Dogtown SF

Specialties

Daily Off-​Leash outings at Fort Funston spending a minimum of 1 hour of active run and play time. Small Groups Only (6 – 8 dogs per outing). Certified, Licensed, Bonded, and Insured. Honors Graduate of the SF SPCA’s Dog Trainers Academy. First Aid Certification and Dog Walking Certified by Dogtec.

Training specializing includes (but not limited to) shy dogs, puppy and adolescent training, basic obedience and dog-​dog reactivity. Training based in scientific methods of learning and behavior modification using positive reinforcement and force free methods.

History

Established in 2008.

In May of 2006 I adopted Davis from the SPCA. Her chart said she was shy and nervous, but I couldn’t fully know what this would mean for me and for my dog until I got her home. My first and biggest challenge was walking Davis one block to the park. She was afraid of most things that made a noise or movement, including me at first. After weeks of various challenges with people and new places, I decided to seek help from a professional trainer. It was through this experience that I realized my passion for working with dogs. Through a lot of hard work, patience and ultimately, acceptance, I’ve witnessed Davis grow more confident and more expressive. She now thrives at the beach, loves chasing balls and other dogs. It is my hope, as a trainer, that I can help other dogs live the fullest lives possible. It is a tricky negotiation between letting a dog be a dog (because, after all, that is why we love them!) and giving them proper obedience and coaching to live happily in our human world.

Meet the Business Owner

Dusty L.

Business Owner

Dusty is the owner and sole operator at Dogtown SF. Prior to becoming a dog walker and trainer I volunteered over 150 hours at the SF SPCA. When deciding to work in the dog care industry I was leaving my job of 11 years at an AIDS Care Facility. This was a job that I felt extremely dedicated and passionate about but it was time for change. I wanted to find something that I would feel equally invested in and would be as fulfilling. Working with dogs seemed like a great fit. I love the work I do with dogs, whether it be tiring them out at the beach or working with them and their owners to teach them new behaviors and/​or «fix» trouble areas. Dogs that are city dwellers are expected to behave at such higher standards than the average dog. I think it’s very important to establish a world that these dogs can thrive in.