Dog training in Santa Clara & San JoseGet the best out of your dog
Individualized training for puppies, everyday obedience and serious behavior — reactivity, aggression, anxiety. Built around your dog, your household and the streets you actually walk.
“Training isn’t one-size-fits-all, and we’ve found what works perfectly for us.”
- Since
- 2014
- Format
- Private + group
- Hours
- Tue–Sat, by appt.
, rated 4.7 out of 5 · 228 reviews (opens in a new tab)01Training Match
Start with the dog, not the package.
“He focuses his training and instilling the fundamentals on me training Buddy.”
Before you ask
Is the evaluation free? What happens at it?
Yes, the in-person evaluation is free. Your trainer will discuss your training goals, your dog’s history and what daily life looks like, then recommend a starting point and explain why.
Can you guarantee my dog will be trained?
No. Trainers can’t control every factor, and guaranteeing results would be unethical. A dog’s history, socialization, genetics, experiences and the owner’s follow-through all play significant roles. Complex behaviors like aggression, reactivity, resource guarding and separation anxiety require ongoing commitment.
Do I need to be involved?
Yes — it’s essential. We’ll show you what your dog is capable of, but your active participation is what makes the change last. Much of our work is coaching the human end of the leash.
How much does training cost?
Packages run from $799 for 8 private sessions and 4 group classes to $1,899 for 24 private sessions and 12 group classes, and stay valid for 5 years. Group classes are $45 drop-in, $200 for 5 or $349 for 10. We recommend a package after your free evaluation so you’re not guessing — see the pricing page for everything.
02Meet the trainer
Steve Kenzler.
“His technique is very methodical, and extremely powerful, 30 minute training to the point.”
Google reviews
What owners say about Steve.
“…Steve is an excellent trainer. He knows dogs. He knows how to train dogs. He knows how to train the humans who own the dogs.”
C. O.German Shepherd puppy, from 8 weeks “…My dogs are able to go everywhere with me and I trust them fully thanks to all of the work we did with Steve.”
Mitzi M.Individual experience. Results vary. “…I also really like how he explains concepts in ways that are easy to understand and makes everything super fun and light!”
Rachel G.Dutch Shepherd puppy, from 12 weeks “…Steve took the time to explain the why behind each technique, which helped me become a more confident and consistent dog owner.”
MargaretteCherry · leash pulling, barking, anxietyIndividual experience. Results vary. “…Steve taught us the main point is to build a relationship and advised us to start changing from our tone.”
Huining L.MaiMai · Corgi “…He’s incredibly patient and willing to break down steps and tricks for us. He makes sure we’re working but also having fun.”
Sarah W.Her girl · obedience, protective training, bite work, agilityIndividual experience. Results vary. “Very professional, patient and skilled in his craft. Thank you for the time spent with Chamoy, you changed our world for the better.”
Miss NitaChamoy “Steve taught me everything I know about having an obedient dog.”
Brad C.Kena · trained from a puppy, now 10 “…We had issues with potty training and he helped us take a new approach which helped a lot.”
Tammy Jo C.Puppy · potty training “Steve is the ultimate dog whisperer”
Belle M.
A selection, quoted word for word. All reviews on Google Maps (opens in a new tab)
03Programs
Six paths. One plan built for your dog.
01 · Start rightPuppy Training
Biting, potty routines, crate comfort and leash foundations — before habits set.
Start here if“My puppy is biting, chewing and testing everything”
View program
02 · Everyday reliabilityObedience Training
Heel, recall, place and calm door manners that work outside the training room.
Start here if“My dog listens at home and ignores me outside”
View program
03 · When life feels hardBehavior Modification
Reactivity, aggression, guarding, anxiety and excessive barking — with safety first.
Start here if“My dog lunges, guards, growls or panics”
View program
04 · Earned freedomOff-Leash Training
Recall, distance work and real-world distraction proofing for dogs ready to earn freedom.
Start here if“I want a recall I can actually trust”
View program
05 · Work togetherAgility & Sport
Agility, scent work and trick training for confidence, focus and teamwork.
Start here if“My dog needs a job (and so do I)”
View program
06 · Purposeful partnershipService Dog Training
Obedience, socialization, public manners and task work for suitable dog–handler teams.
