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.

2026 East Bay Times Best in Readers Choice Awards. Joybound People and Pets Bet Dog Training

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.

Two dogs engaging in playful interaction in a training facility. One dog is a brown and white puppy, while the other is a small brown dog with curly fur. The image emphasizes dog training activity in a social environment.

Puppy Social

Help your puppy build confidence and social skills through safe, positive play with other puppies and people.

1 session, $40

A light-colored puppy wearing a black harness and purple leash lying down. The puppy has fluffy ears and a calm expression, suggesting it is part of a dog training session or workshop.

Puppy Manners

Lay the foundation for polite behavior and real-life skills that set your puppy up for lifelong success.

5 sessions, $225

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 

A small dog in a harness sits on a mat, facing another dog in a training environment. The setting appears to be a spacious indoor area suitable for dog training, with light-colored floors and walls.

Basic Manners

Come learn foundation behaviors that set the stage for a future of learning.

5 sessions, $225

A woman kneels on the floor, interacting with a Labrador retriever wearing a harness. The dog is extending its paw towards her as part of a dog training session. In the background, a few people are seated in a training facility.

Intermediate Training

Strengthen existing skills with added distractions, distance, and duration.

5 sessions, $225

A group of people stand on one side of a training facility, observing several dogs sitting calmly on the opposite side. The dogs are leashed, showcasing dog training activities in a spacious, well-lit environment.

Advanced Training

Proof complex behaviors through challenging exercises that prepare your dog for real-world success.

5 sessions, $225

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Canine Good Citizen®

Get ready for the CGC test by mastering the skills that prove your dog is a well-mannered community member.

5 sessions (CGC test included), $225

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 4 months old and older. 

A brown and black mixed-breed dog lying on a green mat with a pink leash and collar. The dog has a focused expression, suggesting it is in a training session. This image relates to dog training.

Reactive Rover 1

Discover a transformative approach to managing reactive behaviors in Reactive Rover I.

6 sessions, $275

A brown and black dog lying on green grass, looking towards the camera. The dog is wearing a collar with a tag, indicating it is well cared for. This image reflects the friendly nature associated with dog training.

Reactive Rover 2

Learn to navigate your dog’s reactivity in more complex situations with confidence and ease. 

5 sessions, $275

A dog navigating through upright poles during a training session, while a person, dressed in a light blue shirt and black pants, holds a treat to guide the dog's movement. This image illustrates an example of effective dog training techniques.

Reactive Fun-gility Workshop

Come explore the exciting world of agility training in a supportive environment.

1 session, $45

A dog performing an agility jump through a circular hoop during a training exercise. The dog appears focused and is mid-leap, with an instructor visible in the background overseeing the dog training session.

Reactive Fun-gility

Jump into three weeks of Fun-gility and discover the joy of agility training 

3 sessions, $135

A corgi sitting on a rock with its ears perked up, looking attentively at something in the distance. Green bushes are in the background, indicating an outdoor setting. This image represents concepts related to dog training.

Reactive Walk & Learn Workshop

Take the skills from the classroom into the real world with our walk and learn workshop. 

1 session, $45

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 4 months old and up.  

A small, brown dog with floppy ears and expressive eyes is standing on its hind legs. The dog appears focused and ready for instruction, typical of a dog training session. The background features a textured floor.

Tricks Class

Learn exciting tricks such as “sit pretty,” “play dead,” “weave,” and more!

2 sessions, $90

A person in blue jeans and sneakers is offering their hand to a white dog with a green harness on a leash. The background features greenery, indicating a training environment for dog training.

Loose-Leash Walking

Learn how to teach your dog to walk calmly around distractions.

3 sessions, $135

A Boston Terrier puppy jumping onto a colorful mat during a training session. The dog has a black and white coat, large ears, and is wearing a harness. This image represents engaging moments in dog training.

Fun-gility 1

Jump into three weeks of Fun-gility and discover the joy of agility training. 

