At Joybound, we believe in training that’s rooted in kindness, backed by science, and tailored to your pet’s unique needs. Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy, helping an adult dog build confidence, or even want to try your hand at kitten training, our group classes, one-on-one sessions, and specialty workshops are designed to bring out the best in both you and your pet. By using positive reinforcement methods in nurturing, inclusive environments, these award-winning classes help create strong, joyful relationships that last a lifetime.
“Joybound knows how to bring the best out in your puppy and will help you become a confident friend of your dog!”
– Scott, Joybound Training Client
Dog & Puppy Training
Build a foundation of good manners to help your dog become a well-behaved companion.
Kitten Training
Give your kitten a head start on good behavior and stress-free care; all while having fun.
Private Training & Consultations
Book private sessions with a trainer, or a consultation with industry experts.
Classes & Workshops
We have a wide variety of fun and engaging group training classes that will take your bond with your dog (or cat) to the next level.
Before your first class (or even before signing up), please view our dog training policies. These policies are design not only for your and your pet’s safety, but to ensure classes run smoothly and effectively. Remember, both for shelter animals and public classes, all of Joybound’s dog training and cat training is done via positive reinforcement methods.
Puppy Training
Give your puppy the best start with Joybound’s fun and supportive puppy programs. Whether it’s their first playgroup or first training class, we’ll guide you both every step of the way. These programs are designed for puppies between 8-18 weeks old.
Puppy Social
Help your puppy build confidence and social skills through safe, positive play with other puppies and people.
Puppy Manners
Lay the foundation for polite behavior and real-life skills that set your puppy up for lifelong success.
Adult Dog Training
Strengthen your pup’s skills with our supportive classes for adult dogs. From practicing basic manners to acquiring your Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) certification, we’ll help you and your dog succeed together. These programs are designed for dogs who are 5 months old and older
Basic Manners
Come learn foundation behaviors that set the stage for a future of learning.
Intermediate Training
Strengthen existing skills with added distractions, distance, and duration.
Advanced Training
Proof complex behaviors through challenging exercises that prepare your dog for real-world success.
Canine Good Citizen®
Get ready for the CGC test by mastering the skills that prove your dog is a well-mannered community member.
Reactive Dog Training
Our reactivity services provide a supportive environment to help dogs learn alternative behaviors and reduce reactivity toward triggers. Alongside positive reinforcement training techniques, we also offer enrichment opportunities to give dogs healthy outlets for their energy. These classes are built for dogs 5 months old and older.
Reactive Rover 1
Discover a transformative approach to managing reactive behaviors in Reactive Rover I.
Reactive Rover 2
Learn to navigate your dog’s reactivity in more complex situations with confidence and ease.
Reactive Dog Fun-gility
Come explore the exciting world of agility training in a supportive environment.
Reactive Dog Fun-gility (3 weeks)
Jump into three weeks of Fun-gility and discover the joy of agility training
Workshop: Reactivity Enrichment
Come learn how provide your dog with positive outlets for mental stimulation.
Workshop: Reactivity Walk & Learn
Take the skills from the classroom into the real world with our walk and learn workshop.
Specialty Classes & Workshops
Looking to address a specific behavior or find ways to enrich your dog’s everyday life? Our specialty classes and workshops have something for everyone. These classes are for dogs 5 months old and up.
Fun-gility
Come explore the exciting world of agility training.
Fun-gility (3 weeks)
Jump into three weeks of Fun-gility and discover the joy of agility training.
Loose-Leash Walking
Learn how to teach your dog to walk calmly around distractions.
Recall Training
Create reliable recall skills for your dog to become alert and responsive when called.
Shy Dog Manners
Build confidence and relaxation techniques in a supportive environment.
Impulse Control
Improve your dog’s self-control for real world scenarios.
Fear-Free Nail Trims
Join us for a step-by-step process to make nail trims safe and low stress.
Cat Training
Who says dogs are the only ones who can learn tricks? Set your kitten up to be a well-socialized, well-mannered cat. These classes will cover topics such as nail trimming, litter box training, and more. They’re great for cats younger than one year old.
Kitten Kindergarten
Introduce your kitten to gentle handling, improved social skills, and positive behaviors.
Private Training & Consultations
Need one-on-one assistance from a professional trainer for a particular challenge or behavior? Looking for an in-depth analysis by a board certified veterinary behaviorist? We can help! Joybound uses humane, science-based training techniques and offers sessions at competitive rates.
Private Training
Individualized sessions for everything from refining manners to fun tricks.
Private Consultations
Consultations include discussing behavior history, solidifying goals, and developing a training and management plan.
The Cost of Training Services Should Never Be a Barrier
Every pet and guardian deserves support. If the cost of training services is a concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Behavior Team directly. Joybound offers subsidized training services for qualifying pet guardians.
Our Training & Behavior Services Team
Dr. Wailani Sung
Senior Director of Animal Admissions and Wellbeing
Inspired every day by the love people have for their pets, Dr. Sung has dedicated her career to improving people’s understanding of animal behavior. She joined the Joybound team after several years as the Director of Behavior and Welfare Programs at San Francisco SPCA. Dr. Sung is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, widely published author, and featured guest on pet behavior documentaries by PBS and Netflix.
Aldyn Markle
Behavior Specialty Services Manager
Aldyn is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a Fear Free Certified Trainer, and has completed Michael Shikashio’s master course in canine aggression. Her journey began at the San Francisco SPCA, with a focus on enrichment, behavior modification, and veterinary behavior service. Aldyn focuses on compassionate education for pet parents, emphasizing science-based, humane approaches to pet behavior challenges.
Shelley Bever
Public Dog Trainer
Shelley brings more than 45 years of experience working with both personal pets and shelter dogs, with a focus on enhancing overall behavior. She has extensive training in obedience, reactivity, shyness, agility, and behavioral problem-solving. With a strong background in group classes, enrichment, handling, and post-surgical care, Shelley is dedicated to utilizing her expertise in dog and cat behavior to help as many animals as possible.
Mitchell Polcyn
Behavior Coordinator
Mitchell brings a diverse background working with domestic and wild animals across educational and rehabilitation facilities. Now serving as a key point of contact for Joybound clients, they manage client relations and provide post-adoption support to recent adopters. With a strong foundation in animal training and care, Mitchell is passionate about guiding families through the transition of welcoming a new pet, ensuring lasting, positive connections between animals and their people.
Questions about Joybound’s group training classes and private behavior consultations? Contact the Training & Behavior team for more information.
