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Certified dog trainer
Brandi Lynne Hutsell
Brandi Lynne Hutsell

San Diego, CA

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!”

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.

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