R+ Dog and Cat Trainer Directory

Last updated
Save as PDF
Share
1. Share
2. Tweet
3. Share

San Diego Humane Society is pleased to share this directory of known Positive Reinforcement (R+) trainers from primarily around San Diego County and surrounding areas.

We understand how searching for an appropriate trainer for your pets' needs can feel overwhelming, so we've made the process a little easier for you with this directory along with these following resources:

B&T Lecture: How to Pick a Trainer
Decode the "alphabet soup" of training certifications: R+ Certifications - Appendix A _SHDS2022.pdf
National and International training and behavior organization position statements on training methods and best practices related to dominance theory, punishment, electronic training devices, breed specific legislation, early puppy socialization (prior to 16 weeks), and the importance of collaboration with veterinarians and positive vet care, including some statements in Spanish can be found at the bottom of the directory.

This trainer directory is dynamic and always evolving. If you believe a trainer is missing from this directory, you learn that a trainer on this list does not fall in with our organization's commitment to positive reinforcement and force-free learning or you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to email us at behavior@sdhumane.org.

At this time, the pet training field is unregulated and does not require certain standards of trainer education and skills are required. There is a push for standardizing training methods used in the field to create best practices and reduce some of the confusion around choosing a trainer as well as the use of inhumane or outdated training methods. The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC) has released a Position Statement on Regulation in Animal Training and Behavior and the Certification Counsel for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT) has called for mandating trainer certification. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behaviorists (AVSAB) has also released a statement on How to Choose a Trainer and another on Humane Dog Training methods.

Type in the input field to filter this list by Trainer or Company name, specialties, animal types or Location:

Company name & Website	Trainers & Certifications	Pet Type	Location	Specialty
Accomplished Canines	Amanda Cornell, M.S., CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator Brittany Quon, CPDT-KA Martha White, KPA	Dogs	South Orange County	Puppy Raising, reactivity, dog sport foundations
Alcala Country Pet Resort	Matt Montes. CBCC, Fear Free Shelter graduate, Aggression in Dogs Master Class graduate, FDM General Manager. Courtney Roberts, CPDT-KA, Fear Free certified, Training Manager. Cydney Litt, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Mason Cameron, KPA CTP, FDM Michelle Hartley, ABCDT	Dogs	Encinitas	Day Training, Board and Train, Private lessons, group classes. Obedience, tricks, behavior modification. Only thing we can't help with in house is Separation Anxiety - we refer to a local CSAT for that.
All Big Canines, LLC	Tabitha Davies, CPDT-KA, ACDBC, fear free certified, APHE, PPG	Dogs	Coachella Valley, up to Joshua Tree, across to Blythe, and into Redlands	Reactivity and aggression is our specialty. We also have group classes, agility, rally, and a doggie pool.
Aloe Dog Training	Wes Oberman, CCDT	Dogs	Oceanside, Vista, Carlsbad, San Marcos, Encinitas, Del Mar & surrounding areas	Private training, walk & train sessions, behavior modification training, basic manners training including potty training, crate training, leash manners, jumping behaviors, and counter surfing.
Aloha Positive dog training	Kim Lepic, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Animal Trainer	Dogs	Bonsall, Fallbrook, Temecula, Vista, Oceanside, Camp Pendleton	Private in-home lessons as well as day training. Specializing in puppy training (socialization, potty training, foundation skills), newly adopted rescue dogs, shy & fearful dogs, basic manners and reactivity training.
Angie Fonseca	Angie Fonseca, BA Psychology, CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Pet Professional, Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior, AKC-CGC evaluator	Dogs, Cats, other pets	All of San Diego County	Basic training for puppies and dogs. Puppy specific troubleshooting and training. Canine Good Citizen prep and evaluation. Shelter-to-home support. Behavior modification for dogs, cats, and other pets.
BADDogs Inc. Family Dog Training & Behavior	Barbara Davis, CDBC, IAABC-ADT, SBA, CPDT-KA Over 1500 hours of continuing education.	Dogs	Corona	family/companion dog training beginner through advanced, tricks, puppy socialization, CGC – all levels, service dog, therapy dog, treibball. Serious behavior problems (aggression, anxiety, fear, etc) all breeds. Some board and train. One instructor is a Spanish-speaker. We are LIMA adherents.
