I highly recommend René for dog training! We have a 3 year old cavapoo and he was very loving, but anxious and disobedient. He would only obey if we bribed him with treats. René's training of our dog (and us!) gave us the confidence and the authority with our dog to turn it around completely. We are so pleased with how calm and obedient our dog is now. We even get stopped in public and asked about how we got our dog so well behaved. Very grateful for a patient, kind, and dedicated trainer like René. read more

Our boy Beto completed training with René just over 3 years ago. Beto is a rescue and had some serious in home aggression issues and it got to the point where our family was scared to come into our home. The training he received from René (and more importantly, the training we received) has given us the tools to maintain a foundation of trust and confidence that I have never had with any of my previous dogs. We take Beto everywhere with us now with 100% confidence. Family and friends can come over with no fear and I don't have to close him in the bedroom when we need in home repairs. The compliments from strangers about how well behaved he is when we walk the neighborhood never get old either. The training didn't stop once he graduated; René's monthly group sessions help keep me and Beto polished and are a prime example of how René goes above and beyond for you and your dog. read more

Fur Real K9 - Off-leash hiking in Sunol Regional Park - Pet Training Near Me

Rene trained my handsome Frenchie named Yoda and I honestly can't recommend him enough! Yoda is seriously one of the chillest Frenchies ever and always an angel in my eyes, so I genuinely thought he listened pretty well already. But working with Rene made me realize Yoda definitely had a stubborn side and that there were things I needed to work on too. Rene is super knowledgeable, disciplined, and informative. He's patient and explains things in a way that actually makes sense, but he'll also definitely know if you haven't been doing your homework with your dog lol. I actually appreciated that because it kept me accountable and made me stay consistent. One thing he always says that really stuck with me is that dog training is more for the owners than the dogs. It's about learning how to properly guide, handle, and communicate with them. Once I understood that, I started seeing a huge difference with Yoda. It's been many years since I first started with Rene and I still handle Yoda how Rene taught. You can tell Rene genuinely cares about what he does, and if you're willing to put in the effort and listen to what he teaches, you'll definitely see improvement with your dog. I am really grateful for everything Rene taught me and Yoda! read more

Fur Real K9 - At the Sacramento Doggy Dash completely unfazed because we worked on not reacting to distractions. - Pet Training Near Me

Be the alpha your dog needs René is literally the best top dog! His trainings teach you how to communicate with your dog while understanding their pack nature with you & your home. We did this program 7 years ago with our 2 male rescue pit bulls (2 &5 at the time). They had some stubbornly obedient challenges and after completing the program they were the best dogs I knew they could be. Still to this day I get compliments on how well mannered they are. So when I say this program works it's true and it's never too late to start. Now fast forward to recently we decided to add another dog to the pack. We were nervous brining a puppy into the mix but we knew this training is effective and lasts for years to come! As soon as our puppy was vaccinated training started. He was a little stubborn at first but then picked up on it quickly and has made the puppy stage so enjoyable. No puppy shenanigans here! At 7 months old people are astonished at how much he listens & takes direction. They ask if I'm the dog whisper and I say "nope but I was trained by the best.!" We will forever be grateful for René and everything he has taught us. If you want an obedient, well mannered dog invest in them and their future you will not regret it. read more

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My wife and I brought home our chocolate lab, Lacey, at 8 weeks old and our family immediately fell in love. However, as she grew so did her unruliness. One day when walking her through the park with my wife, she jerked the leash so hard at the sight of another dog it made me spill my drink on myself and we decided to just go home instead. It was at that point I realized we needed some help. A friend had recommended René as he had helped train his two dogs. I reached out and set up an evaluation. In the hour René spent with us at the initial evaluation it was readily apparent this is a man who knows what he is doing and is meant to be a dog trainer. Think "The Dog Whisperer"! I shared sith René that one of the things I was looking forward to was being able to open the door or work in the garage and not have to worry about Lacey bolting down the street and having to chase after her. With our permission he performed some basic training techniques in our family room with Lacey and she immediately became submissive to his lead. It was crazy to watch and we knew it was going to be worth every penny. We agreed to board Lacey with René for two weeks and allow him to train her. He brought her back over to our house once a week for those two weeks to work with her and with us, then after those two weeks, Lacey was trained and he left her back with us. But at that point he came back once a week for four more weeks--not to train Lacey, but to train us! Lacey was our same dog, super playful, energetic, and crazy, but she was now obedient! It was the best of both worlds. René taught us how to establish threshold barriers so Lacey wouldn't walk out the front door, back doors side gate, or garage without our permission. Rene worked with us on how to hold the leash, how to give commands: heel, sit, down, stay, and "okay Lacey!" (which releases her into "free play" mode essentially), what to say and do, what not to say and do and how to reinforce good behavior occasionally but also correct the bad behavior. René also sets you up with the perfect equipment (leash and collar) once the training is complete so you can carry on once he's done. It's been several years now since we had Lacey trained and she has retained every bit of it. Again, it was worth every penny. We view the cost of this training as an investment into Lacey as a valued part of our family. Now we can enjoy her all the more due to the expertise and skill of René and how well he not only trained Lacey but us as well. If you're on the fence about getting your dog trained, consider it an investment like we did and look no further than René at Fur Real K9! read more

