★★★★★  4.9 from 1,200+ client reviews
Balanced dog training since 2013 · Serving 7 states across the US
Call us: 415-583-5412
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Balanced Dog Trainer Academy

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 per class.

$3,950 course fee 2 weeks, weekends off 5 students maximum
★★★★★

“Graduates may be offered a place with Koru K9 as a student or full trainer.”

Paid opportunities on completion
What is the Koru K9 Master Program?

The school teaches dog training through hands-on methodology with small class sizes (maximum 5 students) and access to experienced trainers. The program combines world-class instruction with business expertise to prepare professional trainers.

Program highlights

Why this school and not another

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

Program details

Everything you need to plan around

Two weeks, Monday to Friday, with the weekend off. Accommodations are self-arranged.

$3,950

Two weeks · Seattle, WA

Apply for a Class Date
  • Location: Seattle, WA
  • Enrollment Date: September 21st - October 2nd 2026 (Seattle WA)
  • Course fee: $3,950
  • Accommodations: Self-arranged
  • Program Length: Two weeks, Monday to Friday (weekends off)
The curriculum

Day by day through the syllabus

The published day-by-day outline, verbatim. A detailed syllabus is available for download.

1

Day 1

Building motivation/relationships, understanding breeds and requirements

2

Day 2

Animal husbandry for multiple dogs (sanitation, vaccinations, exercise)

3

Day 3

Genetics, drives, behavioral issues

4

Day 4

Environmental engagement, socialization, scheduling, pricing, invoicing, communication programs

5

Day 5

Shaping, luring, conditioning

6

Day 6

NePoPo™ application from NePoPo Gold School Graduate Heather Dodson

7

Day 7

Chunking behaviors, phasing cues, pressure, visuals, consolidation, client training

8

Day 8

Proper tool usage in dog training

9

Day 9

Behavior modification, health, nutrition, pain-related behavioral problems, aggression

10

Day 10

Working with aggressive animals, safety in multi-dog interactions, scheduling

11

Day 11

Conducting onboards, recap emails, client training plans, homework

12

Day 12

Shadowing onboards, go-home lessons, pick-ups, lesson assistance

Who teaches

Your instructors

Working Koru K9 trainers who compete, decoy, and run their own client caseloads.

Master Program instructors

Damian Blanton

Seattle / Tacoma, WA
Dog BehavioristBalanced School for Dog Trainers +1

Transitioned from automotive trade to dog training after traveling with three German Shepherds. Focuses on building bonds through structure and communication.

Shane Pierson

Seattle / Tacoma, WA
Dog Behaviorist

Top Tier K-9 Trainer School graduate with advanced certifications. Owns 4 dogs (3 Belgian Malinois, 1 Whippet mix). Customizes approaches for individual dogs and owners.

Sparky Davis

San Diego, CA
Dog BehavioristMichael Ellis School +1

Youngest Schutzhund competitor in Washington State at age 11. Competed in Mondioring; won 2024 USMRA National Championship Level 2.

Master Program application

Apply for a class date

Tell us where you are with dog training today and which class you want to join.

Class dates are confirmed at enrolment. We’ll begin with a simple introductory phone call.

What it costs and what you get

One fee, two weeks, five students. No upsells and no add-on modules.

$3,950Course fee, paid before the class starts
Two weeksMonday to Friday across two weeks, weekend off
Accommodations self-arrangedWe’ll help you find somewhere near the class
Opportunities on completionGraduates may be offered a place with Koru K9 as a student or full trainer

Start your journey today

Get in touch and we’ll begin with a simple introductory phone call.