Bay Area K9 Training

There are no correct words for me to fully express how amazing Judge is. When I first met him, my female German Shepherd had just turned two. To put it simply, she was more than a handful. Excessive barking, pulling while walking, and extremely reactive to so many things. It got to the point where I wouldn't want to take her out or even on a walk. We found out about Bay Area K9 through a friend who had trained his shepherd with Judge. I immediately reached out and scheduled a consultation. Koda boarded with Judge for eight weeks. If you're anything like me, then you can imagine how hard it was for me to leave my dog with someone I had just met. Putting Koda in the boarding program was the best decision I have ever made. He sent daily updates including pictures and videos, and I never had to wonder how she was doing or if she was being cared for. We continue to have group sessions with Bay Area K9 weekly, and it has become our favorite day of the week. Judge put in the time and effort to train and care for Koda, and his work definitely paid off. He's equipped me and my family with proper methods on handling her and we'll never be able to thank him enough. We take Koda almost everywhere we go and she's even capable of being off leash in some situations (something I never would have dared to try before her training). We still have things to work on, of course, but we are so fortunate to have Judge's continued support through all of it. Honestly, if you are looking for someone to help you train your dog, then reach out to Judge. He really takes the time to tailor his training to your situation no matter the size, age, or breed of your dog. His knowledge and skill are very clearly demonstrated in the results. Judge and Bay Area K9 have changed our lives for the better.
Sep 24th, 2021

Long story ahead, but in summation: My German Shepherd desperately needed training and Bay Area K9 has been a blessing. They are flexible, cost effective, personable, and the training is customized to fit you and your dog. I am a travel RN and take my German Shepherd Jackson with me. I had trained my previous dog but it became clear early on that I did not have the proper tools or knowledge to train Jackson. I needed help. Jackson constantly pulled when we walked, jumped on people, and went after dogs passing by. It wasn't fun for me or the dog! Traveling for work I knew I had to have a well behaved dog so set about looking for a trainer. I needed someone who I could get started with right away because I was only in the area for the length of my contract. I contacted a few, but Judge was the only one who could see me for an evaluation the next week, and boy am I glad he was able to. The evaluation was about an hour and at the end Judge told me he had a spot and we worked out what length of program would be right for both mine and Jackson's needs. One of the things I really love about Bay Area K9 is that the costs are listed on the website, so you have some idea of what you will be paying. My work contract was originally ending in August so he offered to finish the last few via Zoom if I had to leave. Judge sent me the contract, I signed up, and started the next week. Thankfully my contract has been extended and I can complete my training in person (and may even sign up for extra classes). I have not completed all my sessions, I am a little over half way through, but the difference in Jackson is AMAZING! We can go for walks, I can take him out with me, he's learning so many new things, and so am I. We are both much, much happier. In fact, during today's sessions another dog came up to us while we were training, got about 15-20 feet away and Jackson stayed in his down position. That would not have happened 2 months ago. Judge is a great trainer and tailors the training to the dog. Instead of having a program of "First A, then B, then C, then D" he figures out what works for each dog and introduces tools when the dog is ready instead of at a specific time. Judge has also been extremely flexible with my schedule. As a nurse I don't have set days off and while we try to do the same day each week it isn't always possible. Having a trainer with that kind of flexibility is invaluable. Look, dog training isn't cheap, and the cost may be a deterrent for some people, but the value you get with Bay Area K9 is more than worth it. Judge is not overcharging (he's likely on the lower end of the cost spectrum) and the results are worth it. I started with a 16 month old, 75 lb, nippy German Shepherd who would practically pull my arm off to get to another dog; and now I have an 19 month old 95 lb German Shepherd who I can confidently walk around other dogs with almost no issues (we still have a few but hey, we're working on them). Jackson and I are both so thankful for Bay Area K9.
Aug 19th, 2021

Training with Judge has exceeded my expectations and has become one of our favorite parts of our our (my dog and I) week! My dog used to bark non stop, would try attacking bigger dogs, among other things. My dog is a lot calmer and way more obedient. I enjoy taking him on walks and I no longer have to worry if he is going to bark at other dogs. I am so excited to keep learning and seeing my dog's progress!
May 27th, 2021

IF YOU HAVE A LARGE BREED, STOP SEARCHING AND CALL JUDGE. Above and beyond my expectations of a trainer. Judge truly is one of the best in the Bay Area and thats putting it lightly. I started my German Shepherd With Judge's program for advanced off leash obedience in the course of 4 months. Right from the first session I could see a little spark go off in my pup and ever since she has been an absolute amazing dog to train and play with. Judge sets very specific goals and things to do during his program, and it is all tailored to your pup and progress. This ensures that you and your pup get the most out of every session. There is no sugarcoating here, very upfront so don't be shy to talk about anything that is bothering you with you pup. Judge will have something for you to do. YOU put the work in that he tells you to do, and I GUARANTEE you will see results. He for sure knows the psychology of dogs, and can even figure out what you truly worked on based on what he sees in the sessions. The best part about the private training program I am in is that although we are ahead of our planned schedule, he always has something new for me to learn and try out so that we are always moving forward and adding pieces to the puzzle. Im not even complete with the training yet and I already am comfortable having her off leash in some situations. The board and train program is also very solid. Ive seen the progress and effort Judge put in when we do group sessions. Absolutely phenomenal work. Very happy I stumbled upon the yelp page and contacted him. I guarantee no matter what dog issues or breeds you have, Judge will be able to help you out.
Apr 11th, 2021

Our then 7 month old German Shepherd was in desperate need of basic training and obedience training. His needs were beyond me, and a professional needed to step in. I contacted Judge, and by luck he had an opening. Dante did a four week board and train, and within a week we saw an amazing, and impressive improvement in his behavior and obedience. Judge is very knowledgeable, passionate, and experienced, which gave our family such comfort when we left Dante with him. Judge also gave me daily updates on Dante by sending me videos of his training. Now that we have him back, we are able to take him out for walks without struggles of him pulling or running off on us. He is now kennel and crate trained, and made such an improvement, that he's now become an inside dog! Something we never imagined Dante could be. We are very happy that he can now hang out and play with my two small children, both in doors and out doors! We are also doing the follow up group training classes every weekend, and although we live about 2.5hrs away, it is worth the commitment of keeping up with the training he received ! I highly recommend this business!
Mar 23rd, 2021