Bella Woof	April Bove-Rothwell, BS Animal Biology UC Davis, CPDT-KA, AKC-CGC evaluator	Dogs	Coastal from Downtown San Diego to Encinitas. Inland north of 8 & west of 15 & south of Del Dios highways	AKC STAR Puppy Class & Socialization and Adult Dog Training Classes in Bella Woof La Jolla classroom. Private, customized lessons at Bella Woof or in-home for fear, aggression, obedience, house manners and puppies. Gentle, cage-free grooming by AKC-SAFE trained professional groomer. Safe and humane walking and training equipment, and other apparel. Healthy and holistic foods and supplements.
Birch Bark Dog Training	Lindsey Lieberman, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, FFCP	Dogs	Vista, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Encinitas, San Marcos	Mindful, force-free training for dogs and their people. Specializing in behavior modification programs for reactivity, fear, and aggression. Basics and specialty group classes that emphasize training for the real world!
Brent Cady Dog Training	Brent Cady, KPA CTP and Fear Free Certified	Dogs	Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, Del Mar, Carlsbad, La Jolla, Escondido	Foundation and advanced skills for puppies, adolescents and adult dogs displaying anxious, fearful, reactive and aggressive behaviors. Therapy and assistance dog training. Find me on Instagram @brentcady
Britta's Animal Training	Britta Wilson, BA, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, Patti O' Farrell, CSAT, KPA CTP	Dogs, Cats, Horses, other	San Diego County and globally via zoom	Training and behavior consulting for your puppy, dog, cat, horse or any animal in a 501(c)(3) sanctuary or rescue
Canine Behavior Consulting	Anna Skaff, PharmD, CBCC-KA, KPA CTP, CMAC	Dogs	Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas, Solana Beach	Basic foundation, shy and fearful dogs, service dogs, CGC
Canine Learning Academy	Yo Armendariz, KPA CTP, CBATI, SDC, CDTI, CCFC, SDJ, AACE, FFC Julie Fryman KPA CTP, CBATI, SDC, CDTI Kurtis Swinson KPA CTP	Dogs	Virtual or in person: beach cities between Redondo Beach & Irvine. Long Beach, Seal Beach, Sunset Beach, Huntington Beach	Young puppy (8-20 weeks) raising- living in the city, dog reactivity on leash, service dog training, trick trainer, Board & Train (Swan Diego - Malibu) dogs 35 lbs and under and puppies
Chirrups & Chatter Preferred Training Partner	Tabitha Kucera, RVT, CCBC, KPA CTB, Low Stress Handling Certified, Fear Free Elite Certified	Dogs, Cats	Globally online	Comprehensive behavior solutions, education for preventing behavior concerns, training for happy veterinary visits (carrier training, medication training, happy nail trims and more).
Click Dog Training	Chancel Siebuhr, ABCDT, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA	Dogs, Cats	San Diego & Del Mar	Puppies, adults for basics and foundations. I have done some reactive dog stuff- mostly foundation and then I’m actually meeting someone outside- at threshold (as restrictions allow). Take clients in Del Mar at Thrive Animal Rescue
Cloud K-Nine Dog Services	Janet Thornton, CPDT-KA, MSc., B.A., Certified Dog Bite Prevention Educator, Fear-Free Certified	Dogs	Encinitas, Vista, Oceanside, San Marcos, Carlsbad, Escondido and Fallbrook	Puppy Behaviors, Life Manners and Behavior Modification, Leash Skills and Leash Reactivity, Dog to Dog Skills and Socialization, Shy/Fearful Behavior.
Co-Regulated K9's	Ashley Cipolletti, CPDT-KA, BA Psychology, MA Biology (in progress)	Dogs	San Diego County or globally online	Fear/Reactivity, recently adopted shelter/rescue dogs, loose leash walking. I offer 1:1 private coaching in-home, or homeschool (day training) packages. Find her on Instagram for more.
Do No Harm dog training	Linda Michaels, M.A., Psych, PPG PCT-A, VSPDT, ISCP	Dogs	San Diego / Los Angeles	Creator of the Hierarchy of Dog Needs and Author of the newly released Do No Harm Dog Training and Behavior Handbook - focusing on speaking and her Facebook group.
