★★★★★  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
Koru K9 Dog Training in Seattle–Tacoma

Dog Training in Seattle

You love your dog. You want to enjoy walks together, welcome people into your home, and feel more confident about what to do when things get difficult. Koru K9's professional dog trainers help Seattle dogs and their people work through leash pulling, jumping, reactivity, fear, and aggression. We take time to understand your dog, the behavior you're seeing, and what you need from everyday life together. Then we build a training plan around you both.

Personalized training Practical coaching for you A relationship built on trust
Koru K9 trainer coaching two dog owners beside Lake Union with the Seattle skyline behind them
★★★★★

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

Marisa M., Koru K9 dog training client
What dog training programs does Koru K9 offer in Seattle?

Koru K9 offers dog board and train programs and private in-home dog training in the Seattle–Tacoma area. Every program is customized to your dog's unique needs, your goals, and your daily life, with help for everyday manners, reactivity, fear, and aggression. Hands-on coaching and LunaDogAI support help you put that training to work at home.

Find the right program for your dog

Seattle Dog Training Programs

Our dog training programs are different by design. We build each plan around your dog's unique needs, personality, and pace of learning, with your family's everyday life in mind. From training in a professional dog trainer's home to private coaching in yours, you get personalized guidance, practical skills, and LunaDogAI support to keep learning together.

Dog Board & Train

Your dog lives and trains in a loving professional dog trainer's home, practicing skills and behavior throughout the day. Go-home coaching helps you carry that progress into your own routine.

Find My Dog's Board & Train Program →

In-Home Dog Training

Work with a professional dog trainer where your everyday challenges happen. Private coaching helps you and your dog practice together at home and in the situations that matter to you.

Bring Dog Training Home →

Aggressive Dog Training

If growling, lunging, snapping, or guarding has you worried, tell us what you're seeing. We work to understand the behavior and build a personalized plan with clear guidance for you.

Get Help with Aggression →

Anxious Dog Training

When everyday experiences leave your dog fearful or overwhelmed, patient support matters. We focus on understanding your dog's needs and building confidence at a pace that fits them.

Get Help with Fear and Anxiety →

Dog Behavior Training

Not sure why your dog keeps reacting, struggling to settle, or repeating a behavior? A professional dog trainer can help you understand the pattern and decide where to begin.

Understand My Dog's Behavior →
Training for the life you share

Our Approach to Seattle Dog Training

A calmer walk through Ballard. Passing another dog near Green Lake. Welcoming friends through your front door. We start with the moments that matter to you, then build a training plan around your dog's needs and the life you share.

We move at the speed of dog. That means clear structure, consistent expectations, and purposeful training guided by your dog's progress. We work to understand what's driving the behavior and build the skills and confidence your dog needs for everyday life. Each step is tailored to your dog, rather than fitting them into a one-size-fits-all training formula. Along the way, we coach you on how to keep that progress going at home.

Koru K9 trainer coaching an owner walking a brindle Boxer through a Seattle neighborhood
LunaDogAI support, included

Your Dog Trainer, in Your Pocket

Training questions don't wait for your next lesson. That's why we created LunaDogAI: support for the moments when your professional dog trainer can't be there. Every Koru K9 training program includes LunaDogAI, bringing our training approach into your everyday life.

Upload videos of your dog's behavior, ask questions about what you're seeing, and get practical guidance for what to work on next. As you share your dog's progress and challenges, LunaDogAI builds on that context to make support more personal to you both.

Whether you're practicing calmer greetings, working on your walks, or helping your dog settle at home, you have a place to turn when you're unsure. Keep learning, stay consistent, and carry the skills from your program into the life you share with your dog.

LunaDogAI Live
▶Today’s lesson · Loose-leash foundations
We had a setback on our walk today — she pulled toward another dog.
LunaDogAI: Totally normal at this stage. Reset with a calm U-turn, reward the check-in, and keep tomorrow’s walk shorter.
Week 2 Momentum 64%
1–5
Client dogs per trainer — never more
2×
Photo & video updates weekly
GPS
Collars & secure home environments
0
Kennels — home-based, always
Koru K9's Seattle Dog Trainers

Meet your Seattle dog training team

Get to know the professional dog trainers who support dogs and families in the Seattle–Tacoma area. We'll help match your dog's needs and your goals with the right person and program.

Halley Akam, Koru K9 dog trainer serving Seattle/Tacoma, WA

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…

Read full bio
Keith Olsen, Koru K9 dog trainer serving Seattle/Tacoma, WA

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.

