Business Details
29 Years
experience
Professional Dog Training & Boarding in Sonoma County
Fresh Start Dog Training & Boarding was founded in 1997 by Karin Grahn, a dedicated animal care professional with over 43 years of experience. Our mission is to provide compassionate, personalized training and boarding services that prioritize the safety, comfort, and socialization of every canine guest. We specialize in one-on-one training programs tailored to individual needs, combined with family-style boarding in a home environment. With a background as a State Humane Officer and extensive experience in animal hospitals and kennels, Karin developed Fresh Start to offer a natural, nurturing alternative to traditional concrete kennels.We serve Sonoma County, CA, offering services for puppies, adult dogs, and families seeking behavioral solutions. Our approach emphasizes leadership training for owners and consistent, positive reinforcement for dogs. In 2006, we expanded to include general boarding while maintaining our commitment to personalized care. All canine guests enjoy structured playtime, safe toys, and a restful environment. We are available seven days a week by appointment, ensuring flexibility for our clients' schedules.
Services
Dog Training
In-Home Boarding
Training & Boarding
Puppy Training
Behavioral Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 43 years of combined animal care experience and certified expertise.
- Our home-based boarding prioritizes personalized attention and socialization.
- Customized training programs address specific behavioral needs and owner goals.
- Seven-day availability with flexible appointment scheduling.
- Proven methods emphasize leadership training and positive reinforcement.
Services
Dog Training
Customized one-on-one training programs address basic commands, socialization, and behavioral issues for puppies and adult dogs. Sessions focus on leadership development for owners and positive reinforcement for dogs. Services include home visits and facility-based coaching to accommodate busy schedules.
In-Home Boarding
Family-style boarding in a home environment with personalized care, crate/pen accommodations, and supervised playtime. Compatible dogs socialize in large play areas with safe toys, while others enjoy private outdoor spaces. Medication administration and bedtime treats ensure comfort.
Training & Boarding
Integrated training and boarding for intensive behavioral development. Dogs receive consistent training over multiple days, followed by a family session to reinforce techniques. Ideal for owners seeking foundational training during travel or time constraints.
Puppy Training
Specialized programs for puppies under one year, focusing on socialization, basic commands, and separation anxiety. Early training begins at 12 weeks, tailored to breed-specific needs and owner lifestyles.
Behavioral Solutions
Targeted interventions for leash walking, behavioral issues, and integration with new family members. Techniques emphasize clear communication and structured routines to establish leadership roles between owners and dogs.
People
Karin Grahn
Founder & Lead Trainer
Karin has 43 years of animal care experience, including 17 years as a State Humane Officer and 18 years at an animal hospital. She founded Fresh Start in 1997 to provide personalized, compassionate dog training and boarding services in a home environment.
Questions
What services does Fresh Start offer?
We provide dog training, in-home boarding, and combined training-and-boarding programs tailored to puppies and adult dogs in Sonoma County.
Are services available on weekends?
Yes, we operate seven days a week by appointment, offering flexible scheduling for training and boarding needs.
How does the combined training and boarding program work?
Dogs stay for intensive training over multiple days, followed by a family session to reinforce techniques. Ideal for foundational training during travel.
What is the boarding environment like?
Dogs stay in a home environment with personalized care, supervised play in large areas, and crate/pen accommodations for safety.
What experience does Karin have?
Karin has 43 years of experience, including roles as a State Humane Officer and work at animal hospitals, ensuring expert care and training.
