Dog Soul

Dog Soul offers several training programs. “Puppy Beginning Manners” is a 4-week drop-in class for puppies 8-20 weeks old, held Saturdays at 10am, covering basic manners, socialization, and common puppy issues like potty training and mouthing. This class includes free puppy socials and playtime.

“Family Dog” is a 4-week drop-in class for dogs 5 months and older, held Saturdays at 1pm, focusing on basic manners and obedience using positive reinforcement. “Scary time! Oh my!” is a 4-week class for dogs 5 months and older who are fearful or shy, teaching owners to understand stress signs and allowing dogs to explore at their own pace.

Additionally, classes are held at Pet Food Express in San Leandro. “Puppy Manners” is a 4-week drop-in class for puppies 8 weeks to 4 months, held Sundays at 10am, addressing everyday puppy issues and basic manners with supervised playtime. “Adult Manners” is a 4-week drop-in class for dogs 5 months and older, held Sundays at 11am, covering everyday issues like leash pulling and barking, along with general manners. Adult dog classes are limited to six dogs.

Pricing Summary

Rates are available upon registration. Some classes offer a “buy 3 sessions, get 1 free” package.

Policies

Missed classes for the “Scary time! Oh my!” program cannot be made up. Aggressive dogs may be excused from the Family Dog class. Proof of DHPP and Rabies vaccinations are required for class participation.

Dog Soul is a dog training business owned and operated by Susi, a Positive Reinforcement Trainer with a lifelong passion for dogs. Susi believes that positive reinforcement is the most effective and fairest way to establish a lasting bond with your dog and integrate them into your family. She focuses on teaching owners to understand and communicate clearly with their dogs.

Dog Soul offers puppy and dog training services, including private training and small group classes. Classes are held in a safe, controlled environment at their 1,000 square foot facility in Pleasanton, with adult dog classes limited to six dogs to ensure safety and comfort. They also offer classes at Pet Food Express in San Leandro.

The training techniques are exclusively positive reinforcement, aiming to build loving and trusting relationships that are fun and safe for the entire family. Puppy classes include free puppy socials and playtime sessions. Susi’s approach is highly personalized, even in group settings, ensuring individual attention for each dog and owner.

Accomplishments

Susi has had a lifelong passion for dogs, motivated by her own shy German Shepherd Dogs to become a Positive Reinforcement Trainer. She began her training career as a Volunteer Mentor and Canine Companion at the Oakland SPCA.

Susi then became a dog trainer and Mentor at the Dublin Petco, where she received her training certification in June 2010. She is also the proud co-founder of The Dog School in Pleasanton, which operated from October 2011 to 2014. Susi is currently the owner and head trainer at Dog Soul and is a member of the East Bay Dog Trainers, The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT), and The Pet Professional Guild (PPG).

How to Get Started!

Clients can check registration for available classes and rates. Many classes are drop-in, allowing clients to join at any time.