Areas served: Berkeley, CA and surrounding Alameda County
Berkeley's dog training landscape reflects the city's progressive approach to animal welfare, with providers offering everything from positive reinforcement puppy classes to specialized behavioral modification programs. The area's concentration of certified professional trainers, many holding credentials from organizations like the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT), serves Berkeley's diverse dog-owning community across neighborhoods from the Berkeley Hills to the flats. Training options range from group classes in local parks to private in-home sessions addressing specific behavioral challenges common to urban environments.
Dog Training with Miri is a certified dog behavior consulting practice in the East Bay founded by Miri, a lifelong dog lover and former professional chef who brings precision and care to every training program. She specializes in evidence-based, positive reinforcement methods to help dogs and their owners build confidence, reduce stress, and strengthen their bond. Services include private in-home training sessions focused on real-world skills like loose-leash walking and reliable recall, board-and-train immersion programs for accelerated progress, in-home consultations with customized behavior plans, and virtual behavioral consultations for reactivity, anxiety, and puppy foundations.
Stanfur'd K9 is a full-service dog training facility in San Francisco offering obedience training, behavior modification, board and train programs, and puppy classes. Led by experienced trainers, they specialize in addressing aggression, anxiety, and other behavioral challenges while also providing foundational training for puppies and adult dogs. The facility combines professional expertise with personalized care, making it a trusted choice for San Francisco dog owners seeking comprehensive training solutions.
Top Dog SF is a full-service dog care facility in San Francisco offering professional dog training, supervised playcare, and an off-leash ranch for exercise and socialization. Their experienced trainers provide customized training programs to address behavioral issues and obedience, while their playcare and ranch services give dogs enriching environments for physical activity and interaction with other dogs. Top Dog SF combines training expertise with comprehensive daycare and recreational services to support dogs' overall development and well-being.
PrimePaw is a science-based dog training company in San Francisco offering comprehensive programs for puppies, adolescents, and adult dogs of all behavioral levels. Led by CPDT-KA certified trainers, they specialize in positive reinforcement methods across group classes, private training, puppy socials, reactivity work, daycare, and off-leash adventures. With programs ranging from foundational puppy training to advanced behavioral modification, PrimePaw serves over 4,000 SF families with small class sizes and individualized attention.
Dog Dynamics is a professional dog training facility in Briones specializing in obedience training, behavior modification, and in-home training services. They work with dogs of all ages and temperaments to address behavioral issues and teach essential commands. Their certified trainers use proven methods to help dogs become well-behaved family members.
Athens Dog Training is a science-backed, positive reinforcement dog training company serving the East Bay with multiple service options including in-home training, group classes, and board & train programs. Led by certified trainers including CPDT-KA certified professionals and a service dog specialist, they specialize in puppy training, basic and intermediate obedience, behavioral issues like reactivity and aggression, and Canine Good Citizen certification. Their trainers work with dogs of all backgrounds, including shelter rescues and fearful dogs.
SmartyPup! is San Francisco's premier puppy and dog training center with over 30 years of experience. They offer science-based, family-inclusive classes for dogs from 8 weeks to 18 years old, including progressive puppy courses (Puppy 1-3+), adolescent and adult training, specialty classes, socialization groups, and intensive day camp programs. Their approach combines applied learning theory with practical, real-life skills training in a welcoming environment that welcomes children and families.
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA is a full-service animal welfare organization operating the Center for Compassion adoption center in Burlingame. They facilitate adoptions of dogs, cats, small animals, and exotic animals, operate a wildlife care program for injured and orphaned wildlife, provide lost and found animal services across San Mateo County, and offer volunteer and internship opportunities. As an independent, community-funded nonprofit receiving no support from national animal welfare groups, all donations and adoption fees directly support local animal care and rescue services.
Happy Hound Play & Daycare, Inc. is a full-service dog facility in Oakland founded by Suzanne Golter, offering dog daycare, boarding, training, and grooming services. The facility provides supervised, socialized care during the day, safe overnight and extended boarding, compassionate training using positive reinforcement methods, and expert grooming services—all designed to help dogs develop confidence and communication skills while enjoying a family-like environment. Open 365 days a year with extended hours, Happy Hound has earned multiple awards including Best Doggie Day Care (Gold) and Best Dog Trainer (Silver) in the East Bay Express' Best of the East Bay 2025 readers' poll.
Marin Humane is a comprehensive animal welfare organization serving Marin County and surrounding areas. They operate a full-service shelter with adoption services, veterinary care, behavioral training, and community education programs. As an independent, locally-focused nonprofit, they're committed to finding homes for animals in need while providing resources and support to pet owners throughout the region.
Mt Diablo Dog Training Club is a established dog training organization in Martinez serving the East Bay area with comprehensive obedience training and behavior modification programs. They offer group classes for puppies and adult dogs, as well as specialized training for behavioral issues. As a dedicated club focused exclusively on dog training, they combine professional instruction with a community-oriented approach to help dogs and their owners succeed.
Citizen Canine is a premium pet care facility in Oakland offering all-suite dog boarding, doggie daycare, canine enrichment programs, and dog training through their Citizen Canine Academy. With over 20 years of experience, they provide 24/7 professional care in a luxury facility near Oakland International Airport, serving Bay Area veterinarians, trainers, and families who need reliable, compassionate pet care when traveling or during work hours.
SF Puppy Prep is a dedicated puppy training facility in San Francisco specializing in early socialization and obedience foundation for young dogs. They offer puppy classes, in-home training, and behavior guidance to help new puppy owners establish good habits from the start. Their experienced trainers focus on positive reinforcement methods tailored to each puppy's age and development stage.
