac.