Happy Hearts Canines

Confident dogs, capable humans.

Hi, I'm Jeanine Kosinski (ja-neen ka-zin-ski)—dog trainer, linguist, and disability advocate based in the San Francisco Bay Area, CA.
I use science-based, humane 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)

Physical Tasks

Retrieving items
Pulling my wheelchair when we go long distances
Closing and opening doors and drawers
Anxiety (scent) alert
Learning: migraine alert

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

Ideal For new puppies, kids with dogs, busy families, simple manners refreshers, leash skills, confidence building. A structured training session where HHC works directly with your dog while you are at work or focusing on other responsibilities. Includes real-life practice, confidence games, and basic obediance.

Includes:

1:1 training session (60 minutes)
Reinforcement plan tailored to your dog
Training videos + clear next steps
Follow-up support

Rate: $145/session (or $420/3-pack)

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.

Send us a message for pricing and fundraising options.

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, new parents, or for dogs needing consistent structure and professional handling.

Foundational Board & Train

Weekdays: $150/night
Weekends/Holidays: $175/night

Includes:

Manners
Leash skills
Confidence building
Engagement & lifestyle behaviors
Daily structured sessions (2–4 sessions)

Targeted / Reactive Board & Train

Weekdays: $175/night
Weekends/Holidays: $200/night
Includes:
Reactivity support
Fear/sensitivity work
Threshold management
Behavior goal plan
Video updates
Transfer session

3-week minimum recommended.

ADD-ONS

Housebreaking: +$25/night
Enrichment or Field Sessions: $45–$65/day
Short-Stay Premium:
- +$20/night (1–3 nights)
- +$10/night (4–6 nights)

Late pickup fee: $45

At this time, we do NOT accept

Aggressive dogs (reactive dogs welcome after assessment)
Dogs with bite history
Dogs requiring isolation or aggression rehabilitation
Unvaccinated dogs
Female dogs in season/intact males

The reason is, my service dog was bitten in March 2025, and I need to keep her safe. I do not have the space to isolate, and females in heat/intact males require space and significant care that I cannot support at this time.

FAQs

Why does dog training cost this much?

You’re not paying for “time”—you’re paying for expertise, safety, 1:1 care, and results. I am transparent in my pricing and it reflects local averages.

Do you offer discounts?

Yes and no. I offer a supported rate for families with disabilities or financial hardship.
- Tier 1: Standard Pricing (recommended for most families)
- Tier 2: Supported Rate (-10%) for disabled, veteran, or low-income clients in need
  - One client/month only, no exceptions 3 month max
- Tier 3: Community Rate (-20%) for service dog handlers on SSDI or single parents with disability-related needs.
  - Two spots per quarter, no exceptions

Proof not required—trust-based, please leave these slots for those in need.

Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, absolutely. I want training to feel doable, not stressful.
Any multi-session package can be split into 2–3 simple payments after the initial deposit.

To keep things smooth and predictable for you and your dog, and fair to us:

A deposit reserves your spot ($100)
The remaining balance is divided into 2–3 payments
Payments are automatic so you don’t have to think about it
- Training continues as long as payments remain active

Do you guarantee results?

No ethical trainer can guarantee behavior—but I guarantee transparency, evidence-based methods, and clear progress updates.

Do you train aggressive dogs or dogs that have attacked?

For medical reasons, no—I can refer you to trusted, local behaviorists.

Can you help with service dog work?

Yes. I offer a 6-week foundations program for/training service dog preparation.

Boundaries

Sliding scale applies only to private sessions, not board & train.
Must book a package of sessions (3 or more), no exceptions
I do not offer support on holidays, weekends, or weekdays after 5PM.
I have a few disabilities, and will do my best to