Read full bio
Damian Blanton, Koru K9 dog trainer serving Seattle/Tacoma, WA

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…

Read full bio
Kymberlie Kenagy, Koru K9 dog trainer serving Seattle/Tacoma, WA

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.

Read full bio
Shane Pierson, Koru K9 dog trainer serving Seattle/Tacoma, WA

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
Mikayla Rodriguez, Koru K9 dog trainer serving Portland, OR & Seattle, WA

Mikayla Rodriguez

Portland, OR & Seattle, WA
Dog Behaviorist

Hi! I’m Mikayla. My dog training journey started on my 11th birthday with a Golden Retriever puppy named Penny. Penny was my first introduction to the world of canine behavior, training, and competitive obedience, and was a…

Read full bio
Terry Wilson, Koru K9 dog trainer serving Seattle, WA

Terry Wilson

Seattle, WA
Dog Trainer & Behaviorist

I’m Terry, and working with animals has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up raising and showing horses, primarily Arabians, and began raising and training Pit Bulls when I was 18.

Read full bio
Halley Akam, Koru K9 dog trainer serving Seattle/Tacoma, WA

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, Koru K9 dog trainer serving Seattle/Tacoma, WA

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, Koru K9 dog trainer serving Seattle/Tacoma, WA

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

Kymberlie Kenagy, Koru K9 dog trainer serving Seattle/Tacoma, WA

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, Koru K9 dog trainer serving Seattle/Tacoma, WA

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.

Mikayla Rodriguez, Koru K9 dog trainer serving Portland, OR & Seattle, WA

Mikayla Rodriguez

Portland, OR & Seattle, WA
Dog Behaviorist

Hi! I’m Mikayla. My dog training journey started on my 11th birthday with a Golden Retriever puppy named Penny. Penny was my first introduction to the world of canine behavior, training, and competitive obedience, and was a loving adventure buddy for many years.

After graduating from college, I decided to rejoin the dog community and adopted an Australian Cattle Dog rescue named Miracle. What was supposed to be a smooth entry back into the dog world quickly turned into a crash course in aggression rehabilitation and behavior modification.

Seeing the changes and improvements in Mira’s quality of life was incredibly rewarding, and inspired me to continue learning and developing my training skills.

I’ve trained in a variety of disciplines including competitive obedience, detection and nosework, and trick training. I am what’s called a “balanced trainer,” which means that I use a combination of training methodologies and tools (including slip leads, toys, prong collars, long lines, e collars, pedestals, and balance equipment) to teach and communicate with my dogs.

I strongly believe that owners must understand what tools to use, when and how to use them, and why to use them in order to communicate effectively with their dog. My training style is rooted in the NePoPo® approach, with emphasis building rapport, structure, and advocacy into the relationship between dog and owner.

I regularly pursue continuing education opportunities and study the latest advancements in behavioral research in order to expand my knowledge and best meet the needs of the dogs in my care.

When I’m not training, I can be found enjoying too many cups of coffee, spending time with my family, or lounging in the yard and reading a good book.

Terry Wilson, Koru K9 dog trainer serving Seattle, WA

Terry Wilson

Seattle, WA
Dog Trainer & Behaviorist

I’m Terry, and working with animals has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up raising and showing horses, primarily Arabians, and began raising and training Pit Bulls when I was 18. Those early experiences taught me the importance of understanding each animal as an individual and approaching training with patience, consistency, and clear communication.

My Malinois, Farrah, has been a major part of my more recent training journey. Together, we’ve worked on everyday obedience as well as PSA sport, and I’ve been involved with a PSA club for the past two years. Farrah and I recently competed in our first WDA trial, where we placed fourth in the FO.

I’m also the owner of Northwest K9 Solutions in Kent, where I work with dogs and their owners to build practical, reliable skills for everyday life. This includes leash manners, recall, confidence, impulse control, and staying calm and focused around distractions.

I completed Duke University’s Dog Emotion and Cognition course, which further strengthened my interest in understanding how dogs think, learn, and communicate. I enjoy getting to know each dog as an individual and helping owners better understand their dogs while building the confidence and skills they need to succeed together.

Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and beyond

Dog Training That Comes to You

Koru K9 serves dogs and their people throughout Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett, Olympia, and beyond. With private in-home dog training, we come to you. There's no trip to a training facility: you and your dog learn right where life happens.

