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Puppy Training in San Francisco for Proud Pup-Parents Since 1994

Training Pups and proud pup-parents since 1994

Science-based training for happier dogs & stronger bonds. ‍At SmartyPup!, we believe in the power of science and positive reinforcement to create lasting behavior change and build stronger relationships between you and your dog. Our training methods are rooted in modern animal behavior science, focusing on understanding dogs as they are and fostering a nurturing environment. With SmartyPup!, you'll stop stressing over your dog’s behavior and start feeling confident in your ability to lead them through any situation.

meet fawn, the heart of smartypup!

Fawn Pierre Erler is a third-generation San Franciscan and the founder of SmartyPup! She’s been training puppies since 1994, with a prevention-first focus on the early developmental window that shapes behavior for life: social confidence, emotional regulation, bite inhibition, and settling skills.

Trained in a rare lineage of force-free education, Fawn spent 15 years with Dr. Ian Dunbar’s SIRIUS® Puppy Training and 13 years at the San Francisco SPCA—including over a decade teaching in the SF SPCA Dog Trainers Academy under Jean Donaldson—and completed Bob Bailey’s Chicken Camp (operant conditioning intensives). She is also CTC-H (The Academy for Dog Trainers).

Fawn founded SmartyPup! in 2008 to bring science-based puppy development to San Francisco families—clear, humane, and practical. No aversives. No gimmicks. Just behavior science and support that actually holds up at home.
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THE
SMARTYPUP! MISSION

Our mission is to deepen the bond between you and your dog. Through expert guidance and compassionate, positive-reinforcement training, our goal is to ensure you thoroughly enjoy the training experience as you build a strong, positive, and lasting bond with your puppy. Our training sessions are safe, educational, and designed to involve the entire family.

Owner of Smarty Pup - Fawn Pierre with two dogs

meet fawn, the heart of smartypup!

Fawn is a third-generation San Franciscan who brings a wealth of experience and a profound love for the human-dog bond to SmartyPup! With 15 years at Sirius® Puppy Training and a decade at the SFSPCA Dog Trainers Academy, Fawn has honed her skills and developed innovative training methods grounded in a deep understanding of dog behavior. In October 2008, she launched SmartyPup! with the mission of sharing her expertise, empowering pup-parents, and strengthening the connections between dogs and their human companions.

THE
SMARTYPUP! MISSION

Our mission is to deepen the bond between you and your pup. Through expert guidance and compassionate, positive-reinforcement training, our goal is to ensure you thoroughly enjoy the training experience as you build a strong, positive, and lasting bond with your puppy. Our training sessions are safe, educational, and designed to involve the entire family.

A happy jack russell terrier jumping in the air

a few bark-worthy numbers

1,000+

Five-star reviews

75,000+

Puppy grads

Endless

Returning pup-parents

what the dog experts say

Fawn's teaching is so good, it makes me want to cry!

Woman posing with a dog that looks like a lion

— Jean Donaldson, Founder Academy for Dog Trainers at The San Francisco SPCA, The Dogs Trainers Academy, Author

No doubt about it — Fawn Pierre, lead trainer at SmartyPup!, has a unique ability to help us to understand our dogs. As a veterinarian, I attended one of her classes to learn about a different way to train my new puppy and her methods and explanations on "the dogs mind" were a tremendous insight. Almost any trainer can train your dog, but it takes a very special person to take you beyond that and help you to understand your dog so you can take what you have learned in puppy class and use it for those many years of your dog's life. Her classes are a wonderful way to jump start a fun-filled, communicative relationship with your dog.”

Woman veterinarian posing near the golden gate bridge

— Dr. Sandra Hazanow - Seven Hills Vet Clinic

In a letter to San Francisco Vets: “Without a doubt, Fawn is the most experienced and the most talented puppy trainer in San Francisco. She is a natural teacher — utterly conscientious, creative, fast-paced, funny, and extremely engaging … rest assured that [your puppies] are going to receive the very best education.”

Dr. Ian Dunbar Ted Talk

— Dr. Ian Dunbar, Founder of Sirius® Puppy

“As a veterinarian, I have dispensed much advice about puppy training, but as the proud owner of a new pup I now go to Fawn Pierre for advice! I have learned so much new information on training my pup that my advice to owners has changed. What I have learned from Fawn during our puppy classes and puppy socials absolutely works. Fawn understands dogs, especially pups. And my pup loves her and her classes. Fawn understands people too and is wonderful to work with. My pup and I will be taking classes as long as we can! I am recommending Fawn and SmartyPup! to all my clients.”