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

North Bay Dog Behaviorist

Our specialized team of dog behaviorists in the North Bay, California area is dedicated to rehabilitating even the most challenging canine behavior issues. We also focus on laying a strong training foundation for success in preventing common problem behaviors.

3–8 week programs Max 5 dogs per trainer weekly photo & video updates
★★★★★

“Whether we’re your first call or your last hope.”

Programs from $3,600 · GPS collars · Max 5 dogs
What does a dog behaviorist in North Bay do?

Our services include private, in-home dog training as well as our popular individualized board and train program. At Koru K9, we take the time to truly understand the unique needs of each dog and their owner, creating a tailored training program to help achieve their desired goals.

Problem behaviors we help with

Behavior we work with in North Bay

If the reactivity, anxiety, fear, or aggression feels unfixable, we want you to know it’s not.

Tell Us About Your Dog

Aggression

Dog-to-dog aggression, Human aggression, Resource or food guarding, Dogs fighting

Fear & Anxiety

Fear based behaviors, Separation anxiety, Generalized anxiety, Destructive behaviors

Obedience Issues

Pulling on leash, Not coming when called, Jumping, Excessive barking

Our philosophy

Let the 'heeling' begin.

Ever wonder why some North Bay dog Board & Train programs promise quick fixes or take a one-size-fits-all approach, only to leave you with unreliable results and behaviors that come back? That doesn’t mean your dog is broken — it means they need a different approach.

At Koru K9 Dog Training in the North Bay Bay Area, our Board & Train programs are built for real-life success — not shortcuts. We focus on lasting behavior change through connection, consistency, and clear communication.

Real-life training in real environments. Each day includes structured sessions, field trips, and exposure to everyday distractions — city sidewalks, parks, and real streets, never a kennel run.
1–5
Client dogs per trainer — never more
Photo & video updates weekly
GPS
Collars & secure home environments
0
Kennels — home-based, always
How it works

How dog behaviorist works in North Bay

We treat every dog as if they were our own — because we know how much they mean to you.

1

Pick-up day

Pick up and drop off are part of every program. Your dog travels safe and settles into their trainer’s home.

2

Life in a real home

Your dog lives with a professional trainer — structured sessions plus playtime, exercise, and rest, never a crowded facility.

3

Real-world training daily

City streets, parks, and field trips — with at least two photo/video updates per week so you follow the progress.

4

Delivery & go-home lesson

We personally deliver your dog back and teach you everything they’ve learned — plus two follow-up lessons.

Your local team

Koru K9 trainers serving North Bay

Local trainers who live and work where you do.

David Besseler

San Francisco, CA
Certified Behaviorist

David currently runs his own full-time dog walking business, where he works hands-on with dogs of all temperaments and energy levels every day.

Debbie Port

Northern California
Dog BehavioristMichael Ellis School +1

Debbie Port grew up riding and training horses professionally. She trained her own dogs on the side and over the years got interested in dog sports.

Becca Contreras

Northern California
Dog BehavioristBalanced School for Dog Trainers

Becca has been training dogs professionally since 2011.

Jourdan Murphy

Northern California
Dog Behaviorist

Jourdan was born and raised in Santa Cruz County. Her passion and love for dogs started at a very young age.

Celeste Schmidt

Northern California
Dog Behaviorist

From the time she was young Celeste always had a deep passion for animals. Learning as much as she could and spending her free time with the family dogs.

Maddie Galati

Northern California
Dog Trainer & Behaviorist

Maddie has always had a passion for dogs. Aside from growing up with them, as soon as she graduated high school she was volunteering with a local German Shepherd rescue and shadowing a balanced trainer.

More reviews

Results from families like yours

Verified reviews from clients across every market we serve.

★★★★★

“I went online to find a dog trainer for owners with aggressive dogs and came across Koru K9 and Will Greenway. I have had five sessions and a onboarding session all one hour each in Portland, Oregon.”

OR Olivia RucinskiVerified client review
★★★★★

“Our dog Molly, an English springer spaniel, recently returned from a 3-week board and train with Sparky Davis and Koru K9. She is a different dog!”

KB Karen ButlerVerified client review
★★★★★

“Rob was fantastic with our dogs! We completed a 7-lesson package with him and have seen great progress with our stubborn old lady, Stella.”

BT Becca TrevinoVerified client review
Questions

North Bay dog behaviorist FAQs

Our behavior modification and training services cover the entire North Bay region, including Marin County, Sonoma County, Napa County, and Solano County. Whether you are located in San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Napa, or Vallejo, our team is ready to assist. Contact us to confirm service availability in your area!
Yes. Our Board and Train programs provide a structured, controlled environment managed by experienced behaviorists. This immersive setting eliminates daily triggers, allows for consistent behavioral resets, and sets a safe foundation before transitioning skills back to your home. Reach out to schedule a consultation to see if Board and Train is right for your dog.
While every dog and behavior issue is unique, many owners notice meaningful shifts in focus and state of mind within the first few sessions or weeks of program execution. True long-term modification relies on consistency and structure at home, which we coach you through step-by-step. Call us today to get a customized timeline for your dog's goals!
Yes. We frequently work with dogs with severe bite histories, resource guarding, and extreme territorial aggression. Our trainers prioritize safety first while building a customized rehabilitation path. Reach out now for a free, judgment-free phone evaluation.

Each trainer works with just 1–5 client dogs at a time, ensuring your dog receives focused attention, personalized dog training, and plenty of affection in a real home environment. This small, intimate setting allows our expert trainers to tailor each session to your dog's unique personality and behavior challenges—whether it's leash reactivity, separation anxiety, or basic obedience. Your dog isn't just trained—they're cared for like family.

Your dog will receive exceptional care, personalized training, and plenty of individual attention throughout their stay. In our Board & Train program, each trainer works with only 1 to 5 dogs at a time. This intentionally small size ensures your dog receives the focused support they need to succeed. Each day includes multiple one-on-one training sessions, play, physical exercise, and rest. Your dog will live in the trainer's home—not a kennel—and will be treated like one of their own. We don't just teach commands, we help your dog build confidence, trust, and the skills they need to thrive at home and in the real world.

Your dog's safety is our top priority at Koru K9. During our Board & Train program, your dog lives in a safe, structured, and supervised home environment—not a kennel facility. This allows for 24/7 monitoring, individualized care, and secure containment when dogs are not actively training or supervised. Each dog is housed in a crate when unattended, which not only ensures safety but also supports structure and calm behavior. Our trainers follow strict safety protocols to prevent injury, stress, or accidents. From controlled environments to professional handling, our training programs are designed to keep your dog safe, secure, and thriving throughout their stay.

Yes — your dog will absolutely remember you after completing their Board & Train program. Dogs are deeply bonded to their people, and that connection doesn't disappear during training. In fact, time spent apart often strengthens the bond. Rest assured you will be greeted with tails wagging, full-body wiggles, and all. Throughout the program, your dog is learning new skills, gaining confidence, and practicing calm behavior. When you reunite, you'll see not only a dog that remembers you, but one that is the best version of themselves. Our go-home lesson helps you step into your new role as the leader your dog needs, and we provide clear, personalized guidance to make the transition smooth and successful. With continued consistency at home, you'll build an even stronger relationship with your dog.

Your companion is worth it. Your peace of mind depends on it.

Whether we’re your first call or your last hope, Koru K9 will meet you — and your dog — where you are, and help you build the calm, confident companion you’ve been searching for.