★★★★★  4.9 from 1,200+ client reviews
Balanced dog training since 2013 · Serving 7 states across the US
Call us: 415-583-5412
Koru K9 — Train to Transform
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San Diego Board and Train Programs

San Diego Dog Board & Train

From everyday manners to reactivity, fear and aggression, Koru K9's San Diego dog board and train programs help you build better habits and a stronger bond with your dog. Your dog learns in a loving professional dog trainer's home, with a custom plan, training at their pace, and hands-on coaching for you.

Get Help for My Dog → Call 415-583-5412
Training at your dog's pace Custom training plans Home-based board & train
Two adults practicing a training cue with a shaggy dog on a residential sidewalk.
★★★★★

“Sparky was communicative, sending us regular emails and texts with photos and videos, and helped us apply the training once she returned home.”

Kate B. · Board & Train
Our board & train philosophy

Our Programs Are Different by Design

Koru K9's San Diego board and train program takes place in the loving home of a carefully vetted, experienced professional dog trainer. Your dog lives and learns alongside their trainer, with personalized training woven into daily routines, exercise, play and rest. Pick-up and drop-off are included, making it easier to give your dog the support they need.

We start by understanding the dog you love: what's driving their behavior, what helps them feel safe, and what motivates them. Trust, clear communication and consistent expectations shape a custom training plan built around your dog's needs and your goals. We move at the speed of your dog, building skills and confidence step by step as your dog is ready.

With a maximum of five client dogs per trainer, your dog receives individual attention and regular opportunities to practice. From training in a real home to navigating neighborhood distractions, everyday experiences help training connect to the life you share. Maybe you want a calmer walk through North Park, an easier outing near Mission Bay, or a dog who can settle when friends come over after a day at Balboa Park. Your San Diego routine helps us understand which skills will make the biggest difference. Regular progress updates keep you involved along the way.

The learning continues when your dog comes home. A hands-on go-home lesson and follow-up lessons help you practice together, understand your dog's training and build on their progress. Phone and email support give you a place to turn with questions, and included LunaDogAI support puts practical training guidance in your pocket for the moments between lessons.

Learn More About Our Board & Train Programs
Cavalier King Charles spaniel walking along a wooded trail
Problem behaviors we help with

Help with leash reactivity, aggression, anxiety, and everyday behavior

When your dog's behavior leaves you feeling worried or overwhelmed, knowing where to start can be difficult. We'll listen to what you're experiencing and help you understand the training options.

Learn How We Can Help →

Leash reactivity

Barking, lunging, or fixating on other dogs, people, or passing distractions can turn every walk into a worry. We help your dog build the skills for calmer walks together. Read how board and train can help a reactive rescue dog.

Read the Leash Reactivity Guide →

Aggression

Aggression toward dogs or people, resource guarding, and conflict between dogs in the home.

Read the Aggression Guide →

Fear and anxiety

Fearful behavior, separation anxiety, difficulty settling, and anxiety-related destructive behavior. We help your dog build confidence at a pace they can handle.

Read the Anxiety & Fear Guide →

Obedience and everyday manners

Pulling on leash, jumping, excessive barking, nipping, and not coming when called. Build everyday habits that make life together feel easier.

Training for calmer walks and greetings →

Overexcitement and impulse control

Rushing through doorways, struggling to settle, or becoming overwhelmed when guests arrive. Help your dog learn to pause, relax, and respond to your guidance.

How Our San Diego Board & Train Program Works

Progress at the speed of your dog.

Time to feel safe. Space to learn. A thoughtful path toward a better life together.

Illustrative scene of a woman observing a border collie in a living room while a man watches from the sofa. 1

A thoughtful start

We learn about your dog's history, routines and your goals together. Pick-up is included, and your trainer helps your dog settle into their home.

