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Athens Dog Training is a dog training business in Castro Valley, California offering In-Home Training, Group Classes, and Board and Train.
Castro Valley • CA • 4.8 ★ (124 Google reviews)
Last verified: Sep 5, 2026
23 / 100
Minimal information
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
What they say about themselves
Athens Dog Training brings together three trainers with distinct backgrounds and specializations. Pohan, who holds a degree in Assistance Dog Education from Bergin University of Canine Studies, focuses on board-and-train programs and service dog preparation. Anna came to dog training after a decade in healthcare, graduating from Animal Behavior College in 2019 and now working with rescue dogs and reactivity cases. Mitch developed his skills through early exposure to police K9 work and later experience at a boarding facility, concentrating on puppies and young dogs. Both Anna and Pohan hold CPDT-KA certification.
The business operates across the East Bay, with group classes hosted at a Pet Food Express location in Castro Valley and board-and-train consultations conducted from San Ramon. In-home sessions are available within roughly twenty miles of either base, though they don't serve areas requiring bridge or tunnel crossings.
According to their website, the training philosophy centers on positive reinforcement methods, and they state that choke, prong, and electronic collars are not permitted in group classes. Before beginning any program—whether private lessons or group training—the business requires an initial consultation to discuss goals and determine which trainer might be the right fit. Their offerings span puppy socialization through intermediate obedience, with additional tracks for reactivity work and Canine Good Citizen preparation.
Consultations and evaluations before you commit to a program.
This is a required intake session before starting private in-home training, used to discuss goals such as basic manners, puppy training, reactivity, or other behavior concerns.
Best for: Owners considering private in-home training, including those with reactive or aggressive dogs needing an assessment first.
Focus: Basic obedience
Group classes progress from puppy socialization through Canine Good Citizen certification, with each level building on the previous. In-home training is available within 20 miles of San Leandro, and board-and-train requires a consultation before booking. Athens Dog Training structures its class sequence so intermediate levels expect prior coursework or an in-home session first.
What board & train costs in Castro Valley
We don't have enough published local pricing yet. Ask for a written quote that covers duration, inclusions, and follow-up.
Dogs stay and work directly with trainers at Athens Dog Training's location, covering basic manners, puppy training, and other issues depending on the trainer.
The dog stays with a trainer at their location for structured training before returning home.
Best for: Dogs needing basic manners, puppy training, or other behavior work as assessed in the required consult.
Focus: Basic obedience, Puppy training
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Board and Train | Not published | — |
Trainers work one-on-one with owners in the home on issues like basic manners, puppy behavior, barking, house training, jumping, and reactivity, tailored to the household's schedule and goals.
A trainer travels to the client's home for customized one-on-one sessions with the owner present.
Best for: New dog owners, puppies, and dogs with issues such as on-leash or dog-dog reactivity, jumpiness, or house training needs.
Focus: Basic obedience, Puppy training, Leash reactivity
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| In-Home Training | Not published | — |
This class introduces obedience skills covered in the Basic class while prioritizing socialization. Owners also get guidance on common puppy issues like nipping, chewing, and house training.
Puppies and owners attend group sessions covering early obedience and socialization exercises.
Best for: Puppies under 6 months old and their new owners.
Focus: Puppy training, Socialization, Basic obedience
This class teaches basic cues like sit, down, stay, and come, addresses common unwanted behaviors like digging and barking, and includes bonding games and exercises.
Dogs and owners attend group class sessions working through cues and problem behaviors together.
Best for: Dogs over 6 months with little to no prior training.
Focus: Basic obedience, Leash training
This follow-up class reinforces basic obedience skills while adding distance, distraction, and duration, plus new skills like heel and front for better off-leash reliability.
Dogs practice off-leash-oriented skills in a group class setting.
Best for: Dogs that have completed Basic Obedience or an in-home consultation.
Focus: Advanced obedience, Recall & off-leash
This class uses games and real-life simulations to strengthen leash walking, stay/place, recall, and attention skills that build on basic obedience training.
Owners and dogs practice real-life scenarios and games in a group setting.
Best for: Dogs with basic obedience skills who aren't yet perfect but can perform commands like sit, down, stay, and come.
Focus: Basic obedience, Leash training, Recall & off-leash
This program prepares dogs for the AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluation, teaching skills and tasks that demonstrate good manners in real-life situations.
Dogs train toward and are tested for the AKC CGC certification in a group setting.
Best for: Dogs that have completed all other group training classes and want to advance further.
Focus: Advanced obedience
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Class (Under 6 months) | Not published | — |
| Basic Obedience (Dogs over 6 months) | Not published | — |
| Intermediate Obedience | Not published | — |
| Intermediate Real Life Skills | Not published | — |
| Canine Good Citizen Training and Testing | Not published | — |
The site uses general language about training philosophy without naming specific techniques or tools. Aggression cases are evaluated individually rather than accepted or declined outright.
Method: Method unclear
Their website describes their approach in general terms without specifying which methods or tools they use.
Certifications: CPDT-KA
Verification still pending or not yet requested. See our methodology for what verification does and does not mean.
The lead trainer holds a CPDT-KA certification, a credential requiring documented training hours and a standardized exam. Insurance, facility details, and guarantee terms aren't published on the site.
Facility: not specified on their website.
Owner visits: not specified on their website.
Video updates: not specified on their website.
Overnight staffing: not specified on their website.
Insurance: not specified on their website.
Guarantee: not specified on their website.
Waitlist: not specified on their website.
Dogs per trainer: not specified on their website.
Booking: Book online
Price: Athens Dog Training does not publish board & train pricing. Across Castro Valley, 0 programs publish prices.
Reviews: Athens Dog Training shows 4.8★ from 124 Google reviews among 1 published Castro Valley programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 23 out of 100 (price 0%, program clarity 50%). 1 of 1 Castro Valley listings show certifications; this business lists CPDT-KA.
Training happens at 3385 Castro Valley Blvd, though the site doesn't describe the space itself or mention parking availability.
3385 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA
Friday: 10AM-8:30PM
Monday: 10AM-8:30PM
Sunday: 10AM-8:30PM
Tuesday: 10AM-8:30PM
Saturday: 10AM-8:30PM
Thursday: 10AM-8:30PM
Wednesday: 10AM-8:30PM
Reach out directly or send a quote request through Athens Dog Training.
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