Berkeley K-9 School For Dogs

Training programs include basic and advanced obedience, behavior modification, and specialty training such as personal protection and assistance dog work. Private lessons are tailored to individual needs and can be conducted at the facility or in-home. Group classes are available for socialization and reinforcement. The residency training program is a two-week intensive in-house program where dogs stay at the facility and receive daily one-on-one training under supervision. Puppy preschool is offered to prevent early behavioral issues. Agility training is available using their full outdoor course.

Pricing Summary

Pricing details are not publicly listed. Private lessons, group classes, and the two-week residency program are offered, with private lesson participants eligible for free weekly group classes. Specific rates require direct inquiry.

Policies

No explicit cancellation or rescheduling policies are stated on the website. Clients are encouraged to contact the facility directly for scheduling inquiries.

Berkeley K-9 School for All Dogs is a dog training business founded in 1995 by Marvin Mason, a Certified Master Trainer with over 30 years of experience. The school offers basic and advanced obedience training, behavior modification, and specialty training including personal protection, assistance dog training, and therapy dog preparation. They provide private lessons, group classes, and an intensive two-week residency training program where dogs stay at their facility. Their training approach focuses on understanding each dog’s temperament and tailoring methods to the owner’s goals. They accept all breeds, ages, and personalities, including fearful, aggressive, or shy dogs. The facility includes a fully heated and air-conditioned kennel with indoor and outdoor stalls, an 80×80 play run, and a full agility course. Boarding services are available seven days a week, and they also offer in-home evaluations. Their unique advantage is their willingness to work with dogs other trainers may consider untrainable, with many testimonials highlighting their success with severe behavioral issues.

Marvin Mason’s training philosophy emphasizes patience, calm leadership, and owner education, believing that dog training is primarily owner training. He uses a balanced approach combining positive reinforcement with corrections when necessary, and his methods are rooted in decades of hands-on experience from farm work to law enforcement training. Clients appreciate his compassionate, no-nonsense style and his ability to restore harmony in households with multiple dogs or severe behavioral challenges.

Accomplishments

Marvin Mason is a Certified Master Trainer graduated from the National K-9 School of Dog Trainers (1995) and attended the American Canine Academy (1993-1994). He trained Berina, his Rottweiler, to become a certified assistance dog capable of performing tasks like retrieving objects, turning on lights, and assisting with wheelchairs. He has trained dogs for law enforcement and has been featured in local media for community outreach and school career days.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to book a first-time lesson via the website’s contact form. An initial assessment is conducted to determine the dog’s needs and tailor a training plan. Private lessons, group classes, or the residency program can be selected based on the evaluation.