6 Best Dog Training in San Diego, CA (Reviewed in 2024)

Last Updated on November, 2024

San Diego is a populated city in California with many sidewalks, alleyways, and tight corners. 

Therefore, if you own a dog, it’s best to get your dog used to the city life in San Diego. 

Proper training will teach your dog how to behave in public so that living in the city should be no problem for both of you.

A certified and reputable dog trainer will be able to give your dog the best training to make it get used to behaving in public, which is essential when living in the city.

There are several dog trainers in San Diego, CA, so you should be aware of certified and reputable organizations that can provide the best service.

Here is a look at the best dog training in San Diego, California.

A Glance At the Best Dog Training in San Diego, CA

Here is a comparison of the different dog training organizations in San Diego, California, along with their price ranges and types of training.

Product namePrice RangeTraining TypesOnline/ In-Person
K9 Training InstituteFree WorkshopBehavior modification, basic obedience, positive reinforcement trainingOnline
SpiritDog Training$49.99 – $499Obedience classes, puppy training, masterclass bundleOnline
Brandon McMillan Dog Training MasterClass$180 annuallyBehavioral training, puppy training, bondingOnline
The Human Dog Team$50 – $295 per sessionBehavioral training, obedience training, urban agility trainingBoth
Bark Busters Home Dog Training$50 – $500Behavioral training, rescue dog training, specialty classesBoth
Sit Means Sit$259 for 6 weeksPuppy training, rescue dog training, CGC prepBoth

The Best Dog Training in San Diego, CA

If you are a beginner to dog training, it’s best to start with online training, as this will allow you to test the waters before committing to a particular type of training.

Both online and in-person training have pros and cons, and the decision primarily depends on the dog owner and what he prefers to choose.

Here is a look at the best dog trainers in San Diego.

1. K9 Training Institute

K9 Training Institute tops the list of the best dog trainers in San Diego, CA.

The best part is that the institute provides free workshops on the following:

  • Basic Obedience
  • Behavior modification
  • Positive reinforcement training
  • Puppy training
  • Potty training

K9 Training Institute provides an excellent interface for easy online interaction and allows dog owners to schedule training according to their preferred time.

Dr. Alexa Diaz, an experienced animal behaviorist, manages the workshop. Dr. Diaz has more than 20 years of experience in training service canines to help individuals with mental and physical disabilities, along with a Ph.D. in animal behavior.

The lead presenter and trainer of the program is Eric Presnall, who used to host the renowned Animal Planet TV show “Who Let the Dogs Out.”

K9 Training Institute offers more than what you need for something free. Not many paid programs offer this much content. That, along with the expertise of the trainers, this is no doubt the best dog training you can get in San Diego.

Read our complete review here or,


2. SpiritDog Training

SpiritDog is another reputed dog training organization in San Diego, CA.

It provides online dog training that consists of the following types of training courses:

  • Ultimate puppy bundle
  • Perfect obedience bundle
  • Perfect focus bundle
  • Tackling reactivity bundle
  • Listening bundle
  • Home games bundle
  • Loose leash walking bundle
  • Games unlimited bundle
  • Fantastic focus bundle
  • Ultimate masterclass bundle

SpiritDog training costs between $49.99 and $1700 and can be contacted via 505-278-5348.

The advantage of SpiritDog training is that it provides a wide range of training options for almost any price range.

SpiritDog combines counterconditioning and sniffing in its training programs while changing how your dogs feel about their triggers along the way. It helps your dog become relaxed and more focused.

Steffi Trott of SpiritDog is a dog trainer who has been training through online lessons since 2013. 

She has gained much knowledge and experience training with European trainers, including multi-world champions in agility.

The organization provides excellent online training with highly committed trainers connecting with owners via video calls and guided training sessions.

SpiritDog also provides bundled training packages that group various sessions, thus helping to save money, time, and stress for owners.

Read our honest review of this dog training program or,


3. Brandon McMillan Dog Training MasterClass

Brandon McMillan Dog Training MasterClass is an online dog training program with the following training courses:

  • Dog behavior
  • Commands
  • Bonding
  • Temperament
  • Puppy training
  • Digging prevention
  • Leash pulling

The training is available for an annual fee of $180.

