Balanced Bay Dog Training

Training begins with a 1-hour initial consultation to assess the dog’s behavior and create a customized plan. Clients can then choose private in-home or virtual lessons, puppy-specific training, or the intensive 3-week Stay & Train program, which includes solo trainer sessions with the dog and periodic owner review sessions. Online training is available for flexible, remote support. All programs focus on building clear communication, reducing conflict, and reinforcing desired behaviors in the dog’s natural environment.

Pricing Summary

Initial consultation: $165 in Oakland, $190 in San Francisco. Private lessons: $165/hour (Oakland) or $190/hour (San Francisco), with discounted packages of 3, 5, or 10 sessions. Stay & Train intensive program: $1,700 for 3 weeks (9 solo sessions + 3 owner reviews). Online training: $50 for 30 minutes, $100 for 1 hour. All rates include 10.25% sales tax.

Policies

Cancellations require 48 hours’ notice. No board and train services are offered. Training is conducted in-home or virtually; no facility-based training is available.

Balanced Bay Dog Training, founded by McClain Sullivan, is a certified canine trainer and behavior specialist offering personalized, in-home dog training services in the Bay Area. McClain works with dogs of all temperaments—from puppies to adults—with expertise in leash reactivity, separation anxiety, biting, potty training, and basic obedience. She provides flexible training options including private lessons, puppy training, an intensive 3-week Stay & Train program, and virtual sessions via Zoom or FaceTime. Her balanced training approach combines clear communication, positive reinforcement, and structured boundaries to reduce conflict and build strong owner-dog relationships. McClain’s background includes fostering over 60 dogs through animal rescue organizations and formal certification from Starmark Academy, giving her deep experience with behavioral issues and high-needs dogs. She travels to clients’ homes in Oakland and San Francisco, making training convenient and context-specific.

McClain emphasizes starting training early, even with puppies, and tailors every plan to the individual dog and owner. Her sessions include follow-up videos and clear instructions to support practice at home. She does not offer boarding, daycare, grooming, or group classes, focusing exclusively on one-on-one, in-home or virtual training.

Clients consistently praise her ability to simplify complex behaviors, her patience, and the lasting results she achieves, especially with reactive or fearful dogs.

Accomplishments

McClain Sullivan is a graduate of Starmark Academy’s immersion program for professional dog trainers. She has fostered over 60 dogs through rescue organizations including Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue, where she served as Foster Coordinator. She continues her education through seminars with renowned trainers Michael Ellis, Blake Rodriguez, and Tyler Muto.

How to Get Started!

Begin by filling out the online training application. After submission, expect a phone call back within 48 hours to schedule an initial consultation, which includes a behavior assessment and customized training plan.