★★★★★  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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San Diego · Dog Board & Train

San Diego Dog Board & Train

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

3–8 week programs Max 5 dogs per trainer 2× weekly photo & video updates
★★★★★

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

Programs from $3,600 · GPS collars · Max 5 dogs
What is board & train in San Diego?

Rebuild trust. Create structure. Enjoy life with your dog again. Your dog lives and trains in a home setting with an experienced Koru K9 trainer — with structure, safety, individual attention, and a program built around their behavior, temperament, and needs.

Our philosophy

Let the heeling begin.

Ever wonder why some San Diego 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 San Diego, 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.
Why San Diego families choose our board & train

Built around your dog — and you

Real-life training

A safe, loving, home-based setting — never a kennel facility. Field trips and everyday distractions build real reliability.

Safety & structure first

Max five client dogs per trainer. GPS collars, secure home environments, and constant supervision.

Progress you can see

Photo and/or video updates twice a week — watch confidence and reliability grow, step by step.

Coaching for you, too

Hands-on owner coaching sessions, detailed recap videos, and customized guidance to maintain success.

How it works

Your dog’s San Diego transformation

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.

1–5
Client dogs per trainer — never more
2×
Photo & video updates weekly
GPS
Collars & secure home environments
0
Kennels — home-based, always
Problem behaviors we help with

Built for the tough cases

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

The curriculum

What your dog will learn

Core Commands

  • Heel (no pulling/reacting)
  • Sit-stay / Down-stay
  • Recall / Come when called
  • Place

Manners & Life Skills

  • Crate training
  • Doorway etiquette
  • Mealtime manners
  • Calm behavior in public & home
Included in the program

Everything your dog needs — nothing extra to buy

  • Pick up and drop off
  • In-home training in one of our trainer's homes and 24/7 immersion in our training program
  • One-on-one personalized attention with a maximum of five dogs per session
  • Two updates per week including multiple pictures and videos
  • Two follow up lessons after the Board & Train
  • Phone and email support during and after the program
Pricing

San Diego board & train pricing

Your free consultation includes an exact quote for your dog and your city.

3wk
3-Week Board and Train
$3,900 starting
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Most popular
4wk
4-Week Board and Train
$4,800 starting
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6wk
6-Week Board and Train
$6,800 starting
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3wk
Board and Train Refresher New
For previous clients only
$3,300 starting
Check Availability
Your local team

Koru K9 trainers serving San Diego

Local trainers who live and work where you do.

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

Kylah Lenz

San Diego, CA
Certified Behaviorist

My interest in dog training began when I got my first dog, Scout, in 2017. He had severe reactivity toward dogs and humans, and his behavior worsened over time.

Read full bio

Lorie Schock

San Diego, CA
Dog BehavioristKoru Master Program Graduate +5

Lorie has joked that “once you raise ½ dozen kids you might as well train dogs, right? She absolutely loves her job and takes “Train To Transform'' seriously.

Read full bio

Sparky Davis

San Diego, CA
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.

Kylah Lenz

San Diego, CA
Certified Behaviorist

My interest in dog training began when I got my first dog, Scout, in 2017. He had severe reactivity toward dogs and humans, and his behavior worsened over time. I struggled to manage his reactions, which led me to the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers. I completed a 5 month immersion program, which inspired a passion beyond training my own dog.

I wanted to help other owners find the same relationship and peace with their reactive dogs. In the last 8 years I have worked with dogs and their humans, helping families all over the world, including in Greece, Colorado, Washington, California, and Oregon. I look forward to helping more dogs and their people achieve a brighter and more fulfilling life together.

Lorie Schock

San Diego, CA
Dog BehavioristKoru Master Program GraduateAKC CGC EvaluatorTherapy Handler TrainerNepopo Silver School GraduateNepopo New Gold School GraduateIACP Member

Lorie has joked that “once you raise ½ dozen kids you might as well train dogs, right? She absolutely loves her job and takes “Train To Transform'' seriously. After working for years in a dog training job that limited the true power and range of Balanced Training, Lorie is excited to partner with the Koru K9 Team and help ALL dogs.

She took her passion to Oregon where she attended and passed the Koru K9 Balanced Training Master’s Program. One of her strongest areas is confidence building. Both in the dog and within the dog owners as well. She understands that oftentimes it can be a daunting journey but coaching is where she shines.

With a great sense of humor and lots of understanding, patience and guidance, Lorie is passionate about helping you and your dog be the best you can be and truly partner with one another. As an in-home and private session trainer, Lorie will be with you every step of the way! Beginning your training journey in the comfort of your own home, Lorie will help you build a training foundation to carry out anywhere.

Her expertise and compassion extends to the entire family and Lorie loves to get the whole pack involved and help you all grow together. Lorie lives on a 35 acre horse ranch in Wine Country, Temecula with her husband, son and two Queensland Heelers (Gimli and Frodo) as well as a collection of loving ranch cats.

More reviews

Results from families like yours

Verified reviews from clients across every market we serve.

★★★★★

“We trained our 2 fur babies with Will Greenway. One is an 8 year old Australian Shepherd and the other a 3 year old Rough Collie.”

DW Danielle W.Verified client review
★★★★★

“I got the package with 3-sessions of private training (with one 1-2 hour consultation on top of that) and my trainer was Alex.”

AB Avyla BarrettVerified client review
★★★★★

“Walks used to be stressful, with constant pulling and lack of focus—but Halley A. has transformed that experience completely.”

MM Marisa MadridVerified client review
Questions

San Diego dog board & train FAQs

Dogs stay directly inside the home of a professional trainer rather than a commercial facility, allowing for round-the-clock real-world structure, house manners, and individual attention.
Programs typically run from 3 to 6 weeks, tailored to the complexity of your dog's behavioral challenges and performance goals.
Yes. Every Board & Train program includes hands-on owner transfer sessions along with 12 months of LunaDogAI app support for real-time video guidance and trainer-built lessons.

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.

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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.