San Francisco dog trainer and behavior consultant Jeff Stallings is accredited by the highly respected Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. Jeff has over 14 years of experience addressing a wide range of training and behavior issues.
Jeff works with clients in-person in San Francisco and the Bay Area, and also provides virtual behavior consultations to clients wherever they may be.
Jeff's science-based approach considers each dog's situation, including background, temperament and household environment, to guide clients towards more gratifyingly healthy human/canine relationships.
After each appointment, Jeff emails a customized training plan and then remains available via phone, email and text to answer any questions.
Training & services
Training goals
Behavior consultationProgram details
Crate trainingCustomer-reportedProgram details
House trainingProgram details
Leash trainingProgram details
I help with various types of harnesses and positive reinforcement techniques to improve leash skills · Listed price: [object Object]
I help clients choose the best equipment for their dog (collar, harness, head collar) and together we work on loose leash walking skills · Listed price: [object Object]
Puppy trainingProgram details
My new puppy appointments focus on everything you need to know about potty training, socialization, basic commands, encouraging desired behaviors and avoiding unwanted ones, including jumping and biting. · Listed price: [object Object]
SocializationProgram details
Behavior support
Aggression trainingProgram details
Reactivity trainingProgram details
Separation anxietyProgram details
How training happens
Online or virtual trainingProgram details
I offer Zoom or in-person behavior consultations to help you understand and address the issues. · Listed price: [object Object]
I offer Zoom or FaceTime behavior consultations lasting up to one hour, with all relevant training materials (PDFs) emailed prior to the session for the client to print or view on-screen. A training plan based on the session, delivered via email within 24 hours after the session is complete. · Listed price: [object Object]
Owner coachingCustomer-reportedProgram details
Dog age
PuppiesProgram details
Giving your new puppy free range to the whole house is asking for all sorts of problems, from soiled carpets to torn furniture. The best set-up is a small crate—a comfy, den-like space. · Listed price: [object Object]
Training level
Beginner trainingProgram details
Support between sessions
Personalized training plansProgram details
After each appointment, online or in-person, I email a customized training plan and then remain available via email and text to answer any questions. · Listed price: [object Object]
Training approach
Clicker trainingProgram details
For basic training, including commands and recalls, I focus on positive training methods and effective use of reward-based methods, often incorporating marker training (clickers) and humane harnesses and collars. · Listed price: [object Object]
Positive reinforcementProgram details
I focus on positive training methods and effective use of reward-based methods, often incorporating marker training (clickers) and humane harnesses and collars. · Listed price: [object Object]
Other listed services
View 6 additional details
Dog trainingProgram details
I work at clients' locations in the San Francisco Bay Ara to help to train dogs, including commands and recalls, I focus on positive training methods and effective use of reward-based methods, often incorporating marker training (clickers) and humane harnesses and collars. · Listed price: [object Object]
Dog behavior consultingProgram details
For dogs with behavior problems, such as leash pulling, reactivity, mild separation anxiety and destructive behavior, I provide in-person appointments in the San Francisco Bay Area and Zoom behavior consultations to help you better understand and address these issues. · Listed price: [object Object]
Dog behavior consulting to address problem behaviorsProgram details
I offer Zoom and FaceTime behavior consultations lasting up to one hour. All relevant training materials (PDFs) emailed prior to the session for the client to print or view on-screen. A training plan based on the session, delivered via email within 24 hours after the session is complete. · Listed price: [object Object]
Offleash Dog HikesProgram details
Check out the detailed list of places to walk your dog offleash in the San Francisco Bay Area. https://betternaturedogtraining.com/bayareadoghikes/
Training SessionsProgram details
I offer private, in-home behavior consultations and training sessions in San Francisco and across the Bay Area, incorporating the latest research into behavioral diversity. · Listed price: [object Object]
Veterinary BehavioristProgram details
For severe behavior problems, including separation anxiety and serious aggression, I refer to veterinary behaviorists, including those in San Francisco and at UC Davis.
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Questions & answers
From Google
What people have asked about this business.
I have a 22 month Bloodhound that I've only had for three months and have grown frustrated because Rusty (his name) still won't come and pulls like crazy on the leash. Can you help?
