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Patrick, Jimmy, Jeffrey, and Ray
Growing up with dogs her whole life Tasha became active in training and behavior in 2000 when she started volunteering at the Peninsula Humane Society. She has a background in grooming, working as a groomer in Half Moon Bay for 6 years. In 2006 she graduated Trish King’s Canine Behavior Academy. In 2013 she passed the Association of Professional Dog Trainers testing requirements to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). She is certified through the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Tasha currently teaches a wide range of classes to the public at PHS/SPCA and conducts private 1:1 behavior consultation. Tasha currently resides with her cat ‘Ember’ that was found in a back alley and her forever puppy ‘Baloo’ a great pyrnesse cattle dog mix. She most recently shared her home with her deaf border collie mix ‘Grayson’ who was her inspiration, passing in 2017 and her border collie ‘Pheobe’ who was her teacher, passing in 2020. Tasha’s passion is dogs, she enjoys working with the shy, fearful, or reactive dog and has a soft spot for the special needs dog, whether it is a physical or behavior issue. She enjoys the challenge that comes with these dogs. She has extensive experience working with herding breeds and deaf dogs. Her approach to training is to build the bond between the human and dog for a lasting relationship. She finds the true reward of teaching is being able to witness the positive change take place in the owner and dog
Growing up with dogs her whole life Tasha became active in training and behavior in 2000 when she started volunteering at the Peninsula Humane Society. She has a background in grooming, working as a groomer in Half Moon Bay for 6 years. In 2006 she graduated Trish King’s Canine Behavior Academy. In 2013 she passed the Association of Professional Dog Trainers testing requirements to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). She is certified through the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Tasha currently teaches a wide range of classes to the public at PHS/SPCA and conducts private 1:1 behavior consultation. Tasha currently resides with her cat ‘Ember’ that was found in a back alley and her forever puppy ‘Baloo’ a great pyrnesse cattle dog mix. She most recently shared her home with her deaf border collie mix ‘Grayson’ who was her inspiration, passing in 2017 and her border collie ‘Pheobe’ who was her teacher, passing in 2020. Tasha’s passion is dogs, she enjoys working with the shy, fearful, or reactive dog and has a soft spot for the special needs dog, whether it is a physical or behavior issue. She enjoys the challenge that comes with these dogs. She has extensive experience working with herding breeds and deaf dogs. Her approach to training is to build the bond between the human and dog for a lasting relationship. She finds the true reward of teaching is being able to witness the positive change take place in the owner and dog
Growing up with dogs her whole life Tasha became active in training and behavior in 2000 when she started volunteering at the Peninsula Humane Society. She has a background in grooming, working as a groomer in Half Moon Bay for 6 years. In 2006 she graduated Trish King’s Canine Behavior Academy. In 2013 she passed the Association of Professional Dog Trainers testing requirements to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). She is certified through the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Tasha currently teaches a wide range of classes to the public at PHS/SPCA and conducts private 1:1 behavior consultation. Tasha currently resides with her cat ‘Ember’ that was found in a back alley and her forever puppy ‘Baloo’ a great pyrnesse cattle dog mix. She most recently shared her home with her deaf border collie mix ‘Grayson’ who was her inspiration, passing in 2017 and her border collie ‘Pheobe’ who was her teacher, passing in 2020. Tasha’s passion is dogs, she enjoys working with the shy, fearful, or reactive dog and has a soft spot for the special needs dog, whether it is a physical or behavior issue. She enjoys the challenge that comes with these dogs. She has extensive experience working with herding breeds and deaf dogs. Her approach to training is to build the bond between the human and dog for a lasting relationship. She finds the true reward of teaching is being able to witness the positive change take place in the owner and dog
