★★★★★  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 Santa Cruz In-Home Dog Training
Santa Cruz · In-Home Dog Training

Santa Cruz In-Home Dog Training

For dogs with big behaviors, and families who won’t give up. If the reactivity, anxiety, fear, or aggression feels unfixable, we want you to know it’s not. Rebuild trust. Create structure. Enjoy life with your dog again.

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 is in-home dog training in Santa Cruz?

At Koru K9, your dog lives in the loving home of one of our experienced professional dog trainers — never in a crowded facility. Your dog’s daily routine includes structured training sessions tailored to their needs, along with playtime, exercise, and rest. When training is complete, we personally deliver your dog back to you and conduct your first go-home lesson.

Built-in support after sessions end

Let the 'heeling' begin.

Every Private In-Home Training program includes 1–3 months of LunaDogAI (duration varies by package). The service provides custom lessons, real-time answers, and professionally filmed guidance anytime you need it.

It’s like having your trainer in your pocket between sessions, so momentum never fades and confusion never turns into setbacks.

No other training company offers this technology.
How it works

How it works

Most owners start to see results after the very first training session.

1

Initial onboard session · 1.5–2 hrs

A consultation, dog assessment, and hands-on training with owner and dog — plus a detailed interview about your dog’s history and the design of your training plan.

2

Private sessions · ~60 min

Sessions in your home or real-world settings. Offered as single sessions or discounted packages: 3, 5, 7, or 9 sessions.

3

LunaDogAI between sessions

Custom lessons, real-time answers, and professionally filmed guidance anytime you need it — so momentum never fades between visits.

1.5–2
Hours — initial onboard session
60
Minute private sessions
3–9
Session packages, discounted
1–3 mo
LunaDogAI support included
Your local team

Koru K9 trainers serving Santa Cruz

Local trainers who live and work where you do.

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.

Izzy Gutierrez

Northern California
Dog Trainer & Behaviorist

Izzy has spent her entire lifetime surrounded by animals and was always the resident expert for all family and friends with pet questions.

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

Santa Cruz in-home dog training 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 Santa Cruz

Dog Board & Train

Dog Board & Train for Santa Cruz dogs and their families.

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Aggressive Dog Training

Aggressive Dog Training for Santa Cruz dogs and their families.

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Dog Behaviorist

Dog Behaviorist for Santa Cruz dogs and their families.

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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.