Meet Dave Sherako – Professional Dog Trainer in San Diego

A man is kissing a dog on the nose in a black and white photo.

A Trainer Who Understands Dogs and Owners

This is Max and I working on “forced retrieval” while I am praising him for doing so well.

At Balance Dog Training San Diego, Dave Sherako brings not only experience but genuine care and a deep understanding of dog behavior. As the founder and lead trainer, Dave’s mission is simple: help dog owners develop respectful, lasting relationships with their pets through clear communication, structure, and trust. His training goes beyond obedience—it’s about building a bond that helps both the dog and the owner thrive.

A Strong Foundation Built Over Years of Experience

Dave’s journey into dog training began with three German Shepherds he personally raised and trained. Through those years, he developed a strong intuition for reading dog behavior and understanding canine psychology. That personal experience grew into a career when he began working professionally with a national dog training company. Over time, Dave refined his methods to focus on one-on-one in-home training that prioritizes consistency and results.


Unlike many group-based training programs, Dave’s approach is centered around private sessions conducted in the dog’s natural environment. This allows him to observe behavior in real-life situations and create practical solutions that fit each household.

Why In-Home Training Works

Training in your home removes the distractions and limitations of class-based programs. It allows Dave to assess your dog’s behavior in the spaces where it matters most—your living room, backyard, and neighborhood. The methods he uses are rooted in calm leadership, fair discipline, and real-world practice.


Clients often report immediate improvements in their dog’s responsiveness, leash behavior, and general calmness after just one or two sessions. The five-week format allows time for consistent progress, owner confidence-building, and long-term retention.

Owner Involvement is Key

Dave believes in empowering owners, not just training dogs. Every session includes hands-on guidance so that you understand what to do and how to do it correctly. Dave doesn’t just train your dog—he teaches you how to maintain those results every day. The outcome is not just a well-behaved dog but a more confident and capable owner.

A group of people are posing for a picture with their dogs in a park.

Get to Know Dave in Person

The best way to understand Dave’s approach is to meet him. That’s why he offers a no-cost, in-home evaluation. During this session, he’ll meet your dog, observe behavior patterns, and discuss your training goals. From there, he’ll recommend the best training program tailored to your needs.

Trusted by San Diego Dog Owners

Over the years, Dave has helped hundreds of dogs and families across San Diego. His clients appreciate the professionalism, honesty, and genuine care he brings to every session. While Dave avoids quick fixes and gimmicks, he consistently delivers real results that last.



Real feedback from satisfied clients includes praise for his calm demeanor, deep knowledge, and commitment to both the dog and the owner’s success. These testimonials reflect the passion and pride Dave takes in his work.

Training Philosophy – Balance and Clarity

Dave uses a balanced training method that adapts to the individual needs of each dog. This approach blends positive reinforcement with clear boundaries, helping dogs understand what is expected of them while keeping the learning process calm and constructive.



He avoids excessive use of treats or punishment, instead focusing on communication, structure, and relationship-building. This philosophy is what makes Balance Dog Training San Diego unique in the dog training space.

Contact Us Today!

Lets begin the journey to a confident well trained dog together.  To schedule your free in home no obligation evaluation, click on the contact us button below.