Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Puppy training in San Diego, CA. Based on feedback and votes from our Puppy training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the San Diego area.
CPDT-KA AKC-CGC Evaluator Assistance Dogs International Crisis Response Canine Trainer - San Diego CPR - Canine Paws to Share
Service dog training, Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
San Diego
In 2014 with my then companion dogs, Tebow, Scruffy and Richter, I ventured to the dog park and had a chance meeting with Sally Montruchio the founder of Next Step Service Dogs. This meeting changed my life, as Sally helped me take my passion for dogs and service to the next level. After attending just one class with NSSD I was committed to the program and excited for the opportunity to train a...
KPACTP, CPDT, CGC Evaluator
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Puppy training
Carlsbad, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Vista, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Clairemont, Sorrento Valley, Escondido, Poway, Oceanside, Leucadia, Cardiff, Rancho Bernardo, Mira Mesa, Pacific Beach, San Marcos
Sarah was that kid growing up who was always bringing home strays and begging her mom to let her keep them. Ever do that? Thankfully, her folks typically said yes and she grew up surrounded by animals.
Until she began volunteering at the San Diego Humane Society and what was the onset of her training career in 2001, she didn't realize there was a different way to train and build a gre...
CPDT-KA, BA Psychology
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Point Loma, ocean beach, pacific beach, hillcrest, north park, South Park, downtown, little Italy, Clairemont, La Jolla, Scripps Ranch, La Mesa, Chula Vista, National City, San Diego county
I am a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and I specialize in training former rescue and shelter dogs. I'm passionate about giving a voice to the voiceless and strive to make the world a better place for canines and their human companions.
CCPDT-KA, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
La Jolla, Point Loma, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Downtown San Diego, Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, North Park, South Park, Golden Hill, Normal Heights, Kensington, Tierrasanta, Mission Valley, Kearny Mesa, Clairemont, Bay Park, Carmel Valley, Sorrento Valley
Brandi Hutsell is a co-owner and certified dog trainer with Instinct San Diego. Brandi loves using modern, evidence-backed learning techniques to help humans and dogs learn to communicate clearly with one
another, and seeing the strong, positive relationships that grow from that mutual understanding. She is a kind, patient teacher who readily adapts her coaching and communication style to m...
School For The Dogs Certified Professional Trainer, Separation Anxiety Shadowing Program Certificate, Advanced Separation Anxiety Shadowing Program Certificate
Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training
San Diego
Leeyah is a certified dog trainer and completed a rigorous 6-month apprenticeship studying animal behavior and applying science based, positive reinforcement training techniques. She's passionate about utilizing gentle training methods to help anxious dogs and their people. And is known to go above and beyond in order to give her clients the best chance possible.
Through completing hu...
Former guide dog as assistance dog trainer. Over 20 yrs experience
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
San Diego County
Hi . My name is Beth and I am a dog trainer and behaviorist with 22 years experience. I have trained Guide Dogs for the Blind, Asistance Dogs for the Disabled, was the puppy group leader for Guide Dogs of America. I have trained thousands of dogs privately. I have recently published a kindle book chronicling obedience and behavioral training as well as many articles. I work on the train the tra...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Hello everyone! I'm Lou, a Behavioral Specialist at Mango Dogs San Diego, serving our vibrant city and its surrounding areas. I own a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois named Stoney. She helps me with working out behavioral issues with all my clients and she will show you how awesome your dog(s) could be. Years ago I struggled with my dog Doja, she was reactive and aggressive towards both dogs and hum...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
With over a decade of experience in dog training, Anna emphasizes balanced methods and positive reinforcement. She studied at the Animal Behavioral College and has a background in Behavioral Psychology, aiming to foster stronger bonds between dogs and their owners. Anna is experienced with various breeds and behavioral challenges, Anna is also AKC certified.
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Eduardo is a balanced dog trainer who believes dogs succeed when we combine positive reinforcement techniques with firm, yet gentle guidance. He possesses three years of practical experience addressing a wide range of dog behavioral issues and two years of experience in specialized dog scent work for federal law enforcement. Lalo's love for dogs, genuine passion for dog training, and expertise ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Aimee was born and raised in San Diego and is the daughter of a veterinarian. Her mother ran and operated their 3 veterinary hospitals where she grew up helping out after school with the family business. She also grew up with many other types of animals. Goats, cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and horses that were on her grandparents' small farm in Ramona, where she spent he...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Mason is a dog trainer and behavior consultant with Instinct San Diego. Mason regularly works with a wide range of breeds and temperaments, and is skilled at complex behavior modification for fear, aggression, and anxiety issues, as well as life skills and puppy development. Mason is a Karen Pryor Academy Graduate and a L.E.G.S. Family Dog Mediator. Prior to working with Instinct, Mason previou...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Emma's experience with dogs began as a volunteer at a local rescue in 2018, working primarily with former street dogs from Mexico. By serving as a foster, adoption coordinator, and volunteer trainer, she became adept at helping dogs and their new families through the transition of rehoming. She also gained valuable experience with street dogs and the behaviors typical of their unique background...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Jacquelyn has been a long-time animal advocate and began training dogs professionally in 2016. She earned her bachelor's Degree from SDSU with a minor in Psychology, furthering her interest in the brain and how animals think.
