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Rav'n Dog Training, established in 1990, has been training families and their dogs in the San Francisco Bay Area for competition, pet obedience, rally, nose work and behavior. Pat Rohde, owner and director of Rav'n Dog Training, has been training dogs since 1972. Pat has a wealth of experience in teaching all levels of obedience and has received a title of Certified Professional Dog Trainer.

Rav'n Dog Training is delighted to offer dog owners and their canine companions a variety of classes to strengthen the bond between owner and dog.
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Our beginning and puppy classes use positive, motivational methods to teach you how to build a solid relationship with your dog and to avoid common behavior problems (or how to eliminate problems that are already cropping up). You will begin teaching your dog a reliable recall, sit, down, stay, heel, and loose leash walking.
For instance you may be having some common problems with your dog like house soiling, not coming back to you or leaving your yard. You may be seeing more serious problems like bullying and dominance displays or other signs of aggression. We can help you child-proof your dog. Rates vary by location. There is no guarantee that every problem can be resolved but you owe it to your dog to give them every chance to become the model citizen you want.
I believe one of the most misunderstood areas of dog behavior is the relationship between a dog and a child. Most children who are bitten receive the bite from their own dog or a friend's or relative's dog. Dogs are pack animals and when they are adopted by a family they become a member of the human pack.
The name game can enhance name recognition and provide a fun game to play with dogs at any age. For a young puppy, the name game is a great place to start to teach them the value of the bond with you.
Reviews (14)
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Lorranie Campbell
Apr 28, 2021
We got a boxer from Pets in Need and they recommended it. Oscar the boxer had some behavior issues and it was wonderful how they helped with this! They understood his social and loyalty. When we find another furry family member I am definitely going back! Great trainers!
Jaz Singh
Nov 15, 2019
Rav'n dog training does a great job teaching about how to train your dog and yourself! I learned a lot, and really appreciate the positive reinforcement techniques.
Jeff L.
Mar 20, 2019
Pat Rhode is a very seasoned dog trainer. She has valuable knowledge in dog behaviours and share them to her students. Highly recommended trainer! Definitely 5 stars!
Maria E.
Oct 29, 2018
I have been training with Pat for more than 12 years. With my first dog Mac, she helped my learn how to masterfully manage his reactive behavior for his whole life (11 years). Pat was there for me any time I needed her. When I called her, she always called me back and spent so much time talking with me, supporting me emotionally and offering great advice.

I love Pat! Now with my current dog, Malcolm, we are thoroughly enjoying her classes again. I also love all her trainers. Over the years they have also been amazing and supportive. I have trained in many of the offered classes, beginning through advanced 2, and also rally and most currently "nose work". So fun for me and Malcolm, and a great community of people!
Gayle E.
Oct 19, 2018
I cannot give enough praise to Raven Dog Training, Pat Rhode and her trainers who have successfully trained me and my dog for several years. When I rescued my dog, she had never seen a leash or collar. With their professional and gentle guidance and patience, we now have a wonderful addition to our family. This last year we have entered several competitions in obedience, and my dog earned an obedience title. The results of their knowledgable training far exceeded any expectations I had for my dog. Kudos
Nataly G.
Sep 16, 2018
If you are looking for an effective training, this is not the place. Pat talks way too much. During the first session she talked to us for 3 hours! while having her dogs crying in her van all the time :(((( The training is cheap, but I think you can get out more information from YouTube videos. We left after the first session because I figured that I would rather pay more money for a decent training. After I told her that I don't want to continue the training and wanted my payment back, Pat got extremely aggressive and protective. overall, a pretty bad experience.
Carol G.
Aug 13, 2018
Pat's classes are excellent. She takes the time to give individual instruction as well as group activities. Her approach is positive with comments that encourage and train the handler as well as the dog. I have two mini American Shepherds with very different personalities, and the training advice and guidance I get from Pat and the other Rav'n Dog trainers is personalized for each dog. My dogs get excited every week when they see we are on the way to a training class!
Sabrina H.
May 24, 2016
We have been taking classes for over a year now (with some breaks etc). We started with beginning/puppy training and are now doing advanced. Our labradoodle is our first dog ever (we have teenage boys but never had a dog due to allergies etc). We began with a puppy at 3 months old. I see alot of good reviews but disappointed to see a couple of bad ones. True, Pat- the main/head trainer seems quirky, but she knows her stuff.

And her team of trainers are fabulous. The beginning class and advanced are with Pat but our intermediate classes were with other trainers. We had a private trainer come to our house a few times before we went to group classes and the two experiences are very different but both good for us and the dog. True, the park is distracting, but don't be discouraged.

