Get help with a problem, explore an area of interest or come for fun. The San Francisco Bay Area has so much to offer the humans that live and play with their pets here. Metro Dog wants to keep you informed, entertained and educated about important topics in pet care and environmentally, socially conscious choices.

To build a fun and successful relationship with your dog it is necessary to embrace the unique traits, experiences and skills that are your dog. My hope is to guide you to see the best your dog has to offer and show you how to use it to build the relationship you want.

INSTRUCTORS: Alison Smith, CTC Director of Training and Behavior and Co- Owner of Metro Dog. Graduated with Honors from SFSPCA Dog Training Academy with a Certificate in Training & Counseling (2000). She has been working with people and their dogs through her business Canine Culture. She has worked with the Alameda Shelter to deveop assessment and socialization programs for their dogs,has served on the board of Smiley Dog Rescue and frequently provided training advice and support to other local rescues. Through the development of Metro Dog she has been able to create a diverse and comprehensive program to mentor and develop new trainers. She is dedicated to healthy relationships between people and the dogs who share their lives.
Metro Dog Staff Trainers: Janette Rael, CTC Angel Geringer,CTC Joanna Czaja

Elissa Cline has worked professionally with dogs since 2000. She trainer at Berkeley East Bay Humane Society and Metro Dog . She is temperament evaluator for Ohlone Humane Society's ' Hug A Pet ' program plus evaluator for the AKC CGC ( Good Canine Citizen ) .

Rachelle Carzino, CPDT has been training dogs professionally with SIRIUS® Puppy Training since 1989. She is a charter member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, is one of the first professionals to earn her Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) standing, received a Behavioral Counseling Certificate from the SF SPCA, and is a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Rachelle emphasizes using positive reinforcement techniques and seeks out the best training plan for each unique human/canine team.

Rachelle spends most of her free time competing in agility, working on musical freestyle routines, and attending dog-related seminars and events. Her philosophy is: Make training FUN!!! Find something you love to do and incorporate your dog into it. 

Kim Moeller's excitement for training started 14 years ago when she decided to enroll her new dog Mocha in a puppy class. In that class, she fell in love with training and decided to switch careers. She started working at the San Francisco SPCA in 1998 and graduated from the renowned SF/SPCA Dog Training Academy in 1999. As a certified dog trainer and behavior counselor, her talent for working with dogs, especially those who are aggressive toward other dogs, was noticed. Kim enthusiastically took on these challenging cases and was awarded special certification for dog-dog aggression in 2002 by Jean Donaldson, head of the SF/SPCA Dog Training Academy. Now a recognized expert in dog reactivity, Kim has written articles for various publications and given lectures on leash reactivity and dog park etiquette in the bay area.

BOOKING INFORMATION: For more information or to book, please contact Alison Smith at training@metrodog.com.

This is an Introductory Recreational Agility Class held on mats, indoors for you and your dog. We will introduce jumps, tunnels, weaves, contacts in this class. The 6 week class is a nice foundation for those geared to competition as well as for those of you who just want a fun pastime for you and your dog to share.
6 weeks $200
Taught by Elissa Cline

Does your dog go nuts when another dog goes by? This workshop is for you. Learn how to teach your dog to ignore other dogs, how to handle and get control of your dog and enjoy walking.
6 weeks $200
Taught by Joanna Czaja and Kat Soto

If you love music, dancing, and want to do something incredibly fun with your dog, then this is the class for you! This 6 week foundation class will focus on creative heeling to music, building attention, sequencing behaviors, and beginning choreography. Whether you decide to perform in competitions, through public demonstrations, or just for your own private dance floor, freestyle is a wonderful activity and a whole lot of FUN!!!

6 weeks $200

Walking nicely on a leash in all situations is so important to your relationship with your dog. It is also one of the most difficult things to teach your dog. Many people and dogs leave basic obedience classes without mastering this activity. The frustration of getting dragged down the street means your dog doesn't get to go on walks with you, and you spend less time together.

1 Day workshops and 4 week classes cover skills, equipment and Real Life practice.

This course is specifically designed to teach dog owners how to manage and treat their dogs that are aggressive to other dogs while on-leash. Handlers will practice and be coached on strategies to manage their growly dogs. All family members are encouraged to attend.
5 weeks $300