Business Details
12 Years
experience
San Francisco Reactive Dog Training & Positive Reinforcement
Hearth & Hound was founded in 2014 by Lauren Kunin, a certified dog trainer and behavior consultant with over a decade of experience in force-free training methods. Our expertise lies in addressing dog reactivity, aggression, and behavioral challenges through personalized, science-based approaches. We prioritize individualized care, offering tailored training plans, private coaching, and day training programs designed to strengthen the bond between dogs and their humans.Our team holds certifications in pet first aid/CPR and maintains active memberships in professional organizations like the Shock Free Coalition. With a focus on empathy and education, we aim to demystify canine behavior while providing accessible, humane solutions for dogs of all backgrounds and temperaments.
Services
Dog Training
Dog Walking
Dog Sitting
Reactive Dog Training
Positive Reinforcement
Details
- Year established: 2014
Highlights and features
- Certified in pet first aid and CPR for emergency preparedness
- Specialize in reactive and behaviorally complex dogs since 2014
- Use only positive reinforcement and consent-based training methods
- Offer sliding scale pricing for financial accessibility
- Maintain small group sizes for individualized attention
Associations and certifications
- Pet First Aid/CPR Certified
- Shock Free Coalition Member
What people say
Best dog walker
Amazing rapport
Reliable and communicative
Special bond with pets
Thorough and professional
Services
Dog Training
Our dog training programs address reactivity, aggression, and behavioral challenges through personalized, science-based approaches. We offer initial consultations to create customized plans, private coaching for hands-on guidance, and day training for intensive skill development. All sessions use positive reinforcement techniques to ensure long-term success while strengthening the human-dog bond.
Dog Walking
Private dog walks provide individualized attention tailored to your dog's unique needs, whether they require trigger avoidance, leash training, or environmental enrichment. Our walks include behavioral observation, safety prioritization, and customized activity plans to ensure mental stimulation and physical exercise while maintaining humane training standards throughout each session.
Dog Sitting
Our dog sitting service combines overnight care with behavioral support, including training reinforcement during stays. We provide daily updates, personalized enrichment activities, and consistent routines to maintain your dog's well-being. Services include medication administration, special needs care, and emergency preparedness for extended absences.
Reactive Dog Training
Specialized programs for reactive dogs focus on desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques. We develop customized behavior modification plans addressing specific triggers like other dogs, people, or environmental factors. Training includes gradual exposure strategies, stress reduction methods, and owner education to manage and improve reactive behaviors long-term.
Positive Reinforcement
All our services utilize positive reinforcement methods that reward desired behaviors through treats, praise, or play. This science-backed approach builds trust, reduces anxiety, and creates lasting behavioral changes without fear or intimidation. We educate owners on implementing these techniques consistently for optimal results.
People
Lauren Kunin
Owner/Dog Trainer
Lauren Kunin founded Hearth & Hound in 2014 after completing training at the Dog Training Internship Academy. With over 20 years of shelter volunteering experience and certifications in pet first aid/CPR, she specializes in reactive dog behavior and positive reinforcement training methods.
Questions
What services does Hearth & Hound offer?
We provide dog training, walking, and sitting services in San Francisco with a focus on reactive dogs and positive reinforcement methods.
Do you offer sliding scale pricing?
Yes, we provide sliding scale options for clients experiencing financial hardship to ensure access to quality dog training services.
Are you currently accepting new clients?
Our training and walking services are at capacity, but we maintain waiting lists for future openings in San Francisco.
What certifications do your trainers hold?
Our team maintains certifications in pet first aid/CPR and participates in ongoing education through programs like Susan Friedman's Living & Learning with Animals course.
How do you handle reactive dogs during walks?
We use trigger avoidance strategies, personalized behavior observation, and positive reinforcement techniques to ensure safety and gradual improvement for reactive dogs during walks.