Growing up with dogs her whole life Tasha became active in training and behavior in 2000 when she started volunteering at the Peninsula Humane Society. She has a background in grooming, working as a groomer in Half Moon Bay for 6 years. In 2006 she graduated Trish King’s Canine Behavior Academy. In 2013 she passed the Association of Professional Dog Trainers testing requirements to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). She is certified through the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Tasha currently teaches a wide range of classes to the public at PHS/SPCA and conducts private 1:1 behavior consultation. Tasha currently resides with her cat ‘Ember’ that was found in a back alley and her forever puppy ‘Baloo’ a great pyrnesse cattle dog mix. She most recently shared her home with her deaf border collie mix ‘Grayson’ who was her inspiration, passing in 2017 and her border collie ‘Pheobe’ who was her teacher, passing in 2020. Tasha’s passion is dogs, she enjoys working with the shy, fearful, or reactive dog and has a soft spot for the special needs dog, whether it is a physical or behavior issue. She enjoys the challenge that comes with these dogs. She has extensive experience working with herding breeds and deaf dogs. Her approach to training is to build the bond between the human and dog for a lasting relationship. She finds the true reward of teaching is being able to witness the positive change take place in the owner and dog
Growing up with dogs her whole life Tasha became active in training and behavior in 2000 when she started volunteering at the Peninsula Humane Society. She has a background in grooming, working as a groomer in Half Moon Bay for 6 years. In 2006 she graduated Trish King’s Canine Behavior Academy. In 2013 she passed the Association of Professional Dog Trainers testing requirements to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). She is certified through the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Tasha currently teaches a wide range of classes to the public at PHS/SPCA and conducts private 1:1 behavior consultation. Tasha currently resides with her cat ‘Ember’ that was found in a back alley and her forever puppy ‘Baloo’ a great pyrnesse cattle dog mix. She most recently shared her home with her deaf border collie mix ‘Grayson’ who was her inspiration, passing in 2017 and her border collie ‘Pheobe’ who was her teacher, passing in 2020. Tasha’s passion is dogs, she enjoys working with the shy, fearful, or reactive dog and has a soft spot for the special needs dog, whether it is a physical or behavior issue. She enjoys the challenge that comes with these dogs. She has extensive experience working with herding breeds and deaf dogs. Her approach to training is to build the bond between the human and dog for a lasting relationship. She finds the true reward of teaching is being able to witness the positive change take place in the owner and dog
Growing up with dogs her whole life Tasha became active in training and behavior in 2000 when she started volunteering at the Peninsula Humane Society. She has a background in grooming, working as a groomer in Half Moon Bay for 6 years. In 2006 she graduated Trish King’s Canine Behavior Academy. In 2013 she passed the Association of Professional Dog Trainers testing requirements to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). She is certified through the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Tasha currently teaches a wide range of classes to the public at PHS/SPCA and conducts private 1:1 behavior consultation. Tasha currently resides with her cat ‘Ember’ that was found in a back alley and her forever puppy ‘Baloo’ a great pyrnesse cattle dog mix. She most recently shared her home with her deaf border collie mix ‘Grayson’ who was her inspiration, passing in 2017 and her border collie ‘Pheobe’ who was her teacher, passing in 2020. Tasha’s passion is dogs, she enjoys working with the shy, fearful, or reactive dog and has a soft spot for the special needs dog, whether it is a physical or behavior issue. She enjoys the challenge that comes with these dogs. She has extensive experience working with herding breeds and deaf dogs. Her approach to training is to build the bond between the human and dog for a lasting relationship. She finds the true reward of teaching is being able to witness the positive change take place in the owner and dog
Growing up with dogs her whole life Tasha became active in training and behavior in 2000 when she started volunteering at the Peninsula Humane Society. She has a background in grooming, working as a groomer in Half Moon Bay for 6 years. In 2006 she graduated Trish King’s Canine Behavior Academy. In 2013 she passed the Association of Professional Dog Trainers testing requirements to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA). She is certified through the American Kennel Club as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Tasha currently teaches a wide range of classes to the public at PHS/SPCA and conducts private 1:1 behavior consultation. Tasha currently resides with her cat ‘Ember’ that was found in a back alley and her forever puppy ‘Baloo’ a great pyrnesse cattle dog mix. She most recently shared her home with her deaf border collie mix ‘Grayson’ who was her inspiration, passing in 2017 and her border collie ‘Pheobe’ who was her teacher, passing in 2020. Tasha’s passion is dogs, she enjoys working with the shy, fearful, or reactive dog and has a soft spot for the special needs dog, whether it is a physical or behavior issue. She enjoys the challenge that comes with these dogs. She has extensive experience working with herding breeds and deaf dogs. Her approach to training is to build the bond between the human and dog for a lasting relationship. She finds the true reward of teaching is being able to witness the positive change take place in the owner and dog