Dog Dayz of California	Pat Gallagher, ABCDT	Dogs	North County San Diego	Board and Train, Daycare and Train, Classes and private lessons (not a good fit for aggression issues but basic manners and behavioral adjustments)
Doggy Einsteins Training Preferred Training Partner	Tina Flores, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, CSAT	Dogs	Globally online	Separation Anxiety -Fluent in English and Hindi
Dogpanion, LLC	Mel Reichek (she/her/hers), SDC, AKC CGC Evaluator, SA Pro Trainer	Dogs	Mira Mesa, Cardiff, Del Mar, Rancho Penasquitos, Carmel Valley, Scripps Ranch, La Jolla, Kearny Mesa, Clairemont, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, Mission Valley	Specializing in puppy raising and training, CGC training, ESA and Service Dog (Autism Assistance, Psychiatric)
Dogs by Johanna	Johnna Biondi, CPDT-KA	Dogs	Los Angeles & Ventura County	Specializes in integrating new dogs into the family and starting puppies and their parents off on the right paw! Also, behavior modification, problem solving, aggression, and overall house manners.
Dr. Chris Pachel	Dr. Chris Pachel, DVM, DACVB, CABC	Dogs, Cats	Globally online	Recommended Veterinary Behaviorist.
Dr. Jill Goldman	Dr. Jill Goldman, PhD, CAAB	Dogs, Cats	Globally online	Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. Behavior modification for fear, aggression, anxiety, destruction, excessive vocalizations, and house soiling.
Dr. Karen Sueda	Dr. Karen Sueda, DVM, DACVB, MS, PhD	Dogs, Cats	Globally online	Recommended Veterinary Behaviorist.
Dr. Kenneth Martin	Dr. Kenneth Martin, DVM, DACVB, Fear Free Certified Professional	Dogs, Cats	Globally online	Recommended Veterinary Behaviorist.
Dr. Lore Haug	Dr. Lore Haug, DVM, MS, DACVB, CABC	Dogs, Cats, other	Globally online	Recommended Veterinary Behaviorist.
Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado / Feline Minds	Dr. Mikel Maria Delgado, CAAB, CCBC, PhD	Cats	Online & Sacramento	Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist. Works with cat owners, animal shelters, and pet-focused corporations to answer cat behavior questions and solve problems. Mikel is a co-author with Jackson Galaxy of “Total Cat Mojo” and the author of the forthcoming book “Play with Your Cat!”
Dr. Rachel Malamed	Dr. Rachel Malamed, DVM, DACVB	Dogs, Cats	Globally online	Recommended Veterinary Behaviorist.
Dr. Wailani Sung	Dr. Wailani Sung, DVM, DACVB	Dogs, Cats	Globally online	Recommended Veterinary Behaviorist.
Eden Animal Training Services Preferred Training Partner	Stefanie Kennedy, EATM, KPA CTP, ILLIS, Continued education with BAT (see: CBATI in appendix)	Dogs, Cats	Online & Greater Sacramento	Rescue dogs, dogs with reactivity, puppies and cats with behavior concerns. Online private training, online group classes, and self paced online dog training programs.
Fix Dog Training	Amy Vandenberg, CPDT-KA, FPPE, Fear Free Shelter Professional	Dogs	North San Diego County, Virtual	In home training for basic manners, puppy foundation training, behavior modification, as well as support for integrating a new dog or puppy into a family, or a new baby into your home with a dog. Tele/video consult sessions offered to any location, specializing in preparing your resident dog for a new baby arrival as well preparing your current family for a new dog or puppy.
Freedom Service Dogs	Peggy Poore, Executive Director, KPA-CPT, CPDT-KA. Many trainers	Dogs	Corona, Norco, Oceanside, San Marcos, Orange and San Diego Counties	Service Dog trainers +R - works with wounded warriors
Get Pawsitive	Sarah Surritt, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, AKC CGC Evaluator, ABC mentor Patti O'Farrell KPA-CPT, CSAT, FPPE, Pilar De Veintemilla - Bilingual, VSA Libby Lucas ABC-DT, CPDT-KA, Joanna Chang PAT	Dogs	Private training: Mission Valley up to Oceanside-over to Escondido/ rb/ Poway, all of north county/coast Carmel Valley up	Puppy training, puppy play classes, separation anxiety (Patti), adult training, new dog/new baby training, fear and reactivity , behavior mod, board and train (home environment), day training, specialty classes, online monthly support group as well as online private training and self study options, workshops for volunteers and PAT teams.
