Dog Training Assistance

The Leo Fund for Dog Training

Living with a dog that growls, snaps, barks, or lunges at people can be deeply stressful and emotionally draining. These behaviors often stem from fear, anxiety, or past trauma, and can impact both safety and a dog’s emotional health.

We believe every pet guardian deserves access to effective training, regardless of financial means. Our mission is to ease financial burden, support dogs’ emotional well-being, and prevent suffering, surrender, or euthanasia.

Dog Training for Human-Directed Aggression

Caring for a dog who shows aggression toward people can be stressful, confusing, and even frightening. Diesel’s FootPrint helps low-income families in Santa Clara County access professional behavior modification support, connecting them with approved trainers and veterinary behaviorists who specialize in human-directed aggression. These experts use safe, ethical, and effective methods to help dogs and their families navigate challenging behaviors while prioritizing everyone’s safety.

This financial support is available for dogs who show aggression toward:

  • Family members, visitors, or strangers
  • Veterinarians or veterinary staff during check-ups

Approved Santa Clara County caregivers with demonstrated financial need may receive up to $1,500 to help cover the cost of behavior modification services. Beyond financial aid, this program provides guidance on behavior management, step-by-step approaches, and resources for ongoing support. Our goal is to empower caregivers to confidently address aggressive behaviors, reduce risk, and build a stronger, more positive bond with their dog.

By connecting low-income families in Santa Clara County with expert behavior modification support and financial aid, Diesel’s FootPrint ensures that no caregiver faces the challenges of human-directed aggression alone. Together, we can create safer homes and healthier relationships for both dogs and their families.

A person walks a dog along a tree-lined path at sunset.

Program Schedule:

This program has not yet launched.
Click the button below to be added to the waitlist.

Program Requirements

To qualify for assistance, you must:

  • Live in Santa Clara County, California, with proof of residency
  • Be 18 or older and the primary caregiver for a dog with human-directed aggression
  • Have a household income within the federal poverty guidelines (see income table below) and provide documentation of financial need (such as tax returns or government assistance verification)
  • If your dog was adopted from a rescue organization, have that organization complete our Financial Need Form, including proof of adoption and a brief statement of support
  • Have no other available resources (credit, savings, etc.) to cover treatment
  • Be able to contribute 25 percent of the treatment cost upfront, with possible support from friends, family, or other organizations
  • Be willing to consult with a Veterinary Behaviorist if recommended, and follow their treatment plan
  • Work exclusively with one of Diesel’s FootPrint’s approved Partner Trainers to ensure consistent, ethical, and cost-effective care
  • Commit to using only science-based, reward-based, and humane training methods
  • Participate in a short follow-up interview and share a testimonial about your dog’s progress and success after completing the program

Submitting an application does not guarantee approval.
Please wait for confirmation before scheduling any training or behavior sessions you cannot afford. You and your trainer will be notified once a decision has been made.

Please read these “program eligibility requirements” & FAQs before filling the application

Household Size Income
1 person $43,740 or less
2 people $59,160 or less
3 people $74,580 or less
4 people $90,000 or less
5 people $105,420 or less
6 people $120,840 or less
7 people $136,260 or less
8 people $151,680 or less

  • You and your dog are not a resident of Santa Clara County, California.
  • Your dog needs training for issues other than aggression toward humans. 

We currently support dog training only.

You will receive a response within 48 hours after the application and required documentation is submitted by the applicant and the organization they adopted the dog from.

  • You’ll get an email confirmation within 24 hours after submitting all required documents for yourself, household members over 18 and the rescue organization.

  • If documents aren’t submitted within 48 hours of applying, your application will be closed, and you’ll need to reapply.

  • Check your spam folder, and if you don’t hear from us in 24 hours, email assistance@dieselsfootprint.org.