Start here if“I need a dog that can work with me in public”
View program
Advanced Tactical & Specialty Training
Precision. Control. Communication under pressure.
Training may include
- Advanced Obedience
- Handler Mechanics
- Environmental Confidence
- Obstacle & Movement Work
- Distance Control
- Drive & Engagement
- Scent & Search Foundations
- Specialty Skill Development
Not every dog is appropriate for every form of advanced work. Suitability is evaluated individually.
Free · In person
Not sure what your dog needs? Start with a free evaluation.
Bring your dog, meet a trainer and talk through what’s going on. Your trainer recommends a plan — and explains why — before you pick a package.
- Cost
- Free
- Where
- In person, with your dog
- When
- Tuesday–Saturday, by appointment only
Training packages
Private sessions plus group classes.
8 Privates & 4 Groups
$799
8 private sessions
+ 4 group classesGreat for new dogs with no behavioral issues.
- The Bay Area K9 Association method
- Basic home manners: no jumping, excessive barking or counter surfing
- On-leash obedience
Most popular
12 Privates & 6 Groups
$999
12 private sessions
+ 6 group classes- Everything in 8 & 4
- Off-leash obedience
- Sport training
16 Privates & 8 Groups
$1,399
16 private sessions
+ 8 group classes- Everything in 12 & 6
- Advanced off-leash work
- Commands at a distance and in motion
24 Privates & 12 Groups
$1,899
24 private sessions
+ 12 group classes- Everything in 16 & 8
- Advanced off-leash obedience
- Executive protection and sport work
Not sure which package? Your trainer recommends one at your free evaluation.
04Private field rental
No backyard? Rent our field.
- Fenced all the way round: 6 ft+ chain link with privacy screening
- Private: only your people and dogs during your visit
- Instant booking, from 30 minutes
Rated 4.9 out of 5· 1,700+ reviews on Sniffspot
No lights, so book daylight hours. Bring a water bowl; the turf warms up on hot days.
05Online training
Not ready for in-person? Start at home.
Online programThe New Puppy Blueprint
From nipping, accidents and crate battles to a puppy who settles — with a week-by-week plan for the humans.
From $129or start with the 7-Day Puppy Quick-Start · $39
- Online program
The Everyday Reliability System
Calm walks, a recall worth trusting and a dog who listens outside — not just in the kitchen.
From $149or start with the Loose-Leash Starter Kit · $39
Online programThe Reactive Dog Roadmap
Calmer walks past dogs and people — and a plan for the hard moments.
From $179or start with the Reactive Walk Survival Kit · $49
Online programThe Calm & Confident Dog Plan
Steadier alone time, braver outings and easier vet visits — at your dog’s pace.
From $149or start with the Alone-Time Starter Plan · $39
- 01Training MatchFreeTwo minutes. A recommended starting point for your dog.
- 02Quick-Start guides$39–$49One focused problem, one week or two.
- 03Online programs$129–$299DIY, Guided or Coach-Assisted.
- 04In-person trainingPackages from $799Free evaluation, then private + group sessions and real-world proofing.
- 05Training Club$29–$79/moKeep progress going: live Q&A, new lessons, video reviews.
06Bay Area Captures
Pet photography, too.
- Sessions from 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Indoor or outdoor
- You choose the images you keep
- Free online gallery
From $299
See the gallery & pricing07Start with what’s happening
Which of these sounds like your week?
- My dog lunges, growls — or has bitten01Usually starts with Behavior Modification
- Walks are a tug-of-war and recall is optional02Usually starts with Obedience Training
- My puppy bites, chews and won’t settle03Usually starts with Puppy Training
- My dog panics alone or in new places04Usually starts with Behavior Modification
- I want a recall I can actually trust05Usually starts with Off-Leash Training
- I need a dog who can work beside me in public06Usually starts with Service Dog Training
- My dog has energy to burn and needs a job07Usually starts with Agility & Sport
- Something else — I’m not sure where to start08We’ll help you narrow it down
08Service area
Based in Santa Clara. Training South Bay dogs.
- Santa ClaraMinutes away
- San JoseShort drive
- SunnyvaleNext door
- CupertinoEasy drive
- Mountain ViewStraight shot
- Los GatosWorth the drive