Happy Dog Happy Owner	Lara Schindler, ABCDT, AKC CGC Evaluator	Dogs	Central San Diego	Group obedience classes, scent work classes, and agility classes.
Inspire Canine Behavior Counseling & Training	Paula L. Phillips, FDM, Aggression in Dogs Masterclass graduate, Unlocking Resiliency graduate, AKC CGC Evaluator	Dogs	San Diego County and global virtually	Personalized programs for dogs experiencing behavioral challenges, including fear, anxiety, and aggression. We specialize in developing resiliency and have extensive experience with shelter and rescue animals. Our fear and intimidation-free approach benefits all ages and breeds.
Instinct Dog Training - San Diego	Brandi Hutsell, CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, AKC CGC Evaluator Jessica Wheatcraft, CDBC, CPDT-KA	Dogs	City of San Diego and some surrounding areas	Puppy development, life skills & manners, Canine Good Citizen prep, and dog-dog socialization and interaction
Legends Dog Training Preferred Training Partner	Alyssa Rose, CPDT-KA, Behavior Specialist	Dogs	Virtual	Online classes and education for anxious, reactive, hyperactive or aggressive behavior. The classes teach practical skill sets for dogs that struggle with stress or over-arousal. They also teach people how to optimize the behavioral training process to make the most of the time invested in training. The online classes offer pre-recorded training demonstrations and discussions, allowing students to watch the training at a time that is conducive to their schedule. Students have the option to attend office hours to ask questions that come up along the way, and an opportunity to connect with others dealing with similar challenges and frustrations. This experience is highly effective and provides community support.
Love of Animals pet services Preferred Training Partner	Jasmine Almonte, CCDT, FFCP, CT	Dogs, Cats,	Anywhere within 30 miles of Carmel Valley	Training services. Pet CPR & first aid certified. Specializes in basic training for dogs and puppies.
Meridus K9 and Equine,LLC	Cecelia Anastos, CPDT-KA	Dogs, Horses	San Diego	Obedience and service dogs for children with rare diseases. Fluent in Spanish, French, Italian, and Portuguese. Equine massage
MJ Friendly Dogs (Spanish)	Maria José Eguren, Director Behavior& Training PHS/SPCA, CABC	Dogs	Online, San Mateo	Spanish classes/consults, and training for the whole family – specific tips for each age group: children, adults, seniors.
Mutts About You	Chey Anne Tamashiro, KPA CTP	Dogs	Poway, Rancho Bernardo, 4S Ranch, Scripps Ranch, Rancho Penasquitos	One to one private training for manners, potty training, leash walking. I also offer in- home pet sitting and day training
Out n' About Dog Training	Julie Schmitt, CPDT-KA, VSPDT, GDMI, FFCP, AKC CGC Evaluator	Dogs	San Diego East County	Dog & puppy training, behavioral consulting & training, day training, board and train. virtual consultations, help with fearful, anxious, reactive or aggressive dogs. Licensed Be a Tree Presenter (bite prevention school kids). Guide Dog Mobility Instructor (service dogs)
Pack Method Prep	Zoe Stathis, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, Ashley Valentine CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, FDM Jacquelyn Court, CPDT-KA Lindsey Kraal, CPDT-KA Emma Castor, CPDT-KA	Dogs	La Jolla to Chula Vista	Trainers with Pack Method Prep are certified, use science-based approaches to canine learning, and use positive reinforcement to achieve behavior goals. They get to know each pup on an individual basis and evaluate motivators thoroughly to find what will drive your pup to want to meet their goals as much as you do. Sessions result in happy pups feeling more confident in their human partners and happy parents feeling more educated and empowered to pilot and enrich their pups’ lives.
Pam's Dog Academy LLC	Pamela Johnson, M.A., CPDT-KA	Dogs	Jamul	Group Classes - agility, canine freestyle, tricks, canine conditioning, force free rattlesnake avoidance, dog sport foundations, and private sessions at my personal grass and agility field are also available. We offer NADAC video titling opportunities in agility class as well as during fun runs, and workshops from time to time. Pam has spent the last 6 years learning about canine rehabilitation after her border collie herniated a disc catching a frisbee. Twix Runs Again, by Pamela Johnson can be purchased on Amazon, Audible, and B&N.
