iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 69%99+68.5Reliability 31%97+29.8Experts Score= 98Not enough data for value, replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.98SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#15 of 75 dog trainersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 81%
5.0★★★★★80 Google reviews · 24 photos
100%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
KW Happy Dogs holds a 5.0 rating from eighty Google reviews, with the owner responding to every comment. Clients frequently cite punctuality, clear communication, and fair pricing as key aspects of the service. Recurring themes include the trainer's deep knowledge of canine behavior and her use of positive, customized strategies for issues like reactivity, anxiety, and puppy development. Reviewers note that sessions provide practical techniques and follow-up resources, helping owners build confidence in managing their pets' daily challenges.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 80 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 80 Google reviews (78 with written comments, 23 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 100% of reviews.
Most recent review: September 12, 2026.
Service: Dog Trainer serving Petaluma, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other dog trainers
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and satisfaction; weakest: reliability.
KW Happy DogsDog Trainers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.KW Happy Dogs: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
99
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.KW Happy Dogs: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.A
97
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
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ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
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MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.KW Happy Dogs: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 51.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
80 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars80100%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 78 written reviews
96%praise
Praise10096%
Complaints44%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude4139%
Would recommend2827%
Communication1817%
Speed & response88%
Honesty & trust55%
Quality & results33%
Price & value11%
What customers talk about
We read 78 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“She was patient, encouraging, and so lovely to work with.”
“We learned so much from her and would highly recommend her!”
“I could not recommend her enough.”
“Instead, it’s more about understanding the animal, communicating sensitively with them, and controlling the environment.”
“Our pup has a couple of small behavioral issues and Kirsten immediately helped us to work successfully on handling them and given us more confidence w…”
“…t, she gave us specific achievable exercises to work on to build her trust, and within a few weeks Maisy was starting to move down the sidewalk.…”
“We had such a great experience working with Kirsten!”
“I put that in quotes, because there is a lot of complexity in that phrase; the basic idea is that Kirsten is about building a relationship between you…”
People customers mention
Kirsten57 reviews
Wojcik3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired KW Happy Dogs for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Suzannah8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★★
We had such a great experience working with Kirsten! We have an anxious Goldendoodle, and she taught us practical strategies to help him be less reactive on leash. She was patient, encouraging, and so lovely to work with. Kirsten is also incredibly knowledgeable about dog behavior and was fascinating to talk with.…
Reasonable priceDog training
Salvatore2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Kirsten is an angel. She is a dog savant and speaks their language fluently. She helped us understand my anxious reactive dog so much more and gave us prescriptive advice that's proved to be extremely valuable. What's more, she's incredibly generous with her time. I highly recommend her and look forward to seeing…
EllenLocal Guide · 12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 10 months ago★★★★★
We came to Kirsten looking for help with our fearful rescue dog (age 6). After having Maisy for 10 months she was still too scared to let us put a harness on her and had never been on a walk. We were desperate to change that. Our family is so appreciative of what we were able to accomplish with Kirsten's guidance.…
Dog training
Sally4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 11 months ago★★★★★
Kirsten helped me with my pups immensely. She was knowledgeable about everything - mobility, health, behavior, training, you name it. Most importantly, she was so kind with me and helped ease my anxiety with in turn helped my boys. I could not recommend her enough.
Marc2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
Kirsten has worked with us several times over the last year with our 22 month Golden. She has been absolutely wonderful to work with. Kirsten is very knowledgeable, positive and helpful. Our pup has a couple of small behavioral issues and Kirsten immediately helped us to work successfully on handling them and given…
OolaLocal Guide · 29 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a year ago★★★★★
I adopted a cattle dog mix from Compassion without Borders about a month ago. She was from a Mexican shelter and had only been in the Compassion without Borders Shelter for 2.5 months before I adopted her. Ellie is an amazing dog but was fearful of people, cars, riding in cars and walking in public places. Kirsten…
We had such a great experience working with Kirsten! We have an anxious Goldendoodle, and she taught us practical strategies to help him be less reactive on leash. She was patient, encouraging, and so lovely to work with. Kirsten is also incredibly knowledgeable about dog behavior and was fascinating to talk with. We learned so much from her and would highly recommend her!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you Suzannah! I was so impressed with your understanding and responsiveness to meeting your boy’s needs. I’m so glad he has you to guide and support him.
Salvatore Schiano2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Salvatore has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Kirsten is an angel. She is a dog savant and speaks their language fluently. She helped us understand my anxious reactive dog so much more and gave us prescriptive advice that's proved to be extremely valuable. What's more, she's incredibly generous with her time. I highly recommend her and look forward to seeing continued progress in my dog as a result of Kirsten's guidance.
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you, Sal! I learned so much from working with your girl and I’m so glad she has you as her guardian.
Maysie Tift3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Maysie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Kirsten is the best! She helped us to understand our dog’s developmental stage and needs, and showed us how to deal with his wild behaviors that were driving us crazy. Body slams in the house, painful play biting, barking, chewing things up, etc. Kirsten is very chill and keeps things so upbeat and positive. It was fun to watch her interact so intuitively with our dog. She has a nice manner that is effective without being harsh, punitive, or controlling. Instead, it’s more about understanding the animal, communicating sensitively with them, and controlling the environment. Kirsten gave us confidence as first time dog owners, and some much-needed perspective on how this was a hard but temporary phase (she was right). We only needed a few sessions over time. We now truly enjoy our dog’s vibe at home, and using her techniques we know how to calm him when he does get over-stimulated at times.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you Maysie! It was so wonderful working with you and your sweet boy. I loved watching how well he responded to the techniques you and your family practiced. So happy you all found each other!!