Illustrative scene of a woman playing with a terrier using a rope toy on a neighborhood sidewalk. 2

Trust before challenges

Time together helps us understand what motivates your dog and helps them feel secure. That relationship shapes their customized training plan.

Illustrative scene of a man walking an attentive black-and-white dog on a loose leash along a neighborhood sidewalk. 3

Learning at your dog's pace

We build foundations in settings with fewer distractions, using rewards, clear guidance and practice your dog can understand. As your dog is ready, we gradually add difficulty, distance and distractions.

Illustrative scene of two adults practicing a settle cue with a corgi on a mat in a living room. 4

Bring the progress home

Your trainer brings your dog home and coaches you through a go-home lesson. Follow-up guidance helps you practice consistently, ask questions and keep growing together.

Stories from Koru K9 dog owners

When Nothing Else Worked, Koru K9 Did

Experiences shared by Koru K9 clients across our training programs and service areas.

★★★★★

“I went online to find a dog trainer for owners with aggressive dogs and came across Koru K9 and Will Greenway. I have had five sessions and a onboarding session all one hour each in Portland, Oregon.”

OR Olivia RucinskiKoru K9 client review
★★★★★

“Our dog Molly, an English springer spaniel, recently returned from a 3-week board and train with Sparky Davis and Koru K9. She is a different dog!”

KB Karen ButlerKoru K9 client review
★★★★★

“Rob was fantastic with our dogs! We completed a 7-lesson package with him and have seen great progress with our stubborn old lady, Stella.”

BT Becca TrevinoKoru K9 client review
★★★★★

“We trained our 2 fur babies with Will Greenway. One is an 8 year old Australian Shepherd and the other a 3 year old Rough Collie.”

DW Danielle W.Koru K9 client review
★★★★★

“I got the package with 3-sessions of private training (with one 1-2 hour consultation on top of that) and my trainer was Alex.”

AB Avyla BarrettKoru K9 client review
★★★★★

“Walks used to be stressful, with constant pulling and lack of focus—but Halley A. has transformed that experience completely.”

MM Marisa MadridKoru K9 client review
★★★★★

“I am SO happy we invested in Koru K9. We got matched with Natalie and Lee as our trainers and they have been INCREDIBLE.”

TL Tasha LaRueKoru K9 client review
★★★★★

“Rob was professional, flexible, and had many resources he was happy to share! Thank you for your time!”

V VickieKoru K9 client review
★★★★★

“I took my 1 1/2 year old 'hyper' aussie doodle, Gigi for a 3 week board and train with Irini.”

AM Annemarie M.Koru K9 client review
Explore What's Possible for Your Dog
Why San Diego Dog Owners Trust Koru K9

Custom Board and Train Programs Built Around Your Dog

A loving home

Your dog lives and learns in a carefully vetted trainer's home, with skilled care, individual training, play and time to rest.

Connection comes first

Trust and clear communication shape every lesson. We tailor the training to your dog and move forward as their confidence grows.

Skills for real life

Loose-leash neighborhood walks, passing bikes and dogs, and settling when visitors arrive. Your dog practices everyday skills with distractions introduced at their pace.

Coaching for you, too

Practice alongside your trainer and learn how to guide your dog. Follow-up coaching helps you keep building your relationship at home.

The curriculum

What your dog will learn

Core Commands

  • Loose-leash walking and attention around distractions
  • Sit-stay / Down-stay
  • Recall / Come when called
  • Place

Manners & Life Skills

  • Crate training
  • Doorway etiquette
  • Mealtime manners
  • Settling at home and in everyday environments

Every dog is different. These are examples of skills your dog may work on. We personalize their training around their needs, what motivates them, and what matters most to your life together. Learning moves at your dog's pace.

Your San Diego board & train program

Personalized training. Support that stays.

