Certified dog trainers in
San Diego, CA
Hand-Picked Trainers

Learn from the best, certified trainers in

San Diego, CA

Discover skilled and certified trainers with a heart for dogs and a proven track record, ready to help enhance the bond between you and your pet.

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Local & Skilled

Learn & grow with local Trainers

All of our Trainers are certified to have proficiency in all basic, intermediate or advanced skills, are educated in animal behavior and canine communication, and are suited for most pet training tasks.

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Positive Training

Positive Vibes, Positive Training

Meet trainers who believe in kind, positive reinforcement methods, making training a joy for both you and your dog.

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Top trainers

John James

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Amanda Peet

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Julia Styles

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Lindsay Evans

United States

Lindsay Evans

Lindsay has been training professionally since 2016 and graduated from Bergin University of Canine Studies, the only school in the country that offers a Bachelor of Science in Canine Behavior.
Upon graduation, she worked on the Behavior Team at an animal shelter in Missouri, then moved on to training Service Dogs in San Diego.
Along with her degree, she has had thousands of hours of hands-on training experience, is Fear Free Certified, an AKC CGC evaluator, an AKC Fit Dog Instructor, and keeps up-to-date on current research by attending continuing education seminars.

Training Philosophy

Lindsay uses science-based, positive reinforcement training methods.
She is committed to providing a respectful and supportive learning space for all pet parents.
She strives to create training programs that help support pet guardians regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, race, socioeconomic status, or neurodiverse identity.

Services

  • Basic Manners
  • Leash Reactivity
  • Shy & Fearful Dogs
  • Dog Aggression
  • Human Aggression
  • Canine Good Citizen
  • New Dog, Now What?
  • Puppy Training
  • Private Training
  • Group Classes

Certifications

  • Fear Free Certified
  • AKC CGC evaluator
  • AKC Fit Dog Instructor

Specializations

  • Puppy Training
  • Leash Reactivity
  • Shy & Fearful Dogs
  • Dog Aggression
  • Human Aggression
  • Canine Good Citizen

Training Methods

  • Positive Reinforcement
  • Fear Free

Customer Reviews

  • Laura G.: "Lindsay worked with us and our two dogs, our lives are changed. We are less stressed and the dogs are happier."
  • Taylor L.: "Ruby is 13 years old and I was afraid we wouldn't be able to manage her reactivity at this point. We now feel confident enough to go to the local park for walks which would have never happened prior to training."
  • Payton S.: "I've brought my pup through almost two full rounds of group training sessions (12 total) and just recently started private training sessions with Lindsay. In just a short amount of time, I am already seeing huge improvements with my dogs noise reactivity, anxiety, and fear. She is patient, and goes at whichever pace is best for you and your dog."
  • Hannah H.: "We haven't had a fight in 8 weeks and I have a safe set up for me and the girls. [I like] how positive Lindsay is for both the girls and me. There were multiple times she was so supportive I wanted to cry of joy!"
  • Heather O.: "I loved that Lindsay broke everything down into super simple steps, and even gave alternatives to exercises if a dog seemed to be stuck on something or needed a different approach. I also loved starting class with sharing a win. It's such a positive way to reflect on progress!"
  • David L.: "Hope demonstrated a significant personality change after going through heat with marked increases in aggressive behavior. [After training] Hope is much less anxious; her behavior is much improved and she is a joy to be around. We wholeheartedly recommend Training with Lindsay."
  • Ali A.: "Both dogs are MUCH more manageable. Cyrus and Sam are able to go on walks together, and overall we have seen huge improvements and learned a lot about how to work with them. Not to mention all the new commands they've learned."
  • Brittany C.: "Sticking with a training plan with Zeus has been crucial. I like Lindsay's reward system-- and am totally scared with trainers that use fear tactics. Lindsay is very sweet with our pup, and has a good sense of humor. Nothing I didn't like-- I think her program is great! 10/10 would go back!"
  • Delaynie B.: "We saw [Lindsay's] flyer at Santos coffee in our neighborhood after dragging our feet for years about getting Sunny training. He's 7, so I worried that he was the old dog who couldn't learn new tricks! Sunny had reactivity everywhere: on walks, towards people and even towards us. Sunny was constantly so scared and keyed up that it felt like he wasn't enjoying himself most of the day. He also jumped on and off the couch whenever he was startled and since he has IVDD and a repaired ACL he couldn't be doing that anymore, but he was afraid of the ramp (we tried multiple too!)
    [After training] everything feels different! The biggest gift has been seeing Sunny truly relax. Walks with him are night and day - he has always loved walks but we dreaded them because he would get activated by every dog, car, bike, stroller, gust of wind...on the walk. Sunny also hasn't snapped or growled at us in months. He uses his ramp exclusively and learned to go into his bed on his own. It was really important to me that Sunny's trainer also trained us how to be better dog owners and educated us on his cues. Lindsay learned Sunny SO well and we found out we had been unintentionally doing things he didn't like for years. [I also liked] the positive reinforcement and trauma informed care! Sunny has been through it lol and I could immediately tell Lindsay was compassionate towards that. Lindsay has such an obvious wealth of knowledge and it was easy to trust her.
    I'll never forget the first session when we saw Sunny use his ramp so confidently after being afraid of any ramp or stairs for literal years. We cannot thank you enough for taking the time to build trust with Sunny and treating him so kindly like he was your own. Having a reactive dog can feel really isolating but you always had such a positive outlook and believed in him. The biggest evidence was how happy (and tired) Sunny was after every session with you, and how he would cry with excitement hearing your car pull up. We already can't wait for round two in his future! "
  • Taylor L.: "Based on her website I felt she was very focused on positive reinforcement and fear free training which is exactly what I was looking for! Ruby is 13 years old and I was afraid we wouldn't be able to manage her reactivity at this point. In some cases her reactivity was pretty severe and I truly didn't think we could overcome it. [After training with Lindsay,] walking Ruby has been so much less stressful! Ruby is confident and that makes me more confident. She takes treats when she sees dogs/people from afar and seldom lunges/reacts to others as long as they respect her space. We now feel confident enough to go to the local park for walks which would have never happened prior to training. Lindsay really took the time to get to understand my goals for training and how to accomplish those goals adjusting for what Ruby responds to best. She even got Ruby to enjoy treats! [Lindsay] really made Ruby and I comfortable. She was reliable, always on time, and gave me tools to continue working with Ruby."
  • Emily V.: "I talked with other trainers and after visiting the website and looking at your instagram I felt most comfortable with choosing Training with Lindsay. My biggest fear was being told that it was a lost case with Milo, I was afraid that he was untrainable. I feel a lot more comfortable being a pet parent, I did not feel capable of being a good pet parent to Milo. After training with you, I feel like I have learned a lot about my pet particularly in knowing his triggers and working around them. I liked that we had transfer sessions, I enjoyed the feedback that Lindsay would give me. My experience with Training with Lindsay was really pleasant, I look forward to working with you again in group classes."
  • Michael C.: "Oslo has more confidence and is able to join us in public at dog friendly locations. Belle is much less reactive, especially on leash. [Lindsay] made the training specifically for what our dogs needed. She was honest from the start and didn't make any unrealistic promises. She was also very patient with us as pet owners and our dogs. She followed up after each session and gave simple instructions on what to work on. We are very happy with how everything went!"
  • Heather S.: "I was concerned that Cinnamon's aggression would never change, but it has gotten better, step by step. We are able to walk Cinnamon with confidence now that we have some effective tools that are positive and motivating. Cinnamon is less anxious overall since the training. I liked how Lindsay connected with Cinnamon, gave us clear and doable exercises, and the patience she instilled in us. I liked how the process was slow and not something we couldn't handle. I always felt supported by Lindsay and she answered all of our questions well. Thank you Lindsay! Cinnamon is improving day by day. We went from her being full on aggressive, lunging and barking at every dog in the neighborhood, to mild reactions that are more manageable."
  • Jacob N.: "That our dog would fearfully react at someone's dog and we had no control over that. [Lindsay] was recommended from our vet who we love, and we don't really know anyone else who put their dogs through training. Once I spoke with Lindsay on the phone I knew she sounded like a good fit. [After training] I am not scared to take her places anymore, she may still react sometimes but I have the tools to handle it or avoid it completely. [Lindsay] explained everything very detailed and didn't do anything our dog wasn't comfortable with. At first we had sticker shock with both price and with the time commitment especially since she said it might not work. But with the results that we saw we probably would have paid much more and spent a lot more time on it. Lindsay is awesome and we are recommending her to everyone we know!"
  • Nada S.: "treat training would reinforce bad behavior, wouldn't be sustainable, and would cause poor health for simon (by gaining weight)." After training with us, Nada and Simon have an "improved sense of calm on walks, much more enjoyable walks and improved trust in our relationship. The issues that brought us back to you have been greatly improved and Simon seems happier and more confident. I really appreciate that Lindsay worked directly with Simon some of the time. I think we had better results faster, and also think it was good for Simon's confidence to develop a good relationship with someone outside of our family."
  • Lindsey R.: "that Rupert would be beyond help or misunderstood, or that we would be told we weren't the right fit for him. [After training, we are] SO much more well equipped to help manage stressful situations, and have a deeper understanding of Rupert's triggers. Rupert is generally much happier and has more confidence. Lindsay is SO patient, and truly made an effort to personalize the pace and flow of the training based on Rupert's needs. you are a GEM, Lindsay. It's so obvious that you are doing what you were meant to do and that you are genuinely passionate about helping others - dogs and humans, alike! THANK YOU for helping to enrich our lives and embracing silly, sweet Rupert for who he is. We will forever be grateful!"
  • Laurel M.: "Our 2.5 year old dog was showing signs of extreme anxiety and reactiveness and Lindsay was recommended by our vet office. [After training] Pluto is so much calmer and we understand his behaviors so much better. The whole atmosphere in the house has relaxed. We were even able to reduce his anxiety medication. The program works and it works faster when you do your homework and follow her advice. Lindsay made such a huge difference in the overall atmosphere of our household."
  • Allyson B.: "We have worked with Lindsay in one on one sessions and really love her style of training! So, group classes felt like a great option with her as well [We wanted to work on] leash walking and listening when called. We can now go on long walks with so much improvement! The training is easy to follow and she gives great advice for how to relay the things we learn in training to real life!"
  • Heather C.: "Lindsay was an amazing trainer! She really took time to understand the root of our dog's reactivity, then tailored the training program to our dog and our lifestyle. Our dog has come so far in the few weeks we have worked with Lindsay. She is also super supportive of us as owners, encouraging us to keep working with our dog and giving us tips for keeping things moving forward after our training with Lindsay is completed. She has our strongest endorsement!"
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Isaac Feldman

