★★★★★  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 San Francisco Dog Behaviorist
San Francisco · Dog Behaviorist

San Francisco Dog Behaviorist

Our team of San Francisco expert dog behaviorists specializes in rehabilitating even the most challenging behavior problems in dogs. We also focus on laying a strong foundation for long-term success and 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 San Francisco do?

Our services include private, in-home dog training, as well as personalized board and train programs that are highly popular in the San Francisco area. Each program is tailored to suit the specific needs of both the dog and owner, taking into consideration their unique circumstances. Our goal is to equip you with the tools and understanding you need to effectively handle your dog’s behavior daily. This includes implementing rules and structure, correcting unwanted or unsafe behaviors, and rewarding positive behaviors.

Problem behaviors we help with

Behavior we work with in San Francisco

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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco

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 San Francisco

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.

★★★★★

“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 Francisco dog behaviorist FAQs

While standard dog training focuses on teaching commands like sit, stay, and heel, a dog behaviorist focuses on identifying and modifying the underlying emotional state driving complex behaviors like fear, anxiety, aggression, and resource guarding. Koru K9's behavior specialists focus on changing a dog's state of mind first, using balanced behavior modification to create lasting psychological rehab rather than just masking symptoms with treats.
Behaviorists evaluate and modify severe behavioral challenges including human aggression, dog-to-dog reactivity, severe separation anxiety, resource guarding, territoriality, and extreme fearfulness. Programs are customized to assess environmental triggers, household dynamics, and handler mechanics to build a safety-first rehabilitation protocol tailored to your dog's specific needs.
Immersive Board & Train programs are generally recommended for complex behavioral rehabilitation because they remove the dog from their existing environmental triggers and allow a professional trainer to establish a new foundation 24/7. Once the dog shifts to a calm, compliant state of mind, extensive handler coaching lessons ensure owners learn how to safely maintain that structure and boundary system back home in San Francisco.

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.