It is good for you and the dog to train on how to focus with real life distractions. Your dog should get used to other cars, children, other things with wheels going by. It is ok if not every moment of every class is perfect (and everyone has an off day); you and the dog are still learning something. The park and the other dogs make it a different experience and remember: the price is reasonable because it is a group class at a park. Pat truly cares about dogs and wants everyone to have a good experience with their dog.

Or every dog to have a good experience with their owner? :-) sometimes she is busy because she is teaching classes one after the other but she is helpful with advice if you can get her before class. Also the other trainers are helpful and they are usually free before and after their classes. Maybe it is because we never had a dog, but I think it REALLY helped to take intermediate after beginning. Mick (our dog) learned all of the basics in beginner and is still learning - when he is not learning I know it is only because we do not practice at home or I am not sure of what I am doing.

This is why it is good to go to and keep going to classes. I see Pat going over specifics with other people in class when they are not getting it (in advanced even) and she has done this for me in and out of class. If you have specific issues, you should consider getting her for private lessons. I think that is what I will do- and I'll post to let you know how that goes.
Byron R.
Nov 22, 2015
Great training. We have trained three dogs with pat through her advanced training and used her to evaluate a new dog. In all case we were better for her help. Her program is always fun for both dog and us. So much better to train dog in Pats class where the dog has to learn to deal with multiple other dogs and distractions. Pat is a believes in positive reinforcement and I have never seen her be in the slightest bit harsh with a dog
K. C.
Mar 09, 2015
Our jubilant Flat Coat/Border Collie mix had a blast in Pat's puppy class. Kudos to Pat and her team of trainers (Mary, Erin, Kathy, Vicki, and Arlene) who made sure that we got a full workout, answered any questions with kindness and consideration, and sent us home with plenty of great advice. We continued to see improvements each week with our cheerful mutt and look forward to more training.

A lot of practice and patience were key in getting our pup to where she is now - we'll be back for the next round of classes. Pat and her team are very tuned into not just the pups and adult dogs, but to the two-legged ones at the other end of the leash, too. They're paying close attention so that we stay focused and safe so we can all have fun and our dogs (and us) get the training we need. It's hard work and a continual labor of love, but well worth the time and effort.
D. J.
May 07, 2009
I love Pat! She makes the class fun. She is so tuned into your pet. She gave me a lot of insight into some of my puppies behaviors. She is also very accomodating. I signed my pup up and have missed a number of classes. She will let me make up the classes when I can. I have referred a couple of my friends to her. I plan on taking the next series of classes with her. She uses her own dogs for demos and boy are they cute. She has a terrier and a lab and both of them could be in the movies.
Cheryl B.
Feb 27, 2009
Pat is a super trainer who cares for her people and the dogs they bring to class. Both of my whippets have done very well in her classes and that is saying something as this is not a breed that trains easily. We've taken classes both at this location and at the outdoor location where she teaches the Pets in Need classes. Pat does have a strong personality which may be off-putting to some but I think this just adds to her ability to teach. Pat really knows her stuff and has many times taught us a different technique if my dog is not learning well with the general technique.

I really like that Pat is actively training her own dogs which I think shows her continuing enthusiasm for her chosen field. What one may feel as being called out is what I take as individual attention which I appreciate. I have taken classes with many different trainers and while most have something to give you, I find Pat is best all around for pet and competition training.
Kirsten M.
Feb 10, 2009
This is a great obedience class for dog owners. Pat is the main dog trainer and she sometimes doesn't give the greatest first impression. but she knows her stuff and I think she means well. Once you get to know her better you can see she is just very passionate about dogs. Pat's other trainers and assistants are a dream to work with. Mary and Erin are the best, they are patient and explain each exercise well without making you sit for too long (the dogs get bored).

The training philosophy is reward/lure based with all positive reinforcement and very little "corrections". I admit to be a skeptic when we first signed up, but after a few session + lots of practice I've seen such an improvement in their behavior, not just with obedience but manners around the house. The dogs really enjoy it too. I plan on continuting with the intermediate I and II when we're finished. So come to class withan open mind, be prepared for some lectures but overall this is a wonderful class.
Mark V.
Nov 07, 2008
There are much better trainers out there than Pat. I really don't understand the cult-like following. We took our then 7-month-old puppy for outdoor beginning classes and were sorely disappointed by the class. First, even though the larger class is broken down into groups, those smaller groups still had upward of 10 dogs in each (with only 1 instructor) leaving it difficult to hear and follow instructions. Pat (and some of the assistants) are the most condescending people I've ever worked with (especially given that we're the client, not the other way around).

The exercises are nothing particularly innovative. We've continued training our dog mostly through techniques we pick up from reading, on tv, from videos, etc. The most telling sign of the complete disregard Pat et al. have for the clients is that we dropped out after only a few classes. Nobody followed up to check in. Pat takes roll every week, so it's not as though she doesn't know that we stopped going. By the way, there is a strict no-money-back policy, so once they've got you, they've got you.