United States

Located in Kearny Mesa, the Zoom Room offers indoor dog agility and obedience classes, including puppy, therapy, tricks, shy dog, urban herding, scent, enrichment, and more. They provide private or group classes with certifications in dog training, focusing on positive reinforcement methods.

Serving San Diego, they offer instruction in both English and Spanish. An eco-friendly, active lifestyle dog training center, the Zoom Room emphasizes positive-reinforcement training. As the only brick-and-mortar dog training franchise in America and the world's first dog agility franchise, they provide a range of classes including obedience, puppy preschool, dog tricks training, and therapy dog classes.

They are a hub for the dog-loving community, offering the perfect venue for hosting memorable events such as dog birthday parties, Bark Mitzvahs, Doggy Disco Nights, or charity fundraisers. The philosophy behind their training center is simple: trained dogs lead happier, healthier lives. They believe in making training effective yet easy, creating an environment that is both fun and relaxing.

Their scientifically-proven positive-reinforcement methods are evident in their step-by-step curriculum designed to make learning intuitive and enjoyable. Understanding the demands of a busy lifestyle, the Zoom Room provides a comfortable waiting area with amenities such as wireless internet, free fair-trade coffee and other beverages, magazines and books, ensuring a pleasant experience while waiting for class.

Whether it's puppy training, dog obedience, or agility training, their classes help owners learn about their dogs and foster effective communication. The Zoom Room offers classes to enhance the lives of both dogs and their owners.

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Monica Maldonado

United States

Obedience cues, problem-solving behaviors, house training.

Certifications:

  • Training Equipment: clickers, food treats, head collars, harnesses, leads and leashes, gentle leader, crates, toys.

Training Philosophy: Build a proper human/canine relationship built on positive interactions and consistency. Positive reinforcement and negative punishment deter future unwanted problems and facilitate faster learning.

Locations Served: San Diego, California.

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Kari Ramirez

United States

Home Away From Home K9 Care provides dog training and events in a real-world setting, as well as family-centered K9 sleepovers and daycare in a home environment. With over 10 years of experience in animal training and care, they specialize in working with dogs and various marine mammals.

Certifications:

  • Training Equipment: Flat collars, gentle leaders, harnesses, clickers, treats
  • Training Philosophy: Reward-based training

In addition to dog training, Home Away From Home K9 Care is dedicated to educating clients about the learning/training process and dog behavior, fostering a strong and healthy relationship between dog and owner, enriching the lives of both.

Service Locations: San Diego, Lemon Grove, La Mesa, Coronado, Chula Vista

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Ashley Cipolletti

United States

Ashley Cipolletti owns The Millennial Dog Owner, a humane dog training company located in San Diego, CA. The Millennial Dog Owner provides progressive and humane dog training services both in-person in San Diego County and virtually from anywhere.

Along with being a certified professional dog trainer, knowledge assessed (CPDT-KA), Ashley is a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is dedicated to using humane, ethical, empathetic, and trauma-informed methods when working with dogs and their humans, striving to be as close to fear-free as possible.

Ashley’s background includes working with shelter dogs and specializing in fearful former rescues or 'streeties'. She also focuses on basic training and behavior modification, such as loose leash walking, leash reactivity, fear, and aggression (on a case-by-case basis).

The Millennial Dog Owner offers private coaching sessions, homeschool sessions, and consultations, along with providing free educational resources on their website and social media pages. While Ashley’s primary focus is on training dogs, she also has experience training horses and cats, and has worked in human mental health settings.

For more information and to book a session, visit their website at www.themillennialdogowner.com.

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Katherine Lekas

United States

As a canine rehabilitation trainer, CRT K9 focuses on instilling leadership in people to transform their relationships with their dogs and establish harmony. The primary objective is to equip owners and their dogs with the necessary tools and confidence to navigate any situation safely and calmly.

The team is certified by AKC CGC and led by the Owner & Head Trainer. Their training philosophy prioritizes positivity and minimal pressure to effectively communicate with dogs, encouraging desired behaviors while mitigating harmful or distressing actions. CRT K9 operates throughout San Diego County, with occasional travel to other regions and regular virtual sessions worldwide. Their services are offered in English.

