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The Best Board and Train Dog Trainers in San Diego, CA of 2026

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David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Board and train in San Diego, CA. Based on feedback and votes from our Board and train community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the San Diego area.

  • Gina Esoldi Photo

    Gina Esoldi

    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...


  • Sarah Surritt Photo

    Sarah Surritt

    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...


  • Mariah Orozco Photo

    Mariah Orozco

    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!


  • Manuel Villanueva Photo

    Manuel Villanueva

    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, ...


  • Gonzalo Dremoniz Photo

    Gonzalo Dremoniz

    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...


  • Tomas Natterstad Photo

    Tomas Natterstad

    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...


  • Amanda Martin Photo

    Amanda Martin

    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...


  • Mason Cameron Photo

    Mason Cameron

    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...


  • Cassidy Stolte Photo

    Cassidy Stolte

    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...


  • Sara Maguire Photo

    Sara Maguire

    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...


  • Anna Ashmore Photo

    Anna Ashmore

    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.


  • Eduardo Bayardo Photo

    Eduardo Bayardo

    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 ...


  • Tom Fulcher Photo

    Tom Fulcher

    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 ...


  • Bailey Wilson Photo

    Bailey Wilson

    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...


Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Board and train in San Diego, CA is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Board and train, we received 311 total votes, resulting in 14 dog trainers who focus on Board and train. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Board and train listed first.

Dog trainers for Board and train 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 Board and train 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..

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Gina Esoldi, as well as the other dog trainers on this Board and train list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Board and Train Dog Training in San Diego

How were the top Board and train dog trainers in San Diego selected?

We evaluated over 311 votes from local dog owners to identify the best Board and train trainers in San Diego. This process resulted in highlighting 15 exceptional trainers known for their expertise in Board and train.

What qualifications do the leading Board dog trainers in San Diego hold?

Top Board and train trainers in San Diego are recognized for their expertise through certifications such as CGC Evaluator, CPDT, KPACTP, CPDT-KA AKC-CGC Evaluator Assistance Dogs International Crisis Response Canine Trainer - San Diego CPR - Canine Paws to Share. These credentials ensure they are equipped to address specific training needs in the region.

Who is the leading San Diego dog trainer in Board and train and why?

Gina Esoldi is celebrated as the top Board and train trainer in San Diego due to their impressive 184 votes and their proficiency in Service dog training and Board and train, distinguishing them as a top choice in the area.

What behavioral issues do Board dog trainers focus on in San Diego?

In San Diego, top Board and train trainers like Gina Esoldi concentrate on issues such as S, B, I. Other trainers might focus on areas like A, D, R.

What are the common training techniques used by Board and train trainers in San Diego?

Training methods vary among top Board and train trainers in San Diego. For instance, Gina Esoldi uses a method centered on: 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.

How should I select the best Board dog trainer in San Diego?

To find the ideal Board and train trainer in San Diego, consider their certifications, such as CGC Evaluator, CPDT, KPACTP, CPDT-KA AKC-CGC Evaluator Assistance Dogs International Crisis Response Canine Trainer - San Diego CPR - Canine Paws to Share, and their expertise in services like Puppy trainingand In home training. Reviewing their past results with dogs in San Diego can also guide your decision.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

Aug 7, 2026

Dog Trainers

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