Del Mar is a small town with a lot going on around your dog: village sidewalks, busy beach days, and other dogs at nearly every turn. For a dog who barks, lunges or panics, an ordinary walk can feel like a test.
I’m Mary, a professional dog trainer, and I work one-on-one with Del Mar dogs and their people. That includes reactive and aggressive dogs, new puppies, and dogs who simply need dependable manners. You train directly with me, and we start in your home. No hand-off to an assistant, and no one learning on your dog.
Del Mar is compact, which helps. We can practice close to home and build up gradually, so your dog has a manageable next step rather than being thrown into the busiest setting.
Potential outdoor settings include Powerhouse Park and Seagrove Park, San Dieguito County Park, Crest Canyon trails, the San Dieguito Lagoon area, and quiet village streets. We choose a location based on your dog’s readiness, current dog-access rules and any training permissions required.
For a reactive dog, we start somewhere quiet and work at a comfortable distance from distractions. Together we choose routes, timing and handling strategies you can use between lessons.
Barking, lunging, growling, guarding or snapping can make everyday life stressful. We start with your dog’s history, triggers and a safety plan—not by putting your dog into a situation they cannot handle. My six-week behavior modification program includes six weekly private lessons for $1,200.
You learn leash handling, distance management and practical skills for your own walks. We build the foundation at home, then introduce suitable real-world distractions at your dog’s pace. Learn more about reactive dog training and behavior modification.
Anyone can teach a puppy to sit. My Bulletproof Puppy package goes beyond commands. It is designed to help prevent fear-based reactivity by building confidence through carefully paced introductions to the sights, sounds, textures, surfaces and smells of the world.
Your puppy learns about unfamiliar people, everyday noises, movement, handling and new environments without being overwhelmed. We also work on house manners, bite redirection and early obedience. The goal is a puppy who can navigate real life with confidence—not just sit for a treat.
The eight-week program builds foundations that can reduce the risk of future behavior problems; no program can guarantee that a dog will never become reactive. Puppies in this package can start without a separate assessment. Explore the Bulletproof Puppy Program.
Loose-leash walking, recall, focus, stays and impulse control should work beyond your living room. My six-week private obedience program includes six weekly lessons for $1,200. We practice at home first and build toward appropriate neighborhood distractions. See private obedience training.
Adult-dog programs begin with a 90-minute in-home assessment ($250). We discuss your dog’s history and your goals, observe safely, and decide on a practical plan. Puppies enrolling in the Bulletproof Puppy package do not need this separate assessment.
You are present and involved in every session. I do not offer board-and-train: you learn the skills your dog needs from you in everyday life.
Adult-dog programs begin with a $250, 90-minute in-home assessment. The Bulletproof Puppy package can be booked without a separate assessment.
Aggression and reactivity are my specialties. Tell me about any bites or close calls before we meet so we can plan safely. We start with management and suitable low-distraction work, rather than exposing your dog to a busy environment before they are ready.
The six-week behavior modification and private obedience programs are $1,200 each, following the adult-dog assessment. Visit the Programs page for service details and the Puppy Program page for puppy information.
No. Training is private and owner-present. You learn how to work with your own dog.
Yes. I also serve Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, Encinitas and Cardiff-by-the-Sea, subject to travel availability.
Text 619-800-5884 with your neighborhood and what you would like help with. If you prefer to call, please leave a voicemail. You can also use the contact form or email mfp@MotherOfBeastsK9Training.com.