★★★★★  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 Washington Seattle Anxious Dog Training
Seattle · Anxious Dog Training

Seattle Anxious 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
How does training help an anxious dog in Seattle?

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.

Problem behaviors we help with

Behavior we work with in Seattle

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 Seattle 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 Seattle, 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 anxious dog training works in Seattle

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 Seattle

Local trainers who live and work where you do.

Halley Akam

Seattle/Tacoma, WA
Dog Behaviorist

Halley is a dedicated canine trainer who has a diverse background working in the animal industry. She has been working with dogs for eight years, and over the past four she has discovered her passion for understanding dog…

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Keith Olsen

Seattle/Tacoma, WA
Dog Behaviorist

Keith is a dedicated canine trainer and enthusiast with a diverse background. Growing up in Washington surrounded by dogs, he developed a passion for animal companionship early in life.

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Damian Blanton

Seattle/Tacoma, WA
Dog BehavioristBalanced School for Dog Trainers +1

Damian grew up in Northern Indiana, playing sports and spending as much time outdoors as possible. After high school Damian started an apprenticeship at an automotive paint and repair shop where he excelled at the trade and…

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Kymberlie Kenagy

Seattle/Tacoma, WA
Dog BehavioristNepopo Silver School Graduate

Kym has been working in the canine industry for eight years. Her experience started in the U.S. Navy as a Military Working Dog Handler, searching for narcotics and explosives, along with training patrol work.

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Shane Pierson

Seattle/Tacoma, WA
Dog Behaviorist

I am a certified trainer who has worked with various breeds from pet dogs, working dogs, and competition dogs. A graduate of the Top Tier K-9 Trainer School with advanced certifications in pet and working dog programs.

Read full bio

Halley Akam

Seattle/Tacoma, WA
Dog Behaviorist

Halley is a dedicated canine trainer who has a diverse background working in the animal industry. She has been working with dogs for eight years, and over the past four she has discovered her passion for understanding dog behavior. Her journey in dog training started after she attended an apprenticeship, where she learned the basics of dog training and understanding the “why” behind dog behaviors.

When she graduated from the apprenticeship, she was assigned 10-15 dogs at a time to focus on daily. She not only learned how to rehabilitate their behaviors but also helped build their confidence and create neutrality in their world. She now works as a Dog Behaviorist and Balanced Trainer, helping build dogs’ confidence while coaching owners and their companions to thrive together.

Though some cases are similar, no case is ever the same, which has led her to believe that there are many techniques to help bridge the gap of communication between a dog and their owner. Halley spends a lot of time going on hikes, cliff jumping, spending time on the beach, going to car events, and camping with her two-year-old Pit/Corgi mix named Percy.

She resides in a home with a 4yr old German Shepherd, a 9yr Goldendoodle, and a 6yr old Orange Tabby cat. If you want to spark an easy conversation with her, you can’t go wrong bringing up cars.

Keith Olsen

Seattle/Tacoma, WA
Dog Behaviorist

Keith is a dedicated canine trainer and enthusiast with a diverse background. Growing up in Washington surrounded by dogs, he developed a passion for animal companionship early in life. After serving eight years in the Navy, stationed in Hawaii, Keith and his wife welcomed their first dog, a Chihuahua mix, into their family.

Upon returning to Washington, he transitioned to a career driving armored vehicles while pursuing his education in HVAC/R. During his eight years in the trade, Keith adopted a Malinois puppy and recognized the importance of proper training. He sought out online resources and engaged with a local trainer, where his exceptional bond with his dog was noticed, leading to a job offer.

With three and a half years of hands-on experience under his belt, Keith further honed his skills by completing a six-month master trainer course at Tarheel K9. He is currently an active member of a local IGP and American Schutzhund club, training two of his dogs for competition, and continues to share his passion for canine training with the community.

Damian Blanton

Seattle/Tacoma, WA
Dog BehavioristBalanced School for Dog TrainersTarheel Master Program

Damian grew up in Northern Indiana, playing sports and spending as much time outdoors as possible. After high school Damian started an apprenticeship at an automotive paint and repair shop where he excelled at the trade and spent almost 10 years honing those skills and positioning himself for a successful career however, he soon realized that his chosen trade was not fulfilling and he had to try something different.