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Rene saved my dog's life. I adopted my dog Lilac from a shelter when I was 19 and knew very little about how to be a responsible dog owner. That situation as well as previous trauma she experienced put her at a disadvantage. Lilac developed very severe anxiety and reactivity to other animals and people which resulted in aggressive behavior. She would not listen and I didn't know how to create structure for her. At the time, I was in college and working part time. I was becoming very overwhelmed and frustrated with the situation. I enrolled Lilac in a 3 week board and train at another company that cost 5K the previous summer. The trainer was able to teach her some basic skills but after I got her back, she slowly regressed to her previous behaviors. I felt scared and upset that i couldn't take her anywhere. I attempted for months to rehome her to rescue groups, shelters or a family that may have more time for her. All groups refused her due to bite history, size or being at capacity. After various meet and greets, she was placed with a couple who stated they were very experienced with all types of dogs. Within the first few days, the owners lost control of her, and she attacked a small dog while they were in public. Unfortunately, this was not the first time this had occurred. At this point, after displaying this much aggression to other animals and biting a handful of people, I felt hopeless. In my mind the most responsible thing to ensure everyone's safety was to have her be euthanized. When speaking with some veterinarians, Rene was recommended as an amazing dog trainer that truly could help Lilac. I came into contact with Rene and set up a consultation. I felt very comfortable with his confidence that Lilac was able to be rehabilitated. I enrolled her in a 1 week board and train with monthly check-ins afterwards. Rene was so supportive during this whole process and was able to help Lilac so much. He created structure and expectations for her that reduced her anxiety. She felt safe and had no need to be reactive. He was able to teach his methods to me so I could continue to work with her. I cannot believe how much this training changed Lilac's life. I wish I had gone through this training sooner. Lilac is now thriving and able to come with me anywhere I go. Rene's dedication and hard work gave her a new life full of new experiences. This training has developed a deeper connection between me and Lilac. I am so grateful that he came into our lives. I recommend him to anyone and everyone who is interested in truly being a responsible and loving dog parent. read more

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We recently completed a 5-week training with Rene for our dog Murphy. Murphy had been professionally trained 10 yrs ago, and as Rene mentioned Murphy mostly needed some polish. We worked on his "heel" position among other tweaks. Rene worked with Murphy in a steady, thoughtful way and we saw the "polish" working. I highly recommend working with a professional trainer like Rene for any dog owner looking to reinforce and build good habits (for both the dog and you). It's worthwhile investment for both your family and your dog. Grateful for Rene and his expertise!!! read more

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I sought René's training program after seeing and hearing about the amazing progress my friend's dogs had - especially one who was reactive and stubborn. I adopted a stray putty pup named Pumpkin who was a little under a year old and ended up in a few altercations with my other pitty girl, Dumpling. I exerted everything I know about training and was desperate for help. I called and scheduled an evaluation with René who provided great observations about the dogs which I didn't notice/think of before. The program was hard work- but what in life isn't hard work to benefit from the best of it? René showed us how to build trust and respect with our dogs. Within a few sessions we saw so much progress with the two of them! Pumpkin was fearfully anxious, and we saw her calm down so much with training. Dumpling is very stubborn and hard headed- I stopped taking her on walks because of how stressful it was (from pulling, reactivity). After the program, I can walk Dumpling confidently, trusting in the training and the bond we've built. Pumpkin was anxious and reactive when she saw other dogs, but now we can walk her off leash and feel confident she will be by our side the whole time! Thank you René for being so patient, supportive and helpful in teaching us as owners how to be better trainer/owners to our babies. I can't stop raving about René and his effective training for dogs of all sizes and walks of life! 100/10 would recommend to any owners seeking training for their fur babies! read more

