In-home puppy & dog training for the East Bay, including Oakland, Berkeley, San Leandro and Piedmont. The Dog Squad offers professional puppy & dog training services that help families solve all types of dog problems, including dog aggression. Dog Squad Dog Training remains committed to helping your dog and your family with any training needs and issues that arise in these challenging times. We offer comprehensive training packages, either in-person, in compliance with CDC protocols, as well as online and telephone consultations and support.
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John is a recognized and respected member of the canine professional community, and the president of Canine Trade Group. He started the company in 2010 to provide professional development, peer support, administrative, marketing and back office support for an exclusive network of invited professional dog trainers, who are all highly successful, independent, business owners.
The Dog Squad is dedicated to providing the highest level of dog training services and puppy training programs to the companion dog owner and sport dog enthusiast, living in Alameda, Contra Costa. Our dog & puppy training programs are designed to meet each owner's individual needs as well as expectations.
This puppy training program is designed to help the client get started on the right foot with their puppy. Puppy Pre-school is designed to integrate the puppy into its new pack by setting up structure and rules that help the puppy understand where his/her place is in the pack, what is expected and to learn proper manners and appropriate behavior.
This dog obedience training program is designed for control around the customer's home. We will train the owner to train their dog to be reliable around the house and around real world distractions. This training program is in-home so our trainer will come to you! We offer commitment based training which means we will work with you until ALL of your goals have been met.
Reviews (7)
Sarah Coddington
May 08, 2022
Les is amazing! We have two dogs, one 5 years old and the other just over a year. When we brought in the puppy (a GSD rescue) it was obvious we needed to be reminded how to train a dog who was smart, motivated and going to be HUGE. Les came to our home for the evaluation and immediately it was apparent her love of dogs. Both our pups were all over her and she allowed their enthusiastic kisses with laughter and joy.
When it was time to get to work, Les' expertise was amazing to watch! Both our dogs responded immediately to her guidance and she was very patient with us. The dogs got A's, the people maybe C's. Because of Les' training, we have dogs that are a joy to be around. We HIGHLY recommend Les and the Dog Squad Dog Training!
When it was time to get to work, Les' expertise was amazing to watch! Both our dogs responded immediately to her guidance and she was very patient with us. The dogs got A's, the people maybe C's. Because of Les' training, we have dogs that are a joy to be around. We HIGHLY recommend Les and the Dog Squad Dog Training!
Suzy Farnworth
Mar 13, 2022
Les is amazing. Our first "getting-to-know-you" lesson included a gentle introduction of Rosie. Sitting on the floor and meeting her at her own pace. Our conversation included important things like how Rosie got her name and her history - which can be challenging with a rescue! We went for a walk with me as the human lead - and Les was able to observe where she could teach me some modifications. Les brought a starmark collar and shorter lead that made a huge difference in our learning.
Back at home, free of most distractions, we were able to learn and practice "place" (see picture). Of course- we had some playing to do too! What I appreciate most about Les' style - is that she met me and Rosie where we were. She gave us actionable things to work on - and we practiced whilst she was with us - to give minor corrections and tips. Rosie and I have been practicing every day - and she is much happier and calmer out on our walks knowing that she does not need to be the Alpha girl! I look forward to our continued relationship and learning with Les.
Back at home, free of most distractions, we were able to learn and practice "place" (see picture). Of course- we had some playing to do too! What I appreciate most about Les' style - is that she met me and Rosie where we were. She gave us actionable things to work on - and we practiced whilst she was with us - to give minor corrections and tips. Rosie and I have been practicing every day - and she is much happier and calmer out on our walks knowing that she does not need to be the Alpha girl! I look forward to our continued relationship and learning with Les.
Jeannie Wong
Jan 26, 2022
Heidi Mead
Jan 14, 2022
Josh Liebeskind
Jan 14, 2022
Les has been amazing to work with! We knew our dog needed more training, but as a 6-year-old rescue set in her ways, we didn't know how much she could improve. Les was such a pleasure to work with and reassured us every step of the way, even when we texted her at night in complete frustration. We cannot believe the strides our dog has made and are complete converts to Les and her style of training!
Heidi Hernandez
Jan 12, 2022
Les has been a really great trainer for Grizzly, it was really important for me to learn how to be a better mom by learning new ways to communicate with him. My goal for him was to learn to control his aggression and impulse to lunge at people. He is a German Shepherd mix rescue and he took on the role of protector very seriously and does a very good job at it.
I wanted him to learn to trust me and see me as a leader and know that when I don't see someone as a threat that he shouldn't. At first, he did the usual routine of barking and lunging at Les, not welcoming her into our home. But only after a few sessions, Les taught me ways to manage him in the moment and I also became aware of my own tendencies to avoid people at all costs, which of course is not a healthy way to live, nor does it solve any problems for us.
I learned to redirect him, by keeping him moving, talking him through situations where he feels scared and stressed and how to properly meet people and new doggy friends. He came a long way, Grizzly can now walk between Les and I, and allows her to take his leash and pet him. We can go on walks and he is less reactive and calmer around new people.
He looks to me for reassurance and listens to me more. Les is very observant and notices things about him that I never did before, which I appreciate. GRIZZLY has more work to do, which I learned that training is a never ending thing. I have more tools that Les has taught me and it is comforting to know that she is just one call away. Thank you for everything! - Grizzly, Heidi and Jordanne
I wanted him to learn to trust me and see me as a leader and know that when I don't see someone as a threat that he shouldn't. At first, he did the usual routine of barking and lunging at Les, not welcoming her into our home. But only after a few sessions, Les taught me ways to manage him in the moment and I also became aware of my own tendencies to avoid people at all costs, which of course is not a healthy way to live, nor does it solve any problems for us.
I learned to redirect him, by keeping him moving, talking him through situations where he feels scared and stressed and how to properly meet people and new doggy friends. He came a long way, Grizzly can now walk between Les and I, and allows her to take his leash and pet him. We can go on walks and he is less reactive and calmer around new people.
He looks to me for reassurance and listens to me more. Les is very observant and notices things about him that I never did before, which I appreciate. GRIZZLY has more work to do, which I learned that training is a never ending thing. I have more tools that Les has taught me and it is comforting to know that she is just one call away. Thank you for everything! - Grizzly, Heidi and Jordanne
Adele Crawford
Jan 10, 2022
I can not say enough good things about Les and her relationship with dogs. Dogs naturally respond to her and she to them. On occasion Les has taken care of our dog while we were out of town and we have 100% confidence in her care and appropriate discipline. She sets clear boundaries which our dog understands and responds to. And, he adores her.