  • Pick-up and drop-off included.
  • Custom training programs and daily care in the loving home of a carefully vetted, highly experienced dog trainer.
  • A maximum of five client dogs per trainer at a time.
  • Field trips and real-world training tailored to your dog's needs, in everyday environments rather than kennels.
  • Regular progress updates.
  • Phone and email support.
  • A go-home lesson with follow-up lessons.
  • 12 months of free LunaDogAI support.
Your dog's custom board & train program

San Diego dog board & train pricing

From your puppy's first foundations to help with more challenging behavior, we'll guide you toward the right program. Your dog's needs, progress and your goals shape the plan. We'll explain the recommended length, coaching and total cost before you book.

2wk
Puppy Board & Train
A foundation for life together
$2,900 starting
Get Help for My Dog
3wk
3-Week Board & Train
$3,900 starting
Get Help for My Dog
Most popular
4wk
4-Week Board & Train
$4,800 starting
Get Help for My Dog
6wk
6-Week Board & Train
$6,800 starting
Get Help for My Dog
3wk
Board & Train Refresher
For previous clients only
$3,300 starting
Get Help for My Dog
Koru K9's San Diego Dog Training Team

Meet your San Diego professional dog trainers

Get to know the Koru K9 dog training team helping transform life with your dog through personalized training, stronger relationships, and practical guidance for the moments you share.

San Diego, California

Sparky Davis, Koru K9 dog trainer serving San Diego, CA

Sparky Davis

San Diego, CA
Dog BehavioristMichael Ellis School +1

From an early age, it was evident that Sparky had a deep passion for dogs. His path into dog training began in Port Townsend, WA, where he worked as an apprentice with a Police K9 trainer.

Read full bio
Kylah Lenz, Koru K9 dog trainer serving San Diego, CA

Kylah Lenz

San Diego, CA
Certified Behaviorist

My interest in dog training began when I got my first dog, Scout, in 2017. He had severe reactivity toward dogs and humans, and his behavior worsened over time.

Read full bio
Sparky Davis, Koru K9 dog trainer serving San Diego, CA

Sparky Davis

San Diego, CA · San Diego, California
Dog BehavioristMichael Ellis SchoolCGC Evaluator

From an early age, it was evident that Sparky had a deep passion for dogs. His path into dog training began in Port Townsend, WA, where he worked as an apprentice with a Police K9 trainer. During this time, Sparky was introduced to Schutzhund (IGP), and by the age of 11, he became the youngest competitor in Washington State.

By 13, Sparky had earned Schutzhund Level 1 and Tracking Level 3 titles, along with several ‘High Tracking’ awards with his German Shepherd. Sparky then advanced his training at the prestigious Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers, where he participated in the Long Term Immersion Program under one of the leading trainers globally.

He is a Mondioring competitor and won the 2024 USMRA National Championship at Level 2 with his dog Archie. Sparky and Archie have also achieved a notable tie for the highest Mondioring Level 2 score in US history with 298/300 points.

Sparky’s dedication to the human-canine bond goes beyond working dogs, encompassing all dog owners and their dogs. Achieving high level scores with a working dog requires a deep bond and intuition with animals and meticulous eye for behavior changes. This is what makes Sparky incredible to work with.

He has a keen eye for what individual dogs and their people need in order to reach their goals.
Kylah Lenz, Koru K9 dog trainer serving San Diego, CA

Kylah Lenz

San Diego, CA · San Diego, California
Certified Behaviorist

My interest in dog training began when I got my first dog, Scout, in 2017. He had severe reactivity toward dogs and humans, and his behavior worsened over time. I struggled to manage his reactions, which led me to the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers. I completed a 5 month immersion program, which inspired a passion beyond training my own dog.

I wanted to help other owners find the same relationship and peace with their reactive dogs. In the last 8 years I have worked with dogs and their humans, helping families all over the world, including in Greece, Colorado, Washington, California, and Oregon. I look forward to helping more dogs and their people achieve a brighter and more fulfilling life together.
Good dogs. Good questions.

San Diego board & train: Your questions, answered.