Fur Real K9 - Graduation day for Dumpling and Pumpkin! - Pet Training Near Me

We contacted Rene to board and train our Boerboel the moment we got him. Knowing we were bringing home a large, powerful breed, we wanted to ensure we started off on the right foot--and Rene was the absolute best! ​Throughout the boarding, he sent constant pictures and updates, which gave us such peace of mind. What we appreciated most was his patience; he didn't just train our puppy, he trained us. He took the time to explain the 'why' behind every technique so we felt confident continuing the work at home. We are so grateful for his expertise and would recommend Rene to anyone with a dog, whether it's a brand-new puppy or an older dog! read more

Fur Real K9 - 2020 training with Rene - Pet Training Near Me

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René is the best! Our dog Roscoe was leash reactive and difficult to walk before we met Rene. Our main problem was not knowing how to properly correct or handle him. Rene trained us and gave me so much more confidence as a dog owner. He is a compassionate trainer and helped me through the emotional struggle of the training process. Our dog responded to him right away and we're forever grateful for what he taught us. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking to create a better relationship with their dog and correct problematic behaviors. read more

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When I adopted Sydney from the shelter in 2024, she was big but I did not know she would be reactive to other dogs. At 100+ pounds, she quickly became difficult to handle and walking her was pretty rough and sometimes it got scary. We found Rene and within 8 weeks, she was a different dog. I learned (Important to note that I needed training too) how to manage her on walks and provide her with the discipline she needed. Now, we go everywhere together, she attends Rene's monthly group trainings and is well behaved around the other dogs, and I have even introduced her to some dog friends for some play time. Rene's program is a game changer to transform your dog into a canine good citizen. While I saved Sydney from the shelter, Rene definitely saved her (and me) with his training program. read more

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My dog was trained by Rene in 2020, and I'll always be grateful for the experience and the results. I rescued an 11-month-old husky who needed a lot of structure, guidance, and support, and Rene's training completely changed both my dog's behavior and our relationship. What stood out most was Rene's consistency, knowledge, and ability to explain why certain behaviors happen and how to properly address them. His non-treat training approach gave me the confidence and tools to handle my dog in real-life situations instead of relying on constant rewards. Because of his training, I'm able to genuinely enjoy public outings, walks, and everyday life with my dog, while also seeing a huge improvement in behavior at home. One of the biggest moments for me was realizing I could walk through Home Depot without even holding the leash and rely solely on hand signals and verbal commands. I never would have imagined that level of trust, focus, and obedience when I first rescued my husky. That experience alone showed me how effective Rene's training methods really are. Rene also helped me better understand canine behavior overall. We often humanize our dogs, but he taught me that dogs still need clear boundaries, leadership, and accountability. Just like children, they will test boundaries as they mature, but thanks to the foundation Rene provided, I feel prepared and confident handling new behaviors as they come up. His training didn't just help my dog, it helped me become a better, calmer, and more effective owner. I fully endorse Rene's training program and highly recommend him to anyone looking for lasting results and a stronger relationship with their dog. read more

Fur Real K9 - Big personality over here - Pet Training Near Me

We cannot say enough wonderful things about Rene! From our very first session, it was clear that Rene has a true gift -- not just for training dogs, but for understanding them. Our pup went from pulling on the leash and ignoring commands to walking calmly beside us and responding reliably, all within just a few weeks. What sets Rene apart is the patience and genuine care shown to both the dog and the owner. Rene took the time to explain the "why" behind every technique, which made it so much easier for us to stay consistent at home. We never felt judged for our dog's behavior -- only supported and encouraged every step of the way. If you're on the fence about hiring a trainer, stop hesitating and call Rene. Your dog -- and your sanity -- will thank you. Absolutely 5 stars! read more

Rene is an amazing trainer! He spent a good amount of time with our Doberman and guided us on how to bring the obedience out in him! Definitely recommend Fur Real K9 if you are looking for results in a good amount of time! read more

Rene is truly amazing. His skill, patience, calmness, and positivity were exactly what we needed for our very loyal (yet very stubborn) alpha dog, Pennywise (Dogo Argentino; 95lbs). Completing the training, we continued with Rene for many years receiving level two, three and protection training for Pennywise. The training has absolutely changed our lives. We have the most beautiful and special bond and are able to take our dog anywhere off leash. He listens to both my husband and myself in any situation, without question. We could not be happier with Rene and Fur Real K9. 11/10 every day. Highly recommend. read more

