Dog Soul

Group classes include Puppy Beginning Manners (8–20 weeks), Family Dog (5+ months), Scary Time! (fearful dogs, 5+ months), Puppy Manners (8–4 months), and Adult Manners (5+ months). Classes are held on weekends at two locations: Dog Soul in Pleasanton and Pet Food Express in San Leandro. All classes use positive reinforcement, focus on real-world skills, and include supervised socialization. Scary Time! is a specialized 4-week program for fearful dogs with no make-up classes allowed. Drop-in classes allow flexible enrollment.

Pricing Summary

Classes are offered in 4-session packages. Puppy Beginning Manners and Family Dog classes are 4-week sessions with drop-in availability. Puppy Manners and Adult Manners at Pet Food Express are 4-drop-in sessions with a “buy 3, get 1 free” pricing model. Private training is available but specific rates are not listed. Proof of vaccinations required for all classes.

Policies

Missed classes in the “Scary Time!” program cannot be made up. All other classes are drop-in and allow flexible attendance. Vaccination records (DHPP and Rabies) are required for enrollment. Aggressive dogs may be excused from group classes for safety.

Dog Soul is a dog training business founded by Susi, a certified positive reinforcement trainer based in Pleasanton, CA. She offers private training and small group classes focused on building loving, trusting relationships between dogs and their owners using only reward-based methods. Classes are held in a clean, 1,000-square-foot facility at 39 California Ave #301 and at Pet Food Express in San Leandro. Dog Soul specializes in puppy manners, adult obedience, and fear-based behavior modification, with classes limited to six dogs to ensure individual attention. Susi helps owners understand canine communication and provides practical tools for everyday issues like leash pulling, jumping, barking, and fearfulness. She also offers free puppy socials and supervised playtime during classes.

Susi has over a decade of experience, beginning as a volunteer at the Oakland SPCA and later training at Dublin Petco. She is a co-founder of The Dog School in Pleasanton and now runs Dog Soul with a strong emphasis on compassion, patience, and science-based training. Her clients include shy, reactive, and rescue dogs, and she tailors training to each dog’s unique needs, often continuing support beyond the class duration.

Dog Soul serves dog owners in Pleasanton, San Leandro, and surrounding areas in Alameda County, offering both in-facility group classes and private sessions. All training is conducted using positive reinforcement only, with no corrections or aversive tools.

Accomplishments

Susi is a certified dog trainer since June 2010, co-founded The Dog School in Pleasanton (2011–2014), and has trained dogs as a volunteer mentor at the Oakland SPCA and at Dublin Petco. She is a member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, the East Bay Dog Trainers, and the Pet Professional Guild.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can review class schedules on the Services page, register for available sessions, and contact Susi via email or phone to confirm enrollment. Proof of vaccinations must be provided before attending class. Private training inquiries can be made via contact form or phone.