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Ready for real training?

Whether we’re your first choice or a last resort, Koru K9 will ensure that your canine companion is the perfect addition to your pack.

Serving: San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano & Sonoma Counties

Dog Training for Anxious or Fearful Dogs in San Francisco​

For dogs with big feelings—and families who won’t give up.


If the anxiety, panic, or fear feels unfixable, it isn’t.


Rebuild trust. Lower stress. Enjoy life together again.

dog with separation anxiety destroyed a door
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  • San Francisco, CA: Dog Training for Anxiety

Dog Training for Anxious or Fearful Dogs in San Francisco

From stressed to settled. Koru K9 helps San Francisco Bay Area dogs overcome anxiety, fear, and stress-based behaviors—including separation anxiety, noise sensitivity, vet/groomer fear, environmental sensitivity, and “stranger danger”—with safety-first, real-world training and clear owner coaching.

Working with Your Veterinarian
We partner closely with your veterinarian to support a complete plan for dog anxiety. Our behavior-modification program focuses on structure, clear communication, and calm routines—often allowing dogs, under veterinary supervision, to maintain progress on lower doses or in some cases without daily anxiety medication. We don’t prescribe or manage meds, and we’ll never recommend starting, changing, or stopping medication without your vet’s guidance—our role is to build the real-world skills that can reduce reliance on medication over time.

Why Koru K9 for Anxiety & Fear in San Francisco

  • Calm, structured approach: predictable routines, threshold manners, Place/settle, and never flooding—we work below threshold to build confidence.
  • Balanced, humane methods: clear markers, fair guidance, and pressure-and-release used thoughtfully—so your dog learns what to do, not just what not to do.
  • Real-life training environments: sessions happen where stress shows up—your home, your block, and everyday Bay Area settings (sidewalks, parks, storefronts).
  • Owner coaching that sticks: we train you in timing, leash handling, body positioning, and daily structure—so progress lasts.
  • Home-based Board & Train (not a kennel): limited dogs per trainer, daily field trips, and twice-weekly updates for transparency.
  • Customized plans: every dog and household is different; your plan fits your dog’s triggers, your goals, and your schedule.
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We offer private, in-home dog training and personalized board and train programs for anxious or fearful dogs in the San Francisco Bay Area — including throughout East Bay and North Bay.

We tailor every plan to your dog and your lifestyle, then apply the Koru K9 method—clear communication, predictable structure, and gradual, below-threshold exposure—to build trust and real confidence without flooding. Our goal is a relaxed, resilient dog who understands what to do and feels safe doing it.

Whether you’re working through separation anxiety, noise sensitivity, vet/groomer fear, “stranger danger,” or you simply want to welcome guests again without stress, you’re in the right place. A calmer, more confident dog is closer than you think.

Get in Touch Today

Koru K9 Dog Anxiety Training Programs:
Transformation at the Speed of Dog

Ever wonder why quick-turn programs don’t work? It’s because they use forced compliance, creating unreliable behaviors that often lead to regression or behaviors getting worse, especially when it comes to fear or anxiety.

Our programs are different: we build trust, clarity and real-world readiness at a pace that respects your dog’s needs.

We use a balanced, relationship-first approach that blends:

  • Clear communication
  • Structure and accountability
  • The right mix of guidance, reinforcement, and tools

This means we:

  • Identify what your dog finds rewarding and meaningful
  • Establish strong foundational obedience
  • Use appropriate training methods to reinforce behavior in a way that builds trust

The result is lasting behavior change rooted in connection, consistency, and communication your dog can trust and understand.

This is where better behavior begins. Fill out the form to start your dog’s transformation. 

From Reactive to Reliable — See the Power of Our Board & Train Program.

When Nothing Else Worked, Koru K9 Did

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Dog Training Program​s for Fear or Anxiety

Training goals are highly personalized to each dog. Most dogs work on a combination of state of mind training, core obedience, and real world manners. 

FeaturePrivate TrainingBoard & TrainHybrid Training
BEST FOR:Hands-on for owners who want to be directly involved. Mild to moderate behavior issues.Immersive training for dogs with mild to serious behaviors. A balanced blend of immersive training and hands-on owner support. Perfect for dogs with mild to serious behaviors.
LOCATION:Your home Trainer’s home
(not a kennel)
Combo: Trainer’s home + your home
TRAINER
INVOLVEMENT
Hands-on with you Primarily trainer Shared between trainer + owner
DURATION:Varies by case3–8 weeks3–8 weeks
STARTING PRICE:$275 Varies by lengthVaries by length + in home sessions
Is anxiety the same as fear?

Not exactly. Fear is about a specific threat; anxiety is uncertainty about what to do. We train clarity and coping skills for both.

Board & Train builds foundations and reduces overall anxiety. The last step will be training you to keep up the work at home. We provide graduated plans and coaching so you can progress safely.

Yes—clear rewards for good choices and fair guidance for unsafe/undesired choices, always with safety and calm structure. We build confidence and establish mutual trust and respect, and always move at the speed of your dog.

Yes. If we suspect pain or medical contributors—or if medication might help—we’ll suggest a vet check and coordinate as needed.

You’ll get practical safety strategies right away; durable change comes from consistent practice and coaching. We also recommend checking out LunaDogAI to help protect your training investment. 

Ready to get compliments on your well-behaved dog?

Let’s turn the chaos into calm, and get you enjoying life with your dog again.

Most people come to us thinking their dog can’t be helped.

They leave wondering why they waited so long