So he put in his notice and spent the next two years traveling the country with his 3 German Shepherds. Damian hiked to the top of mountains in Colorado, boated the Great Lakes, and even rafted rapids in Wisconsin, the whole time his dogs were right next to him. The bond he developed with his “pack” was the reason he pursued a career in dog training.

Damian wants every dog owner to have a bond and relationship like he had with his dogs — and the best way to achieve that is through structure and opening up communication between pet and owner.

Damian started his dog training education through mentorship with one of the most passionate and knowledgeable trainers in the country, and continues to develop and learn through continued mentorship, weekly club, and any other opportunity he can grab. Damian is a decoy for various protection sports.

Listen to Damian, Shane and Koru K9 co-founders, Ray & Bridget, on their monthly Trainer Talks discussing dog training advice, information, and debunking dog training myths and misinformation: https://youtu.be/cu5X_inEDUQ?si=FbRouhXWwX6xwDlo

Kymberlie Kenagy

Seattle/Tacoma, WA
Dog BehavioristNepopo Silver School Graduate

Kym has been working in the canine industry for eight years. Her experience started in the U.S. Navy as a Military Working Dog Handler, searching for narcotics and explosives, along with training patrol work. She’s spent her newly gained civilian time learning to work with and train companions, service animals, and their owners.

She believes there are multiple ways to succeed with your companion and adapts techniques to work best for everyone. Kym spends her free time out hiking, paddle boarding, and camping around the PNW with her own dogs. Her household includes a six year-old Golden-Doodle, a three year-old Belgian Malinois, a one year-old German Shepherd, and a four year-old orange Tabby Cat.

If you're looking for a great conversation starter, try discussing the Star Wars universe with her!

Shane Pierson

Seattle/Tacoma, WA
Dog Behaviorist

I am a certified trainer who has worked with various breeds from pet dogs, working dogs, and competition dogs. A graduate of the Top Tier K-9 Trainer School with advanced certifications in pet and working dog programs. Owner of 4 dogs, including 3 Belgian Malinois and a Whippet mix.

I am committed to developing my skills and utilizing training methods for getting the most out of each dog and their owner. I believe that each dog and owner has an individual learning style that requires a customized approach.

More reviews

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.”

TL Tasha LaRueVerified client review
★★★★★

“Rob was professional, flexible, and had many resources he was happy to share! Thank you for your time!”

V VickieVerified client review
★★★★★

“I took my 1 1/2 year old 'hyper' aussie doodle, Gigi for a 3 week board and train with Irini.”

AM Annemarie M.Verified client review
Questions

Seattle anxious dog training FAQs

Early signs of dog anxiety include pacing, whining, excessive panting, lip licking, hyper-vigilance, an inability to settle, and constantly following you from room to room. Catching these subtle stress signals early allows us to address the root cause before it escalates into severe separation anxiety or destructive behavior.
Yes. At Koru K9, we specialize in helping dogs overcome separation anxiety, fear-based behavior, and environmental stress. Our balanced, relationship-first approach focuses on structure, predictable routines, and building your dog's confidence so they feel calm and secure when left alone or in high-stress settings.
We provide customized programs tailored to your dog’s specific triggers, including immersive Board & Train programs (ideal for moderate to severe cases needing a reset), Private In-Home Training, and Hybrid Training (combining professional Board & Train with personalized owner coaching).
For aggressive rescue dogs, Hybrid Training Programs (or long-term 4-to-6 week Board and Train programs) yield the best results. Rescue dogs experiencing severe fear, resource guarding, or dog/human aggression require an immersive home-based environment rather than a traditional kennel setting to lower their stress levels. A Hybrid model allows professional trainers to safely rehabilitate behavioral triggers in a real-world setting first, followed by structured, hands-on owner coaching to ensure those safe behaviors successfully transition to your home.

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.