Pawtopia	Colleen Demling-Riley, CDBC, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA	Dogs	Rancho Santa Fe, Caramel Valley, Coastal San Diego from Point Loma to Solana Beach	Puppy training, helping rescue dogs adjust to their new home, and behavior modification.
SMRT Dog Preferred Training Partner	Jamie Bozzi, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KSA, KPA CTP, ACDBC, CC, CNWI, MAR Handler, AKC Scent Work Judge	Dogs	Riverside & San Diego counties	Specializes in: Positive reinforcement training and customized behavior modification plans for fearful, anxious and aggressive behavioral issues, as well as, basic obedience and tricks. She also works with sport, performance and working dogs, especially in scent detection work- K9 Nose Work, AKC Scent Work and SAR/MAR (Search & Rescue/Missing Animal Response). Additional dog sports include agility and Treibball. resource guarding.
Teach, Reward, Repeat Preferred Training Partner	Kelly Viscosi, CPDT-KA, CCUI, MS	Dogs	Virtual sessions. In person training primarily in North San Diego County, but will travel outside area in certain circumstances.	Shy/Fearful dogs, reactivity, focus & confidence building (using Control Unleashed exercises developed by Leslie McDevitt), cooperative care training for low stress nail trims, handling, and other husbandry tasks as related to grooming and health
The Puppy Care Company	Christine Young, CPDT-KA	Dogs & Horses	Rancho Santa Fe (in person) online students and north county meet ups	Online & In home Puppy Specialist with long term day-training options for busy homes. Recall Dog Training & field trips. Swimming Safety & Lessons. Support for choosing & integrating a new dog or puppy. online Recall Course & Puppy Potty Training E-book on website.
The Proficient Pup Preferred Training Partner	Lynn Webb, MA, KPA CTP, CTMT, CSAT	Dogs	North County Inland	Behavior modification for fearful or anxious dogs, separation anxiety, certified in Canine Massage, force free rattlesnake avoidance (+R)
The Resilient Dog	Liz Randall, CPDT-KA	Dogs	North County Coastal (Oceanside, Carlsbad, Vista, San Marcos)	Behavior modification and consulting, including reactivity, inter-household dog aggression, human-dog aggression, resource guarding, etc.
The Sophisticated Dog	Irith(“Ee-reet”) Bloom CPDT-KSA, CBCC-KA, CDBC, KPA CTP, VSPDT, CBATI, CSAT, FFCP, TAGteach Paul Bujold CPDT-KA	Dogs	Los Angeles/Santa Monica, Brentwood, and Pacific Palisades, also Ventura City	New pet, fearful/aggressive/reactive behavior, separation anxiety, in-home or online/virtual training. She is also faculty at both Victoria Stilwell Dog Training Academy and DogBiz’s Dog Walking Academy, and certified in TAGteach
Training by Connection	Bethany Cunningham, B.S., Animal Science, CPDT-KA, FPPE	Dogs	Virtual sessions	Dog-baby/toddler/child safety. Specialty is dynamics between dogs and children, preparing families with dogs to bring home a baby, and supporting families with dogs as children grow. Integrates a knowledge of child development/needs with dog behavior/training to support the family as a whole.
Tully's Training (trainer at)	Jaime Rosier Miller, CPDT-KA, LLA, KPA-CTP	Dogs	Pasadena and surrounding cities	Puppy Social Classes, Positive Puppy Preschool Classes, Positive Dog Obedience, Socialization for all ages, Swim Lessons, Reactivity, Multi-Species
Wells Dogs	Lee Wells PhD, J.D., CPDT-KA, CADT, CDBC	Dogs	San Diego	Private training for puppies and adults. CGC. Does reactivity workshops (temporarily unavailable)
Woof! San Diego	Erin Vejar, CPDT-KA, KPA CTP, FFPE	Dogs	All of South County to the border; East County out to Lakeside and Rancho San Diego; All of Central San Diego; West to the beach; North to La Jolla or Poway	All general pet dog training and behavior modification, including separation anxiety, reactivity, & body sensitivity; dog and baby preparation or concerns; service dog training; training for pets living in high distraction environments