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Hello, My name is Gonzalo. I specialize in building happier human-dog relationships utilizing your dog's favorite rewards (toys, play, praise, food, freedom, etc.) and eliminating unwanted behaviors. My dog training sessions are about educating humans first. You will get a clear plan for your goals and learn the fundamentals of teaching/training your dog. For me there is nothing more satisfying...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Tom is a United States Marine Corps Veteran and expert dog trainer. His extensive knowledge of dog behavior and training techniques comes from his years of intensive study on dog training, attending seminars and workshops, and working with some of the best trainers in the country.Tom's passion for working with dogs and dedication in helping others develop a positive and fulfilling relationship ...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training
Carol has loved animals all her days and has devoted her professional life to animal studies, training and behavior modification. Carol holds a certification in Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington and has studied under James Ha, CAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist), Ph.D., one of the foremost animal behaviorists Since the early 1990s, Carol is been a highly-regarded...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training
Michael earned degrees in Life and Physical Sciences, and earned the certification for Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington. He participates with Carol in conducting research projects with Dr. Ha, providing scientific and mathematical expertise and support. Before joining Carol as The Educated Pet's office manager, assistant trainer and behaviorist in 2012, Michael spent 30...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Ashley Larsen, also known as 'Larsen', started working with dog shelters and rescue barns in 2007. Fascinated by the influence of nature via nurture, Larsen obtained her Bachelors in Neuropsychology at UC Berkeley. Using a scientific lens, she assesses the whole dog by looking at what impacts behavior, such as genetics, environment, needs, and neurodevelopment.
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Sara is a wonderful dog trainer and animal lover. She has extensive experience in specialty behavior training such as: house manners, barking, separation anxiety, fearfulness, aggression, leash reactivity and more.Sara has worked with dogs professionally for over 20 years including: competing in confirmation and obedience, preforming behavior evaluations for off-leash play, dog husbandry and ba...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
For over two decades, coaching and educating people has always been a passion of Amanda's. Over the years, Amanda has realized there was something else she needed to do in life. She needed to not just help people but also make more of a difference in animals' lives. Human or non-human, Amanda believes we all deserve a chance at being our best selves, and with a little help and confidence buildi...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Jessica loved working with dogs from a very early age. She became a professional dog trainer in 2007. She was the Manager and Lead Trainer for one of San Diego's most sought-after dog training companies for over 10 years before striking out on her own with Finest City Dog Training in 2017. She is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and provides all levels of obedience training, socia...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Tomas Natterstad
Owner, Founder, & Trainer
From before Tomas can remember, animals have been his biggest passion. This passion drove him to begin his career in the animal care and behavior industry in 2009 in various shelters throughout the country. During this time, Tomas decided to complete a comprehensive course to get my dog training certification.
In 2019, Tomas decided...
Board and train, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training
Fallbrook, De Luz, Rainbow & Bonsall
A Dalmatian dog mom, furever loving training and playing with puppers!
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
As the previous general manager of Pack Method Prep in 2019, Alex was driven headfirst into the dog training world. She applied her knowledge to her own dog that struggled with fear aggression and reactivity and after engulfing herself in the industry has become a certified dog trainer herself.
ABCDT, CGC Evaluator
Agility training, Puppy training
Classes located in Ocean Beach and Point Loma
Lara Schindler is the founder of Happy Dog Happy Owner and has over 15 years experience training people and their dogs. Lara has always had a love for dogs and an interest in dog behavior and dog training. During a stressful time working as a corporate trainer, Lara realized that she wanted dogs to play a more prominent role in her life, as they always brought her joy and happiness. It was thi...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
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. 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...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
Cassidy is a dog trainer at Instinct San Diego who is comfortable working alongside dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments. Cassidy worked at a dog daycare before moving into teaching private and group training classes. She is skilled at obedience, manners, puppy development, life skills, and behavior issues including fear, anxiety, and reactivity. Cassidy is a compassionate and enthusiasti...
