McClain’s Balanced Dog Training

5.0 Stars,3 Reviews
1511 Myrtle St, Oakland, CA 94607

Service area: Serves East Hampton and surrounding areas; virtual training available nationwide.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Puppy Training
  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Biting / Nipping
  • Potty Training
  • Separation Anxiety
  • Fearfulness

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • In-Home
  • Video Calls

Program Formats

  • One-Time Consultation
  • Sessions Package
  • Intensive Program

Age of Dogs Trained

  • Puppy (<1 year)
  • Adolescent (1-2 years)
  • Adult (2-8 years)
  • Senior (8+ years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Balanced Training

Training begins with a 1-hour Initial Consultation to assess the dog and create a customized plan. Clients can then choose between private in-home or outdoor lessons, an intensive three-week Stay & Train program with solo trainer sessions and weekly owner reviews, or virtual training via Zoom or FaceTime. All programs focus on behavior modification and foundational obedience tailored to the dog’s specific needs.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Initial consultation: $175. Private lessons: $175 per session, or discounted packages of 4 ($660) or 8 ($1,280). Stay & Train intensive program: $1,875 (9 solo sessions + 3 owner review sessions). Online training: $50 for 30 minutes, $100 for 1 hour. All rates include 8.65% sales tax.

Policies

Cancellations require 48 hours’ notice. No board and train services offered. No free initial consultation.

Testimonials

“McClain’s training exceeded my expectations, providing invaluable tips that transformed my puppy’s (Callie) life! She mastered basic commands within 1 month. Potty training was challenging, but we got it down after 2 sessions. The 1:1 attention was worth every penny.”
– Callie’s Owner

“I have an almost 14-year-old dog (Betty) terrified of thunderstorms. McClain taught me how to use simple behaviors like ‘sit’ and ‘down’ with rewards to distract her. It has made all the difference. Old dogs can learn new tricks!”
– Betty’s Owner

“McClain is a genius and has helped so much with my dog’s leash reactivity; I’ve seen a huge shift in my dog’s anxiety too. She’s great with my dog and communicates clearly with me.”
– Leash Reactive Dog Owner

About the Trainer

McClain’s Balanced Dog Training is run by McClain Sullivan, a certified Canine Trainer and Behavior Specialist who offers personalized dog training services tailored to each dog’s unique needs. She works with dogs of all temperaments, from puppies to seniors, addressing issues like leash reactivity, separation anxiety, potty training, biting, and fearfulness. McClain’s approach is balanced, using a flexible toolbox of methods to build clear communication and reduce conflict between dogs and their guardians. She provides in-home and outdoor private lessons, virtual training via Zoom or FaceTime, and an intensive three-week Stay & Train program where her team trains the dog solo with weekly owner review sessions. Her training philosophy is rooted in over 60 foster dogs and hands-on experience with rescue organizations like Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue, where she served as Foster Coordinator. She emphasizes early training, starting as soon as a puppy comes home, and creates fun, stress-free sessions that strengthen the human-dog bond.

McClain is a graduate of Starmark Academy’s immersion program and continues her education with seminars from experts like Michael Ellis, Blake Rodriguez, and Tyler Muto. She does not offer boarding, grooming, walking, or day care services, focusing solely on training and behavior modification.

Her services are available in East Hampton and surrounding areas, with virtual training accessible nationwide. Clients appreciate her patience, clear communication, and ability to adapt training to both the dog’s behavior and the owner’s lifestyle.

Accomplishments

McClain Sullivan is a graduate of Starmark Academy’s Professional Dog Trainer immersion program. She has fostered over 60 dogs through rescue organizations and served as Foster Coordinator for Badass Brooklyn Animal Rescue. She continues professional development through seminars with Michael Ellis, Blake Rodriguez, and Tyler Muto.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins with booking an Initial Consultation, during which McClain assesses the dog’s behavior, discusses concerns, and creates a customized training plan. Clients can book via the contact form on the website and will receive a phone call back within 48 hours.

McClain’s Balanced Dog Training featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • Free Consultation

Hours

Monday: 8am-7pm
Tuesday: 8am-7pm
Wednesday: 8am-7pm
Thursday: 8am-7pm
Friday: 8am-7pm
Saturday: 8am-7pm
Sunday: 8am-7pm

Certifications

  • Credentialed

Languages

  • English
  • wheelchair accessible entrance

Location

1511 Myrtle St, Oakland, CA 94607

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