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Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

Brandi Hutsell

Dog trainer in San Diego

#240 in United States, #22 in California, #5 in San Diego

United States

San Diego

https://www.instinctdogtraining.com/location/san-diego/

Service areas:

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

Support your dog trainer by sharing your story

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 meet the needs of each dog and human with whom she works. When she isn't training dogs, you can find her snuggling with her senior King Charles Cavalier, boating, running around Mission Bay, or traveling back home to Georgia to visit her family.

Certifications:

CCPDT-KA, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

Dog training services include

  • Aggressive dog training
  • Deaf dog training
  • Reactive dog training
  • Service dog training
  • In home training
  • Off leash training
  • Puppy training

More info about Brandi Hutsell's dog training:

Potty training, crate training, puppy socialization, puppy play sessions, impulse control, mental stimulation/enrichment sessions, basic manners, polite greetings, loose leash walking, distraction training, on leash reactivity, dog to dog reactivity, dog to human reactivity, fear/anxiety confidence training, Canine Good Citizen Test Prep Training, group classes, tricks, service dog training, day training, off leash training, leash frustration training, cooperative care, separation anxiety, noise desensitization, new baby preparation training, kid/dog safety, kid/dog relationship building, interspecies households, long line training, recall

Behavioral issue focus:

The most prevalent behavioral issue I help people and dogs navigate is on-leash reactivity, in which dogs are struggling with going over threshold in public environments while on-leash, whether the reactivity is towards, people, dogs, cats, kids, wheeled objects, wild animals, etc. I also take fear/anxiety cases, aggression, and most bite cases.

Dog training methods:

At Instinct Dog Training, I use positive reinforcement-based training methods, following LIMA standards, and our training programs start with the client filling out Behavioral Health Forms, which give me an overview of the dog's physical/mental health, history, along with the behavior they've been displaying. Then I set up an hour consultation which is an assessment of the environment, dog, and understanding of the dog owner's needs. At the end of the consultation, I recommend a program that I feel best suits their training needs. The training plans include coaching sessions with the dog owner(s) so that they feel confident with the training protocols moving forward. We offer the option to add one-on-one sessions (me and the dog) in between coaching sessions to expedite the training process. I collaborate with the dog owner on Trello in between sessions throughout their program. Once the training program is completed, the dog owner has the option to join our classes that provide them opportunities to apply what they've learned in more of a real world scenario. We also offer virtual training, online classes, and seminars.

Why I became a dog trainer:

When I first moved to San Diego, I walked dogs professionally. I became fascinated by dog behavior, and I wanted so badly to help the dogs that were fearful and reactive on walks. This served as a catalyst in seeking out more education. After many, many hours of shadowing, and completed dog training school, I started taking on private clients, and have been continuing to learn and grow ever since.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer:

THE DOGS! It's a natural love affair. I see each one as an individual and want to do my best to help them navigate their unique journey in a compassionate and loving way.

My #1 dog training tip:

Great question! It's hard to narrow down to one, but if I had to choose it would be to figure out what motivates your individual dog the most then use it during your sessions! Does your dog jump for joy for a ball? Does your dog drool for beef liver? How about a game of chase? Catch the treat? Maybe all of the above? Use it to your advantage. I have used all of these types of reinforcement strategies to drive behavior and build a strong reinforcement history.

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Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

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