Bay Area Dog Training

Group classes are 7-week programs with weekly 1-hour sessions, divided into four levels. Level I teaches foundational commands: loose-leash walking, sit, down, stand, stay, and basic recall. Level II progresses to motion commands and long-line work (50 feet). Level III refines accuracy and off-leash reliability with long-line practice. Level IV is an intensive class for advanced handlers, focusing on fine-tuning skills and distraction management. Private lessons are customized in-home sessions addressing individual behavior issues. Dogs must be at least 16 weeks old and have completed final Parvo vaccination to start Level I.

Pricing Summary

Group classes range from $400–$450 depending on level, with Level I at $450, Level II at $425, and Levels III–IV at $400. Private lesson clients receive a discounted group class rate of $400. Pricing is per 7-week session. No mention of private lesson pricing.

Policies

Group classes may be canceled due to weather, holidays, or schedule changes. Weather cancellations are announced approximately 1 hour before class via phone message at (408) 725-2594. Clients must call the office at least 2 days before the next class if they miss a session. Class start dates may shift due to weather cancellations; clients are advised to check the website or Facebook page for updates.

Bay Area Dog Training is a dog training business founded in 1980 by Mike Hatjes, specializing in behavior modification and problem solving to help dogs become well-behaved family pets. They offer both private in-home lessons and group classes, with a focus on teaching owners how to build a trusting, respectful relationship with their dogs using guidance, verbal praise, and physical affection—avoiding food rewards. Their training emphasizes reliable off-leash obedience, socialization, and addressing specific behavioral issues like leash pulling, reactivity, jumping, and separation anxiety. With over 40 years of experience, they tailor training to each dog and owner’s unique needs, helping families safely integrate energetic or fearful dogs into daily life.

Group classes are structured in four progressive levels, each lasting 7 weeks with weekly 1-hour sessions. Classes are held in Sunnyvale and Campbell, and are designed to build from foundational commands to advanced off-leash control. Private lessons provide personalized attention for complex behavior issues or busy schedules. Their approach is praised for its effectiveness, patience, and humor, with many clients reporting dramatic improvements in their dogs’ behavior and family harmony.

Accomplishments

Mike Hatjes has been training dogs since 1980, having trained hundreds of dogs over 40+ years. He has trained competition dogs including Radar, the #1 Rottweiler in the U.S. in 1985, and his own Doberman Pinscher Jet, who scored 198/200 in an obedience trial. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and has worked in behavioral health and emergency medical services, integrating behavioral science into dog training.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can register for group classes using the online form on the Class Schedule page. For private lessons, clients are encouraged to contact the business directly via phone or the online contact form to discuss their dog’s needs and schedule an in-home session.