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Alyssa F. Kohler

United States

Alyssa F. Kohler

Alyssa, also known as Lys Carlson, started training dogs at the young age of 12. She volunteered as a Puppy Raiser for Canine Companions for Independence for several years alongside her sister. She has since trained her own dogs, her friends' dogs, and her neighbors' dogs. She is passionate about educating people on how to meet the social and emotional needs of their dogs and how to make conscious decisions when choosing a new pet.

Training Philosophy

Alyssa believes in the LIMA ideology, which emphasizes positive reinforcement and humane training methods. She is dedicated to fear-free tools, tactics, and approaches that help owners understand their dogs.

Services

  • Find Your Dog: This service helps families find the perfect dog breed and personality match for their lifestyle. It involves an initial virtual consultation, breed research, breeder vetting, and ongoing communication with the client.
  • In-Home Dog Training: Alyssa provides in-home training services in San Diego.
  • Consultations: Alyssa offers consultations for families facing difficult decisions about their pets, such as re-homing or choosing a training program.
  • Free Resources: Alyssa provides free resources for families with children, including webinars, apps, and books on dog body language.

Certifications

  • IAABC - Accredited Dog Trainer
  • CCPDT - Certified Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed
  • CATCH CTA - Certified in Dog Training Knowledge
  • AKC - Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
  • Fear Free Shelter Certified

Specializations

Alyssa specializes in helping families find the right dog for them, and she is passionate about ethical breeding practices and rescue work. She also has experience training service dog candidates.

Training Methods

Alyssa uses positive reinforcement methods and is dedicated to fear-free training. She believes that all dogs are trainable and that no breed needs harsh methods.

Social Media Links

The website includes links to Alyssa's Instagram, Email, and Facebook pages.

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Jessica McCloskey

United States

Finest City Dog Training offers private, one-on-one training sessions for dogs of any breed and age. They specialize in AKC formal obedience and behavioral work, with group classes also available.

The owner and head trainer holds certifications and conducts all training using a leash and collar, without the use of treats, tricks, dominance-based methods, or electronic shock collars. Their training philosophy is based on operant and classical conditioning.

Finest City Dog Training serves San Diego County and can be found at www.finestcitydogtraining.com.

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Zoe C. Stathis- Sandor

United States

Zoe C. Stathis-Sandor

Zoe has been training dogs professionally for over a decade and is one of only 4 certified behavioral consultants in San Diego County.
Throughout her career Zoe has achieved a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Syracuse University, assisted in growing and managing a startup dog daycare, expanded a small local training company into The #1 Dog Training Company in San Diego, started her own private training company (Zoe’s Dog Training) and grew it into one of the highest recommended and best-reviewed training companies in the city, co-starred in a series on Animal Planet called Cat Versus Dog alongside the world’s most respected domestic cat expert, and launched San Diego’s first and only comprehensive Canine Preparatory School.

Training Philosophy

Zoe is the puppet master behind Pack Method Prep. She has been training dogs professionally for over a decade and is one of only 4 certified behavioral consultants in San Diego County.
Zoe believes that Prep School isn’t just about producing an obedient dog or a well behaved puppy - it’s about creating fulfillment in the relationship on both ends of the leash!

Services

Pack Method Prep offers a variety of training options to fit your needs, whether you want to help your dog become a social butterfly or overcome specific behavioral challenges.
Private Training: Work one-on-one with our expert trainers to achieve amazing results.
Group Classes: Join our fun community classes and let your dog learn and socialize with other pups.
Virtual Consultations: Get expert advice from anywhere with our convenient online dog training options.
Pack Method Prep offers certified dog training and care throughout greater San Diego County. Don’t see what you want? Contact us to request customized dog training.

Certifications

Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (1 of 4 in San Diego!)

Specializations

Puppy Training, Basic Obedience, Newly Adopted/Insecure Dogs, Separation Anxiety, Socialization, Adolescent-onset problem behaviors and rescue dog rehabilitation, Trauma, Behavioral or Rescue Dog Rehabilitation, Leash Aggression, Socialization, and all kinds of Fear, Anxiety, or Aggression.

Training Methods

Reward-Based Training, Positive Reinforcement, Science-based approaches to canine learning, Humane Hierarchy, Desensitization, Relaxation protocols, Safe handling techniques

Customer Reviews

“The trainers are great and my dog absolutely loved going.”
Laney M.
“Zoe and her team are absolutely incredible!”
Jordann P.

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Social Media Links

Follow Us On Social!

Media Appearances

Co-starred in Animal Planet’s Cat Vs. Dog

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Irina A. Lockwood-Devries

United States

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Brandi Lynne Hutsell

United States

They assist San Diego dogs and humans in coexisting together happily and peacefully. Their certified, veterinarian-recommended trainers and behavior consultants use positive reinforcement-based methods and welcome all breeds, ages, and behavior issues. Services include private coaching programs, home school programs, puppy camps (puppy board and train), and free alumni classes for their clients.

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Jodie L. Havens

United States

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Donna Boyd

United States

DD offers dog training services in San Diego, CA. Working with dogs of various breeds, sizes, and ages, services include:

  • puppy 101
  • basic obedience
  • manners for adolescent and adult dogs
  • behavior management
  • problem solving
  • Canine Good Citizen (CGC) prep
  • trick training
  • clicker training
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Judith Becker

United States

San Diego dog training and consulting service offers positive reinforcement dog and puppy training and problem resolution.

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Jessica M. Wheatcraft

United States

Instinct Dog Training

Instinct San Diego is brought to you by the founder and team members of Synergy Dog Training; our team, comprised of certified trainers and behavior consultants, has spent the past decade+ helping thousands of San Diego-area dogs and owners navigate through behavior issues big and small.

Our certified trainers and behavior consultants use our Nature-Driven Nurture™ framework to help humans and dogs navigate behavior issues large and small, via Private Coaching, Home School + Coaching, and Puppy Raising Camps.

Services

  • Behavior Consulting
  • Private Coaching
  • Home School programs
  • Alumni-only Group Classes

We include lifetime free alumni support & community with all training programs.

Private Coaching

Individually tailored, one-on-one coaching sessions with our certified trainers and behavior consultants. Available in your home or virtually.

Home School + Coaching

(Day Training)
Fast, fun and effective! We work with your dog multiple times per week, then provide collaborative coaching sessions to bring you up to speed.

Puppy Camp + Coaching

Temporarily Unavailable
We use a powerful combination of positive reinforcement puppy camp and collaborative coaching sessions to help your puppy grow into a confident, resilient family member.

Puppy Pre-K Classes

When: Saturdays at 9am
Where: Multiple Locations
We know how important early socialization and training is for puppies. In an effort to help more San Diego puppies and their owners, our Puppy Pre-K Classes are set up to help your puppy practice life skills at their individual skill level and practice constructive socializing skills with other puppies and humans around a variety of new experiences.

Alumni Classes for Adolescent & Adult Dogs

Open ONLY to our Alumni family (clients who have completed a series of 3 lessons, home school, or puppy camp program), our alumni classes are designed to give you fun, engaging ways to continue your education together while supporting your dog’s behavioral health needs.

Certifications

Our certified trainers and behavior consultants work together to deliver kind, practical solutions for dogs of all breeds, ages, and behavior issues.

