You shouldn’t have to dread walking your dog—or wonder whether the person holding the leash has the experience to help.
I provide private dog training in Pacific Beach, specializing in aggression, reactivity, and giving puppies a strong start. Whether you’re dealing with barking and lunging, struggling with everyday manners, or raising a new puppy, we build practical skills you can use beyond the lesson.
You train directly with me. No hand-off to an assistant, and no one learning on your dog.
Barking, lunging, snapping, guarding, and fearful reactions can make everyday life exhausting. Pacific Beach’s busy sidewalks, passing dogs, bicycles, and crowded outdoor spaces can add to that challenge.
We begin with your dog’s history, environment, triggers, and your goals. Training starts where your dog can learn successfully—not by pushing them into situations they cannot handle.
Together, we work on:
My approach combines private, in-home work with carefully selected outdoor practice. No board and train: you learn alongside your dog.
For aggression and reactivity, we start with a 90-minute, $250 behavior assessment to determine a suitable plan. Tell me about any bite history before the appointment so we can arrange the assessment safely.
Anyone can teach a puppy to sit. Preparing a puppy for the world takes more.
My eight-week Bulletproof Puppy program is designed to help prevent fear-based reactivity by building confidence early—not simply teaching obedience commands.
Through carefully paced, positive exposure, we introduce your puppy to the sights, sounds, textures, surfaces, smells, people, and everyday activity they will encounter throughout life. We build curiosity and confidence without overwhelming them or forcing interactions.
The goal is a puppy who can experience something unfamiliar, recover from surprises, and stay connected with you—not one who needs to bark, lunge, or retreat whenever the world changes.
Alongside that exposure, we work on:
No program can guarantee that a dog will never become reactive. But thoughtful early experiences and consistent guidance can help reduce that risk.
Puppies can enroll without the separate behavior assessment.
Your dog does not need a serious behavior problem to benefit from training.
If walks involve pulling, visitors are greeted with jumping, or your dog struggles to listen around distractions, we work on leash manners, recall, attention, settling, and clearer communication.
We practice at home first when appropriate, then help your dog use those skills beyond familiar surroundings.
Kate Sessions Park is, in my opinion, one of San Diego’s prettiest parks—with gorgeous ocean views and plenty of green space.
For dogs ready to practice outside the home, it offers opportunities to work on attention, leash skills, settling, and obedience around everyday distractions. We choose our working space and distance carefully, rather than placing your dog in the busiest part of the park.
The setting is beautiful. The purpose is practical: helping you and your dog use your training in real life.
Join my free Saturday pack walks at Crown Point Shores, starting at 7:30 AM.
These structured walks offer an opportunity to practice walking around other dogs and people. Reactive dogs are welcome, with appropriate space and handling. Muzzles are welcome, too.
We maintain at least six feet between dogs, use no retractable leashes, and allow no greetings unless both handlers agree. Dogs needing additional distance should have it.
Pack walks complement training; they do not replace an individual aggression assessment. Contact me beforehand if you are unsure whether the walk is appropriate for your dog.
After the pack walk, join my free Saturday beginner leash-handling and basic obedience class at Fiesta Island, starting at 9:30 AM. We meet at the main gate.
Practice with your own dog while learning clearer communication, practical handling skills, and foundations for more manageable walks. This is an on-leash class—not an off-leash play session.
Contact me to confirm the upcoming walk or class before heading out.
My current dog and I hold the internationally recognized BH–VT obedience title.
My background includes 20+ years working with rescues and training sport dogs, along with titles and placements across six dog sports, including first-place finishes and High in Class awards.
You are hiring my experience, judgment, and hands-on instruction—not being assigned to a new trainer.
Yes. We begin with an assessment to discuss your dog’s history, safety needs, and whether my services are appropriate. When veterinary or additional specialist support is needed, I will tell you.
Tell me before scheduling so we can discuss precautions and arrange the assessment safely. You do not need to demonstrate or provoke the behavior for me to take your concerns seriously.
No. Puppies can enroll in the eight-week Bulletproof Puppy program without the separate behavior assessment.
I offer in-home training in Pacific Beach and outdoor sessions when appropriate, including at Kate Sessions Park. Locations are selected around your dog’s needs and readiness.
The initial behavior assessment is $250 for 90 minutes. We discuss your dog’s history, your concerns, and suitable next steps.
Yes. The Crown Point Shores pack walks and Fiesta Island beginner leash-handling and basic obedience classes are free. Confirm the upcoming schedule and your dog’s suitability before attending.
Progress depends on the behavior, your dog’s history, and consistent practice. I will discuss realistic goals and next steps rather than promise a fixed outcome.
Ready for help with reactivity, aggression, puppy development, or everyday obedience?
Text 619-800-5884 with your dog’s age, your neighborhood, and what you’d like help with. Prefer to call? Please leave a voicemail, and I’ll get back to you.