Get Quotes Contact Us Sign In
Website
Call
Dreams Dogs offers positive reinforcement canine behavior training, doggie day camp, day training, and board & train services to local clients from Palm Springs to Indio, and throughout Southern California. We're skilled at training dogs, and we also understand that an important part of the mix is coaching you - as a canine "parent" - to succeed in creating a healthy, happy relationship with your four-legged companion. We work hard to make learning and behavior modification a fun, informative experience for you and your pet.
Follow us
Services
Dream Dogs opened its doors in 1998 and was founded by long-time Indio resident Lori Carman, a California native with a background in animal training and wildlife education. In opening Dream Dogs, Lori created the best of both worlds by combining her extensive exotic animal background and operant conditioning knowledge with her love of dogs and people.
Hands-free drop-off and pick-up. We are keeping this super simple and safe. Just drive up to the training barn, stay in your car, and we will get/take your dog out of the car for you. You just hang out in your air conditioned car and we'll do the rest. Must be up to date and provide proof of vaccinations.
Just too busy to train your dog? Need to keep your dog busy while you are at work? Need some extended guidance? If you said "yes" to any or all of these questions, consider a Dream Dogs Day Training. As the providers of dog training courses Indio, CA dog owners love, our staff can customize a day training plan to meet your dog's specific needs, whether you simply want your dog to get the basics, learn complex behaviors, or work on more serious issues.Recess break from school adds a social dynamic to training that can help pups work on getting more confident and comfortable with other social dogs.
Our board and train programs combine positive reinforcement instruction with the best of pet care. With our program for dog boarding in La Quinta, CA, your precious pooch receives focused attention, training, and love throughout the length of their stay. During the day we transport your dog from the house to our on-site training center, where it benefits from regular training sessions with skilled Dream Dogs trainers.
Reviews (27)
Write a Review
Kimberly Renee
Jun 26, 2022
Wonderful staff. Very kind, caring, patient, and helpful. My dog has learned so much in their woof pack classes. They offer the whole range of training options from group to private to board and train. I highly recommend Lori and her team.
Linda Novick
May 28, 2022
Started 15 minutes late waiting for others, Could barely hear directions for the dogs through the face masks. Is it is more like a custom class for 2 or 3 dogs and the rest just wait around.
Kingsley S.
Apr 04, 2022
We love Lori and her crew at Dream Dogs. More importantly our two dogs love them even more. We have been Dream Dogs fans for two years and they consistently exceed expectations. The training is perfect. The facilities are even better and the people are the best. We feel like our dogs are members of their families. You can see if when we pull into the front gate, the dogs know where we are and are excited to be there.

As well as training a puppy to perfection, they train the owners. We are better dog owners/parents thanks to Lori and her team at Dream Dogs. There are lots of choices in CV and beyond but only one Dream Dogs. They use a simple, intuitive approach to dog training that's easily transferable to your home and family. The entire Dream Dogs campus is clean and dog friendly.

It doesn't matter what time of the year you go - in season, hot summer or sometime in between - they can handle it and your dog will love it. One of the most important lessons both our dogs learned and most importantly for our puppy, was socialization with other dogs and people. We have two very different dogs. One a rescue that's around 13 years old and a Labradoodle who is 2 years old.

Both are happy, play well with others, enjoy the family time, are great with guests and visitors, well behaved and spoiled rotten. We use Dream Dogs for boarding and training as well as day training. Each experience has been exceptional. Our family and our dogs highly recommend Dream Dogs.
Steve W.
Feb 21, 2022
Our reactive 2-year-old golden retriever made more progress in 2 to 3 weeks with Lori at Dream Dogs than the other three trainers we used over the last two years. We thought he was aggressive. Lori helped us understand that he was fearful of other dogs. She also helped us understand that he suffered from PTSD from being attacked by two dogs when he was six months old and that he reacts to protect himself and protect us.

He is the sweetest dog all other times and makes friends with other dogs quickly when not threatened. Lori's deep knowledge of animal behavior, based on 30 years of professional animal training, including training animals for movies, helped us read and understand our and other dogs' behavior. Lori gave us the tools to manage his reactive behavior and keep him calm.

In addition to her hands-on knowledge, she is also very knowledgeable and well-studied in the science of animal behavior and training. Dream Dogs has a number of programs that we took advantage of, including her program to leave the dog there for three days in a row for a combination of all-day training and dog playtime. Next, we took advantage of the Wolfpack program that allowed us to take as many of the classes as she offered within that program for one fixed price. Lori was also great at training us humans and worked with us to get our timing and commands down. Plus, she is fun to work with, her training center and staff are fabulous.