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If you're on the fence about professional dog training, let Liam's story convince you. Liam came to the U.S. from the Philippines in 2024 at 4 years old, so not only was he adjusting to a brand new country and environment, but he also came with separation anxiety and some deeply ingrained bad habits. He had been so spoiled that he genuinely thought he was the leader of the pack -- doing whatever he pleased, on his own terms, with zero regard for boundaries. On top of that, the moment he'd sense I was about to leave -- grabbing my keys, putting on my shoes -- he would get anxious and worked up. Sleeping in my bed was one of many issues we had to work through. Honestly, it was hard for me to make him sleep alone, but Rene taught me that giving Liam the confidence to be by himself -- and helping him trust that I will always come back and he will see me again -- is actually what helps him. It wasn't breaking him. It was building him. That's a lot for a dog to navigate, and Rene handled it all with patience and expertise. The obedience training Rene did with him has been truly transformative. Liam responds to his commands consistently, and the progress has held up well because Rene gave us the tools to keep reinforcing everything at home. It's not just a short-term fix -- it sticks. Fast forward to today, and he calmly settles into his "spot" when I leave without so much as a whimper, and sleeps soundly in his own bed or crate without a fuss. We take him to the mall, playgrounds, parks, and even on RV camping trips, and we constantly get compliments from strangers on how well-mannered he is. That's the best testament I can give. And even after training wrapped up, Rene has remained supportive and available for follow-up questions. That kind of continued care is rare and so appreciated. Rene is exceptional at what he does. Highly, highly recommend! read more

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Rene is the real deal! The insight and training he provided our family was amazing. 100% would recommend Fur Real K9. read more

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Before working with Rene, Canela struggled with leash pulling and reactivity, which made walks stressful. My wife and I took Canela to a different dog training program and we saw little progress. We felt hopeless that we would not have the off-leash dog we always wanted. My good friend recommended Rene and our life with Canela changed completely. After training with Rene, we trust Canela off-leash and feel confident to take her anywhere with us. Renes provides structured training that gives dog owners the tools to practice and get your pup to a high level of obedience. If you trust Renes process and put it in the work, your relationship with your dog will change in a positive way. Our only regret is not going to Rene sooner! read more

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Rene did an incredible job with our dogs, and I truly cannot recommend him enough. One of our dogs became reactive after being attacked by another dog, to the point where walks became very difficult and stressful. Over the course of training, we saw a significant change in behavior and confidence. What stood out most was how tailored the training was to our specific dogs and their individual needs. Rene is extremely attentive, patient, and knowledgeable. He doesn't just work with the dogs -- he works with the owners too, helping identify what needs to change at home and during daily routines to create the best outcomes long term. The progress we've seen has been remarkable, and we're so grateful for the guidance and support throughout the process. read more

Rene is amazing!! He turned our puppy into the dog everyone wants to own. He was patient and truly committed to helping us. Fur Real K9 is the best. He has now worked with a few families in our neighborhood and we all are grateful. We have also used his boarding services and that was just as great. read more

Fur Real K9 - Pet Training Near Me

René changed the game for us ! We brought two dogs, a timid, fearful rat terrier mix and a highly energetic, anxious, intelligent and at times belligerent black lab. The lab had been through several group trainings and personal training sessions, but nothing stuck longer than a few months. We also both work and have two kids, so we didn't have time to devote to hours of reinforcement each day. René's mix of boarding and private sessions, clear and disciplined framework (leash, collar, commands) and patient training (of us more than our dogs) and highly focused/efficient training techniques resonated with everyone and completely changed the way our dogs saw the world. The rat terrier drew confidence from the structure she had in her life and the lab started to be very focused on what was right Vs wrong and learning to enjoy doing the right thing. Since René's training our dogs have been able to walk on and off leash, my wife is actually able to walk the lab again (who weighs almost as much as her) and we are all much more relaxed. If you are considering a trainer look no further than René! read more

Rene was a miracle worker with our Goldendoodle Bella. I was at my wits end, totally defeated by this adorable little monster - and we reached out to Rene as our vet referred us to him. she was the cutest little pup BUT we couldn't get her to stop jumping, biting, she wouldn't walk decent and absolutely didn't understand any of our commands. Rene taught us as owners how to care for her and trained us how to work with her. 6 years later and she is the star of our family, shes very well behaved, respects our commands and boundaries , loves her routine and schedule and she feels safe. I never worry about her biting strangers. read more

We highly recommend Rene for training. We rescued Pennie in January and realized that although she was cuddly and sweet with us - she was a very different dog with everyone else. Rene taught her and us the tools to be more calm, in control and most importantly not aggressive. We were hesitant to have her leave us for a week so soon after finding us but the boarding paid off in the long run. And I was even more hesitant to have her graduate by going to Santana Row but she did great in that environment. Don't get me wrong. It is a commitment for your whole family to have her work with Rene as he is a straight shooter. But the end results is a happier, calmer dog for and we are forever grateful for the tools that he instilled in all of us. read more

