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Better Nature Dog Training

San Francisco, California

5/5· 19 Google reviews

About Better Nature Dog Training

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 consultation
    Program details
  • Crate training Customer-reported
    Program details
  • House training
    Program details
  • Leash training
    Program 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 training
    Program 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]

  • Socialization
    Program details

Behavior support

  • Aggression training
    Program details
  • Reactivity training
    Program details
  • Separation anxiety
    Program details

How training happens

  • Online or virtual training
    Program 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 coaching Customer-reported
    Program details

Dog age

  • Puppies
    Program 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 training
    Program details

Support between sessions

  • Personalized training plans
    Program 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 training
    Program 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 reinforcement
    Program 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 training
    Program 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 consulting
    Program 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 behaviors
    Program 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 Hikes
    Program details

    Check out the detailed list of places to walk your dog offleash in the San Francisco Bay Area. https://betternaturedogtraining.com/bayareadoghikes/

  • Training Sessions
    Program 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 Behaviorist
    Program 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

Question on Google

Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.

Customer reviews

Google listing
5
out of 519 Google reviews

Mentioned in reviews

  • knowledgeable trainer 5
  • adopted 3
  • learning 3
  • phone 3
  • reasonable rates 3
  • GSD 2
All 10 topics
  • helpful tips 2
  • practical advice 2
  • running 2
  • training tools 2

Google review topics, not confirmed services.

19 collected reviews

Text reviews first · newest first
Dawn Hartman
5/5
Jeff is AMAZING! He has helped me socialize my sweet but “awkward” rescue. Jeff has shown great patience w/both me + my dog. His communication is clear + he thinks creatively to resolve unique issues as each dog/situation is different. With Jeff’s help, my dog has progressed in w…Read full reviewClose full review

Jeff is AMAZING! He has helped me socialize my sweet but “awkward” rescue. Jeff has shown great patience w/both me + my dog. His communication is clear + he thinks creatively to resolve unique issues as each dog/situation is different. With Jeff’s help, my dog has progressed in ways I didn’t think possible. It’s a joy to see him relaxed on walks + playful with other dogs! Jeff is now helping me support my dog through a move across SF from a house with a yard to an apartment; his advice is making this transition less stressful for both of us. Both my dog + I are forever grateful! Xox 🐾🐾

Aaron Danzig
5/5
Jeff Stallings came highly recommended from the folks at Bernal Beast (which is a huge endorsement already for those who know that crew). I engaged Jeff before I adopted my GSD at 8 weeks to help me with initial house management, and then met with him every other week for the fir…Read full reviewClose full review

Jeff Stallings came highly recommended from the folks at Bernal Beast (which is a huge endorsement already for those who know that crew). I engaged Jeff before I adopted my GSD at 8 weeks to help me with initial house management, and then met with him every other week for the first couple of months, and now meet with him 1 - 2 times a month. As a first-time puppy/dog parent, I don’t know how I would have handled things without Jeff keeping me from falling off the proverbial ledge. He was great in helping me manage expectations (i.e., adopting a puppy is an upheaval - be prepared), stressing positive reinforcement while keeping strong boundaries and demonstrating an understanding of the individual animal. I definitely did my homework and treat every day as a training day, and Jeff is fantastic at working through and prioritizing areas to focus on depending on where the dog is in their development cycle. As a ‘single dad’ I think it was good for me to have a male trainer. I have taken my pup to classes at SF Bernal Beast (also great for when you want to train your dog in a group setting!) and the teachers are amazing women with that voice that so many dogs - including my girl - just fall in love with. I do not have that voice/personality, and Jeff sets a great example for any male handler. Having him come to my home and work through real-life in-home challenges and behaviors has been indispensable. Jeff was also with me and my pup on her first leash walk and dog park excursion, and it was great to have him set the example, and help me understand what to expect, and what will come over time. I highly recommend Jeff for anyone interested in in-home training, I know he’s helped many dogs with challenging behavioral issues, I can speak as a new puppy dad, it’s been a great experience thanks in large part to Jeff’s guidance.

Kasia Stiggelbout
5/5
So, I haven't trained my dog with Jeff - actually, I'm in the process of adopting! BUT I have to write this review because I just got off the phone with him and cannot thank him enough for his honest feedback, advice, and help as I go through deciding on a dog to adopt. You can t…Read full reviewClose full review

So, I haven't trained my dog with Jeff - actually, I'm in the process of adopting! BUT I have to write this review because I just got off the phone with him and cannot thank him enough for his honest feedback, advice, and help as I go through deciding on a dog to adopt. You can tell from talking to him that he has a ton of experience and really LOVES dogs! He gave me some objective feedback and advice... and I really appreciated his help (especially considering I haven't provided any business yet). Thank you SO much Jeff! When I adopt my dog, you can guess where I'll be going for training!! :)

Dave Bartoletti
5/5
Jeff has been working with our mutt, Blue (Shepherd/Weimaraner mix), since the day after we adopted her at eight weeks. Immediately, Jeff established a strong bond with Blue, with a firm, gentle hand and a loving manner -- a bond that is just as strong four years later. Jeff rein…Read full reviewClose full review

Jeff has been working with our mutt, Blue (Shepherd/Weimaraner mix), since the day after we adopted her at eight weeks. Immediately, Jeff established a strong bond with Blue, with a firm, gentle hand and a loving manner -- a bond that is just as strong four years later. Jeff reinforced her recall and taught her how to heel and walk securely on a short lead. Jeff is one of her favorite, special people, and she loves the attention and encouragement (and direction) she gets from him every time they interact. Jeff has a remarkable relationship with dogs and a keen understanding of how they think, learn, and respond to stimuli. Highly recommended with no hesitation!

Heather Buchheim
5/5

Jeff is the best! We have him to thank in a big way for how well-behaved our 14-month-old pup is -- he worked with us from the very beginning when we got her at 8 weeks, and he's always been available for all our questions about potty and crate training, obedience, barking, you name it. He's super quick to respond and a real pleasure to work with. Can't recommend him enough!

Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.

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