--- title: "Join Our Team: Become a Certified Dog Trainer | Koru K9" description: Start your journey as a balanced dog trainer. Koru K9 offers comprehensive field training, real-world experience with complex behaviors. --- ★★★★★  4.9 from 1,200+ client reviews Balanced dog training since 2013 · Serving 7 states across the US Call us: [415-583-5412](tel:4155835412) [![Koru K9 — Train to Transform](https://www.koruk9.com/hs-fs/hubfs/koru-k9-2026/logo-dark.png?width=311&height=91&name=logo-dark.png)](https://www.koruk9.com/?hsLang=en) [Services ▾](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-training-services?hsLang=en) [All Services](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-training-services?hsLang=en) [Board & Train](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-training-services/board-train?hsLang=en) [In-Home Training](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-training-services/private-in-home-training?hsLang=en) [Hybrid Training](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-training-services/hybrid-training?hsLang=en) [Puppy Training](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-training-services/puppy-training?hsLang=en) [LunaDog AI — Online](https://www.koruk9.com/lunadogai-dog-training-app?hsLang=en) [Locations ▾](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations?hsLang=en) [All Locations](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations?hsLang=en) [California](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations/california?hsLang=en) [Washington](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations/washington?hsLang=en) [Oregon](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations/oregon?hsLang=en) [Colorado](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations/colorado?hsLang=en) [Texas](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations/texas?hsLang=en) [South Carolina](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations/south-carolina?hsLang=en) [North Carolina](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations/north-carolina?hsLang=en) [Guides](https://www.koruk9.com/guides?hsLang=en) [About ▾](https://www.koruk9.com/about-us?hsLang=en) [About Us](https://www.koruk9.com/about-us?hsLang=en) [Our Method](https://www.koruk9.com/about-us/our-method?hsLang=en) [Our Team](https://www.koruk9.com/about-us/our-team?hsLang=en) [Testimonials](https://www.koruk9.com/about-us/testimonials?hsLang=en) [FAQs](https://www.koruk9.com/about-us/faqs?hsLang=en) [Careers](https://www.koruk9.com/careers?hsLang=en) [Contact](https://www.koruk9.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) [Blog](https://www.koruk9.com/blog?hsLang=en) [Trainer School](https://www.koruk9.com/become-a-trainer?hsLang=en) [415-583-5412](tel:4155835412) [Book a Consultation](https://www.koruk9.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) [Home](https://www.koruk9.com/?hsLang=en)› Become a Trainer Koru K9 Trainer School # Become a *Trainer* Maximize your potential with one of our accelerated school programs. Our hands-on teaching methodology focuses on learning through doing. [Apply to the Master Program →](https://www.koruk9.com/contact-us/?hsLang=en) [Call 415-583-5412](tel:4155835412) **2 weeks**, hands-on **Max 5** students per class **Opportunities** may be available on completion ★★★★★ “Maximum 5 students receive personalized mentorship and feedback.” **Individualized attention** How do I become a professional dog trainer? Maximize your potential with one of our accelerated school programs. Our hands-on teaching methodology focuses on learning through doing. With a small class size and access to the industry's best trainers, our programs offer a blend of world-class instruction and real-world business know-how that gives you the tools to stand out amongst your peers and turn your passion and skill for dog training into a rewarding life-long career. Program highlights ## What the school gives you A blend of world-class instruction and real-world business know-how. 01 ### Learn from the best Matched with experienced Koru K9 trainers offering real-world knowledge 02 ### World-Class Instruction Methods used by one of America's largest independent dog training companies 03 ### Individualized Attention Maximum 5 students receive personalized mentorship and feedback 04 ### Opportunities May Be Available Upon Completion Graduates may be offered a place with Koru K9 as a student or full trainer The Master Program ## Koru K9’s Balanced Dog Trainer School Two weeks of hands-on instruction (Monday to Friday, weekends off) with a maximum of five