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

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
  • 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

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.

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 →
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

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.