Frequently Asked Questions

We do not 'side' ourselves with any one approach, as every dog is different. We will choose a path and use the tools that are right for you and your dog. We will show you how to properly use these training tools. Unfortunately, there is a lot of mis-information and plenty of opinions out there when it comes to dog training. Beware of any trainer that tells you that their way is the only way to train a dog!

Yes, we are balanced trainers — which means that we don't adhere to one specific method. We work with your dog to find out what motivates them. One size does not fit all — dogs are unique in their likes and dislikes, just like humans. Some dogs aren't very food motivated, and prefer play, toys, praise, etc.

Modern E-Collar training is the most safe, humane, effective and reliable training tool available today. We use low-level, communication-style, modern E-Collar training. We use prong collars because we find them to be the best tool for connecting and communicating with the dog with the least amount of physical stress to the dog and owner. Most tools tend to only mask or manage the behavior, while the prong collar allows us to actually break through and effortlessly communicate, creating a vastly different state of mind and a highly responsive dog. When used correctly, they have been proven to be the least physically taxing, most humane, and one of the safest tools available. Please check out our YouTube page so you can see these tools in action.

Yes. We we work with any breed, any dog, any problem and offer a range of services. We specialize in working with the most challenging of dogs, including those with leash reactivity or aggression. If you are struggling with your dog's behavior, please don't give up, we can help you.

Training your dog is something that should be a constant and continual process in your dog's life. By starting your puppy off young, you are setting good foundation to build on top of. Your dog, much like a young child, will go through development changes, and you'll need to stay consistent with training / continue to advance as your dog matures. Rest assured, we can help you through this process.

Right away! It's important to set your puppy up for lifelong success by starting training the minute your new puppy comes home.

We currently serve California (the entire San Francisco Bay Area — the City, the Peninsula, East Bay, North Bay and South Bay — plus Sacramento, Santa Cruz, San Diego and Orange County), Washington (Seattle-Tacoma), Oregon (Portland, Eugene, Bend and Grants Pass), Texas (Austin and Dallas-Fort Worth), North Carolina, South Carolina, and Colorado (in-home training around Denver). We will travel further, however with additional travel surcharge, please contact us for more information, or reference our Location page.

During our travels throughout New Zealand, we fell in love with the country, its people, and the beauty and meaning woven throughout Māori culture.

In Māori, koru refers to the spiral shape of an unfurling silver fern frond as it opens into new growth. The koru is an important Māori motif, traditionally seen in carving, art, and design, and is associated with new life, growth, renewal, strength, and hope for the future.

That meaning deeply resonated with us when we founded Koru K9. We believe dog training is ultimately about growth—not simply changing behavior, but helping dogs and their people move forward together, build stronger relationships, and create the possibility of a new beginning.

More than a decade later, the name still represents exactly what we believe: there is always room for growth, change, and a new beginning.