Group training programs

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy group classes

Training for now and a lifetime. At Top Dog SF, we're dedicated to giving your puppy the best education to grow up happy, confident, and well-behaved.

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Certified trainers since 2004
Fully insured

A Top Dog SF group class in session at the Taraval Street studio

Group class pricing

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certificate included with both 5-week classes.

Group class pricing
Package	Price
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Preschool 101Ages 8 weeks to 5 months, 1 Puppy Social included	$300per 5 weeks
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Kindergarten 201Ages 5 months to 1 year, 1 small-dog social included	$300per 5 weeks
Puppy SocialsEvery Saturday 10:00 am · drop-in welcome	$35per session

Small class sizes6-8 dogs maximum for personalized attention
5-week programsProgressive curriculum building skills weekly
AKC certifiedEarn the S.T.A.R. Puppy certificate
50-min sessionsPerfect length for learning & fun

Why add group puppy classes?

Our group puppy classes are the perfect complement to our Puppy Head Start program, helping both you and your puppy navigate new experiences positively and successfully.

Puppy Head Start foundation

Each day your puppy learns:

Socialize with other puppies, environment & humans
Play appropriately
Basic obedience skills
Be confident away from you
Crate time and alone time
Potty training
Positive reinforcement training

Benefits of group classes

Deepen your understanding of your pup's needs
Improve communication and strengthen your bond
Learn to apply and reinforce skills in real-life scenarios
Gain tools to teach new skills for lifelong learning
Understand how your pup learns and responds
Help your pup build confidence in various environments

Set your pup up for lifelong success. Join our group classes today.

Choose the right class for your puppy

Pick the class that fits your dog's age and experience level.

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Preschool 101

Ages 8 weeks to 5 months

$3005-week series (1 Puppy Social included)

Perfect for basic training & socialization with positive reinforcement methods.

What’s included

Small class sizes (max 6-8 dogs)
5-week progressive curriculum
Puppy Social required to receive the S.T.A.R. Puppy title
Positive reinforcement methods
Training handouts and videos

What you’ll learn: the S.T.A.R. curriculum

Socialization:: Positive experiences in new environments, with new people and animals
Training:: Power of positive reinforcement and laying foundations
Activity:: Games and daily routines to keep pups active and content
Responsibility:: What it takes to be a responsible pet parent

Your class kit

Bait bag
Training clicker
Weekly homework assignments
Training handouts
Bag of high-value treats
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certificate (upon completion)

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Kindergarten 201

Ages 5 months to 1 year

$3005-week series (1 small-dog social included)

Perfect for continued training & socialization with positive reinforcement methods.

What’s included

Small class sizes (max 6-8 dogs)
5-week progressive curriculum
Small-dog social required to receive the S.T.A.R. Puppy title
Positive reinforcement methods
Training handouts and videos

What you’ll learn: the S.T.A.R. curriculum

Socialization:: Positive experiences in new environments, with new people and animals
Training:: Power of positive reinforcement and laying foundations
Activity:: Games and daily routines to keep pups active and content
Responsibility:: What it takes to be a responsible pet parent

Your class kit

Bait bag
Training clicker
Weekly homework assignments
Training handouts
Bag of high-value treats
AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certificate (upon completion)

Upcoming class cohorts

All classes are held at 2121 Taraval St with certified instructors.

Upcoming 5-week puppy class cohorts
Cohort	Preschool 101	Kindergarten 201
Octoberstarts Oct 17, 2026	Sat 9:00 am · Oct 17 to Nov 14Wed 6:00 pm · Oct 21 to Nov 18	Sat 11:00 am · Oct 17 to Nov 14Wed 7:00 pm · Oct 21 to Nov 18

Week 1 of every cohort is humans-only orientation. Weeks 2 to 5 are with puppies. Register for a cohort

Weekly Saturday puppy socials

For puppies under 18 weeks (small breeds) or 16 weeks (large breeds).

Saturdays at 10:00 am · 50 minutes

$35 per session

All classes and socials are located at 2121 Taraval St, San Francisco.

Common questions

Common questions about our group training classes.

What group training classes does Top Dog SF offer?

We offer Puppy Preschool 101 for beginners, Puppy Kindergarten 201 for advanced puppies, and the 8-week AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) course. All classes use positive reinforcement methods.

How many dogs are in each group class?

All group classes are limited to 6-8 dogs maximum to ensure each dog and owner receives personalized attention and coaching.

What certifications can my dog earn?

Dogs can earn the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy title through our Preschool and Kindergarten programs, and the AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certification through our 8-week CGC course.

Do I need prior training experience to join a group class?

No prior experience is needed for Puppy Preschool 101. For Kindergarten 201, some foundational training is recommended. The CGC course requires basic obedience knowledge.

Where are group classes held?

Group classes are held at our San Francisco facility. The location provides both indoor and outdoor training spaces for a comprehensive learning environment.

Ready to start your training journey?

Join our group training classes and give your puppy the best foundation for a lifetime of success.