About Us
Voted Best Dog Trainer & Best Boarding by Mercury News
two years in a row,
D For Dogz has been helping Silicon Valley families and their dogs since 2012. Whether you have a brand new puppy, a dog who barks and lunges on walks, an adolescent who has stopped listening, or a newly adopted dog still finding their footing — we understand how challenging and overwhelming it can feel. We have the experience and the programs to help.
Meet Kaajal Tiwary (KT): Certified Dog Trainer & Behavior Specialist
Kaajal Tiwary, known affectionately as “KT” by her clients, is a certified dog trainer & behavior specialist who has spent over 14 years helping Silicon Valley families raise confident, well-adjusted dogs from puppyhood through adolescence and beyond. Her professional certifications from Karen Pryor Academy, Animal Behavior College, and Family Paws Parent Education are matched by the lived experience of raising her own dog Diesel from five days old, navigating his fearfulness and leash reactivity firsthand.
She is a mentor trainer for Victoria Stilwell Academy, an AKC CGC evaluator, and continuously deepens her knowledge in canine behavior, physiology, nutrition, and emotional wellness. KT also brings a unique dimension to her work as a Certified Reiki Master, Emotion Code Practitioner, TTouch Practitioner, and Quantum Healing specialist. She integrates these gentle techniques to support emotional balance and help dogs feel secure while they learn.
KT Specializes in Puppy Training & Complex Dog Behavior Solutions For Bay Area Family Dogs
She is especially passionate about puppy development, and is best known for helping energetic, curious puppies grow into well-mannered, confident adult companions through her Puppy Board & Train programs.
She also brings specialized expertise in working compassionately with fearful, anxious, or reactive dogs. Those who see the world as overwhelming or unsafe and may respond with reactivity or aggression. KT’s calm, confidence-building approach helps these dogs feel secure and seen.
No two dogs are the same. No two families are the same. KT builds every training plan around what actually works for you and your dog. She also supports you — so you never feel lost, frustrated, or alone in the process.
Meet Diesel: Kaajal’s Heart Dog & the Inspiration Behind D For Dogz
Diesel came into Kaajal’s life at just five days old. She bottle-fed him and raised him, and in many ways he became her greatest teacher, helping her understand what fearful, reactive, and sensitive dogs truly need to feel safe and confident. His journey inspired KT’s signature D.I.E.S.E.L Protocol, designed to help leash-reactive dogs build calm, confidence, and self-regulation. Diesel also sparked Kaajal’s passion for Nose Work, Canine Freestyle, Nutrition, and Dog Physiology.
Diesel grew into a calm, confident dog who spent years helping KT socialize puppies and build confidence in fearful dogs.
He passed away suddenly from an anesthetic error at ten years old. He was more than a companion. He was the heart behind everything D For Dogz stands for. His legacy lives on through Diesel’s FootPrint, the nonprofit KT founded in his memory to provide veterinary financial assistance and caregiver support for families navigating life with chronically ill pets.
Our Core Values
World-Class Excellence
We hold certifications from some of the most respected institutions in dog training and behavior, pursue ongoing education, and are committed to delivering results that make a real difference in your dog’s life and yours.
Transparency
Honest, open communication is central to our work, so you always feel informed, confident, and supported.
Flexibility
Our programs adapt to your unique schedule, lifestyle, and training goals without compromising results.
Science-Based Training
Every method we use is grounded in the latest research in canine behavior and learning science. No shortcuts, no outdated techniques, no tools that cause fear or pain.
Your Dog’s Emotional Wellbeing
Training is not just about commands and obedience. We consider your dog’s emotional state in every session because a dog who feels safe learns faster and retains more.
Partnership
We don’t just train your dog and hand them back. We work alongside you so you understand your dog better and feel confident handling any situation.
Commitment to You
We are with you before, during, and after every program. Your success and your dog’s success matter to us long after the last session ends.
Confidentiality
Everything you share with us stays with us. Your dog’s history, your family’s situation, and your training journey are private.
Integrity
We hold ourselves to the highest professional standards in every interaction with our clients, our colleagues, and the dogs we work with.
What Our Clients Say
“We can’t say enough good things about Kaajal. From our very first session, we were reassured by her kindness and patience. Kaajal doesn’t just train your dog — she teaches you how to be a better dog parent and communicator. Our dog used to fixate and sometimes lunge at other dogs, making walks and going to public places stressful. Now, thanks to Kaajal’s guidance, our pup is able to disengage from other dogs. I don’t trust many people with my dog, but Kaajal is one of the very few I do.”
Supriya V, dog mom of Luna, a Labrador mix“My French Bulldog struggled with anxiety & trauma after being attacked by other dogs. When I had to go out of town for work, KT took incredible care of her. By the end of the stay, she was even playing with other dogs, which is truly remarkable given how fearful she’s been since her incident. I’m so grateful for KT’s patience, expertise, and compassion, and I’m looking forward to continuing training with her to keep building my dog’s confidence and quality of life.”
Grace T, Mom of Daisy, a French Bull Dog
