Business Details
28 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training & Daycare in Carlsbad, CA
Dream Dogs was founded in 1998 by Lori Carman, a California native with extensive experience in animal training and wildlife education. Our approach combines Lori's background in exotic animal training with a passion for dogs and people, creating a unique environment where pet owners and their companions learn together. We specialize in positive reinforcement training methods, ensuring both dogs and owners develop a trusting, respectful relationship. Our team includes certified professionals like Emily Quereux, who brings expertise in behavioral modification and service dog training. With facilities in Carlsbad and Bermuda Dunes, we serve clients across Southern California, offering services ranging from obedience classes to board-and-train programs.Our philosophy rejects punitive techniques, focusing instead on communication and reward-based learning. We provide personalized solutions for dogs of all ages and skill levels, including puppy socialization, agility training, and grooming services. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our partnerships, such as being the only Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training affiliate in the Coachella Valley. We aim to make learning enjoyable and effective, helping pets and owners achieve their goals through patience and expertise.
Services
Group Classes
Doggie Daycare
Day Training
Board and Train
Puppy Socialization
Agility Classes
Grooming Services
Private Sessions
Specialty Programs
Farm Animal Interaction
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 21 years of experience in positive reinforcement training methods.
- Our team includes certified trainers endorsed by Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training.
- We provide personalized programs for dogs of all ages and behavioral needs.
- We specialize in behavioral modification and advanced obedience training.
- We operate the only indoor training facility in the Coachella Valley.
Associations and certifications
- Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training (VSPDT)
- CGC Evaluator
What people say
Positive reinforcement
Knowledgeable trainers
Patient staff
Visible progress
Fun environment
Services
Group Classes
Our group classes focus on obedience and socialization in a supportive environment. Dogs learn basic commands, leash manners, and how to interact with other pets. Owners receive guidance on reinforcing positive behavior at home. Programs cater to all skill levels from puppies to advanced learners.
Doggie Daycare
Doggie Daycare provides supervised socialization and exercise for dogs during the day. Our facility includes play areas and trained staff to ensure safety. Dogs enjoy structured activities and free play while owners attend to work or personal commitments.
Board and Train
Board and Train programs offer immersive training in our facility for 2-4 weeks. Dogs receive personalized instruction on obedience, behavioral issues, and specific commands. Owners get follow-up sessions to maintain progress after pickup.
Puppy Socialization
Puppy Socialization classes focus on early development for dogs under 16 weeks. We teach basic commands, crate training, and proper interaction with other pets. Owners learn to address common challenges like housebreaking and chewing.
Agility Classes
Agility Classes improve physical coordination through obstacle courses and movement exercises. Dogs learn to navigate jumps, tunnels, and weave poles while strengthening their bond with handlers. Classes suit active breeds and competition preparation.
People
Lori Carman
Founder & Head Trainer
Lori Carman founded Dream Dogs in 1998 after graduating from Moorpark College's Exotic Animal Training program. With 21 years of experience, she specializes in positive reinforcement training and has worked with exotic animals at the Cincinnati Zoo and Living Desert Gardens.
Emily Quereux
Trainer
Emily Quereux joined Dream Dogs after training service dogs through Diggity Dogs Service Dogs at the University of Massachusetts. She specializes in behavioral modification and task training for service/therapy dogs, working with breeds of all ages.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use reward-based positive reinforcement techniques focusing on communication and trust-building between dogs and owners.
Do you offer services for aggressive dogs?
Yes, our behavioral modification programs address aggression through gradual desensitization and positive reinforcement techniques.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Carlsbad, Bermuda Dunes, Palm Springs, Indio, and surrounding areas of Southern California.
Are your trainers certified?
Our trainers hold certifications including Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Training affiliation and AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator status.
What class options are available?
We offer group classes, private sessions, board-and-train programs, puppy socialization, and agility training for all skill levels.
Videos
Reviews (5)
Kimberly Renee
Jun 26, 2022
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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
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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.
Susan Toder
Dec 19, 2021
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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
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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
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I took my dog for training and boarding. I totally recommend this place in palm desert area the staff and owner are awesome!