From your front door to your neighborhood walking route, your professional dog trainer helps you practice in the places where you need the skills most. Personalized coaching fits the work into your routines, so training becomes part of your day.

Corgi on leash at a Seattle overlook with the Space Needle and downtown skyline in the background
What Koru K9 clients are saying

When Nothing Else Worked, Koru K9 Did.

Calmer walks. Clearer communication. More confidence together. Hear from Koru K9 clients about life with the dogs they love.

★★★★★

“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
Good dog. Good questions.

Seattle dog training FAQs

Private in-home training lets you work directly with a professional dog trainer on your dog's behavior in your everyday environment. Board & Train gives your dog a focused training stay in a professional dog trainer's home, followed by coaching for you. We recommend a format after learning about your dog, your goals, and your routine.

Yes. Our professional dog trainers work with leash reactivity and other behavior concerns. We first learn what happens, when it happens, and what your dog may be responding to. The plan focuses on building useful skills and helping you communicate clearly in the situations you face together.

Yes. Koru K9 works with dogs showing aggression, including growling, lunging, snapping, and guarding. Tell us about the behavior and any bite history during your consultation so we can discuss your dog's needs and the appropriate next steps. Learn about aggressive dog training in Seattle.

The cost depends on the program and the support your dog needs. Our standard Seattle Board & Train options are three weeks for $3,900, four weeks for $4,800, and six weeks for $6,800. Private in-home training is a different format; contact us for current package details and a recommendation. See Seattle Board & Train options.

Your dog lives in a loving professional dog trainer's home. Training is part of the day alongside appropriate exercise, play, structure, rest, care, and affection. We treat dogs in our care like our own and tailor the work to each dog's needs. See how our Seattle dog board and train program works.

People often use dog boot camp, board and train, and boarding and training to describe a program where a dog stays with a professional dog trainer. The details vary. At Koru K9, our program takes place in a professional dog trainer's home and includes personalized training and coaching to help you bring those skills home.

Koru K9 uses a balanced approach tailored to the individual dog. Our foundation is trust, relationship, clear communication, and consistent boundaries. We explain the methods and any equipment recommended for your dog, along with how to use them, so you understand the plan before training begins.

Yes. Every Koru K9 training program includes coaching for you and LunaDogAI support to help you continue at home. Upload videos of your dog's behavior, ask questions, and get practical guidance between sessions and during everyday practice. In-home lessons give you hands-on practice with your professional dog trainer, while Board & Train includes go-home coaching to help you build on your dog's progress.

Yes. Koru K9 serves dogs and their people throughout Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Everett, Olympia, and beyond. With private in-home dog training, we come to you, so you can practice in your own home and neighborhood without traveling to a training facility.

Start with a free phone consultation. Tell us about the dog you love, the behaviors that concern you, and what you'd like to enjoy together. We'll talk through your goals and recommend next steps. Get help for your dog.

Explore Our Seattle Dog Training Programs

Trainer guiding a Beagle through place training on a dog bed inside a home

Dog Board & Train

Your dog lives and trains in a loving professional dog trainer's home, practicing skills and behavior throughout the day. Go-home coaching helps you carry that progress into your own routine.

Find My Dog's Board & Train Program →
Dog trainer coaching an owner and her black-and-white dog near the front door of her home

In-Home Dog Training

Work with a professional dog trainer where your everyday challenges happen. Private coaching helps you and your dog practice together at home and in the situations that matter to you.

Bring Dog Training Home →
Trainer coaching an owner with a leashed dog wearing a basket muzzle on a neighborhood sidewalk

Aggressive Dog Training

If growling, lunging, snapping, or guarding has you worried, tell us what you're seeing. We work to understand the behavior and build a personalized plan with clear guidance for you.

Get Help with Aggression →
Golden retriever resting its head on a woman's arm at home

Anxious Dog Training

When everyday experiences leave your dog fearful or overwhelmed, patient support matters. We focus on understanding your dog's needs and building confidence at a pace that fits them.

Get Help with Fear and Anxiety →
Terrier mix barking and leaning forward on leash as another dog walks across the street

Dog Behavior Training

Not sure why your dog keeps reacting, struggling to settle, or repeating a behavior? A professional dog trainer can help you understand the pattern and decide where to begin.

Understand My Dog's Behavior →

Ready for compliments on your well-behaved dog?

Calmer walks, clearer communication, more confidence together. Tell us about the dog you love and the behaviors you'd like to change. We'll help you find the right training plan to strengthen your relationship and make everyday life together easier.