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San Diego Humane Society

R+ Dog and Cat Trainer Directory

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to create best practices and reduce some of the confusion around choosing a trainer as well as the use of inhumane or outdated training methods.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.
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!
Britta's Animal Training & Pet Service Britta Wilson, BA, KPA CTP, CPDT-KA, Patti O' Farrel Dogs, Cats, other San Diego County and global over zoom Offering foundation behavior training for puppies and dogs and consulting for behavior issues, such as fear and anxiety, mild to moderate aggression, reactivity, destructive chewing and house training.
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, also a private Trainer with Dogs on the Run & Wonder Dogs  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. Learn more at her instagram
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, DMV, 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, CSATFPPE,  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 Pet sitting and training services. Certified Pet Sitter and 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 Sante 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

 

Position Statements from CCPDT, IAABC & AVSAB  

Regulating and Mandating certification of trainers

Mandating-Certification-Statement-2018_CCPDT.pdf

Position Statement on Regulation in Animal Training and Behavior_IAABC.pdf

Declaración Oficial sobre la Regulación en el Entrenamiento Animal y Conducta_IAABC regulatinganimaltraining.pdf

Training ethos, philosophies, and methods

LIMA-Policy-2021_CCPDT.pdf

Humane-Dog-Training-Position-Statement-AVSAB-2021.pdf

How-to-Choose-a-Trainer-Position-Statement_AVSAB.pdf

Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) Code of Ethics_Policy-2019_CCPDT.pdf

CPDT certified professtional Banned Dog Training and Behavior Intervention Practices_CCPDT.pdf

Position-statement-dominance-theory_IAABC.pdf

Declaración Oficial sobre la Teoría de la Dominancia_IAABC dominance.pdf

Dominance_Position_Statement-AVSAB.pdf

Combined_Punishment_Statements_AVSAB.pdf

Electronic-Training-Collar-Position-Statement_CCPDT.pdf

position-statement-bluetooth_IAABC.pdf

Train-and-Board-Facility-Abuse-Statement_CCPDT.pdf

Socialization of Puppies under 16 weeks

Puppy-Socialization-Position-Statement-AVSAB.pdf

Breed Specific Legislation

Breed-Specific-Legislation-Position-Statement_CCPDT.pdf

position-statement-breed-legislation_IAABC.pdf

Legislación Específica de Razas_IAABC breedspecificlegislation.pdf

Veterinary & Training related

position-statement-veterinarian-referral_IAABC.pdf

Derivar al Veterinario-Las Mejores Prácticas para Entrenadores Animales y Consultores de Conducta_IAABC refertovet.pdf

Positive-Veterinary-Care-Position-Statement-AVSAB.pdf

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