The difference in this program is that its cost is spread across months, unlike other dog training programs.

Also, there are 3 payment plans, and a subscription to these provides access to all the classes in the MasterClass.

The payment plans are as follows:

  • Individual (1 account, 1 device): $120 annually ($10 monthly x 12)
  • Duo (1 account, 2 devices): $180 annually ($15 monthly x 12)
  • Family (1 account, 6 devices): $240 annually ($20 monthly x 12)

Brandon McMillan Teaches Dog Training is one of the classes in the popular course platform MasterClass. The MasterClass platform has classes belonging to other categories, including the subjects such as cooking, writing, leadership, and more.

It may be a slightly less personal dog training program than others, but McMillan does an excellent job covering all the training essentials.

McMillan offers one-on-one and group sessions and training programs customized for specific canines.

Brandon McMillan Dog Training MasterClass is one of the best choices for those just starting with online dog training. 

Read more about his masterclass here or,


4. The Human Dog Team

The Human Dog Team is a primarily physical dog training program comprising the following training courses.

However, it also consists of a few online training options:

  • Dog daycare
  • Behavior modification program
  • Canine behavioral therapy
  • Advanced Obedience
  • Puppy basics
  • Dog walks
  • Pack walking
  • Dog Enrichment
  • Boot camp
  • Classes and seminars
  • K9 pack school
  • Electric collar training
  • Pulling on leashes
  • Urban agility
  • Online dog training seminars
  • Virtual dog training
The human dog team

The dog training programs cost between $50 and $295 per session. The Human Dog Team is located at 4414 33rd St, San Diego, CA 92116, and can be reached via phone at 619-919-1099.

The Human Dog Team provides a range of dog training programs and even customized programs for specific dogs.

It prefers conducting group sessions and loves to help dogs interact with each other and other people during training.

However, owners can opt for either one-on-one sessions that are in-person or online. The team also provides boarding options where they can train dogs without the presence of their owners.


5. Bark Busters Home Dog Training

Bark Busters Home Dog Training provides online and in-person training covering a range of training courses, including the following.

  • General obedience
  • Dog behavioral therapy
  • Dog park
  • Dog daycare
  • Puppy management
  • Dog separation anxiety
  • Pet therapy
  • Food aggression
  • Leash aggression
  • Rescue dogs
Bark busters home dog training

Bark Busters Home Dog Training costs between $50 and $ 500. They can be reached via phone at 877-500-2275.

The best thing about Bark Busters Home Dog Training is that it undertakes at-home appointments instead of forcing dog owners to visit different locations.

It provides dog owners with great flexibility and the chance to have their dogs trained in the comfort of their homes.

The organization also has online seminars for continuous education for those who require it. Owners can even board their pets if needed.


6. Sit Means Sit

Sit Means Sit is a fully online dog training program comprising the following training courses.

  • Dog handling
  • Dog education
  • Puppy basics
  • Dog Park
  • Aggression training
  • CGC prep
  • Day train immersion
  • Protection dogs
  • Hunting dogs
  • Rescue dogs
  • Group classes
  • One-on-one lessons
Sit means sit dog training

Sit Means Sit dog training costs $259 for six weeks.

They are located at 10035 Carroll Canyon Rd Suite D, San Diego, CA 92131, and can be reached via phone at 858-621-3647.

It’s a nationwide dog training chain that has plenty of resources that dog owners can use. Their dog training courses are customized for each dog. 

These dogs are trained by experienced trainers who take the time to get to know every dog, its family, and its behavioral tendencies.

Sit Means Sit offers an entire year of free group sessions for continued dog training.

Click here to checkout the complete review or,


Online Vs. In-Person Training in San Diego, CA

Online Dog Training vs IN-Person Dog Training

Online and in-person training are the two main types of dog training you can choose regarding training your dog in San Diego, California.

Sometimes, the best option may be to use a mix of both these types of training to enhance the dog training experience.