Warner K9 is a professional dog training facility in Walnut Creek offering comprehensive behavioral training and obedience programs for dogs of all ages and temperaments. Led by experienced trainers, they specialize in addressing behavioral issues, aggression, and basic to advanced obedience through customized training plans. Warner K9 combines positive reinforcement techniques with professional expertise to help dogs and their owners build stronger relationships.
MK9 Dog Training & Boarding is a full-service facility in Pacifica offering professional dog training, boarding, and pet care. They provide obedience training, behavior modification, and boarding services for dogs of all ages and temperaments. With experienced trainers and a dedicated boarding facility, MK9 serves dogs that need structured training or safe care while owners travel.
Stay 'n Touch Dog Training offers comprehensive dog training services in Oakland, including obedience training, behavior modification, and group classes. The facility specializes in helping dogs and their owners build strong, positive relationships through proven training methods. They serve the greater Oakland area and are dedicated to addressing behavioral challenges and developing well-trained, confident dogs.
East Bay SPCA Theodore B. Travers Veterinary Clinic is a full-service veterinary facility operated by the East Bay SPCA in Oakland that provides medical care for animals while supporting the organization's mission of pet adoption and community animal welfare. Beyond veterinary services, the clinic is part of a broader organization offering pet adoption, humane education programs for youth and adults, foster care opportunities, and community resources designed to strengthen the human-animal bond across the East Bay region.
Dan Perata Training and Boarding is a full-service dog training and boarding facility in San Francisco specializing in obedience training, behavior modification, and boarding care. With decades of experience, Dan Perata offers both group classes and individualized training programs designed to address specific behavioral issues and build strong owner-dog relationships. The facility provides a safe, supervised environment for dogs while their owners are away.
Balanced Bay Dog Training is an Oakland-based dog training business run by McClain Sullivan, a certified balanced dog trainer and behavior specialist. They offer comprehensive training services including private lessons, puppy training (crate training, housebreaking, obedience), board-and-train programs (Stay and Train), and online virtual training via Zoom or FaceTime. Their approach combines personalized consultations with tailored training plans to address specific behavioral issues and build foundational obedience skills.
Wag Hotels is a premium pet boarding and daycare facility in San Francisco that provides luxury accommodations for dogs and cats. The facility offers spacious suites, climate-controlled environments, and trained staff who ensure pets receive personalized care and attention while their owners are away. With a focus on safety, comfort, and enrichment activities, Wag Hotels combines hotel-style amenities with professional pet care.
Bay Area Family K-9 Training LLC offers comprehensive dog training services in Union City, specializing in obedience training, behavior modification, and in-home training programs. With over a decade of experience, they work with dogs of all ages and temperaments to address common behavioral issues and teach essential commands. Their family-focused approach emphasizes positive reinforcement and practical skills that strengthen the bond between dogs and their owners.
Oakland Dog Training Club is a Richmond-based dog training facility offering comprehensive obedience training, behavior modification, and specialized group classes for dogs of all ages and temperaments. With decades of experience in positive reinforcement methods, they serve the East Bay community with professional instruction tailored to individual dog needs and owner goals.
Train the Bay is the dog training program of Berkeley Humane, established in 1985 and trusted by over 30,000 families. They offer a comprehensive range of dog training services including group classes (Basic Skills, Canine Good Citizen, Rally, Scent Work, Tricks & Performance), private behavior consultations, puppy socialization, and specialized seminars on topics like reactivity and walking. Their small class sizes ensure individualized attention, and they use reward-based, humane training methods aligned with American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior standards.
Bravo Pup Social is a dog training and socialization facility in Oakland that specializes in group classes and supervised play sessions for dogs of all ages and temperaments. Their experienced trainers focus on obedience training, behavioral development, and helping dogs build confidence through structured group interaction. They offer both puppy classes for young dogs and ongoing training programs designed to create well-mannered, socialized companions.
Dog Gone Good is a pet care service located in Berkeley specializing in dog training and behavior work. The business helps dog owners address training needs and behavioral challenges through personalized services tailored to each dog's specific requirements.
Dog Training With Miri is the top-ranked dog training provider in the Berkeley area with a Lantern Score of 83.88/100 and a 5-star rating from 60 reviews. Founded by Miri, a certified dog behavior consultant, the practice specializes in helping East Bay families with puppies, rescue dogs, anxious dogs, and behavioral challenges including reactivity.
Several top-ranked trainers specialize in puppies: SmartyPup! (Lantern Score 80.98/100) has over 30 years of experience with science-based puppy classes starting at 8 weeks, SF Puppy Prep (79.62/100) specializes in early socialization and foundation training, and Train the Bay (69.76/100), Berkeley Humane's program trusted by over 30,000 families, offers comprehensive puppy training services.
Dog Training With Miri (Lantern Score 83.88/100) and PrimePaw (81.86/100) are both highly-rated for dogs with reactivity or behavioral challenges. Dog Dynamics (81.53/100) in Briones specializes in behavior modification, and Athens Dog Training (81.52/100) uses science-backed positive reinforcement methods for dogs with behavioral issues.
Dog Training With Miri (Lantern Score 83.88/100) specifically offers board-and-train programs for busy professionals, as does Athens Dog Training (81.52/100) and PrimePaw (81.86/100), which integrates daycare with professional training services for comprehensive support.
Happy Hound Play & Daycare in Oakland (Lantern Score 80.43/100) combines daycare, boarding, training, and grooming services, while Citizen Canine in Oakland (80.12/100) offers doggie daycare combined with training through their Citizen Canine Academy for dogs with various behavioral needs.
Stanfur'd K9 (Lantern Score 83.15/100) specializes in first-time dog owners, Mt Diablo Dog Training Club (80.32/100) serves first-time dog owners in the East Bay, and SF Puppy Prep (79.62/100) focuses on helping first-time owners with early socialization and foundation training.