The Best Puppy Trainers in San Diego, CA of 2026

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

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  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...

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  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...

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  Ashley Cipolletti

  CPDT-KA, BA Psychology

  Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

  Point Loma, ocean beach, pacific beach, hillcrest, north park, South Park, downtown, little Italy, Clairemont, La Jolla, Scripps Ranch, La Mesa, Chula Vista, National City, San Diego county

  I am a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and I specialize in training former rescue and shelter dogs. I'm passionate about giving a voice to the voiceless and strive to make the world a better place for canines and their human companions.

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  Brandi Hutsell

  CCPDT-KA, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

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

  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

  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 m...

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  Leeyah Wiseman

  School For The Dogs Certified Professional Trainer, Separation Anxiety Shadowing Program Certificate, Advanced Separation Anxiety Shadowing Program Certificate

  Reactive dog training, In home training, Puppy training

  San Diego

  Leeyah is a certified dog trainer and completed a rigorous 6-month apprenticeship studying animal behavior and applying science based, positive reinforcement training techniques. She's passionate about utilizing gentle training methods to help anxious dogs and their people. And is known to go above and beyond in order to give her clients the best chance possible.
  
  Through completing hu...

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  Beth Frumkin

  Former guide dog as assistance dog trainer. Over 20 yrs experience

  Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, In home training, Off leash training, Puppy training

  San Diego County

  Hi . My name is Beth and I am a dog trainer and behaviorist with 22 years experience. I have trained Guide Dogs for the Blind, Asistance Dogs for the Disabled, was the puppy group leader for Guide Dogs of America. I have trained thousands of dogs privately. I have recently published a kindle book chronicling obedience and behavioral training as well as many articles. I work on the train the tra...

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  Lara Schindler

  ABCDT, CGC Evaluator

  Agility training, Puppy training

  Classes located in Ocean Beach and Point Loma

  Lara Schindler is the founder of Happy Dog Happy Owner and has over 15 years experience training people and their dogs. Lara has always had a love for dogs and an interest in dog behavior and dog training. During a stressful time working as a corporate trainer, Lara realized that she wanted dogs to play a more prominent role in her life, as they always brought her joy and happiness. It was thi...

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  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!

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  Emma Castor

  Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

  Emma's experience with dogs began as a volunteer at a local rescue in 2018, working primarily with former street dogs from Mexico. By serving as a foster, adoption coordinator, and volunteer trainer, she became adept at helping dogs and their new families through the transition of rehoming. She also gained valuable experience with street dogs and the behaviors typical of their unique background...

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  Alex Pederson

  Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

  As the previous general manager of Pack Method Prep in 2019, Alex was driven headfirst into the dog training world. She applied her knowledge to her own dog that struggled with fear aggression and reactivity and after engulfing herself in the industry has become a certified dog trainer herself.

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  Ashley Larsen

  Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

  Ashley Larsen, also known as 'Larsen', started working with dog shelters and rescue barns in 2007. Fascinated by the influence of nature via nurture, Larsen obtained her Bachelors in Neuropsychology at UC Berkeley. Using a scientific lens, she assesses the whole dog by looking at what impacts behavior, such as genetics, environment, needs, and neurodevelopment.

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  Julia Wurster

  Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

  Julia started working with dogs in 2016 while earning her bachelors degree in Cognitive Science at the University of Southern California. She was fascinated with behavior and learning theory, so opted to follow her passion into a career in dog training. Julia entered the field with Little Angels Service Dogs, training all types of assistance skills such as public access, task training and scent...

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  Zoe Stathis

  Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

  Zoe is the puppet master behind Pack Method Prep. She has been training dogs professionally for over a decade and is one of only 4 certified behavioral consultants in San Diego County. Throughout her career Zoe has achieved a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Syracuse University, assisted in growing and managing a startup dog daycare, expanded a small local training company into The...

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  Jacquelyn Court

  Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

  Jacquelyn has been a long-time animal advocate and began training dogs professionally in 2016. She earned her bachelor's Degree from SDSU with a minor in Psychology, furthering her interest in the brain and how animals think.

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  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, ...

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  Lou Alicea

  Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training

  Hello everyone! I'm Lou, a Behavioral Specialist at Mango Dogs San Diego, serving our vibrant city and its surrounding areas. I own a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois named Stoney. She helps me with working out behavioral issues with all my clients and she will show you how awesome your dog(s) could be. Years ago I struggled with my dog Doja, she was reactive and aggressive towards both dogs and hum...

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  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...

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  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...

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  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...

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  Carol Harris

  Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training

  Carol has loved animals all her days and has devoted her professional life to animal studies, training and behavior modification. Carol holds a certification in Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington and has studied under James Ha, CAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist), Ph.D., one of the foremost animal behaviorists Since the early 1990s, Carol is been a highly-regarded...

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  Michael Harris

  Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Off leash training, Puppy training, Agility training

  Michael earned degrees in Life and Physical Sciences, and earned the certification for Applied Animal Behavior from the University of Washington. He participates with Carol in conducting research projects with Dr. Ha, providing scientific and mathematical expertise and support. Before joining Carol as The Educated Pet's office manager, assistant trainer and behaviorist in 2012, Michael spent 30...

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  Erin Vejar

  Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training

  I started formally training dogs in 2006 after spending time volunteering with a local rescue group. I hung out at adoption events practicing basic training with the dogs in between meetings with adopters, and I loved seeing the adopters' eyes light up when they saw that the dogs could follow basic training cues. I decided to take my first formal training program through Animal Behavior College...

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  Suzanne Veta

  Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training

  A light-skinned woman with long, curly grey hair wearing a purple polo shirt sits in front of a swimming pool with three rescue dogs facing various directionsHi, I'm Suzanne! I am a former diplomat and lawyer, now a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) with a passion for improving the lives of dogs and the people who love them. I first got into dog training when I started fostering dogs...

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  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...

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  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...

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  Dave Tann

  Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy training

  As a San Diego Dog Trainer, I offer positive, customized, low-aversion Dog Training and Puppy Training for you and your dog.I help dog owners to improve the relationship with and behavior of, their dogs, leading to a balanced and happy household.I believe in Dog Training with patience, praise, and science showing your dog how to be a calm, obedient, and happy family member.I believe in helping ...

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  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...

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  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.

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  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 ...

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  Aimee Burton- Owner

  Aggressive dog training, In home training, Protection/guard dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy training

  Aimee was born and raised in San Diego and is the daughter of a veterinarian. Her mother ran and operated their 3 veterinary hospitals where she grew up helping out after school with the family business. She also grew up with many other types of animals. Goats, cows, pigs, sheep, chickens, turkeys, ducks, rabbits and horses that were on her grandparents' small farm in Ramona, where she spent he...

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  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 ...

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  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...

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