BEAST MODE DOG TRAINING CENTER

Positive, Certified dog training for every age and stage in Bernal Heights

At Beast Mode, we don’t just train dogs—we help them learn how to navigate the world with curiosity, confidence, and connection.

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Why Choose Beast Mode Dog Training Center?

At Beast Mode, we believe dog training is about building a trusting relationship, not just teaching commands.

Rooted in canine science and positive reinforcement, our small-group classes help dogs gain real-world skills—like walking calmly on busy streets or settling at a café—while keeping learning fun and stress-free.

As part of the vibrant Bernal Heights pet community and surrounded by some of the top pet shops in San Francisco, we’re proud to offer ongoing support through refreshers, coaching, and community events long after class ends. why us

Our Classes

Not sure where to start?

My dog is up to 18 weeks old → Puppy Foundations
My dog is an adult or newly adopted → Adult Foundations
My dog has basic skills → Beyond the Basics
We want to level up → Real-World Manners

Not sure where to start? Get in touch with Steph!

Level 1: Puppy Foundations

Age: Puppies up to 18 weeks

Focus: Socialization, confidence building, and basic cues (sit, stay, come)

Length: 4 weeks (1 hour/week)

Format: Small group

Price: $300

Designed for young pups and first-time pet parents, this class sets the stage for a lifetime of learning.

Your puppy will build confidence, practice polite play, and learn early communication skills—all in a safe, positive environment.

Next class starts on July 11. Register here!

Level 2: Beyond the Basics

Age: Dogs who’ve completed Puppy or Adult Foundations Level 1 (or equivalent)

Focus: Advanced recall, leash work, neutrality around other dogs, off-leash readiness

Length: 4 weeks (1 hour/week)

Format: Small group, real-world focus

Price: $300

Build stronger focus, reliable responses even with distractions, and a deeper connection with your dog through engaging, confidence-boosting exercises.

Next class starts on July 12. Register here!

Level 3: Real World Manners

Age: Dogs of all ages who know the basics

Focus: Leash manners, impulse control, polite greetings, focus under distraction

Length: 4 weeks (1 hour/week)

Format: Small group, positive reinforcement

Price: $300

Turn “good at home” skills into “good anywhere” skills.

This class helps your dog practice reliable behaviors in real-life settings—making walks, playdates, and public outings calmer and more enjoyable.

Class starts August 3. Register here!

Level 1: Adult Foundations

Age: Adult Dogs

Focus: Socialization, confidence building, and basic cues (sit, stay, come)

Length: 4 weeks (1 hour/week)

Format: Small group

Price: $300

Designed for adult or newly adopted dogs, this class builds confidence, structure, and clear communication through foundational training—whether they’re learning for the first time or starting fresh.

Next class starts July 12. Register here!

Core Class 3-Pack

Build consistency from the start with our Core Class 3-Pack. Each level builds on the last, helping your dog strengthen manners, communication, real-world confidence, and trust.

By the end of Level 3: Real World Manners, you’ll have a stronger bond with your dog and more confidence navigating life together — no matter the setting.

Purchase all three core class levels together and save 15% on the full training journey.

To enroll, Register for either Puppy Foundations or Adult Foundations (on the left) and select “Core Class 3 Pack – Save 15%” at checkout.

Price: $765

Just like college electives, our Skill Boosters keep your dog’s training fresh and engaging. These single-session workshops are perfect for brushing up on existing skills or mastering one specific behavior—no long-term commitment required.

Tricks Workshop

Age: All ages

Focus: Fun tricks like Sit Pretty, Play Bow, Roll Over

Length: 1 hour

Format: Small group, playful learning

Want to have fun and deepen communication? Join this playful session to teach your dog awesome tricks that strengthen your bond and bring smiles all around.

Price: $75

Check the Schedule and Register Here

Recall Workshop

Age: All ages

Focus: Improving “come when called” and handler focus under distraction

Length: 1 hour

Format: Small group, active environment

Sharpen your dog's response to recall in fun, real-world settings—indoors and out. Great for fine-tuning focus and confidence, ideal for friendly pups.

Price: $75

Check the Schedule and Register Here

Loose-Leash Walking Workshop

Age: All ages

Focus: Leash-walking skills at your own pace

Length: 1 hour

Format: Drop-in or repeat as needed

Tired of pulling on walks? This relaxed workshop helps your dog learn calm and enjoyable leash manners—perfect for all skill levels.

Price: $75

Check the Schedule and Register Here

Puppy Social

Age: Puppies (vaccinated at least one week prior)

Focus: Socialization, bite inhibition, energy burn-off

Length: 45 minutes

A safe, trainer-led space for pups to play, learn self-control, and use up puppy energy. Great for early socialization and building confidence around other dogs.

Price: $35

Every Saturday from 11:45 AM–12:30 PM

Check the Schedule and Register Here

Puppy Play Pack

Early socialization works best with consistency. Our Puppy Play Pack makes it easy to keep your puppy practicing positive play, confidence-building, and social skills during this important developmental window.