students, taught by working Koru K9 trainers. Graduates may be offered a place with Koru K9 as a student or full trainer. $3,950 Two weeks · accommodations self-arranged [See the Full Curriculum →](https://www.koruk9.com/contact-us/?hsLang=en) - Small class size — maximum five students - Taught by working Koru K9 trainers, not career instructors - Real-world business know-how, not just handling - Detailed day-by-day syllabus available for download - Opportunities may be available on completion Who teaches ## Your instructors Working Koru K9 trainers who compete, decoy, and run their own client caseloads. ### Master Program instructors Master Program instructors Dog Behaviorist, Balanced School for Dog Trainers, Tarheel Master Program ### Damian Blanton Seattle/Tacoma, WA Dog BehavioristBalanced School for Dog Trainers +1 Damian grew up in Northern Indiana, playing sports and spending as much time outdoors as possible. After high school Damian started an apprenticeship at an automotive paint and repair shop where he excelled at the trade and… [Read full bio →](https://www.koruk9.com/become-a-trainer#bio-damian-blanton) Master Program instructors Dog Behaviorist ### Shane Pierson Seattle/Tacoma, WA Dog Behaviorist I am a certified trainer who has worked with various breeds from pet dogs, working dogs, and competition dogs. A graduate of the Top Tier K-9 Trainer School with advanced certifications in pet and working dog programs. [Read full bio →](https://www.koruk9.com/become-a-trainer#bio-shane-pierson) Master Program instructors Dog Behaviorist, Michael Ellis School, CGC Evaluator ### Sparky Davis San Diego, CA Dog BehavioristMichael Ellis School +1 From an early age, it was evident that Sparky had a deep passion for dogs. His path into dog training began in Port Townsend, WA, where he worked as an apprentice with a Police K9 trainer. [Read full bio →](https://www.koruk9.com/become-a-trainer#bio-sparky-davis) × ### Damian Blanton Seattle/Tacoma, WA · Master Program instructors Dog BehavioristBalanced School for Dog TrainersTarheel Master Program Damian grew up in Northern Indiana, playing sports and spending as much time outdoors as possible. After high school Damian started an apprenticeship at an automotive paint and repair shop where he excelled at the trade and spent almost 10 years honing those skills and positioning himself for a successful career however, he soon realized that his chosen trade was not fulfilling and he had to try something different. So he put in his notice and spent the next two years traveling the country with his 3 German Shepherds. Damian hiked to the top of mountains in Colorado, boated the Great Lakes, and even rafted rapids in Wisconsin, the whole time his dogs were right next to him. The bond he developed with his “pack” was the reason he pursued a career in dog training. Damian wants every dog owner to have a bond and relationship like he had with his dogs — and the best way to achieve that is through structure and opening up communication between pet and owner. Damian started his dog training education through mentorship with one of the most passionate and knowledgeable trainers in the country, and continues to develop and learn through continued mentorship, weekly club, and any other opportunity he can grab. Damian is a decoy for various protection sports. Listen to Damian, Shane and Koru K9 co-founders, Ray & Bridget, on their monthly Trainer Talks discussing dog training advice, information, and debunking dog training myths and misinformation: https://youtu.be/cu5X\_inEDUQ?si=FbRouhXWwX6xwDlo [Book a Free Consultation →](https://www.koruk9.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) Close × ### Shane Pierson Seattle/Tacoma, WA · Master Program instructors Dog Behaviorist I am a certified trainer who has worked with various breeds from pet dogs, working dogs, and competition dogs. A graduate of the Top Tier K-9 Trainer School with advanced certifications in pet and working dog programs. Owner of 4 dogs, including 3 Belgian Malinois and a Whippet mix. I am committed to developing my skills and utilizing training methods for getting the most out of each dog and their owner. I believe that each dog and owner has an individual learning style that requires a customized approach. [Book a Free Consultation →](https://www.koruk9.