3 sessions, $135

A black dog wearing a green collar is jumping over a low hurdle during a training session in a spacious facility. The background includes training equipment, highlighting the focus on dog training.

Fun-gility 2

Continue the fun with Fun‑gility 2 — more playful, confidence-building agility!

3 sessions, $135

A brown and black dog resting on a blue mat. The dog is wearing a harness and appears calm, lying with its paws stretched out. This image is relevant for topics related to dog training and workshops.

Fun-gility Workshop

Come explore the exciting world of agility training.

1 session, $45

A brown and black brindle dog running in a grassy field with its ears perked up. The dog's expression appears focused and eager, showcasing an active moment suitable for dog training activities.

Recall Training

Create reliable recall skills for your dog to become alert and responsive when called. 

3 sessions, $135

A close-up of a small black and white dog lying on a soft blanket. The dog has a curious expression with its head tilted to one side. This image relates to dog training, illustrating a pet during a training session or workshop.

Shy Dog Manners

Build confidence and relaxation techniques in a supportive environment.

3 sessions, $135

A black and white spotted dog stands on grass holding a green tennis ball in its mouth, with a blue ball visible nearby and a yellow bowl in the background. This image relates to dog training activities.

Impulse Control

Improve your dog’s self-control for real world scenarios.

3 sessions, $135

A small brown and white dog with floppy ears sits on a soft white blanket, looking curiously at the camera. This image is relevant to dog training, showcasing the attentive demeanor often encouraged in training sessions.

Polite Greetings

Build polite greeting skills and relaxed behavior when guests enter your home

3 sessions, $135

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.

A cat with orange and white fur reaches out playfully from inside a pet carrier, swatting at a fluffy pink toy. The background includes various training equipment, suggesting a focus on animal training.

Kitten Kindergarten

Introduce your kitten to gentle handling, improved social skills, and positive behaviors.

1 session, $20

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.

A woman and a man stand in a training space, discussing dog training techniques. The man holds a small dog on a leash. The background features equipment and a banner promoting dog training services.

Private Training

Individualized sessions for everything from refining manners to fun tricks.

A woman with shoulder-length hair is smiling while holding a gray tabby cat against her chest. She is wearing a red top and standing in a bright, softly lit indoor space. The image supports topics related to animal care and training.

Private Consultations

Consultations include discussing behavior history, solidifying goals, and developing a training and management plan.

Our Training & Behavior Services Team

A woman with short brown hair wearing a blue blouse, smiling and leaning slightly forward. She is set against a neutral background. This image is part of the Joybound Team's introduction on the website.

Dr. Wailani Sung

Senior Director of Animal Admissions and Wellbeing

Dr. Wailani Sung is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist, widely published author, and featured guest on pet behavior documentaries by PBS and Netflix. She has dedicated her career to improving people’s understanding of animal behavior, and finds herself inspired every day by the love people have for their pets.

A woman sitting on a beach, wearing a black jacket with two dogs. One dog is seated beside her and the other is peeking out from a backpack. The ocean is visible in the background, highlighting a relaxed outdoor setting related to dog training.

Aldyn Markle

Behavior Specialty Services Manager

Aldyn is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), a Fear Free Certified Trainer, and graduate of Michael Shikashio’s master course in canine aggression. She is passionate about enrichment, behavior modification, veterinary behavior services, and education for pet guardians, emphasizing science-based approaches to pet behavior challenges.

A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a blue patterned shirt, is smiling while holding a white Labrador and a black dog. This image represents themes of dog training, showcasing a connection between the trainer and the dogs.

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 group classes, enrichment, handling, post-surgical care, and enhancing overall behavior. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) with extensive training in obedience, reactivity, shyness, agility, and behavioral problem-solving.

A man with short dark hair smiles while wearing a striped shirt, set against a background of green plants. This image could represent dog training workshops or similar training programs.

Mitchell Polcyn

Behavior Coordinator

Serving as a key point of contact for Joybound clients, Mitchell manages client relations and provides post-adoption support. 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.

Joybound Behavior Services in the News

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