California Canine Dog Training

I have had a wonderful experience at California Canine and highly recommend them. I have trained at least a half dozen dogs over the years, utilizing different trainers, methods and tools, and find California Canine to be one of the best and most effective team of trainers I have encountered. Training Experience: After training several dogs over the years, I can confidently say that California Canine is the most effective and supportive team of certified professional trainers I’ve encountered. Over the past year and a half, I’ve worked with them to train my large breed dog, starting with Puppy Manners and progressing through Obedience, Agility, Outdoor Obedience, Tricks, and private sessions. Methods and Trainers: I looked at several training options in the Monterey and Bay Area – trainers, companies, camps, and even just going it alone – and there were two major differentiators that lead to me choosing California Canine – the staff and the method. The team comprises CPDET-KA certified professional trainers and AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluators. They employ positive reward-based techniques, not shock collars or choke chains. The dogs perform a task several times in a row and receive treats to build and reinforce the desired response. The number of treats decrease as the behavior strengthens. Praise and the random treat “jackpots” take over as primary rewards for good behavior. The trainer’s instructions and suggestions are useful, clear, and practical stemming from their experience and knowledge of dog behavior. Ashley and Megan provide step by step guidance tailored to the dogs in the class. They teach you and the dog consistent commands, when and how to reward, and how to correct unwanted behaviors. They play with the dogs to get to know them. The trainers spend time with each handler helping them to learn and become more confident with the exercises. Timberly and Ashely create challenging agility courses and teach how best to run your dog through the obstacles – have your dog on this side of you, call the command early, restart when they don’t get it right. This provides a positive experience for the dogs and the handlers. The team keep the classes focused, fun, and useful, based on the challenges the dogs and owners are confronting. They approach each class with energy, focus, and true interest in both the dogs and the handlers. Results: The results I see are a happy, adjusted, and obedient dog that I can take in public without worry or concern. She does not jump all over people when she meets them. She calmly lays down in public next me while I sit have a coffee watching the sea otters. She walks next to me on a loose leash without bolting after other dogs, squirrels or birds. She sits, stays, lays down and follows my verbal and hand signals and instructions. I have a stronger bond with my dog by leading her through shared activities and challenges. She joyfully runs the agility course. She lets me trim her nails and clean her ears without struggling. She checks in with me and obeys when I tell her to leave trash, deer poop, and other distractions during our walks. Community: Additionally, I feel like a part of a wider community meeting the handlers throughout the week at the different classes. I get to see and chat with owners on similar journeys. We share our experiences and challenges. Everyone gets to know each other and our dogs. Final Thoughts: The transformation in my dog has been remarkable: she’s happy, well-adjusted, and obedient in public. Our bond has grown stronger through shared activities and challenges. I now feel part of a welcoming community of fellow dog owners and handlers, which adds to the experience. California Canine delivers not just training, but lasting results and a sense of belonging. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking professional, positive dog training.

Toby and I started obedience classes at California Canine shortly after I adopted him in 2017. He was painfully shy and withdrawn. We worked with Ratna, who also helped with his separation anxiety. Once he started to gain confidence, we started agility classes. California Canine has now become our home away from home. We love the atmosphere, find the classes both fun and stimulating and we adore our wonderful and patient instructor, Ashley, and the many other adorable participants and their owners. The entire staff is welcoming and attentive. We hope to continue for many years to come.

California Canine has been amazing! My dog was showing aggression, especially during grooming, so we signed up for 4 private sessions every other week. From the very first lesson, the trainers were professional, knowledgeable, and supportive. They worked directly with me as well as my dog, giving me the tools I needed to reinforce good behavior at home. The improvement in just two months has been incredible — not only is my dog more manageable and confident, but I feel empowered knowing how to handle situations that used to be stressful. Their balanced, step-by-step approach made all the difference. I’m so grateful for their help and would recommend California Canine to anyone looking for real results with a dog that needs behavior support.