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) Close × ### Sparky Davis San Diego, CA · Master Program instructors Dog BehavioristMichael Ellis SchoolCGC Evaluator From an early age, it was evident that Sparky had a deep passion for dogs. His path into dog training began in Port Townsend, WA, where he worked as an apprentice with a Police K9 trainer. During this time, Sparky was introduced to Schutzhund (IGP), and by the age of 11, he became the youngest competitor in Washington State. By 13, Sparky had earned Schutzhund Level 1 and Tracking Level 3 titles, along with several ‘High Tracking’ awards with his German Shepherd. Sparky then advanced his training at the prestigious Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers, where he participated in the Long Term Immersion Program under one of the leading trainers globally. Currently, he is a successful Mondioring competitor and recently won the 2024 USMRA National Championship at Level 2 with his dog Archie. They will compete in the FCI Mondioring World Championship in Greece in October of 2024, and have also achieved a notable tie for the highest Mondioring Level 2 score in US history with 298/300 points. Sparky’s dedication to the human-canine bond goes beyond working dogs, encompassing all dog owners and their dogs. Achieving high level scores with a working dog requires a a deep bond and intuition with animals and meticulous eye for behavior changes. This is what makes Sparky incredible to work with. He has a keen eye for what individual dogs and their people need in order to reach their goals. [Book a Free Consultation →](https://www.koruk9.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) Close Upcoming classes ## Where the next class runs Class dates are confirmed at enrolment — get in touch and we’ll start with a simple introductory phone call. ### September 21 – October 2, 2026 Seattle, WA [Check availability →](https://www.koruk9.com/contact-us/?hsLang=en) Turn it into a career ## A rewarding life-long career, not a weekend certificate The programs are built to give you the tools to stand out amongst your peers and turn your passion and skill for dog training into a rewarding life-long career. [Start Your Application →](https://www.koruk9.com/contact-us/?hsLang=en) Already training professionally? The Careers page has our current openings. - Learn from one of America’s largest independent dog training companies - Mentorship and feedback you actually get time for - Business, pricing and client-communication training - A route onto the Koru K9 team when you graduate ## Start your journey today Get in touch and we’ll begin with a simple introductory phone call. [Book a Free Consultation →](https://www.koruk9.com/contact-us/?hsLang=en) [415-583-5412](tel:4155835412) [![Koru K9 — Train to Transform](https://www.koruk9.com/hubfs/koru-k9-2026/logo-cream.png)](https://www.koruk9.com/?hsLang=en) **Koru K9 Dog Training & Rehabilitation** 455 Market St Ste 1940, PMB 999798 San Francisco, CA 94105-2448 [415-583-5412](tel:4155835412) · [woof@koruk9.com](mailto:woof@koruk9.com) Office Hours: Monday–Friday 8am–5pm PST #### Services [Board & Train](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-training-services/board-train?hsLang=en) [In-Home Training](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-training-services/private-in-home-training?hsLang=en) [Hybrid Training](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-training-services/hybrid-training?hsLang=en) [Puppy Training](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-training-services/puppy-training?hsLang=en) [LunaDog AI — Online](https://www.koruk9.com/lunadogai-dog-training-app?hsLang=en) #### Locations [California](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations/california?hsLang=en) [Washington](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations/washington?hsLang=en) [Oregon](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations/oregon?hsLang=en) [Colorado](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations/colorado?hsLang=en) [Texas](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations/texas?hsLang=en) [South Carolina](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations/south-carolina?hsLang=en) [North Carolina](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations/north-carolina?hsLang=en) [All locations →](https://www.koruk9.com/dog-trainer-locations?hsLang=en) #### Resources [Behavior Guides](https://www.koruk9.com/guides?hsLang=en) [Blog](https://www.koruk9.com/blog?hsLang=en) [FAQs](https://www.koruk9.com/about-us/faqs?hsLang=en) [Become a Trainer](https://www.koruk9.com/become-a-trainer?hsLang=en) [Careers](https://www.koruk9.com/careers?hsLang=en) [Contact](https://www.koruk9.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) © 2026 Koru K9 Dog Training & Rehabilitation. 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