René is a legit trainer. I am so impressed with the results since starting my corgi puppy on his training program. The evaluation was helpful and I saw immediately what behaviors could be worked on. He brought one of his dogs during the home evaluation and my corgi was barking a bunch since another dog was in his "territory." Fast forward to now and he is complemented for his outstanding behavior. A dog or cat would walk his way and he acts like nothing happened. This is great because after the training my dog learned to focus on me and only me. I am able to walk him around SF or any park without worrying about him getting distracted by other dogs/people and it makes bringing him to other places (beach, hiking, etc) stress-free. The training is thorough and I learned many useful tips throughout the training and after my dog's "graduation" thanks to the free followup classes offered by René. Definitely worth the cost for a well-trained dog! read more

Fur Real K9 - Me and my corgi :) - Pet Training Near Me

Rene is an amazing trainer! Rene is very knowledgeable and educated us and our dogs' behaviors. We highly recommend him for training, one or one and board and care training. Before Rene's training, our dogs (Penned & Spice) would react and pull during walks, but now our walks are so much more pleasant, enjoyable and safer. My neighbors and other people that we have come across during our walks have noticed a huge difference. Their behaviors in and out of the house is so much better. We highly recommend Rene to anyone who is looking to build a better and safer relationship with your dogs. read more

If you're looking for your furry friend your dog to be the best version of itself there isn't a better place than Fur Real K9. I came across Fur Real K9 through a social media add on my instagram and connected with Rene the Owner who helped me get my girl Mysty a much better structure, obedience, guidance thru the training. I did the 8 weekly private sessions with Rene to train Mysty my 2 year old American Pitbull Terrier. Then after the evaluation of understanding my issues of Mysty being reactive to random sounds & noises and rigorous pulling of the leash on trying to walk her we got started. In these 8 weeks of private sessions learning and providing all the tools provided by Rene my girl has transformed and improved immensely and has come over these issues I was facing with her. I've come across and seen many different dog trainers, and dog training programs but haven't come across anything more efficient, effective & set up as I did working with Rene. Highly & strongly recommend Rene & Fur Real K9. The whole process, training sessions, & overall experience working with Rene was great & has brought my girl Mysty & Myself to being much more confident & prepared for any environment, encounter out & about to also having built a stronger relationship too! As I mentioned Fur Real K9 is the place for you & your furry friend, all you dog owners & dog lovers! - Aakash Tourani - read more

Fur Real K9 - Mysty my 2 year old American Pitbull Terrier in a down stay with me being away from her in a noisy & super distracting environment. - Pet Training Near Me

We brought our two dogs to René for a 2-week board and train followed by 5 weekly sessions, and the results have been nothing short of amazing. We actually drove out from Sacramento after our original trainers referred us to him -- the girls had gotten into a fight, and when we tried to break it up, my husband was bitten in the chaos. It was a really stressful moment, and our original trainers knew we needed help from someone with experience with dogs whose aggression has escalated. Before training, we were dealing with reactivity both inside and outside the house, potty training issues, and growing tension between the dogs. I'll admit I was unsure about the structured training approach at first, but René explained everything so clearly and made sure we understood how to follow through at home. Once we committed to the process, everything started to change. The progress we've seen has been incredible -- our dogs are calmer, more confident, and we finally feel in control of our household again. The time and drive were absolutely worth it. I can't recommend René enough for anyone who wants real results and a better relationship with their dogs. read more

Our puppy Apollo recently completed his training with René from Fur Real K9, and we couldn't be happier with our experience and results! Some background: René was recommended to me by a former client of his. I had commented on how calm and happy his dog was, and he could probably tell that I was seriously in the trenches - running on very little sleep and covered in puppy bites and scratches - so he knew I had to call René! We had just brought our puppy home from the shelter and I was really struggling with some of his more concerning behaviors: reactivity on walks, chasing our cat, and most of all - biting and being aggressive toward me. From the moment we began working with René, we saw immediate results. He was able to give insight into the cause of some of Apollo's behaviors, and he provided us with clear, actionable strategies. His expertise and patience transformed our puppy in a matter of days. What's more, René didn't just fix the immediate problems; he provided us with the knowledge and tools to keep practicing and working with Apollo on new skills every day. We feel confident and empowered to maintain his great behavior, and will continue to improve! At the beginning, I couldn't imagine going on a walk without my dog lunging and biting at me, putting holes in all of my clothes. Fast forward a few weeks, and we're at a place where we can take Apollo to the park to practice his off-leash recall, and my 6yo son now feels comfortable throwing a ball and running and playing with him. Our puppy is now confident, happy, and can have a lot more fun on walks or at the park! We are so glad that we called René with Fur Real K9 and highly recommend him! (The cat also recommends him. If he had thumbs, he'd give two). read more

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