Bay Area Dog Obedience Training Classes

A Pound of Prevention—and a Pound of Cure

image shows a man walking a dog on a grassy hill.
two adult German Shepherd dogs.
image captures a moment of a playful Dalmatian puppy jumping to catch a stick.

We believe life is better with a dog. And life is GREAT with a well-behaved dog.

We started our family owned, small dog training business over 20 years ago because we love dogs and we believe that every part of our lives is enriched by having a dog at our side. When a dog is calm, obedient, loving, well-mannered and reliable, even a simple morning stroll becomes a beautiful experience.

But we also see so many people struggle with their dogs- they struggle to control them, they can’t rely on them to behave, and they are afraid of what their dog might do if unrestrained. Eventually their dog’s behavior becomes a source of stress and strife for the whole family.

 

We designed our dog training, puppy training and behavior solutions programs to transform the lives of dogs and dog owners through a systematic, personalized process. We don’t rely on treat dependency; we work at a deeper level of dog training which rests on a foundation of four principles:

  • Loving leadership
  • Positive praise
  • Clear, consistent communication
  • Teaching your dog to override impulses

At A Better Dog Trainer, we take you and your dog through a systematic learning process that is designed to solve problems and give you the dog you have always wanted.

In-home, Customized, Comprehensive Obedience Training for Real-Life Results

Every dog needs more than basic commands—they need structure and understanding. That’s why our Bay Area dog obedience training program includes all the essential skills your dog must master:

• Sit
• Down
• Come
• Heel
• Stay
• Release command
• Proper greetings with people
• Proper behavior around other dogs
• Waiting politely at doors
• “Leave It” for food and possessions
• “Go On” — move away from the dinner table
• Impulse control
• Perimeter training

These obedience skills help your dog behave calmly and reliably—at home, outdoors, and around people and other animals, supported by in-home dog training.

image shows a man walking a dog on a grassy hill.
image shows a woman sharing an affectionate moment by kissing her Golden Retriever
French bulldog resting on a sofa
A woman is walking a dog, likely a Golden Retriever
image is a Pit Bull type dog, most likely an American Pit Bull Terrier
image captures a group of dogs together outdoors

Expert Solutions for Behavior Problems of Every Level

From new puppies to adult dogs with serious behavior challenges, our Bay Area dog obedience training programs have successfully transformed dogs with issues such as:


• Aggression
• Fearfulness or nervous behavior
• Mouthing & nipping
• Excessive barking
• Chewing & destructive habits
• Jumping
• Bolting out the door
• Hyperactivity
• Begging
• Dominance issues
• Problems with children
• Conflicts with other pets
• Possessiveness
• Spoiled behavior
• Food aggression

 

With extensive hands-on experience, we know how to correct difficult behavior—and change it into calm, loving, respectful relationship with you.

 

While we excel at resolving behavior issues, our primary focus is stopping problem behaviors before they start.

Dog psychology: The Key to a Higher Level of Training

Dog psychology is about understanding how and why dogs think and behave the way they do. You may not realize it but you are in constant communication with your dog and you are defining your relationship on a daily basis. Understanding how dogs perceive the world, and how they define their relationships with their families, is the key to getting the dog you’ve always wanted.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find the answers you are looking for, please give us a call. 415-235-5647

The training program is designed to be completed in 5 lessons spanning 5 months. While the majority of people accomplish their goals in 5 lessons, the need for additional lessons can be accommodated as needed.We also encourage you to put two weeks in between lessons, giving you time to work with your dog and achieve results before the next lesson. Most people finish the program before the end of the 5th month, but we want to give you plenty of time to work with your dog and also to accommodate your busy schedule.
We come to you and work with you in person, in your home. We cover the entire San Francisco Bay Area.
Yes, we work on your schedule so if nights and weekends are the best time for you, we’ll be there!
Yes, our pricing is the same for one or two dogs and that’s because it’s always best to take both dogs through the program at the same time.
As professional dog trainers, we can teach your dog all it needs to know. But what we cannot do is create the right relationship with you. That is why we do not board train dogs. It is critical that you work with your own dog, teaching them and forming that loving, trusting, respectful bond that gives you the dog of your dreams.

Why Bay Area Dog Lovers Choose A Better Dog Trainer

One-on-one personalized training
In-home convenience
Proven methods—not treat dependency
Support for all breeds, ages, and temperaments
Real results that last
A respectful, loving, relationship-based approach

When you’re searching for dog training in the Bay Area you can trust, A Better Dog Trainer delivers reliable, proven results.