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David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

M Cecilia Sternzon

Dog trainer in San Jose

#146 in United States, #13 in California, #2 in San Jose

United States

San Jose

http://www.caninehigherlearning.com/index.html

Service areas:

South Santa Clara County, CA; Milpitas, CA; Remote

Support your dog trainer by sharing your story

I'm a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), and Professional Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) and Pet Professional Guild (PPG). With over 20 years of professional experience in dog training, I stay on top of the latest scientific discoveries in learning and behavior, and work to remain knowledgeable and up-to-date with consistent continuing education.

Certifications:

CPDT-KA, PPG Member, CGC Evaluator

Dog training services include

  • Aggressive dog training
  • Reactive dog training
  • Agility training
  • Off leash training
  • Puppy training

More info about M Cecilia Sternzon's dog training:

I offer group training classes at the Humane Society Silicon Valley at all levels, from basic obedience to advanced and competitive dog sports. I also offer dog behavior consulting for a variety of dog behavior problems including dog aggression, reactivity, destructiveness, and child/dog relationships.

Behavioral issue focus:

I work with leash reactivity and aggression toward people and other dogs. I also work on behavioral issues related to dogs with other animals, such as household cats.

Dog training methods:

In my behavior consultations, I take a full history and perform a functional assessment prior to giving any recommendations. I also work with the clients to establish clear and reasonable goals for the program. The methods I use are dog-friendly and science-based, emphasizing positive reinforcement for desirable behaviors. In some cases, I may refer to a veterinarian to rule out medical issues for certain behavior problems. Along the way, I give my clients clear training plans, with written follow-ups to our meetings.

Why I became a dog trainer:

I started training my own dogs from the age of 12. It wasn't until a few years after college, however, that I became involved in the profession of dog training. In 1992, I joined a Flyball and Agility club, and began teaching pet dog training classes to earn money for competition fees. I worked part time in the dog training field, earning my CPDT certification in 2003. In 2004 I finally "took the plunge" and launched into the full-time career of dog training and dog behavior counseling.

My favorite part of being a dog trainer:

My favorite part of being a dog trainer is to see those owners, who struggle so much at first, finally get that breakthrough to success. Seeing a happy dog parent with a happy and well-adjusted dog is so fulfilling for me. This is also why I so enjoy teaching the sports classes - because this relationship is solidified in these classes, and it's such a joy to see.

My #1 dog training tip:

Your dog is not stubborn! Replace the term "stubborn" with "insufficiently motivated", and your training will be transformed.

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Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

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