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A Dog's Best Friend — Dog Training in Redwood City, CA

A Dog's Best Friend is a dog training business in Redwood City, California offering group classes and virtual training. They take aggression cases by assessment and list CPDT-KA, AKC CGC Evaluator, and IAABC credentials.

Redwood City, CA • 4.0 ★ (4 Google reviews)

Verified listing

Last reviewed: Sep 5, 2026

Transparency Score

23 / 100

Minimal information

How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.

Price transparency
0%
Method transparency
35%
Program clarity
50%

About A Dog's Best Friend

Based on what the business publishes about itself

A Dog's Best Friend in Redwood City operates under two trainers with notably different backgrounds. Tasha Suda, who took over from longtime owner Martina Contreras after nearly three decades, holds a CPDT-KA certification and graduated from Trish King's Canine Behavior Academy. According to her site, she began training and behavior work in 2000 at the Peninsula Humane Society and describes a particular focus on shy, fearful, and reactive dogs, as well as deaf dogs and herding breeds.

Maria Eguren brings credentials from a different direction, she holds an advanced biology degree with an animal behavior specialization from the University of Buenos Aires and is certified as an Animal Behavior Consultant through the IAABC. Her background includes over 20 years working with zoo animals before transitioning to dog training. She's credited with creating some of the first Spanish-language dog training classes in the Bay Area.

The business offers group classes covering puppy socialization, basic obedience, and introductory agility, along with private lessons and virtual consultations. Their site emphasizes building relationships between owners and dogs rather than quick fixes, with Maria handling behavior consultations for more challenging cases.

What dog training programs does A Dog's Best Friend offer?

Group classes at A Dog's Best Friend span four levels: Beginning for puppies 12 weeks and up, Intermediate for dogs ready to advance, Agility training, and a Puppy Play Group limited to dogs 4 months or younger. Private training is also available virtually. The range covers socialization through sport work, though session lengths and class sizes aren't specified.

Beginning

Price not published.

This group class introduces foundational obedience skills to puppies and young dogs new to training, covering leash walking, sit, down, stay, come, leave it, and drop it.

Dogs and owners attend an in-person group class working through basic commands together.

Best for: Puppies 12 weeks and older and young adult dogs with little to no prior training.

Requirements: For puppies 12 weeks and older and young adults with little to no training

Focus: Basic obedience, Puppy training, Socialization

Intermediate

Price not published.

This class builds on basic skills with higher distraction levels, working toward off-leash reliability where possible, and adds hand signals, a wait command, and handling for grooming.

Dogs practice skills in a group class setting with increased distractions and off-leash exercises.

Best for: Dogs that have completed beginning-level training and are ready for more distraction and off-leash work.

Focus: Advanced obedience, Recall & off-leash, Basic obedience

Agility

Price not published.

This class introduces the fundamentals of agility, with dog and handler pairs working through obstacle courses that are scored for speed and accuracy.

Dog and owner work together in a group setting to navigate obstacle courses.

Focus: Agility & dog sports

Puppy Play Group

Price not published.

A supervised play session for young puppies to burn off energy and practice social skills with other puppies.

Puppies play together in a group setting under supervision.

Best for: Puppies 4 months old or younger.

Requirements: For puppies 4 months old or younger

Focus: Puppy training, Socialization

Private Training

Price not published.

Ask whether Private Training is delivered online, in person, or both.

One-on-one training delivered remotely via video sessions or phone, tailored to the individual dog and owner.

Sessions are conducted by video call or phone rather than in person.

Focus: Basic obedience

How much does A Dog's Best Friend cost?

A Dog's Best Friend does not publish program pricing online. Contact them directly or request a quote through Barklen for current rates.

Group Classes pricing

Group Classes pricing at A Dog's Best Friend in Redwood City, CA
ProgramPriceLength
BeginningNot publishedNot stated
IntermediateNot publishedNot stated
AgilityNot publishedNot stated
Puppy Play GroupNot publishedNot stated

Virtual Training pricing

Virtual Training pricing at A Dog's Best Friend in Redwood City, CA
ProgramPriceLength
Private TrainingNot publishedNot stated

What training methods does A Dog's Best Friend use?