There are quite a few significant differences between online and in-person training. Due to several benefits, online training has taken the upper hand in dog training.

Pros and Cons of Online Vs. In-Person Training

While in-person training may be the conventional and most common form of dog training in use today, it has several significant disadvantages, including high costs and less flexibility in training sessions and schedules.

On the other hand, online dog training is less costly and provides more flexibility in scheduling training sessions according to the dog owner’s preferences.

In-person training provides the benefit of face-to-face interaction with trainers. However, these features are also achievable through online training due to phone calls, video calls, and other training methods.

Below is a comparison of the pros and cons of online and in-person training methods.

BenefitOnline TrainingIn-Person Training
Can train from anywherex
Flexible schedulex
Budget-friendlyx
Group sessions with large groups
Face-to-face interaction with trainersx
Trainers come homex
Socializing with other dogsx

Different Dog Training Programs

A human training a dog

Here are a few of the different dog training programs that dog trainers in San Diego, CA, provide:

Day Train Immersion

These training sessions are all about taking your dog out for the whole day once every week. Afterward, trainers will conduct an individual one-on-one lesson at the end of the day, displaying what they taught your dog that day. 

After that, you’ll have to practice these with your dog at home.

Private One on One Lessons

Private one-on-one lessons are tailor-made for individual requirements. Trainers will walk you through a step-by-step program you can use with your dog in its lifetime.

These lessons are specifically made for dog owners who want to be personally involved in the success of their dog’s training sessions. These lessons provide continuous education on dog training.

Group Classes

Once your puppy is trained with the basics, it can join a group class.

Group classes maintain and reinforce everything trainers have worked on during initial training sessions and advance your dog’s obedience to the next level. Group classes are ideal for socializing your dog with other dogs and people. 

Puppy Training

Puppy training takes a different approach from conventional dog training.

Puppies need an extra level of command and attention for successful training sessions. Puppy training includes potty training, getting used to a leash, play biting, and more. 

Aggressive Dog Training

Proper training can correct this behavior if your dog has developed aggressive qualities recently or has always been aggressive toward other dogs.

Professional dog behaviorists will address these issues in your dog so that you both can enjoy the relationship you’ve always had.

Top Dog Training Tips

Below are some top dog training tips the best dog trainers in San Diego, California, use in their training sessions:

  • Use positive reinforcement techniques.
  • Be consistent.
  • Find the correct reward to give your dog.
  • Build up training in stages.
  • Praise your dog even for small things.
  • Make training fun.
  • Include training as a part of your dog’s daily routine.
  • Attend a dog training class or consult a dog trainer.

Other dog training programs in other regions:

Final Thoughts

Dog trainers in San Diego, CA, provide in-person and online training options. The best dog training in San Diego includes K9 Training Institute, SpiritDog, and Brandon McMillan Dog Training MasterClass.

The advantages of online training include flexibility and affordability. In contrast, in-person training allows you to have face-to-face sessions in the comfort of your home or at the training institute.

FAQs

Positive reinforcement training is the best and most effective training method to train a dog, as it incentivizes good behavior by rewarding the dog and does not rely on punishment for bad behavior.

The best age to begin training a puppy is 8 weeks old, as this is the optimal time for them to learn basic commands like “sit”, “come”, and “stay”.

The best place to train a dog is at home, as it provides a distraction-free environment that is ideal for the early stages of training.

OUR #1 RECOMMENDATION
K9 Training Institute
k9 training institute logo
Effectiveness
Ease of Training
Price

4.9

4.9

5.0

Overall Score

4.9

visa-master-amex-paypal
Pros
The institute has a free online dog training workshop.
Training works well for both puppies and adult dogs.
It is suitable for any type of dog with behavioral issues.
The K9TI offers unlimited personal coaching for specialized training.
Get the BEST PRICE valid until the end of November
Cons
The paid dog training program can be a bit expensive, but there is a free workshop too.

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Author
Lauren Klein
Lauren Klein is a freelance writer who originally comes from rural Arkansas. She has a Canis Panther Dog Breed. She loves to visit pet training schools with her pet, and give her fair share of thoughts through IPetGuides.

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