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Oahu, Hawaii

Off-leash obedience, confidence, and care built on trust.

Happy Ohana Dog Training helps dogs become calmer, more confident companions through a two-week board-and-train program rooted in structure, real-world practice, and aloha.

Board & train Off-leash skills Real-world confidence

2 weeks

Immersive board & train

Off-leash

Reliability in real-world settings

Oahu

Serving the island

Positive

Reinforcement-based approach

Founder of Happy Ohana Dog Training
Aloha!

Who We Are

We train your dog with care and purpose

Using positive reinforcement, consistent structure, and real-world exposure, Happy Ohana helps dogs overcome fear and distraction while giving owners a clear path to keep the progress going.

Our Approach

Care, structure, and the spirit of ohana

Three values guide every session, every dog, and every family we work with.

Care

Every dog is treated like family. We build trust through patience, positive reinforcement, and genuine connection.

Structure

Consistent routines and clear cues give dogs the confidence to make good choices in any environment.

Aloha

The spirit of ohana shapes everything we do. We partner with families so progress lasts well beyond training.

Services

Support for your dog's growth

Every service is designed to help your dog feel secure, confident, and connected to your family.

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Dog sitting calmly during training 01

Board & Train

A two-week immersive program for core obedience, social skills, and off-leash reliability.

Your dog trains in a structured home environment with daily practice around real-world distractions, crate work, car loading, heel, place, recall, and calm behavior.

Two-week immersive Off-leash reliability Real-world practice
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Young dog looking attentive during puppy training 02

Puppy Foundations

A confident start for puppies through early socialization, basic commands, and structure.

Puppies learn clear routines, confidence around new experiences, and the first skills that make life at home easier.

Early socialization Basic commands Confidence building
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Dog practicing focus in a training setting 03

Behavior Modification

Targeted support for dogs struggling with reactivity, fear, anxiety, or leash frustration.

Training plans are built case by case, with structure and positive reinforcement to help dogs build calmer responses.

Reactivity support Case-by-case plans Positive reinforcement
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Dog practicing calm handling preparation 04

Handling Prep

Help your dog feel more comfortable with touch, brushing, grooming, and vet-style handling.

Gentle preparation can make grooming, vet visits, and everyday care less stressful for your dog and your family.

Grooming comfort Vet readiness Gentle exposure
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How It Works

A clear path from first call to confident companion

Every family moves through four simple steps so you always know what comes next.

01

Meet & Greet

We talk through your goals, your dog’s needs, and whether the board-and-train program is the right fit.

02

Board & Train

Your dog stays in a structured home environment for two weeks of daily training and real-world practice.

03

Take-Home Plan

You receive a clear structure plan, cues, and guidance so the progress continues seamlessly at home.

04

Follow-Up

Ongoing support helps you troubleshoot, stay consistent, and keep your dog growing after training ends.

Liko, a happy and confident training graduate
Liko

Featured Story

Liko found his confidence

“Liko was once fearful, anxious and protective. After his sessions with Kirk, he is more balanced, attentive and receptive to simple commands. Going holo-holo with Liko is so much more enjoyable now.”

Kathy Morimoto and her family worked with Kirk to help Liko overcome fear and anxiety. Ongoing refresher sessions keep the whole family accountable and the good habits going strong. We are truly a Happy 'Ohana!

Reviews

Steady progress clients can see at home

Real stories from Oahu families who worked through the board-and-train program and brought the structure home.

5 out of 5 stars

“Kirk took our anxious GSP for a two-week board and train and gave me back a completely different dog. He sent daily videos, gave me one-on-one coaching, and now Sadie walks calmly, goes off-leash at the park, and even comes to the mall with me. I'm so grateful.”

D

Denise & Sadie

Board & Train · Oahu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

“Kirk kept our dog Ivy a few extra days after the contract ended, at no charge, to make sure her off-leash training met his standards. He also holds free Sunday refresher sessions for every dog he's trained. Trustworthy, dedicated, and highly recommended.”

KL

Kevin Leong & Ivy

Off-Leash Training · Oahu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

“Our rambunctious 5-month-old golden doodle used to dart away and pounce on everyone. Kirk taught us about consistency and safety with two young kids at home. Now she follows directions on walks, ignores barking dogs, and even went off-leash at a busy beach park.”

NL

Nikki Leong

Puppy Foundations · Oahu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

“Koa can be a big, intimidating dog at first, but Kirk handled him with confidence and care. Communication was consistent throughout the board and train, which eased all our worries. Koa was in capable, caring hands the entire time.”

KM

Katrina Marena & Koa

Board & Train · Oahu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

“Kirk worked with our 2-year-old Catahoula mix while we were on vacation and the progress was unbelievable. Ziggy cruised Waikiki and Ala Moana with confidence, mastered the crate we could never crack, and heels off-leash perfectly. Kirk is truly a dog whisperer.”

K

Ka'ai & Ziggy

Board & Train · Oahu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

“I couldn't walk Kira because of her pulling and reactivity. After her two-week board and train she was a totally different dog. We get constant compliments on her behavior in public. The daily texts, pictures, and videos while she was boarding gave me total peace of mind.”

CP

Carissa Paguio & Kira

Behavior Modification · Oahu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

“Kirk worked wonders with our lunatic lab puppy. He trained her, coached me, worked with my kids, and even taught Kaia to provide support for our child with anxiety. I'm constantly asked who trained her. Best investment we've made.”

ED

Erin Dore & Kaia

Board & Train · Oahu, HI

5 out of 5 stars

“We sent our 5-month-old puppy to Kirk and every time we take her out we get compliments on her training. He treated her like his own, sent daily videos so we could watch her progress, and includes free Saturday group refresher sessions. No one else I'd recommend more.”

KL

Karmen Long

Board & Train · Oahu, HI

Gallery

Training in action

A look at the dogs, settings, and moments that shape the board-and-train experience.

FAQ

Common questions before the first call

A few quick answers about the board-and-train process, what dogs practice, and how families continue the structure at home.

What is included in the board and train program?

The two-week program includes daily hands-on training, structured socialization, crate and car loading practice, basic-to-advanced commands, and off-leash conditioning.

Will my dog forget the training after coming home?

Long-term success depends on owner consistency. You will receive clear guidance and a take-home structure plan so the training can continue at home.

Do you train dogs with behavior issues like reactivity?

Yes. Dogs with reactivity, anxiety, fear, or leash frustration are considered case by case during the consultation.

What commands do you teach?

Training can cover sit, down, place, heel, recall, distance down, crate or kennel, and more, often practiced in high-distraction or off-leash environments.

Where does my dog stay during training?

Dogs stay in a safe, structured, home-based environment rather than a kennel, which helps build comfort, trust, and consistency.

How do I know if this program is a good fit?

Start with a meet-and-greet. You can talk through your goals, your dog's needs, and whether the board-and-train program is the right next step.

Want to see if we're a good fit?

Schedule a meet-and-greet to discuss your goals and whether the board-and-train program is the right match for your dog.

Call now: (808) 741-9469