Northern California Dog Behaviorist
For dogs with big behaviors, and families who refuse give up on their dog.
“Whether we’re your first call or your last hope.”
Programs from $3,600 · GPS collars · Max 5 dogsReactivity. Fear. Anxiety. Aggression. It might feel unfixable—but we’ve helped thousands of dogs overcome exactly that. Rebuild trust. Bring balance back to your home. Enjoy life with your dog again.
Behavior we work with in Northern California
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
Let the 'heeling' begin.
Ever wonder why some Northern California 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 Northern California 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.
How dog behaviorist works in Northern California
We treat every dog as if they were our own — because we know how much they mean to you.
Pick-up day
Pick up and drop off are part of every program. Your dog travels safe and settles into their trainer’s home.
Life in a real home
Your dog lives with a professional trainer — structured sessions plus playtime, exercise, and rest, never a crowded facility.
Real-world training daily
City streets, parks, and field trips — with at least two photo/video updates per week so you follow the progress.
Delivery & go-home lesson
We personally deliver your dog back and teach you everything they’ve learned — plus two follow-up lessons.
Koru K9 trainers serving Northern California
Local trainers who live and work where you do.
Debbie Port
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
Becca has been training dogs professionally since 2011.
Jourdan Murphy
Jourdan was born and raised in Santa Cruz County. Her passion and love for dogs started at a very young age.
Celeste Schmidt
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
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.
Izzy Gutierrez
Izzy has spent her entire lifetime surrounded by animals and was always the resident expert for all family and friends with pet questions.
Results from families like yours
Verified reviews from clients across every market we serve.
“I am SO happy we invested in Koru K9. We got matched with Natalie and Lee as our trainers and they have been INCREDIBLE.”
“Rob was professional, flexible, and had many resources he was happy to share! Thank you for your time!”
“I took my 1 1/2 year old 'hyper' aussie doodle, Gigi for a 3 week board and train with Irini.”
Northern California dog behaviorist FAQs
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.
Other dog training programs in Northern California
Dog Board & Train
Dog Board & Train for Northern California dogs and their families.
Explore Dog Board & Train →In-Home Dog Training
In-Home Dog Training for Northern California dogs and their families.
Explore In-Home Dog Training →Aggressive Dog Training
Aggressive Dog Training for Northern California dogs and their families.
Explore Aggressive Dog Training →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.