Your dog lives in the loving home of a Koru K9 professional dog trainer serving the San Diego area. Training is woven into daily routines, alongside exercise, play and rest. We talk through your dog's needs, professional dog trainer placement and pick-up arrangements before their stay.

Our two-week puppy board and train starts at $2,900. Standard programs start at $3,900 for three weeks, $4,800 for four weeks and $6,800 for six weeks. A three-week refresher for returning clients starts at $3,300. We'll explain which program fits your dog's needs, what's included and your total cost before you book.

Yes. Koru K9 works with dogs experiencing leash reactivity, fear, anxiety, resource guarding and aggression, as well as everyday manners. We first discuss your dog's history and your goals to recommend an appropriate program. Your professional dog trainer builds trust and introduces challenges at your dog's pace, with coaching to help you continue safely at home.

Yes. Our two-week puppy program helps build foundations such as crate routines, potty training, early leash manners and confidence. Puppy programs are designed for puppies from 16 weeks to under six months; we'll confirm your puppy's age, needs and suitability before enrollment. You'll receive coaching to keep building on those foundations as your puppy grows.

Each professional dog trainer cares for a maximum of five client dogs at a time. Your dog receives individual attention and a customized training plan, with time to rest between activities. Regular updates help you stay connected to their progress.

Our balanced, relationship-based approach combines rewards with clear guidance and boundaries. We learn what motivates your dog, whether that's food, toys, play or praise. Depending on their needs, training may include leash guidance, prong collars or low-level e-collars. We explain the plan and teach you how to use the selected tools and skills.

Your professional dog trainer brings your dog home and coaches you through a go-home lesson. You'll practice the cues, handling and routines your dog has learned. Follow-up lessons, phone and email support, and 12 months of LunaDogAI help you keep learning together. Consistent practice at home is part of the plan.

Our San Diego board and train is a home-based dog training camp with a personalized plan. Your dog lives with a professional dog trainer, practices everyday skills and progresses at their own pace. We also coach you so you can continue the training at home. We'll talk through your dog's needs and explain how the program works before you book.

Pick-up and drop-off are included in Koru K9 board and train programs. Share your address when you contact us so we can confirm service, professional dog trainer placement and arrangements for your home. Your dog's stay is in a professional dog trainer's home; it does not necessarily take place in your own neighborhood.

Yes. If passing dogs in North Park or sharing paths around Mission Bay feels difficult, tell us what your dog does and what you would like to change. Training can focus on leash skills, attention and calm responses to everyday distractions. We start where your dog can learn comfortably, then build gradually. Outing locations depend on your dog's needs and readiness; visits to a particular park or beach are not guaranteed.

Explore Our San Diego Dog Training Programs

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In-Home Dog Training

In-Home Dog Training for San Diego dogs and their families.

Explore In-Home Dog Training →
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Aggressive Dog Training

Aggressive Dog Training for San Diego dogs and their families.

Explore Aggressive Dog Training →
Golden retriever resting its head on a woman's arm at home.

Fear & Anxiety Guide

Understand fearful behavior and anxiety, and explore how training can build confidence.

Read the Fear & Anxiety Guide →
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Dog Behavior Training

Personalized help for the behaviors making life with your dog feel difficult.

Explore Dog Behavior Training →
Illustrative scene of a woman practicing a sit cue with a black-and-tan puppy at home.

Puppy Training

Build a foundation for life together, with guidance for your puppy and support for you.

Explore Puppy Training →
Two leashed dogs facing each other on a snowy path.

Leash Reactivity Guide

Understand barking and lunging on walks, and explore what can help your dog.

Read the Leash Reactivity Guide →

Ready for compliments on your well-behaved dog?

Calmer walks, clearer communication, more confidence together. Tell us about the dog you love and the behaviors you'd like to change. We'll help you find the right training plan to strengthen your relationship and make everyday life together easier.

Get Help for My Dog