Our only regret was that we were only in town for five weeks. We considered extending our vacation so we could continue to work with Lori. Thank you, Lori, for making a huge positive impact on our dog and our lives in such a short time.
Susan Toder
Dec 19, 2021
We boarded our dog for 24 hours, then arranged the next week to have them train our rather high energy puppy, plus gave us a lesson as well. Have to say that both my husband and I and the dog are making progress and the owner and trainer were very professional and obviously love animals.
Joshua L.
Oct 18, 2021
Bad training methods! They follow Victoria Stillwell methods which don't work, do your research before you choose this place, my friends dog had a hard recovery
Muliany G.
Sep 04, 2021
I took my dog for training and boarding. I totally recommend this place in palm desert area the staff and owner are awesome!
Larry Enroth
Apr 07, 2021
Frequently use Dream Dogs for our Afghan Hound Actors. Truly professional, enjoyable experience.
Ann Brown
Mar 26, 2021
We took advantage of the three day training program at Dream Dogs for our six month old puppy, and were very pleased with our experience and result. The staff was very knowledgable, worked hard at changing our puppy's naughty behavior, sent us information about how to help train her, and finally spent time in a final session to go through exercises that we could bring home.
Michael & Corbyn Voyu
Mar 06, 2021
Dream Dogs is not only a great place to learn but a fabulous community. Lori and Tiffany trained us to get the best out of our dogs. The approach is positive, fun, and SO EFFECTIVE! I'm so glad the desert has a dogcentric facility like this.
Pate S.
Aug 14, 2020
I have to say from my first phone call with Lori, I was so impressed. My Vet Dr Yates recommended Lori. Hi see why she spoke so highly. Lori is an animal lover of all kinds. She has taken in all types of animals that have no home. My puppy BellaDee after 3 days was a well behaved loving puppy that listened to just about everything we asked of her.

We are so impressed that we booked another week with Lori and her amazing staff. They are all very talented and we are lucky to know them as BellaDee trainers. I highly recommend them. Trust me I don't write reviews unless I'm really impressed!
Alex D.
May 27, 2020
We are among the many families who got a new puppy during the pandemic and were struggling with how to train our puppy and allow him to socialize with other dogs before he developed terrible habits that would be hard to change when things and our schedules return to "normal." Our vet recommended Lori and her team for "remote training" and we're so glad that he did.

Our puppy responded so positively that he couldn't get out of the car fast enough in the morning when we were dropping him off (all the humans were wearing masks, so we felt completely safe) and the Zoom follow-up sessions with Shawn and Lori have been every bit as effective as in-person sessions in teaching us to apply the lessons that our puppy has learned.

The difference in our puppy's behavior has been hugely positive and he now has a very strong foundation for the future. If you're hesitating to dive in, don't!
Sydnie Geismar
Apr 28, 2020
We recently sent our puppy to Lori Carmen, the owner of Dream Dogs for boarding and training. We were absolutely delighted with the positive changes in Buddy's behavior. While away, we received texts and pictures. We felt a constant connection, which was amazing! The facility is spacious and has all the equipment needed. The staffs of trainers were professional and knowledgeable.
Tova K.
Feb 18, 2020
My dog Sonny Lee is a graduate of Dream Dog's basic obedience program. It was worth every cent! We chose the Saturday morning classes, 9-10 am for 5 weeks. Sonny enjoyed the classes and the special treats he got while learning some important basics. Lori knows her stuff. She packs in a lot of info in an hours time. She also stays to answer any questions or concerns you may have after the class.

The warehouse where it's held is conveniently located off the 10 and Washington. It's a ranch type setting where pets can be boarded and other animals such as goats seem to live rather nicely. The key with being successful with training your dog is consistently, practice and positive reinforcement via treats. On the last day all dogs got a certificate and a photo wearing a graduation cap, as well as their choice of a fun toy from a big toy box.
Teresa Adams
Jan 08, 2020
Lori and the Dream Dogs crew are amazing! My Mocha has become so well behaved that I can take her most anywhere. She loves going into stores with me and is only noticed when I want to introduce her:
C. W.
Aug 21, 2019
Our two dogs went for three day training. We were so happy with the outcome. They are definitely better behaved. We will follow up with additional training with the dogs. The information they shared with us has been so helpful.
Randy W.
Aug 18, 2019
We had very good results with training our 2 dogs. I could not believe the difference after just 3 days. We received good information about what we were doing wrong also as dog parents.
Michelle H.
Aug 12, 2019
Very disappointed. They never showed up for scheduled appointment, didn't return my call (did, however, call my daughter 22 hours later). The excuse for not showing up was "over scheduling." Fine, but a phone call (say within an hour of appointment) would have gone a long way to making me a satisfied c
Diane K.
Mar 14, 2019
Dream Dogs is aptly named. They could also be known by a nickname such as 'a well trained owner makes a 'Dream Dog'. Since meeting and working with Lori and Jennifer I have come to know that a dog will do what an owner desires if the owner has the tools and commitment to follow through. Both Lori and Jennifer, with their positive training techniques and experience, can accomplish miracles with a open and willing owner. Subtle changes can make a world of difference in attitude and performance of both owner and pet and both trainers impart the keys of success in a caring yet professional manner.