The site uses general language about their training approach without naming specific techniques or tools. They evaluate aggression and reactivity cases individually rather than accepting or declining them outright.

Public materials reviewed by Barklen do not specify which training tools are used.

Who runs A Dog's Best Friend?

As described in the business's own materials

Martina Contreras, Founder / former owner

According to their site, owned and operated the business for nearly 30 years before retiring and transitioning her classes and clients to Tasha Suda and Maria Eguren.

Tasha Suda, Current owner / trainer

According to their site, grew up with dogs and began training and behavior work in 2000 volunteering at the Peninsula Humane Society; worked six years as a groomer in Half Moon Bay; graduated from Trish King's Canine Behavior Academy in 2006; teaches public classes at PHS/SPCA and does private behavior consultations, with particular experience with herding breeds and deaf dogs.

Credentials listed on their site: CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer), AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and Graduate of Trish King's Canine Behavior Academy. Barklen has not independently verified these.

Maria Eguren, Trainer

According to their site, holds an advanced biology degree with a specialization in animal behavior from the University of Buenos Aires; spent over 20 years in animal behavior work including ethology and enrichment research with zoo animals (apes, rheas, red pandas) before moving into 18 years of dog training and behavior consulting; created some of the first Spanish-language dog training classes in the Bay Area and has taught specialty classes for children, expectant parents, seniors, and a dog yoga class.

Credentials listed on their site: Certified Animal Behavior Consultant (IAABC). Barklen has not independently verified these.

Where does A Dog's Best Friend offer dog training?

A Dog's Best Friend is based in Redwood City, CA, offering group classes and virtual sessions online.

Their site says they serve dog owners in and around Redwood City, California, offering in-person group classes, private lessons, and video/phone consultations; classes have also been offered in Spanish and tailored to children, expectant parents, and seniors.

The Sweeney Avenue address in Redwood City is listed, but the site doesn't describe the training space itself, whether it's a dedicated facility, shared location, or something else. Parking and accessibility information isn't provided.

How does A Dog's Best Friend compare with other Redwood City dog trainers?

Barklen analysis

Barklen analysis based on 5 published Redwood City listings (22 with published pricing). These comparisons are computed by Barklen, not claims made by A Dog's Best Friend.

Price: A Dog's Best Friend does not publish pricing for the program types where Redwood City has enough published prices to compare (group classes).

Reviews: 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews, among 5 published Redwood City programs.

Transparency: 23 out of 100 (minimal information), with 0% price transparency and 50% program clarity. 3 of 5 Redwood City listings show certifications; this business lists CPDT-KA, AKC CGC Evaluator, and IAABC.

Published prices at A Dog's Best Friend compared with Redwood City ranges
Program typeA Dog's Best FriendRedwood City rangeBarklen read
Group ClassesNot published$158–$162 across 10 Redwood City programsNo published price to compare

What should you ask A Dog's Best Friend before booking?

Generated from what their public materials leave open

  • Ask whether Private Training is delivered online, in person, or both.
  • They don't publish pricing. Ask what a full program costs and exactly what is included.
  • Ask for proof of liability insurance.
  • Their site describes their approach in general terms. Ask which specific methods and tools they use.
  • Ask how many dogs each trainer handles at once.
  • Ask about current availability and whether there is a waitlist.

Location and hours

831 Sweeney Ave e, Redwood City, CA

Hours are not published in the materials Barklen reviewed. Confirm before visiting.

How Barklen reviewed this listing

Barklen reviewed A Dog's Best Friend against the business's public materials and published this listing. That is not a check of licenses, insurance, or certifications. See our methodology for what a verified listing does and does not mean.

Details the public materials do not address (facility, owner visits during programs, progress updates, overnight staffing, insurance, guarantee, and others) are turned into the questions above rather than filled in.

Last reviewed by Barklen: Sep 5, 2026

What Barklen could verify

Programs listed
5 programs (group classes, virtual training)
Published pricing
None published
Training method
Method unclear
Aggression and reactivity cases
Aggression cases by assessment
Certifications
CPDT-KA, AKC CGC Evaluator, IAABC
Booking
Phone only

Contact A Dog's Best Friend or request a quote

Contact A Dog's Best Friend directly by phone or through their website, or request a quote through Barklen and we will pass it along.

+1 650-367-6124Website

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