Specializations

  • Behavior Therapy for Fear, Anxiety & Aggression
  • Life Skills + Manners
  • Puppy Development
  • Adolescent Dog Behavior Support
  • Senior Dog Behavior Support
  • Service Dog Training

Training Methods

We are deeply committed to ours clients’ long-term success. That’s why all training programs include access to lifetime free and low-cost alumni classes, bi-weekly Nature-Driven Nurture Q&A’S, and an alumni-only Facebook group.

Customer Reviews

“We had an incredible experience with Instinct. From the clear communication and measured approach with our dog, we were provided with calculated, methodical steps the entire way to get from point A to point B, and ultimately to where we are now, thriving.”
Claire W.

“By far, the best and most knowledgeable trainers we’ve worked with.”
J. Van Anden

“Brandi trained my young French Bulldog, Violet, over 12 weeks, first for the good citizen test and then for some tasks related to her becoming a trained service dog. Violet and I both love her. Her teaching methodology made Violet very comfortable and eager to learn. Brandi is always very positive. I recommend her to everyone. Brandi is now training my daughters dog.”
Violet & Family

“Jessica W. is awesome! She has helped our family tremendously with our dogs and given us the confidence to handle them in any situation. Both of our dogs have learned proper leash walking, recall skills, as well as “settle” down on the mat. She also helped us to implement fun games and activities which keep them happy and engaged. Our larger dog, Goose, is very high energy! He struggled with overexcitement and anxiety in the home and in new environments, which led to excessive barking, pulling on the leash and other difficult behaviors. Jessica’s training has taught us the techniques to manage his behavior and create an environment for learning and fun, wherever we go!”
Goose & Family

“Jess Stone was absolutely fantastic with Glitchie (g), my little rescue. G was a pandemic puppy and while incredibly playful, was very nervous about encountering people and dogs in our housing area, which manifested as aggression. Jess by was great; I watched G pick up life-skills to help her diffuse her energy and anxieties in amazing ways. She was patient, kind, but also vigilant while I got used to the steep learning curve of dealing with a very energetic and leash aggressive dog. It’s been over 5 months since we did training, and g has retained all the life-skills Jess taught her. I look forward to booking follow-ups in the future. I can’t recommend Jess highly enough!”
Glitchie & Family

“Instinct completely changed my relationship with my dog (for the better). The stress I experienced before during walks and when meeting new people is gone, and I can spend more time now enjoying my time with Benny. I would recommend Instinct to anyone seeking positive reinforcement training for their dog.”
Andrew H.

“I have a Rottweiler pup that was not very well socialized when she came to us at 10 weeks of age. She came from a rural setting into an environment with zero grass, lots of loud noise (freeway, planes, trains, and motorcycles) and exponentially more people. Jessica W. patiently answered all of my questions, and, through weeks of training, my hyper-vigilant pup has grown into a pretty confident dog who can finally relax enough to have fun! Jessica is kind, non-judgmental, professional and courteous. It is readily apparent that she is passionate about pups. Thank you, Jessica, for giving Nola the push that she needed to relax and enjoy life. We really appreciate it and you!”
Nola & Family

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Fernando Luis Diaz

United States

At Building Better Bonds, the primary goal is to improve relationships with dogs, cats, reptiles, and other pets through education and positive reinforcement.

The organization offers certifications in CDBC training and employs the clicker as its main tool. Depending on the circumstances, alternative positive reinforcement methods may also be utilized.

The training philosophy revolves around understanding an animal's behaviors as a form of communication, thereby allowing for the development of better bonds. The services are available for online consultations and extend to Lancaster, Palmdale, and neighboring cities.

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Kate H. Palese

United States

As a professional dog trainer, specializing in canine behavior and obedience, the focus is on creating a strong foundation for dogs and puppies to thrive in their homes.

The approach involves positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior while addressing any behavioral issues. By tailoring training methods to suit the individual needs of each dog, the trainer ensures a personalized and effective learning experience.

Through structured exercises and consistent guidance, the aim is to foster a harmonious relationship between dogs and their owners. The training provides a supportive environment for dogs to develop essential skills, promoting a well-balanced and well-behaved pet.

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Erin Nichole Vejar

United States

Erin is the owner and professional dog trainer at Woof! San Diego, specializing in positive reinforcement training for dogs since 2006. Private training and group classes are offered in-person.

Erin holds certifications including KPA-CTP and BA designations such as CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, and FPPE. Her philosophy emphasizes clear communication and a healthy relationship without the use of force or intimidation.

Training equipment at Woof! San Diego is carefully selected to promote positive training and the mental health of dogs. No choke chains or corrective equipment are used or needed in training.

Erin’s services extend throughout San Diego County, with private lessons conducted in clients' homes or on the road and group classes held in the Normal Heights neighborhood. She is passionate about helping dogs meet their needs and assisting humans in reaching their training goals.

Erin has extensive experience working with dogs in various situations, including those adjusting to new environments, puppies integrating into human families, and group classes for puppies and dogs. She also specializes in working with dogs in families with babies or toddlers and training service dogs for individuals with disabilities.

Erin's background in service dog training enables her to provide comprehensive training experiences for pet dogs, preparing them to navigate typical environments such as homes, neighborhood walks, parks, beaches, and other dog-friendly places throughout San Diego.

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Nori Elizabeth Smith

United States

Nori Elizabeth Smith

Nori's love and passion for dogs led her to become a trainer.

Training Philosophy

EveryDog Training is a positive, reward based training. The objective is to work with each dog, and their owner as an individual to come up with the ideal program to maximize success based on everyone's expectations.

Services

  • Bringing Home a New Puppy
  • Basic Obedience
  • Advance Obedience
  • Behavior Issues
  • Additional Services
  • AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen Program
  • Service Dog Coaching

Certifications

CCDT, CPDT-KA, SDC

Training Methods

Positive reward based training

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Carmela L. Lutz

United States

Genius Dog Training employs dog-friendly methods, prioritizing positive reinforcement. The company specializes in private training, placing emphasis on the well-being of both the pet and its owner.

The owner/trainer, certified as a CPDT-KA with additional designations including AKC CGC Evaluator and CATCH Mentor Trainer, is dedicated to fostering respectful, enduring relationships between dogs and their owners. Operating primarily in San Diego County, California, private training services are offered.

With a focus on English language instruction, the owner/trainer has over sixteen years of experience in dog training, covering areas such as potty and crate training, beginner to advanced obedience, and behavior issues. Their expertise extends to working with various breeds, from young puppies to senior dogs, and they are adept at instructing clients of all ages and abilities. For more details, please refer to the company's website.

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Monica Maldonado

United States

Obedience cues, problem-solving behaviors, house training.

  • Certifications:
  • Training Equipment: clickers, food treats, head collars, harnesses, leads and leashes, gentle leader, crates, toys.
  • Training Philosophy: Build a proper human/canine relationship built on positive interactions and consistency. Positive reinforcement and negative punishment deter future unwanted problems and facilitate faster learning.
  • Locations Served: San Diego, California.
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Kari Ramirez

United States

Home Away From Home K9 Care provides dog training and events in a real-world setting, as well as family-centered K9 sleepovers and daycare in a home environment. With over 10 years of experience in animal training and care, they specialize in working with dogs and various marine mammals.

Certifications:

  • Training Equipment: Flat collars, gentle leaders, harnesses, clickers, treats
  • Training Philosophy: Reward-based training

In addition to dog training, Home Away From Home K9 Care is dedicated to educating clients about the learning/training process and dog behavior, fostering a strong and healthy relationship between dog and owner, enriching the lives of both.