I would suggest that any owner facing challenges with their pet would greatly benefit attending any of the classes at Dream Dogs. Best of all my dog LOVES being there and I do too.
Mark H.
Mar 09, 2019
My wife and I have trained with Lori and Jennifer for several years now and we could not ask for more in a dog training team. Both are knowledgeable, caring and fun. Their understanding of dog behavior and training skills are incredible. Lori has trained 3 of our dogs as Therapy dogs and both are now training a fourth as a Mobility (Service) dog for my wife.

The new training facility is incredible and has allowed Lori to expand her training curriculum greatly. If you are looking for a knowledgeable dog training team that is fun, look no further.
Suzy W.
Mar 09, 2019
As a follow-up to my last review of Dream Dogs I just want to say that Marli is doing so much better with her anxiety after going to four drop-in obedience classes. Now, we will go to "Reactionary Rover" six-week classes for more work to help her get over her anxieties as a rescue dog who roamed a school in Coachella and had three puppies on school grounds last summer (kept under pallets for safety). Lori and Jennifer understand the working minds of dogs that have anxiety and teach you how to help them overcome their challenge.

Yesterday I observed the Canine Adventure Course at Dream Dogs as I want Marli to be able to take this class later on. What fun the dogs and owners had. Check out Dream Dogs classes.
K. P.
Mar 08, 2019
Fantastic training experience in a ranch/farm-like setting. Lori and Jennifer are professional and friendly dog trainers who make the classes fun and very exciting not only for the dogs, but the owners too! We are so happy that we found Dream Dogs, and our Theodore is going to come back for more fun very soon.
William Scribner
Feb 05, 2019
Lori is amazing and the facilities are perfect for socializing and training. Started my 12 week old Golden Retriever in her class and the results from just a few sessions have proved amazing. She also provides goals and lessons to perform at home which are invaluable. Highly recommend.
Cosgrove N.
Feb 02, 2019
I've wanted to wait to write my review but didn't intend to wait 4 years but I'm glad I waited. After training with DREAM DOGS, my dogs are well trained. We started with a week intensive by leaving them with DREAM DOGS for that time. After the intensive training, I took a class to learn how they trained our dogs. 4 years later, I can tell you I have dream dogs!

I have trained them to be perfect dogs for our home and lifestyle. I trained them to go to their crates when the doorbell rings so they don't frighten my guests. I've trained them to be able to go off leash without running amock and if they do, they come when I call. It takes continuous training but now that my dogs are used to the training, they train very quickly. So, DREAM DOGS can teach you how to train your dog.

You might want a completely trained dog or in my case, my dream dogs are perfectly integrated within our household. So, choose what kind of dream dog you want and with diligence and patience you too can have your own dream dog. I know I have the dream dogs I always wanted. They respond to commands. They behave properly on their own. I crate trained them.

They are beautifully potty trained. They don't beg for food. They are MY dream dogs. again patience and repetition. Also, I can't stress enough to take a class at DREAM DOGS and discover your own dream dog as I have. Three cheers to DREAM DOGS for teaching me how to have my own dream dogs. BTW.I have three dogs.all dream dogs!
Kelly G.
Aug 01, 2018
Jennifer and Lori are amazing Dream Dogs new facility is terrific I'm a helicopter mom and trust me there is nobody I'm more confident in then these two ladies and their training program for my Wheaten Terrier puppy Not only can they make your dog perfect they can make perfect puppy parents.
Jewel Q.
Oct 16, 2017
Dream dogs is the best! Reasonably priced and the utmost professionalism. They loved my dog like he was theirs! He suffered so badly with separation anxiety. We enrolled him in the basic, intermediate, and advanced training and followed all instructions. we have a happy socialized loving fur baby! Did I mention he is 5 years old? Never too late to train your doggie!

Training is top notch! Lori is a great trainer and and so is Jennifer! They are also both super patient! We will miss them once we move! However for those of you in the valley who's looking for a place to train your furry babies, this is the only place to go!
Cory S.
Jan 31, 2017
Dream dogs really have training down. Lori, David and Jennifer are extremely caring and professional. Their training programs are very effective and enjoyable. I have learned that as the dog owner, I am also required to commit to ongoing training so my dog develops great habits. I highly recommend Dream dogs if you want a positive and professional atmosphere with results.