Purchase a pack of 4 Puppy Socials for $105 (buy 3, get 1 free)

Puppy Socials are designed for puppies up to 18 weeks old, so please plan to use all credits before your puppy reaches that age. Some exceptions may apply depending on your puppy’s size, energy level, and fit with the group.

Purchase a Puppy Play Pack

Little Beast Yappy Hour

Age/Size: Small Dogs (maximum of 20lbs.)

Focus: Socialization, bite inhibition, energy burn-off

Length: 45 minutes

A safe, social space for small dogs (under 20 lbs) to play, mingle, and build confidence while you relax and enjoy a BYOB (max of 2 drinks) happy hour with fellow pet parents.

The schedule varies monthly. Check our social media for upcoming dates.

Price: $35

Every Second Thursday of the month

Register for the June 11 Yappy Hour!

Private Training Option

Age: Any (puppy or adult)

Focus: Personalized guidance—behavior help, training advice, support

Length: 45 minutes

Format: One-on-one session

Price: $100

Short on time but need tailored help? Not sure which course or class to take? Book a one-on-one “Ask the Trainer” session for focused, expert advice on training or behavior concerns—perfect for busy schedules.

Check the Schedule and Register Here

How Our Process Works

Choose Your Class – Explore our dog class offerings and find the right fit for your dog. Make sure that you’ll be able to commit to the schedule and duration you picked so you can make the most of our classes!

Register Online – Secure your spot immediately! We keep our class attendance small, and that means slots fill up fast. Make sure to register as soon as you can.

Check your class requirement – Some of our classes require certain requirements (i.e., vaccination, adoption papers, etc.). Make sure you bring them to class if needed!

Enjoy the Training Journey – Attend the class and have a blast! Interact with other furparents and ask our trainers while you’re there.

Meet our trainers

Meet Steph

Steph has been helping dogs and their humans live happier lives for over 25 years. A graduate of the SF SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers, she’s taught everything from puppy socials to advanced manners at some of the Bay Area’s top training spots.

In 2005, she co-founded SF Puppy Prep, the city’s first puppy-only daycare and training center, inspired by the power of early socialization. She’s also Family Paws certified, giving her a special knack for helping families safely introduce dogs to babies and kids. Whether working with a brand-new puppy or tackling tricky behavior challenges, Steph brings a wealth of experience, a love for learning, and a big smile to every class.

Meet Erika

Erika has been helping San Francisco’s dogs and their people for over a decade, with a focus on making training both effective and fun.

She holds multiple dog training accreditations, including CPDT-KA, from the Canine Behavior Academy (2010), and the SF SPCA Dog Training Internship Program (2011). As an AKC CGC & Trick Title evaluator, she teaches agility, tricks, and specialty classes at Golden Gate Dog Sports, and has extensive experience in shelter management, behavior evaluations, and enrichment programs for dogs in need.

Meet Llyr

Llyr Lauderback, CTC (they/he) has worked with dogs and their humans for over 20 years. Founder of Ruff Riders K-9 Adventures in San Francisco, Llyr later earned their certification from the Academy for Dog Trainers in 2008.

Using science-based, reward-focused methods, Llyr helps clients build trusting relationships with their dogs through humane, positive reinforcement strategies. A dedicated lifelong learner, they believe that with the right tools and guidance, any owner can raise an emotionally healthy, well-mannered dog in both urban and rural environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What training methods do you use?

A: We use only positive reinforcement and reward-based methods, backed by canine behavioral science. No punishment, fear, or intimidation—just clear communication, trust, and lots of treats (or toys, if that’s your dog’s jam).

Q: Do you work with all breeds and sizes?

A: Absolutely! We welcome dogs of all breeds, shapes, sizes, and fluff levels. Our focus is on personality and learning style, not breed stereotypes.

Q: How many dogs are in each class?

A: We keep our groups small—usually 4 to 6 dogs—so everyone gets personalized attention and no one feels lost in the shuffle.

Q: My puppy is shy. Will they be okay in group classes?

A: Yes! We meet dogs where they are, using gentle introductions and building confidence at their pace. Shy pups often blossom in our safe, supportive environment.

Q: How old should my puppy be to start?

A: Puppies can join Puppy Foundation as early as 18 weeks old, as long as they’ve had their first round of vaccines at least one week prior. Early socialization is key!

Q: Can my older dog join a beginner class?

A: Definitely. Our Beyond the Basic class is open to dogs of any age who are new to training or need a refresher.

Q: Where do classes take place?

A: All classes are held inside Bernal Beast, our cozy neighborhood pet shop in Bernal Heights. Some advanced sessions may also take place outdoors for real-world practice.

Q: What if I miss a class?

A: While we can’t offer make-ups for missed sessions, we’ll send you the week’s training notes and suggest ways to practice at home.

Q: Do you offer ongoing support after class ends?

A: Absolutely! We have refreshers, workshops, and community events to keep you and your dog learning together long after graduation.

Questions?

Still have questions? Message us at steph@bernalbeast.com for more info.