1 / 6
RFRD Academy is a dog training business in San Jose, California offering Board and Train and Private Lessons, with published programs from $90.
San Jose • CA • Training facility • 4.5 ★ (16 Google reviews)
Last verified: Sep 6, 2026
34 / 100
Limited information
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
What they say about themselves
RFRD Academy grew out of a canine nutrition practice that the founder started six years ago in San Jose, expanding into a broader operation that now includes training, boarding, daycare, and rescue support. According to their site, they frame their work as mission-driven rather than profit-focused, describing themselves as a "last resort" for struggling dogs and families willing to take on difficult cases that others won't.
The business operates a private, enclosed off-leash dog park called the RFRD Canine Recreation Center, where they offer memberships, drop-in passes, and one-on-one training sessions. Their services extend well beyond training—they list boarding, daycare, dog walking, transport, grooming, nutrition guidance, and medical care coordination. Client accounts reference multi-week board-and-train programs that include a family integration phase.
What stands out in their messaging is an explicit rejection of marketing themselves as "the best," stating instead they aim to be "part of meaningful change" in the dog industry. They've partnered with several rescue organizations including California Bully Rescue, Dog Park Rescue, and SJ Animal Advocates, running a sanctuary that supports dogs in transition to adoption. Whether this philosophy translates into practice is something prospective clients would need to evaluate, but the scope of what they're attempting—combining training, care services, and rescue work under one operation—is broader than a typical training business.
Consultations and evaluations before you commit to a program.
A trainer conducts an initial assessment of the dog's behavior to determine what kind of program is needed before enrollment.
Best for: Dogs showing behavioral concerns such as possessiveness prior to starting a training program.
Focus: Resource guarding, Aggression
A seven-week board and train program addresses obedience, resource guarding, and socialization, with follow-up and handoff sessions included. RFRD Academy also runs private lessons through their Pups & Parks line, offering drop-in sessions or multi-session plans spanning three months.
Drop-in private sessions run $90 each. The board and train program and multi-session training packages don't list prices on the site.
The dog stays on-site for an extended residential program, with training practiced both at the facility and outdoors around real-world distractions. Owners join for a final handoff session to learn how to work with their dog.
The dog boards at the facility for the program length, then owners attend one-on-one sessions before pickup.
Best for: Dogs needing behavior work such as possessiveness, separation anxiety, or lack of prior training.
Focus: Basic obedience, Resource guarding, Socialization
Duration: 7 weeks
Includes: Follow-up sessions, Owner handoff sessions
Board and Train in San Jose typically runs $188–$5,880 across 10 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Board and Train Program | Not published | 7 weeks |
A single one-on-one training session held at the private dog park facility with no ongoing commitment required.
The owner books one hour-long session with a trainer at the recreation center.
Focus: Basic obedience
Duration: 1 sessions
A recurring training plan offering three one-on-one sessions per month over a three month period at the recreation center.
The owner attends monthly one-hour sessions with a trainer over three months.
Focus: Basic obedience
Duration: 3 months
Private Lessons in San Jose typically runs $95–$2,940 across 12 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
A more intensive recurring training plan offering five one-on-one sessions per month over a three month period.
The owner attends monthly one-hour sessions with a trainer over three months.
Focus: Basic obedience
Duration: 3 months
Private Lessons in San Jose typically runs $95–$2,940 across 12 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Pups & Parks Drop-In 1:1 Training | $90 per session | 1 sessions |
| Pups & Parks 3-Session Training Plan | Not published | 3 months |
| Pups & Parks 5-Session Training Plan | Not published | 3 months |
Questions to ask about training methods
Method: Not specified on their website
No training method is mentioned on their website.
Certifications: Not specified on their website
Verification still pending or not yet requested. See our methodology for what verification does and does not mean.
Operating from a dedicated facility for six years, they send video updates during board and train stays. Certifications, insurance, and overnight staffing details aren't published.
Facility: Training facility
Owner visits: not specified on their website.
Video updates: Occasional updates
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: RFRD Academy does not publish board & train pricing. Across San Jose, 37 programs publish prices from about $84 to $3,580.
Reviews: RFRD Academy shows 4.5★ from 16 Google reviews among 11 published San Jose programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 34 out of 100 (price 25%, program clarity 89%). 3 of 11 San Jose listings show certifications; this business does not list certifications.
The East Virginia Street address in San Jose sits in a commercial area. Parking and accessibility information isn't listed.
260 E Virginia St, San Jose, CA
Hours: Not specified on their website
Reach out directly or send a quote request through RFRD Academy.
Orion Dog Training
San Jose, CA · 4.9 ★ (69)
Group Classes
7 programs
From $35
Reward-based
Willow Glen Paws
San Jose, CA · 5.0 ★ (21)
Private Lessons · Board and Train · Group Classes
4 programs
From $200
Reward-based
Happy Tails to You Dog Training
San Jose, CA · 5.0 ★ (38)
Group Classes · Private Lessons
3 programs
From $300
Method unclear
Smart Paws Private Training
San Jose, CA · 5.0 ★ (9)
Private Lessons
3 programs
From $135
Method unclear
Ayala K9 Dog Training
San Jose, CA · 5.0 ★ (51)
Private Lessons · Board and Train
5 programs
From $75
Method unclear
Bay Area Dog Training
San Jose, CA · 4.6 ★ (21)
Group Classes · Private Lessons · Board and Train
6 programs
From $225
Method unclear