Evaluation — $55/session
Best for: The evaluation fee is waived when you sign up for training during that evaluation.
Focus: Basic obedience
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Bay Area Dog Training
Bay Area Dog Training is a dog training business in San Jose, California offering Group Classes, Private Lessons, and Board and Train, with published programs from $225.
San Jose • CA • Mobile / travels to you • 4.6 ★ (21 Google reviews)
Last verified: Sep 5, 2026
Transparency Score
68 / 100
Moderately transparent
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
- Price transparency
- 100%
- Method transparency
- 35%
- Program clarity
- 51%
About this program
What they say about themselves
Mike Hatjes founded Bay Area Dog Training in 1980 after training his own Doberman during college. According to his site, he holds a psychology degree from Arizona State University and spent time working in addiction counseling before committing to dog training full-time. He's been at it for over three decades now. The business mentions some competitive highlights from its early years—a Rottweiler named Radar that reached the top national ranking in 1985, and Hatjes's own Doberman earning a near-perfect score in obedience competition.
Their stated approach centers on behavior modification and owner education. The site emphasizes that they train owners as much as dogs, using verbal praise and physical affection rather than food rewards. Private lessons take place in the home and gradually move to more distracting environments like busy areas around San Jose. Group classes follow a four-level structure designed to build toward off-leash reliability, with puppies eligible to start at 16 weeks.
Emily, a second trainer on staff, learned directly from Hatjes and now works alongside him. The business describes itself as having helped thousands of local families over its 44 years, though its primary focus remains one-on-one work addressing specific behavioral concerns rather than competition training.
Getting started
Consultations and evaluations before you commit to a program.
What does Bay Area Dog Training charge for board and train?
Four levels of group classes run seven weeks each, progressing from basic obedience through advanced off-leash work. Bay Area Dog Training also offers a 12-session private lesson package and a board-and-train program called "The Ultimate" at $3,700, though not all dogs qualify for the residential option. Puppies need to be at least 16 weeks old for Level I.
Group classes range from $400 to $450 per seven-week course. Private lessons come in a 12-session package at $1,795 (about $150 per session). The board-and-train runs $3,700 total and includes handoff sessions with the owner.
Board and Train
The Ultimate — $3,700 per program
Best for: This is not appropriate for all dogs, dogs must qualify for this option.
Focus: Basic obedience, Socialization, Leash reactivity
Includes: Owner handoff sessions
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| The Ultimate | $3,700 per program | — |
Private Lessons
Private Lesson Package — $225 per session
Focus: Basic obedience, Leash training
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Private Lesson Package | $225 per session | — |
Group Classes
Level I — $450 per program
Best for: Puppies must be 16 weeks old to start the Level I class.
Focus: Basic obedience, Leash training, Socialization
Duration: 7 weeks
Level II — $425 per program
Focus: Basic obedience, Advanced obedience, Recall & off-leash
Duration: 7 weeks
Level III — $400 per program
Focus: Advanced obedience, Recall & off-leash, Leash training
Duration: 7 weeks
Level IV — $400 per program
Best for: you need to have completed a Level III class session (or have permission from one of our trainers)
Focus: Advanced obedience, Recall & off-leash, Leash training
Duration: 7 weeks
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Level I | $450 per program | 7 weeks |
| Level II | $425 per program | 7 weeks |
| Level III | $400 per program | 7 weeks |
| Level IV | $400 per program | 7 weeks |
What training methods does Bay Area Dog Training use?
The site uses general language about training philosophy without specifying techniques or tools. They do accept dogs with aggression or reactivity issues, noting that some dogs must qualify before enrolling in the board-and-train program.
Method: Method unclear
Their website describes their approach in general terms without specifying which methods or tools they use.
How do we verify Bay Area Dog Training?
Certifications: Not specified on their website
Verification still pending or not yet requested. See our methodology for what verification does and does not mean.
Trust & facility details
They've been operating for 44 years, which is unusually long for this industry. Certifications, insurance, and guarantee terms aren't mentioned on the site. For the board-and-train program, details about owner visits or progress updates aren't published.
Facility: Mobile / travels to you
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: Email only
How does Bay Area Dog Training compare in San Jose?
Price: Their board & train is 22% above the San Jose midpoint based on published prices.
Reviews: Bay Area Dog Training shows 4.6★ from 21 Google reviews among 11 published San Jose programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 68 out of 100 (price 100%, program clarity 51%). 3 of 11 San Jose listings show certifications; this business does not list certifications.
What to ask Bay Area Dog Training
- Ask which certifications their trainers hold and who issued them.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance.
- Ask how many dogs each trainer handles at once.
- Their site describes their approach in general terms — ask which specific methods and tools they use.
- Ask whether you can visit during the program.
Location & hours
Training happens at a Hamilton Avenue address in San Jose, suite 30. The site doesn't describe the facility itself or mention parking availability.
1975 Hamilton Ave #30, San Jose, CA
Friday: Closed
Monday: 8AM-6PM
Sunday: 8AM-6PM
Tuesday: 8AM-6PM
Saturday: 8AM-6PM
Thursday: 8AM-6PM
Wednesday: 8AM-6PM
Contact / request a quote
Reach out directly or send a quote request through Bay Area Dog Training.
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