Trainer

[Stephanie and Jellybean]

We live in Orange County and are in need of a trainer for our 7 month old standard size. She has done puppy kindergarten at Petsmart but we need way more training ! Any trainer suggestions or recommendations?

[Bridget B]

Hi Stephanie!  I've used two trainers in the OC area, and could happily recommend them both.  First is Ron B. from Dogwood Academy.  Ron Bevacqua AA,BA,CPDT, IACP#2808. Certified Evaluator forBright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs
and AKC CGC Evaluator #1288  Yorba Linda, CA  Visit dogwoodacademy.com. 

Second is Rose Healey who is with Hacienda Hills Dog Obedience Club. 

Both trainers provide services through the city recreation programs across Orange County.  You should be able to find a class near you.  Best of luck.  I was amazed at how much confidence I got from each of my classes!

If you decide to use either of these trainers, please tell them Bridget and Nemo said Hello!

                                                                                                                                                                            

[Jeanie and MacKenzie]

Hi Stephanie - another wonderful place is Wags and Wiggles in Tustin, they are a daycare and training facility.  I bought a package that covers MacKenzie's first 2 years for any obedience/group classes and the trainers are wonderful and use all positive techniques.  

I was actually just about to contact them about setting up some private lessons at home to work with us on our loose leash walking, when I saw your post and Bridget's response.  

 

Hi Bridget - The reason your response intrigued me is because when I looked up Ron to do some price comparison, I saw he looks to be around my dad's age which I think would help to get him more on board with training.  Here's my question for you...Does Ron focus much on all the "alpha" stuff?  I'm all for being the leader, but I don't agree with many of the things some trainers advocate (i.e. the dog has to walk behind you at all times, etc.) and I don't want my dad to be taught a lot of that stuff. Thank you!

[Jill Ziegler]

Stephanies,

I know of a trainer in Laguna Niguel who we worked with for 3 years for our Goldendoodle.  The trainer and company is Paul Yevilov at K9 City.  His number is 949 364-3300.  Paul offers private lessons and group lessons.

 

Good luck.

 

Jill Ziegler

[Julie]

Hi Stephanie!  I'm also looking for some sort of training....how did you like the Petsmart training?  My doodle is about 1 1/2 years and she hasn't had much training...

[Stephanie and Jellybean]

I liked the training at our Petsmart. The instructor was very good, and for a beginning puppy kindergarten, she really did cover alot. They use clicker training primarily, but we didn't opt for that as I can't get good cooperation from everyone in my house with the use of the clicker :) So the trainer did modify the training for us. Petsmart is big on using the store as a distraction/training area and that was helpful as well. We are now doing 1st grade through our vets office with a licensed pet trainer/pet tech for a 6 week class that is basically a review of everything we learned at Petsmart but in a smaller setting with 5 dogs total. After this, I am moving on to private training as needed!