Service Locations: San Diego, Lemon Grove, La Mesa, Coronado, Chula Vista

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Jessica McCloskey

United States

Finest City Dog Training offers private, one-on-one training sessions for dogs of any breed and age. They specialize in AKC formal obedience and behavioral work, with group classes also available. The owner and head trainer holds certifications and conducts all training using a leash and collar, without the use of treats, tricks, dominance-based methods, or electronic shock collars. Their training philosophy is based on operant and classical conditioning. Finest City Dog Training serves San Diego County and can be found at www.finestcitydogtraining.com.

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Isaac Feldman

United States

Located in Kearny Mesa, the Zoom Room offers indoor dog agility and obedience classes, including puppy, therapy, tricks, shy dog, urban herding, scent, enrichment, and more. They provide private or group classes with certifications in dog training, focusing on positive reinforcement methods. Serving San Diego, they offer instruction in both English and Spanish. An eco-friendly, active lifestyle dog training center, the Zoom Room emphasizes positive-reinforcement training. As the only brick-and-mortar dog training franchise in America and the world's first dog agility franchise, they provide a range of classes including obedience, puppy preschool, dog tricks training, and therapy dog classes. They are a hub for the dog-loving community, offering the perfect venue for hosting memorable events such as dog birthday parties, Bark Mitzvahs, Doggy Disco Nights, or charity fundraisers. The philosophy behind their training center is simple: trained dogs lead happier, healthier lives. They believe in making training effective yet easy, creating an environment that is both fun and relaxing. Their scientifically-proven positive-reinforcement methods are evident in their step-by-step curriculum designed to make learning intuitive and enjoyable. Understanding the demands of a busy lifestyle, the Zoom Room provides a comfortable waiting area with amenities such as wireless internet, free fair-trade coffee and other beverages, magazines and books, ensuring a pleasant experience while waiting for class. Whether it's puppy training, dog obedience, or agility training, their classes help owners learn about their dogs and foster effective communication. The Zoom Room offers classes to enhance the lives of both dogs and their owners.

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Katherine Lekas

United States

As a canine rehabilitation trainer, CRT K9 focuses on instilling leadership in people to transform their relationships with their dogs and establish harmony. The primary objective is to equip owners and their dogs with the necessary tools and confidence to navigate any situation safely and calmly.

The team is certified by AKC CGC and led by the Owner & Head Trainer. Their training philosophy prioritizes positivity and minimal pressure to effectively communicate with dogs, encouraging desired behaviors while mitigating harmful or distressing actions.

CRT K9 operates throughout San Diego County, with occasional travel to other regions and regular virtual sessions worldwide. Their services are offered in English.

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Jodie L. Havens

United States

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Alyssa F. Kohler

United States

Alyssa F. Kohler

Alyssa, also known as Lys Carlson, started training dogs at the young age of 12. She volunteered as a Puppy Raiser for Canine Companions for Independence for several years alongside her sister. She continued to train her own dogs, as well as those of her friends and neighbors. She is passionate about educating people on how to meet the social and emotional needs of their dogs and make informed decisions when choosing a new pet.

Training Philosophy

Alyssa's philosophy is based on LIMA ideology, believing that no breed requires harsh methods and no dog is untrainable. She is committed to fear-free tools, tactics, and approaches, emphasizing understanding the individual dog.

Services

Alyssa offers a range of services, including:

  • Find Your Dog: This service helps families find the perfect dog breed and personality match. It involves an initial virtual consultation, breed research, breeder vetting, and ongoing communication with the client.
  • In-Home Dog Training: Alyssa provides in-home dog training services in San Diego.
  • Consultations: Alyssa offers in-person or virtual consultations for those facing difficult decisions regarding their pet's future, mental health, re-homing, or choosing a training program.

Certifications

Alyssa holds the following certifications:

  • IAABC - Accredited Dog Trainer
  • CCPDT - Certified Dog Trainer, Knowledge Assessed
  • CATCH CTA - Certified in Dog Training Knowledge
  • AKC - Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
  • Fear Free Shelter Certified

Specializations

Alyssa specializes in helping families find the right dog for them, considering their lifestyle, preferences, and needs. She also has experience in training dogs for service work.

Training Methods

Alyssa emphasizes fear-free training methods, focusing on positive reinforcement and understanding the dog's individual needs and personality.

Social Media Links

The website includes links to Alyssa's social media profiles: Instagram, Email, and Facebook.

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Zoe C. Stathis- Sandor

United States

Zoe C. Stathis-Sandor

Zoe has been training dogs professionally for over a decade and is one of only 4 certified behavioral consultants in San Diego County.
Throughout her career Zoe has achieved a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Syracuse University, assisted in growing and managing a startup dog daycare, expanded a small local training company into The #1 Dog Training Company in San Diego, started her own private training company (Zoe's Dog Training) and grew it into one of the highest recommended and best-reviewed training companies in the city, co-starred in a series on Animal Planet called Cat Versus Dog alongside the world's most respected domestic cat expert, and launched San Diego's first and only comprehensive Canine Preparatory School.

Training Philosophy

Zoe is the puppet master behind Pack Method Prep. She has been training dogs professionally for over a decade and is one of only 4 certified behavioral consultants in San Diego County.
Zoe believes that Prep School isn't just about producing an obedient dog or a well-behaved puppy - it's about creating fulfillment in the relationship on both ends of the leash!

Services

Pack Method Prep offers a variety of training options to fit your needs, whether you want to help your dog become a social butterfly or overcome specific behavioral challenges.

  • Private Training: Work one-on-one with our expert trainers to achieve amazing results.
  • Group Classes: Join our fun community classes and let your dog learn and socialize with other pups.
  • Virtual Consultations: Get expert advice from anywhere with our convenient online dog training options.

Pack Method Prep offers certified dog training and care throughout greater San Diego County. Don't see what you want? Contact us to request customized dog training.

Certifications

Certified Canine Behavior Consultant (1 of 4 in San Diego!)

Specializations

Puppy Training, Basic Obedience, Newly Adopted/Insecure Dogs, Separation Anxiety, Advanced Recall, Leash Walking, Confidence Building/Reactivity, Leash Skills, Herding Breeds/Working Dog Roles, Tricks/Stunts, Assistance

Training Methods

Reward-Based Training, Positive Reinforcement, Science-Based Approaches to Canine Learning, Humane Hierarchy, Desensitization, Relaxation Protocols, Safe Handling Techniques

Customer Reviews

“The trainers are great and my dog absolutely loved going.”
Laney M.
“Zoe and her team are absolutely incredible!”
Jordann P.

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Social Media Links

Follow Us On Social!

Media Appearances

Co-starred in Animal Planet's Cat Vs. Dog

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Brandi Lynne Hutsell

United States

Instinct Dog Training

Instinct Dog Training is brought to you by the founder and team members of Synergy Dog Training. The team, comprised of certified trainers and behavior consultants, has spent the past decade+ helping thousands of San Diego-area dogs and owners navigate through behavior issues big and small.

Training Philosophy

Instinct Dog Training uses a Nature-Driven Nurture™ framework to help humans and dogs navigate behavior issues large and small. They are deeply committed to their clients’ long-term success. All training programs include access to lifetime free and low-cost alumni classes, bi-weekly Nature-Driven Nurture Q&A’S, and an alumni-only Facebook group.