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
As a San Diego Dog Trainer, I offer positive, customized, low-aversion Dog Training and Puppy Training for you and your dog.I help dog owners to improve the relationship with and behavior of, their dogs, leading to a balanced and happy household.I believe in Dog Training with patience, praise, and science showing your dog how to be a calm, obedient, and happy family member.I believe in helping ...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Ashley Valentine has a Bachelors Degree in Animal Science from UCONN and is a Nationally Certified Canine Behavior Consultant She has completed a Complete Canine Certification in Canine Aggression master course through world-renowned Michael Shikashio. She uses positive reinforcement, management, and safety techniques to help owners and dogs with all levels of aggression, leash reactivity, fear...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
I started formally training dogs in 2006 after spending time volunteering with a local rescue group. I hung out at adoption events practicing basic training with the dogs in between meetings with adopters, and I loved seeing the adopters' eyes light up when they saw that the dogs could follow basic training cues. I decided to take my first formal training program through Animal Behavior College...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training
A light-skinned woman with long, curly grey hair wearing a purple polo shirt sits in front of a swimming pool with three rescue dogs facing various directionsHi, I'm Suzanne! I am a former diplomat and lawyer, now a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) with a passion for improving the lives of dogs and the people who love them. I first got into dog training when I started fostering dogs...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training
Training Director, Manuel Villanueva, is one of the most sought-after dog trainers in the United States and beyond. Manuel's career started when he was just 18 years old (over 40 years of experience) and he specialized in training working breeds such as Dobermans, Rottweilers, and Shepherds. Manuel was one of the few trainers to study under Mr. Fon Johnson, a pioneer in the dog training world, ...
Aggressive dog training, Board and train, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Bailey is a United States Army Veteran and former Explosive Detection Canine Handler. Through this work, he gained a deeper understanding of canine behavior and psychology. Training and handling highly skilled dogs has allowed him to recognize the most effective training methods to better communicate with dogs, build stronger relationships, and achieve desired training outcomes.
His ne...
Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training
Julia started working with dogs in 2016 while earning her bachelors degree in Cognitive Science at the University of Southern California. She was fascinated with behavior and learning theory, so opted to follow her passion into a career in dog training. Julia entered the field with Little Angels Service Dogs, training all types of assistance skills such as public access, task training and scent...
Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Puppy training in San Diego, CA is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Puppy training, we received 488 total votes, resulting in 34 dog trainers who focus on Puppy training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Puppy training listed first.
Dog trainers for Puppy training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Gina Esoldi, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Puppy training in San Diego, CA. Gina Esoldi’s favorite part of their job is: Seeing both dogs and clients bond transform as each gains confidence, knowledge, and skills to work side by side.
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At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Gina Esoldi, as well as the other dog trainers on this Puppy training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog.
Training your dog whether it be for a companion, therapy work, or service is about trust, communication and most of all relationship. Your companion dog should be trained to fit your lifestyle, your family and your needs. Working with service dogs and veterans I have spent many years training and transferring dogs to their new teammate. Dogs will always perform for the trainer but is it transferable? My goal is to give you those tools to not only help in the process, but allow you to maintain the training for years to come!, while others like Sarah Surritt adopt:
I help new pet parents train their dogs using kind, positive methods so that they can feel confident they can bring out the best in their dog and have an amazing relationship build on trust and joy. An initial consultation is starting point for all privates. Includes lengthy online application to gain dog's /family history/behavioral focus areas. Consult is in the home or online. Followed by a thorough follow-up plan for continued training/recommendations/management plan and package options for addtil support. For private ongoing sessions follow ups to clients vary based on their learning style. May include all/some of the following: text message summaries, email recap, video tutorials, shared google doc for goal tracking/daily tasks, daily or weekly check-ins with student. Access to our online client resource page with videos/printables is also offered to both in person and online students. All training is shaped, captured or lured. There is no use of punitive, aversive training or tools. I train using a marker signal (mostly a clicker) and teach students the same. Instruction style is verbal as well as hands on- I often use video to record and share for feedback and guidance as well. Each approach is customized to suit local dogs.
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
From 2009 to 2020, there was a 40 percent increase in the development of public dog parks. Designated spots for canine exercise have become commonplace in every major city in North America — many pet owners won’t even consider renting an apartment that doesn’t have its own fenced-in pet area for their canine companions.
Thousand Oaks, California has been a safe haven for Sniffspot host, Jen, since childhood. Having grown up in busy Santa Barbara, Jen, an introvert from an early age, would seek out solitude and serenity away from tourists attractions and droves of people visiting from elsewhere. “My grandparents own 60 acres about a 30 minute drive from here, and I grew up spending every summer and every holiday visiting them on the ranch,” Jen explained. “In Santa Barbara, we wouldn't go to the beach on the weekend because that's where everybody was, so you'd find places off the beaten path where the tourists weren't. For me, the ranch was just my happy place.”
Ellen is the host of Country Pasture Getaway, one of Sniffspot's most popular sniff spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great sniff spot host.
Just 20 minutes outside of the busy city of Portland, Oregon, and settled right on the banks of the Columbia River, you’ll find what countless visitors have flocked to the area in search of – mountain views, crisp, clean air, and running water for miles. What you might not expect to find, however, is a hidden oasis designed just for dogs and their people, owned and operated by a farming couple and enjoyed by visitors on two legs, and four.
Fran is the host of Ranch Setting, one of Sniffspot's most popular spots. She has taken the time to write up the lessons she has learned about how to be a great Sniffspot host.
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.
Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.
Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.
Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.
Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.
Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.