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.

Led by expert dog trainers Steph Miller and Erika Slovikosky, we’re proud to be part of the local Bernal Heights community, offering ongoing support through refreshers, coaching, and events long after class ends.

Meet our trainers

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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.

Our Classes

Puppy Kindergarten

Age: 8-18 weeks (with at least 1 DHPP vaccine + 7 days in system)

Focus: Socialization, bite inhibition, handling, basic manners (sit, stay, come)

Length: 4 Weeks/1 hour

Format: Small group, positive reinforcement-based training

Puppy Kindergarten builds socialization and basic skills during your pup’s key learning stage, using gentle, science-backed methods to boost confidence for city life.

Price: $200

Every First Saturday of the month at 10:30AM.

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Basic Manners

Age: Any age over 18 weeks

Focus: Foundational manners, focus, settling in group settings

Length: 4 weeks (1 hour/week)

Format: Small group, positive reinforcement

Perfect for first-timers or those brushing up, Basic Manners strengthens focus and calm in a group setting. Fun and structured, this class builds your dog’s confidence and listening skills, regardless of age.

Price: $200

Every First Sunday of the month at 9AM.

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Intermediate Manners

Age: Graduates of Puppy Kindergarten or Basic Manners

Focus: Real-life training—recall, loose-leash, “leave it,” “go to your mat,” duration, distance, distraction

Length: 4 weeks (1 hour/week)

Format: Small group, real-world focus

Take training a step further with real-world manners. Master recall, leash skills, self-control, and distraction-proof cues to help your dog thrive outdoors and in everyday scenarios.

Price: $200

Every First Sunday of the month at 10:30AM.

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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: $50

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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: $50

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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: $50

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Puppy Socials

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: $25

Every Saturdays at 11:45 AM–12:30 PM

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Ask the Trainer (1-on-1)

Age: Any (puppy or adult)

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

Length: 30 minutes

Format: One-on-one session

Short on time but need tailored help? Book a one-on-one “Ask the Trainer” session for focused, expert advice on training or behavior concerns—perfect for busy schedules.

Price: $75

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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.

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 Kindergarten as early as 8 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 Basic Manners 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.

Ready to Take the Next Steps?

Check out our dog class offerings or read through our FAQs if you still have questions. And when you’re ready, will be waiting for you and your pup!

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