Services

Instinct Dog Training offers a variety of services, including:

  • Private Coaching: Individually tailored, one-on-one coaching sessions with certified trainers and behavior consultants. Available in your home or virtually.
  • Home School + Coaching (Day Training): Fast, fun, and effective! Trainers work with your dog multiple times per week, then provide collaborative coaching sessions to bring you up to speed.
  • Puppy Camp + Coaching (Board & Train): A combination of positive reinforcement puppy camp and collaborative coaching sessions to help your puppy grow into a confident, resilient family member.
  • Puppy Pre-K Classes: Early socialization and training for puppies. Puppies practice life skills and socialize with other puppies and humans.
  • Alumni Classes for Adolescent & Adult Dogs: Fun, engaging ways to continue education and support your dog’s behavioral health needs.

Certifications

Instinct Dog Training's team is comprised of certified trainers and behavior consultants.

Specializations

Instinct Dog Training specializes in:

  • Behavior Therapy for Fear, Anxiety & Aggression
  • Life Skills + Manners
  • Puppy Development
  • Adolescent Dog Behavior Support
  • Senior Dog Behavior Support
  • Service Dog Training

Training Methods

Instinct Dog Training uses positive reinforcement training methods.

Customer Reviews

Here are some customer reviews:

  • Claire W.: “We had an incredible experience with Instinct. From the clear communication and measured approach with our dog, we were provided with calculated, methodical steps the entire way to get from point A to point B, and ultimately to where we are now, thriving.”
  • J. Van Anden: “By far, the best and most knowledgeable trainers we’ve worked with.”
  • Violet & Family: “Brandi trained my young French Bulldog, Violet, over 12 weeks, first for the good citizen test and then for some tasks related to her becoming a trained service dog. Violet and I both love her. Her teaching methodology made Violet very comfortable and eager to learn. Brandi is always very positive. I recommend her to everyone. Brandi is now training my daughters dog.”
  • Goose & Family: “Jessica W. is awesome! She has helped our family tremendously with our dogs and given us the confidence to handle them in any situation. Both of our dogs have learned proper leash walking, recall skills, as well as “settle” down on the mat. She also helped us to implement fun games and activities which keep them happy and engaged. Our larger dog, Goose, is very high energy! He struggled with overexcitement and anxiety in the home and in new environments, which led to excessive barking, pulling on the leash and other difficult behaviors. Jessica’s training has taught us the techniques to manage his behavior and create an environment for learning and fun, wherever we go!”
  • Glitchie & Family: “Jess Stone was absolutely fantastic with Glitchie (g), my little rescue. G was a pandemic puppy and while incredibly playful, was very nervous about encountering people and dogs in our housing area, which manifested as aggression. Jess by was great; I watched G pick up life-skills to help her diffuse her energy and anxieties in amazing ways. She was patient, kind, but also vigilant while I got used to the steep learning curve of dealing with a very energetic and leash aggressive dog. It’s been over 5 months since we did training, and g has retained all the life-skills Jess taught her. I look forward to booking follow-ups in the future. I can’t recommend Jess highly enough!”
  • Andrew H.: “Instinct completely changed my relationship with my dog (for the better). The stress I experienced before during walks and when meeting new people is gone, and I can spend more time now enjoying my time with Benny. I would recommend Instinct to anyone seeking positive reinforcement training for their dog.”
  • Nola & Family: “I have a Rottweiler pup that was not very well socialized when she came to us at 10 weeks of age. She came from a rural setting into an environment with zero grass, lots of loud noise (freeway, planes, trains, and motorcycles) and exponentially more people. Jessica W. patiently answered all of my questions, and, through weeks of training, my hyper-vigilant pup has grown into a pretty confident dog who can finally relax enough to have fun! Jessica is kind, non-judgmental, professional and courteous. It is readily apparent that she is passionate about pups. Thank you, Jessica, for giving Nola the push that she needed to relax and enjoy life. We really appreciate it and you!”
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Ashley Cipolletti

United States

Ashley Cipolletti owns The Millennial Dog Owner, a humane dog training company located in San Diego, CA. The Millennial Dog Owner provides progressive and humane dog training services both in-person in San Diego County and virtually from anywhere.

Along with being a certified professional dog trainer, knowledge assessed (CPDT-KA), Ashley is a supporting member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC). She is dedicated to using humane, ethical, empathetic, and trauma-informed methods when working with dogs and their humans, striving to be as close to fear-free as possible.

Ashley’s background includes working with shelter dogs and specializing in fearful former rescues or 'streeties'. She also focuses on basic training and behavior modification, such as loose leash walking, leash reactivity, fear, and aggression (on a case-by-case basis).

The Millennial Dog Owner offers private coaching sessions, homeschool sessions, and consultations, along with providing free educational resources on their website and social media pages. While Ashley’s primary focus is on training dogs, she also has experience training horses and cats, and has worked in human mental health settings.

For more information and to book a session, visit their website at www.themillennialdogowner.com.

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Irina A. Lockwood-Devries

United States

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Donna Boyd

United States

DD offers dog training services in San Diego, CA. Working with dogs of various breeds, sizes, and ages, services include puppy 101, basic obedience, manners for adolescent and adult dogs, behavior management, problem solving, Canine Good Citizen (CGC) prep, trick, and clicker training.

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Judith Becker

United States

San Diego dog training and consulting service offers positive reinforcement dog and puppy training and problem resolution.

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Jessica M. Wheatcraft

United States

Instinct Dog Training

Instinct San Diego is brought to you by the founder and team members of Synergy Dog Training; our team, comprised of certified trainers and behavior consultants, has spent the past decade+ helping thousands of San Diego-area dogs and owners navigate through behavior issues big and small.

Our certified trainers and behavior consultants use our Nature-Driven Nurture™ framework to help humans and dogs navigate behavior issues large and small, via Private Coaching, Home School + Coaching, and Puppy Raising Camps.

Services

  • Behavior Consulting
  • Private Coaching
  • Home School programs
  • Alumni-only Group Classes

We include lifetime free alumni support & community with all training programs.

Private Coaching
Individually tailored, one-on-one coaching sessions with our certified trainers and behavior consultants. Available in your home or virtually.

Home School + Coaching
(Day Training)
Fast, fun and effective! We work with your dog multiple times per week, then provide collaborative coaching sessions to bring you up to speed.

Puppy Camp + Coaching
*Temporarily Unavailable*
We use a powerful combination of positive reinforcement puppy camp and collaborative coaching sessions to help your puppy grow into a confident, resilient family member.

Puppy Pre-K Classes
When: Saturdays at 9am
Where: Multiple Locations
We know how important early socialization and training is for puppies. In an effort to help more San Diego puppies and their owners, our Puppy Pre-K Classes are set up to help your puppy practice life skills at their individual skill level and practice constructive socializing skills with other puppies and humans around a variety of new experiences.

Alumni Classes for Adolescent & Adult Dogs
Open ONLY to our Alumni family (clients who have completed a series of 3 lessons, home school, or puppy camp program), our alumni classes are designed to give you fun, engaging ways to continue your education together while supporting your dog’s behavioral health needs.

Certifications

Our certified trainers and behavior consultants work together to deliver kind, practical solutions for dogs of all breeds, ages, and behavior issues.

