Happy Hearts Canines

Calm,confident dogs, capable humans.

Hi, I'm Jeanine (ja-neen)— dog trainer, linguist, and disability advocate based in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA.
I use science-based, positive reinforcement methods to build better communication between dogs and humans — especially those navigating big feelings, loud environments, or access challenges.
Training isn’t just about obedience. It’s about building trust and confidence — in both directions.

Meet the Team

Who is behind Happy Hearts Canines?

I’m Jeanine—a service dog handler, trauma-informed trainer, and lifelong educator.

I wasn’t always a dog trainer—I have a master’s in linguistics and over a decade of experience teaching ESL, communication skills, and intercultural communication to (human) students, business professionals, and diplomats from around the world. When my own disabilities landed me in the hospital for weeks, it pushed me to train my own service dog and, after a deep dive into animal training and psychology, I realized the same tools I used for teaching humans could empower dogs and their guardians.

When my illnesses caused me to lose my job, I threw myself into learning, reading, and taking courses from Susan Garrett, Linda Kaim, and other leaders in the dog training community. Now, I blend science, compassion, and a little bit of humor to help dogs and their humans work as a team.

I work with companion (pet) dogs, service dogs, and am especially interested in kids and dogs. Approximately 70% of dog bite fatalities are children, with most bites coming from a trusted, family pet. Education for parents, kids, and dogs, is the first step in bite prevention.

Neurodivergent and disabled clients welcome—This is a shame-free zone, and I'm committed to making dog training accessible for everyone. If you don't see what you need here, please send me a message and I'll be happy to see what I can do to help!

Who is that cute, fluffy service dog?

Jo is a 4-year-old Portuguese Water Dog who works as both my service dog and my demo partner here at Happy Hearts Canines.

Jojo models the calm routines, service dog tasks, and training games we use with client dogs—In demos, she shows families what’s possible: a dog that is focused, confident, and still full of personality.

Some of Jo's favorite things to do when shes off-duty are playing tug or fetch, learning new skills/tricks, and sniffing/searching for items! If you can't find her, she can likely be found snuggling mamma.

How does Jo help you?

As a service dog, Jo is specifically trained to help me with both psychiatric disabilities (PTSD, anxiety, and depression), and physical disabilities (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, Chronic Migraine)—we call this a "multipurpose service dog", because she mitigates both psychiatric and physical disabilities. Her trained tasks include:

Psychiatric Tasks

Alerting me if I am going to have a PTSD episode (taps my leg with her paw)
Grounding during PTSD episodes (puts her head or whole body on mine like a weighted blanket)
Behavior interruption for crying, dissociation, foot/hand tapping (taps me with her foot, escalates by using her head to stop me)

Psychical Tasks

Retrieving items
Pulling my wheelchair when we go long distances
Closing and opening doors and drawers

Learn More About Service Dogs

Our Services

HHC's Brave Dogs Program

Locals only: Pacifica Firework Fear Mitigation

Help your dog stay calm, confident, and safe before the New Year’s Eve fireworks begin. This 8-week program includes two one-hour private lessons per week, with structured desensitization, sound-confidence exercises, and handler guidance. Designed for dogs who struggle with fireworks, thunder, or other loud noises.

16 private lessons (2/week for 8 weeks or 1/week for 16 weeks)
$1,600 total ($100/1hr session)
Trackers and handouts
Access to Pack Only online training videos
Help via text during emergencies (9am-5pm)
Add extra lessons at a discounted $95/session if you want to accelerate progress

Companion (Pet) Training

Behavioral Solutions/Puppy Program

For new puppies/newly adopted dogs, or family dogs who need a little extra polish, this program focuses on everyday manners, leash skills, and calm behavior in real-world settings. Using kind, effective training methods, we’ll help your dog become a confident, responsive companion both at home and out in the world.

$100 1hr private lesson (min booking 4 sessions, no exceptions)
6-Session Package: $540 (save $60)
Trackers and handouts
Access to Pack Only online training videos

Service Dog Training

*Disabled clients only

Train your own service dog with professional guidance. This program focuses on building strong foundations, reliable task performance, and calm public access skills—all through positive, science-based training. Whether you’re starting your dog’s training or fine-tuning advanced work, each session is customized to your needs and disability-related goals.

Initial Consultation (90 min): $200
Private Task & Public Access Lessons: $100 per 1hr session
Comprehensive 10-Session Program: $940 (saves $60)

For financial assistance, please send us a message. We have a sliding-scale price for people in certain circumstances in line with our goal of keeping dog training accessible. Limited slots available.

Board-and-train

Residential Bootcamp

Our Board & Train program provides intensive, structured learning in a safe home environment. Your dog lives and trains with us, practicing manners, calm behavior, and confidence through daily lessons, enrichment, and real-world outings. This program is ideal for busy owners or for dogs needing consistent structure and professional handling.

Standard Program (no training): $110 per day
- Daily feeding, grooming, walks (2/day), enrichment, and play
- Housebreaking Add-On: +$25 per day
- Daily text and photo check-ins
Behavior Modification Program: $160 per day. Includes:
- Daily feeding, grooming, walks (2/day), enrichment, and play
- Daily, one-on-one training with specific goals
- Go-home report and 30min transfer session
- Daily text and photo check-ins