Michael, I would need more information to see if I am a good fit for you and Rusty, including what you know about him before you adopted him, what he is wearing on those leashed walks, how he gets along with people and other dogs. The best way forward is to complete the contact page on my website with as much information as you can, after which we can look into scheduling an initial phone call.
http://betternaturedogtraining.com/contact.htm
Community answer · Better Nature Dog Training · 2019-09-21
5/5We can't recommend Jeff enough! He is incredibly knowledgeable and truly evidence-based in his training methods. From day one, he made sure we not only understood what to do, but why it works...backing everything up with science and tons of helpful resources. His “train the train…Read full reviewClose full review
We can't recommend Jeff enough! He is incredibly knowledgeable and truly evidence-based in his training methods. From day one, he made sure we not only understood what to do, but why it works...backing everything up with science and tons of helpful resources. His “train the trainer” approach allowed us to immediately implement changes that felt sustainable and realistic long-term, and were also financially feasible.
We started seeing a difference in our dog Noodle’s behavior - especially with lunging after other dogs on walks - within just a week. Jeff’s guidance was clear, practical, and effective. He even gave us some initial helpful tips over email before our in-person session.
What really sets Jeff apart is how generous he is with his time and knowledge. He never made us feel rushed and was always happy to address all our concerns, even outside the core training plan. He genuinely cares about both you and your dog and wants you to get real value from the experience. No nickel-and-diming, just outstanding support and results for an unbelievable value.
If you're looking for someone who’s smart, compassionate, and serious about getting lasting change for you and your dog, Jeff is the trainer to go with.
C
Cindi Keen
5/5Can't recommend Jeff enough!
I adopted a rescue about two years ago and he had some major stranger danger vibes and didn't get along well with dogs that weren't fixed. Jeff gave me some really helpful tips and training methods to combat these issues, and the little guy is doing …Read full reviewClose full review
Can't recommend Jeff enough!
I adopted a rescue about two years ago and he had some major stranger danger vibes and didn't get along well with dogs that weren't fixed. Jeff gave me some really helpful tips and training methods to combat these issues, and the little guy is doing great. We just spent a weekend with an unfixed dog and they were bffs by the end of it.
Jeff is incredibly responsive, and has always been available when I need advice, even via text. If you're looking for a knowledgable, empathetic dog trainer he's your guy!
S
Stephanie Peters
5/5We've been working with Jeff on training and learning how to adjust to a new puppy in our family. During our sessions Jeff has taught us everything from basic command training to how we should approach crate training. Jeff's approach is to be gentle yet confident, never punishi…Read full reviewClose full review
We've been working with Jeff on training and learning how to adjust to a new puppy in our family. During our sessions Jeff has taught us everything from basic command training to how we should approach crate training. Jeff's approach is to be gentle yet confident, never punishing the dog but also teaching us how to set limits. He's even done a great job of "training" our 7 year old on how to interact with the puppy!
After each lesson, Jeff sends us a comprehensive overview of the things that we discussed and goes above and beyond by answering any additional questions we might have in between appointments.
I would recommend Jeff to any new dog owner who is looking to find some balance in their day to day with a new puppy!
J
Jo Keroes
5/5Jeff Stallings is terrific. One visit of several hours with him and my new dog changed our lives. He's not just knowledgeable and patient but so attuned to what both a dog and its owner need that time with him is remarkably productive. We walked for about an hour, then came back …Read full reviewClose full review
Jeff Stallings is terrific. One visit of several hours with him and my new dog changed our lives. He's not just knowledgeable and patient but so attuned to what both a dog and its owner need that time with him is remarkably productive. We walked for about an hour, then came back to my house to talk for a while about what I could do to solve some of the problems I was having, and then a few hours later Jeff sent several pages of notes to follow up. He's still available by phone or text (without charge) whenever I have a question and his advice is always sound.and his price is almost too reasonable. He's the best.
C
Camille Mai Davis
5/5Jeff is truly a dog whisperer! I called him when I first adopted my (very shy) dog and he knew exactly how to engage with her without scaring her. Four years later, I called him again and she ran right up to him wagging her tail! He's a very skilled trainer with great insights on…Read full reviewClose full review
Jeff is truly a dog whisperer! I called him when I first adopted my (very shy) dog and he knew exactly how to engage with her without scaring her. Four years later, I called him again and she ran right up to him wagging her tail! He's a very skilled trainer with great insights on dog behavior. After each session, he will send you a detailed email covering everything that was discussed in the session. Highly recommend!!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.