Specializations

  • Behavior Therapy for Fear, Anxiety & Aggression
  • Life Skills + Manners
  • Puppy Development
  • Adolescent Dog Behavior Support
  • Senior Dog Behavior Support
  • Service Dog Training

Training Methods

We are deeply committed to ours clients’ long-term success. That’s why all training programs include access to lifetime free and low-cost alumni classes, bi-weekly Nature-Driven Nurture Q&A’S, and an alumni-only Facebook group.

Customer Reviews

“We had an incredible experience with Instinct. From the clear communication and measured approach with our dog, we were provided with calculated, methodical steps the entire way to get from point A to point B, and ultimately to where we are now, thriving.”
Claire W.

“By far, the best and most knowledgeable trainers we’ve worked with.”
J. Van Anden

“Brandi trained my young French Bulldog, Violet, over 12 weeks, first for the good citizen test and then for some tasks related to her becoming a trained service dog. Violet and I both love her. Her teaching methodology made Violet very comfortable and eager to learn. Brandi is always very positive. I recommend her to everyone. Brandi is now training my daughters dog.”
Violet & Family

“Jessica W. is awesome! She has helped our family tremendously with our dogs and given us the confidence to handle them in any situation. Both of our dogs have learned proper leash walking, recall skills, as well as “settle” down on the mat. She also helped us to implement fun games and activities which keep them happy and engaged. Our larger dog, Goose, is very high energy! He struggled with overexcitement and anxiety in the home and in new environments, which led to excessive barking, pulling on the leash and other difficult behaviors. Jessica’s training has taught us the techniques to manage his behavior and create an environment for learning and fun, wherever we go!”
Goose & Family

“Jess Stone was absolutely fantastic with Glitchie (g), my little rescue. G was a pandemic puppy and while incredibly playful, was very nervous about encountering people and dogs in our housing area, which manifested as aggression. Jess by was great; I watched G pick up life-skills to help her diffuse her energy and anxieties in amazing ways. She was patient, kind, but also vigilant while I got used to the steep learning curve of dealing with a very energetic and leash aggressive dog. It’s been over 5 months since we did training, and g has retained all the life-skills Jess taught her. I look forward to booking follow-ups in the future. I can’t recommend Jess highly enough!”
Glitchie & Family

“Instinct completely changed my relationship with my dog (for the better). The stress I experienced before during walks and when meeting new people is gone, and I can spend more time now enjoying my time with Benny. I would recommend Instinct to anyone seeking positive reinforcement training for their dog.”
Andrew H.

“I have a Rottweiler pup that was not very well socialized when she came to us at 10 weeks of age. She came from a rural setting into an environment with zero grass, lots of loud noise (freeway, planes, trains, and motorcycles) and exponentially more people. Jessica W. patiently answered all of my questions, and, through weeks of training, my hyper-vigilant pup has grown into a pretty confident dog who can finally relax enough to have fun! Jessica is kind, non-judgmental, professional and courteous. It is readily apparent that she is passionate about pups. Thank you, Jessica, for giving Nola the push that she needed to relax and enjoy life. We really appreciate it and you!”
Nola & Family

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Allison O. Beaulieu

United States

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Elizabeth Lucas

United States

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Margaret A. Lenoir

United States

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Bradley Lawrence Thomas

United States

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Michelle Y. Lin

United States

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Tamara Nikole Bell

United States

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Amanda J. Kowalski

United States

At this time, new clients are not being accepted. The aim is to enhance the lives of pet owners and their companion animals by bridging communication gaps using humane and science-based methods.

Services include in-home private training for basic obedience, foundational skills, enrichment, problem solving, puppy training, building skills for successful vet visits, and addressing nuisance behaviors.

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Jessica L. Stone

United States

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Tina Bhargava Flores

United States

Certified separation anxiety trainer specializing in separation anxiety resolution. Visit www.doggyeinsteinstraining.com.

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Fernando Luis Diaz

United States

At Building Better Bonds, the primary goal is to improve relationships with dogs, cats, reptiles, and other pets through education and positive reinforcement.

The organization offers certifications in CDBC training and employs the clicker as its main tool. Depending on the circumstances, alternative positive reinforcement methods may also be utilized.

The training philosophy revolves around understanding an animal's behaviors as a form of communication, thereby allowing for the development of better bonds.

The services are available for online consultations and extend to Lancaster, Palmdale, and neighboring cities.

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Michael F. Rueb

United States

Offering 1-on-1 in-home training and consultations, this dog trainer provides personalized and effective coaching for dogs and their owners. The expertise focuses on understanding individual needs and behaviors, addressing specific concerns, and establishing clear communication to foster a harmonious relationship. With a commitment to creating a positive learning environment, the trainer ensures that both the dog and the owner gain the necessary skills to achieve long-term success.

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Lindsey Kraal

United States

Lindsey Kraal

Lindsey Kraal offers a variety of dog training services, including:

  • Private Training: Addresses common issues like leash pulling, reactivity, and recall. Also covers behavior issues like resource guarding, separation anxiety, and aggression.
    • 1 hour lesson: $115
    • 3 lessons: $330
  • New Dog Consultations: Helps potential dog owners choose the right dog for their lifestyle.
    • Option A - 1 hour virtual consultation: $75
    • Option B - consultation + dog recommendations via email or text: $200
    • Option C - consultation + dog recommendations + vetting and evaluation of potential dogs: $500
  • Virtual Training: A budget-friendly option for busy schedules or specific issues.
    • 30 minute lesson: $50
    • 1 hour lesson: $75
  • Puppy Training: Early training to set a strong foundation for the dog's life.
    • 1 hour lesson: $115
    • 3 lessons: $330
  • Dog-Only Lessons: Additional training or enrichment for dogs and puppies.
    • 1 hour lesson: $75
    • 4 lessons: $280
    • 8 lessons: $520


Lindsey Kraal specializes in addressing common dog behavior issues such as leash pulling, reactivity, recall, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and aggression. She also offers consultations for new dog owners to help them choose the right dog for their lifestyle.

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Kate H. Palese

United States

As a professional dog trainer, specializing in canine behavior and obedience, the focus is on creating a strong foundation for dogs and puppies to thrive in their homes. The approach involves positive reinforcement techniques to encourage good behavior while addressing any behavioral issues. By tailoring training methods to suit the individual needs of each dog, the trainer ensures a personalized and effective learning experience. Through structured exercises and consistent guidance, the aim is to foster a harmonious relationship between dogs and their owners. The training provides a supportive environment for dogs to develop essential skills, promoting a well-balanced and well-behaved pet.

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Nori Elizabeth Smith

United States

Nori Elizabeth Smith

Nori's love and passion for dogs led her to become a trainer.

Training Philosophy

Every dog is different, and deserves to be treated as an individual. There are multiple ways to treat every scenario. Through positive reward based training, Nori works to find the best solution for you, and your dog! Relationships are built, and the end result is a happy dog, and a happy owner…..something EveryDog deserves!

Services

EveryDog Training offers private, in-home training sessions. They offer a variety of services including:

  • Bringing Home a New Puppy
  • Basic Obedience
  • Advance Obedience
  • Behavior Issues
  • AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Program
  • AKC Canine Good Citizen Program
  • Service Dog Coaching

Training options include:

  • One-hour session
  • Three one-hour session package
  • Additional sessions
  • Mini-group sessions (minimum 3 dogs)

Certifications

Nori holds the following certifications:

  • CCDT (Certified Canine Dog Trainer)
  • CPDT-KA (Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed)
  • SDC (Service Dog Coaching)

Specializations

Nori specializes in positive reward based training and offers services for a variety of needs, including puppy training, basic and advanced obedience, behavior issues, and service dog coaching.

