Spotlight on Local Business Owners: Kaajal Tiwary of D for Dogz

At the heart of San Jose’s bustling small business community is Kaajal Tiwary, the passionate and knowledgeable owner of D for Dogz. Since 2012, Kaajal has been helping dogs—and their humans—live happier, more harmonious lives. Her business specializes in puppy and dog training with a particular focus on behavior modification for dogs experiencing fear, frustration, or over-excitement.

 

A Personal Journey into Dog Training

Kaajal’s journey to becoming a dog trainer is as heartwarming as the work she does. After moving to California in 2010, Kaajal began volunteering at a local shelter, fostering six pit bull puppies. One of those puppies, Diesel, became part of her family. Diesel, however, faced challenges after a traumatic dog attack triggered an underlying medical condition. Determined to help Diesel thrive, Kaajal immersed herself in studying dog behavior, nutrition, and anatomy. Her journey from dog mom to certified trainer and behavior specialist was both organic and driven by her love for dogs.

 

A Unique Approach to Training

What sets D for Dogz apart is Kaajal’s emphasis on understanding dogs as living beings with emotions, personalities, and unique needs. Her approach goes beyond standard training to include nutrition, pain assessment, and emotional well-being. Kaajal offers a variety of services, including:

• Board and Train: Dogs stay at her home, where training occurs in a real-life, home environment.
• Day School: A structured program that focuses on training during the day.
• Private Lessons: One-on-one sessions at clients’ homes.
• Group Classes: Training in public spaces to help dogs and owners navigate real-world situations.

Kaajal’s group classes are particularly notable for being held in real-world settings, such as parks or markets, to prepare dogs and their owners for everyday experiences.

 

Giving Back and Looking Ahead

Kaajal’s dedication to her furry clients doesn’t stop at training. Inspired by Diesel, she is launching a nonprofit organization, Diesel’s Footprint, in 2025. The nonprofit will assist low-income families with medical bills and dog training while also offering scholarships for those studying veterinary medicine or dog training.

 

A Message to Dog Owners

Kaajal encourages dog owners to focus on the joy their dogs bring rather than striving for perfection. “Dogs are living beings, not robots,” she says. “Enjoy the time you have with them, because their time with us is precious and limited.” Her philosophy is a testament to her belief in compassionate, science-backed training methods.

 

Expanding Horizons

While based in San Jose, Kaajal’s services extend beyond the Bay Area through virtual training and online classes. Her innovative approach allows her to help clients from around the world, further cementing her reputation as a dedicated advocate for dogs and their owners.

 

The Heart of San Jose’s Community

Kaajal credits her success to the support of her clients and the San Jose community. With no formal marketing for much of her career, word of mouth has kept her business thriving, even earning her recognition as the Best Dog Training Business by Mercury News in 2024.

For those interested in learning more about D for Dogz or signing up for services, Kaajal’s website offers detailed information and resources. Whether you’re a first-time dog owner or looking to address specific behavioral challenges, D for Dogz is a trusted name in the industry.

Visit her website today and discover how Kaajal Tiwary can help you and your dog lead a better life together.