Ellen LeungLocal Guide · 12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ellen has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We came to Kirsten looking for help with our fearful rescue dog (age 6). After having Maisy for 10 months she was still too scared to let us put a harness on her and had never been on a walk. We were desperate to change that. Our family is so appreciative of what we were able to accomplish with Kirsten's guidance. She gave us the confidence and techniques to push Maisy (and us) a little bit, step-by-step so she could get to a much fuller life. Beginning with successfully getting Maisy into a harness during Kirsten's first visit, she gave us specific achievable exercises to work on to build her trust, and within a few weeks Maisy was starting to move down the sidewalk. She now LOVES exploring the outside world, including hikes. Thank you Kirsten for giving Maisy and us the tools and support to make this very positive change!
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 10 months ago
Thank you Ellen! I am so grateful that you trusted me and the process. Sweet Maisy is so lucky that she found her way into your home and hearts!
Sally Scheidlinger4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sally has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Kirsten helped me with my pups immensely. She was knowledgeable about everything - mobility, health, behavior, training, you name it. Most importantly, she was so kind with me and helped ease my anxiety with in turn helped my boys. I could not recommend her enough.
Response from the owner · 11 months ago
Thank you, Sally! I loved watching you and your pups learn new skills and grow more confident together! Thank you for trusting me.
Marc Marvin2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Marc has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Kirsten has worked with us several times over the last year with our 22 month Golden. She has been absolutely wonderful to work with. Kirsten is very knowledgeable, positive and helpful. Our pup has a couple of small behavioral issues and Kirsten immediately helped us to work successfully on handling them and given us more confidence with her training. She's also very good her clients - both dogs and their owners. She sends an email summary with tips and techniques after each session - much appreciated. Our dog loves her and we recommend Kirsten very highly.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you Marc! It has been so much fun watching Joy thrive in your care!! I am so glad you found each other.
Oola MarLocal Guide · 29 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Oola has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I adopted a cattle dog mix from Compassion without Borders about a month ago. She was from a Mexican shelter and had only been in the Compassion without Borders Shelter for 2.5 months before I adopted her. Ellie is an amazing dog but was fearful of people, cars, riding in cars and walking in public places. Kirsten taught me how to understand Ellie and to cultivate a loving nurturing bond. She's so wonderful to work with and offers training techniques tailored for Ellie and me. After 3 sessions and working daily using Kirsten's training techniques, Ellie is comfortable riding not only my car but other people's cars. She is calmer in general and eager to engage with people in public places. I highly recommend Kirsten as one of the best dog behaviorists I have ever worked with.
Oola Mar
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you Oola! What a wonderful experience it has been watching you two growing together and learning about each other. I am so grateful for the loving care and agency you have given Ellie. She is thriving because of you!
Stacy Colwell2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Stacy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Kirsten is very knowledgeable and intuitive when relating to reactive dogs. She is confident, patient, and a great teacher. Observing her interact with my dog in the presence of her triggers has helped me learn how to approach similar situations positively and more confidently. I've had five sessions, and at each session, Kirsten taught me new strategies, offered practical solutions to problems, and provided me with tools to help. My sweet rescue dog and I are making consistent progress in addressing her fears and anxiety. We will continue to work with Kirsten every few months to strengthen those skills and learn new ones. Kirsten is a great resource, and I couldn't recommend her enough!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you Stacy! I am so impressed with how much progress you’ve made with your sweet girl. It’s such a pleasure working with you as your positive energy and patience is contagious.
Kris Christie2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kris has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
When we brought our new puppy home, Kirsten guided us through every stage with clear, practical advice and tailored strategies that helped her thrive while strengthening our connection. She also worked miracles with our elder dog, addressing cognitive issues and anxiety with patience and compassion. Thanks to her guidance, we’ve created a calming environment and learned to better understand our senior dog’s needs, bringing her comfort and joy.
Kirsten’s kind, professional, and insightful approach has made all the difference. She’s always responsive when we need reminders or tune-ups and has shown us how training and activities can deepen our bond with our dogs. If you want someone who truly invests in your dogs’ happiness and well-being, Kirsten is the best!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you Kris! I love the way you are both always working to meet the needs of your pups and support them so they can thrive. Your sense of humor and huge hearts make you so much fun to work with, and I always look forward to our sessions together.
aman kmangat2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews aman has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My dog was really struggling with reactivity around bigger dogs and Kirsten has really helped us not only get better on walks but also more comfortable with reading his body language and how he perceives the world! Highly recommend for anyone who would like to pursue some training or understanding your dog’s behavior and working on specific issues!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you Aman! It has been such a pleasure working with you and your sweet boy. You do such a beautiful job of supporting him, and because you both are so connected, the behavior modification has helped him be more confident. You are a wonderful Dog Mama.