Training Methods

Nori uses positive reward based training methods.

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Erin Nichole Vejar

United States

Erin is the owner and professional dog trainer at Woof! San Diego, specializing in positive reinforcement training for dogs since 2006. Private training and group classes are offered in-person. Erin holds certifications including KPA-CTP and BA designations such as CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, and FPPE. Her philosophy emphasizes clear communication and a healthy relationship without the use of force or intimidation. Training equipment at Woof! San Diego is carefully selected to promote positive training and the mental health of dogs. No choke chains or corrective equipment are used or needed in training. Erin’s services extend throughout San Diego County, with private lessons conducted in clients' homes or on the road and group classes held in the Normal Heights neighborhood. She is passionate about helping dogs meet their needs and assisting humans in reaching their training goals. Erin has extensive experience working with dogs in various situations, including those adjusting to new environments, puppies integrating into human families, and group classes for puppies and dogs. She also specializes in working with dogs in families with babies or toddlers and training service dogs for individuals with disabilities. Erin's background in service dog training enables her to provide comprehensive training experiences for pet dogs, preparing them to navigate typical environments such as homes, neighborhood walks, parks, beaches, and other dog-friendly places throughout San Diego.

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Carmela L. Lutz

United States

Genius Dog Training employs dog-friendly methods, prioritizing positive reinforcement. The company specializes in private training, placing emphasis on the well-being of both the pet and its owner. The owner/trainer, certified as a CPDT-KA with additional designations including AKC CGC Evaluator and CATCH Mentor Trainer, is dedicated to fostering respectful, enduring relationships between dogs and their owners. Operating primarily in San Diego County, California, private training services are offered. With a focus on English language instruction, the owner/trainer has over sixteen years of experience in dog training, covering areas such as potty and crate training, beginner to advanced obedience, and behavior issues. Their expertise extends to working with various breeds, from young puppies to senior dogs, and they are adept at instructing clients of all ages and abilities. For more details, please refer to the company's website.

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Andrea Heather Evans

United States

For dog guardians seeking to support their dogs in overcoming reactive behavior, an online coaching program is available. This program aims to help guardians enjoy everyday activities with their dogs without feeling isolated or embarrassed. The coach understands the challenges and aims to provide practical support.

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Andrea S. Acosta

United States

group classes & private lessons
As a professional dog trainer, she offers both group classes and private lessons. In the group classes, she focuses on basic obedience training, socialization, and addressing common behavior issues. These sessions provide a structured environment for dogs to learn and practice essential skills while interacting with other dogs and people. Private lessons, on the other hand, offer personalized attention and tailored training plans to address specific behavioral concerns or to work on individualized goals. Each session is designed to help owners and their dogs build a stronger bond and achieve desired training outcomes.

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Peter Joshua Barinski

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What’s essential in choosing a Dog Trainer?

Are you looking for professional dog trainers in San Diego, CA? Look no further. In our directory, you'll find a comprehensive list of experienced dog trainers who can help you address your dog's behavior and training needs. Whether you have a new puppy or an older dog, these professionals offer a range of training services to help you and your furry friend live harmoniously.

Personalized Dog Training Services

Professional dog trainers provide personalized training tailored to your dog's specific needs.

Behavioral Issue Resolution for Dogs

They can help address behavioral issues such as excessive barking, jumping, aggression, and separation anxiety.

Basic Obedience and Manners Training

Trainers offer obedience training to teach your dog basic commands and good manners.

Dog Socialization Assistance

They can assist with socialization, helping your dog interact positively with other dogs and people.

Behavior Modification Guidance

Professional trainers can guide you in modifying your dog's behavior and addressing any problematic habits.

Personalized Dog Training Services

They provide expert advice and support to help you understand your dog's behavior and build a strong bond with your pet.

Choosing a professional dog trainer can make a significant difference in your dog's behavior and overall well-being. With their expertise and guidance, you can effectively address behavioral issues, improve obedience, and foster a positive relationship with your dog. Find the right dog trainer in San Diego, CA and take the first step toward a happier, more harmonious life with your beloved pet.

Unleash the full potential of your canine companion with expert dog trainers in Austin. These seasoned professionals bring years of experience and a deep understanding of canine behavior to every training session. No matter the breed or age, we tailor our approach to suit the unique needs of your furry friend.

Personalized Dog Training Services

Professional dog trainers provide personalized training tailored to your dog's specific needs.

Behavioral Issue Resolution for Dogs

They can help address behavioral issues such as excessive barking, jumping, aggression, and separation anxiety.

Basic Obedience and Manners Training

Trainers offer obedience training to teach your dog basic commands and good manners.

Dog Socialization Assistance

They can assist with socialization, helping your dog interact positively with other dogs and people.

Behavior Modification Guidance

Professional trainers can guide you in modifying your dog's behavior and addressing any problematic habits.

Personalized Dog Training Services

They provide expert advice and support to help you understand your dog's behavior and build a strong bond with your pet.

Ready to embark on a transformative journey with your dog? Contact trainers today to schedule your first session. Our team is here to support you and your canine companion every step of the way.

We've got the answers for your questions

What qualifications should I look for in a dog trainer in San Diego, CA?

When seeking a dog trainer in San Diego, look for certifications from reputable organizations, experience working with various breeds, and a positive training approach.

Are there specialized dog trainers in San Diego, CA for specific breeds or behaviors?

Yes, in San Diego, there are trainers who specialize in certain breeds or behavioral issues. Whether you have a specific breed or a behavioral concern, you can find a trainer to address your needs.

What training methods do dog trainers in San Diego, CA typically use?

Training methods in San Diego vary, but positive reinforcement, clicker training, and reward-based techniques are commonly used. It’s important to discuss training methods with potential trainers to find one that aligns with your preferences.

How can I find a reputable dog trainer in San Diego, CA?

Look for trainers with positive reviews, ask for recommendations from local veterinarians or pet owners, and don’t hesitate to schedule consultations to discuss your dog’s specific needs.

What are the average costs for dog training in San Diego, CA?

Dog training costs in San Diego can vary based on the trainer’s experience, the type of training required, and the duration of the program. Typically, group classes are more affordable than private sessions.

Are there dog trainers in San Diego, CA who specialize in agility or advanced training?

Yes, in San Diego, there are trainers specializing in agility, advanced obedience, and even therapy dog training. Researching specific trainers or facilities can help you find the right fit for your dog’s training needs.

Do dog trainers in San Diego, CA offer in-home training sessions?

Many trainers in San Diego offer in-home training sessions to address behavioral issues or to provide personalized training in the dog’s environment. In-home training can be particularly beneficial for certain dogs and their owners.

How long does it usually take to see results from dog training in San Diego, CA?

The timeline for seeing results varies depending on the dog’s temperament, the training method used, and the consistency of training. Generally, most owners start seeing improvement within a few weeks of consistent training.

Are there dog trainers in San Diego, CA who offer puppy socialization classes?

Yes, many trainers in San Diego offer puppy socialization classes to help young dogs learn proper social behaviors and interactions. These classes are essential for a puppy’s early development.

Can dog trainers in San Diego, CA help with specific behavior issues like aggression or separation anxiety?

Absolutely, there are trainers in San Diego who specialize in behavior modification and can help address issues such as aggression, separation anxiety, and fear-based behaviors through personalized training programs.

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