Business Details
36 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Dog Training in San Diego Since 1990
John's Natural Dog Training has been dedicated to transforming canine behavior through natural, positive methods since 1990. Our approach focuses on understanding and leveraging a dog's innate instincts to foster harmonious relationships between pets and their owners. With decades of combined experience, our team specializes in eliminating unwanted behaviors while reinforcing obedience through gentle, effective communication. We prioritize education for both dogs and owners, offering personalized training programs tailored to individual needs.Our commitment to ethical practices is evident in our refusal to use electronic shock collars, instead emphasizing trust-building and psychological understanding. Recognized by local veterinarians and rescue organizations, we provide comprehensive solutions including private training, group classes, and specialized behavioral evaluations. Our expertise extends to community education initiatives, including safety workshops and school presentations, while maintaining a strong focus on responsible pet ownership and long-term canine well-being.
Services
Private Training
Group Classes
Behavior Evaluation
Obedience Training
Puppy Socialization
K9 Personal Trainer
Board & Train
Perfect Puppy Program
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of experience in natural dog training methods
- Pioneered San Diego's first shock collar-free training system
- Customized programs for rescue dogs and special behavioral needs
- AKC-certified evaluators on staff for standardized training
- Community-recognized experts in canine behavior education
What people say
Instant response
Highly effective
Miracle-worker
Total dog-whisperer
Excellent customer service
Services
Private Training
Our personalized in-home training programs address specific behavioral needs while teaching owners effective communication techniques. This service helps with housebreaking, separation anxiety, and obedience training through customized sessions in the dog's natural environment. Clients receive hands-on guidance to develop lasting solutions for their unique situations.
Group Obedience Classes
Structured group classes provide socialization opportunities and standardized obedience training across multiple skill levels. Our AKC-certified trainers lead sessions covering basic commands, advanced techniques, and Canine Good Citizen preparation. Classes accommodate puppies and adult dogs at various experience stages in convenient San Diego locations.
Behavior Evaluation
Comprehensive behavioral assessments identify specific issues and create targeted training plans for dogs with special needs. This service addresses aggression, anxiety, and maladaptive behaviors through expert analysis followed by customized intervention strategies. Our specialists work with rescue organizations and shelters to rehabilitate challenging cases.
Perfect Puppy Program
Four-session program designed to establish foundational training and prevent behavioral issues in young dogs. Covers housebreaking, socialization, basic commands, and nutritional guidance. Includes class access and home environment preparation to ensure puppies develop proper social skills and obedience habits.
K9 Personal Trainer
Fully customizable training program with flexible scheduling for busy owners. Combines in-home sessions with personalized training plans tailored to specific goals. Our dedicated trainers provide one-on-one instruction for complex behavioral issues and advanced obedience training requirements across all dog breeds and ages.
People
John Rubin
Founder and Owner
Over 30 years experience as certified canine behaviorist. Developed natural training method adopted by San Diego's top trainers. Recognized expert in court testimony and community education initiatives.
Kylie Gilmour
Head Trainer
Bachelor's degree in Animal Science with 15 years veterinary medicine experience. AKC-certified evaluator specializing in holistic training approaches and canine development education.
Trish Fleming
Dog Trainer
Master's in Education with behavioral science expertise. Specializes in rescue dog rehabilitation and personalized training plans. Certified Professional Dog Trainer with extensive rescue organization experience.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use natural, positive reinforcement methods focusing on canine psychology without shock collars or intimidation techniques.
Do you offer in-home training sessions?
Yes, our K9 Personal Trainer program provides customized in-home training services across San Diego County.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout San Diego County including Carmel Valley, Carlsbad, Vista, Encinitas, and Escondido.
Are your trainers certified?
Our team includes AKC STAR Puppy and Canine Good Citizen Certified Evaluators and Certified Professional Dog Trainers.
Can you help with aggressive behavior?
Yes, our behavior evaluation service addresses aggression through specialized assessment and targeted rehabilitation programs.
Do you offer puppy training classes?
Our Perfect Puppy Program includes four home sessions and group class access for puppies under six months.
Reviews (1)
Emily Watson
May 01, 2021
Report
We have been waiting months for a refund from John because we cancelled our contract with him. We paid $775 for 8 sessions and decided to cancel after 2. In our contract we could cancel within the first 3 sessions and get refunded for any unused sessions. The trainer was insisting on a spike choke collar for our dog and we refused. Obviously the values of this company did not line up with ours and we do not want to continue with them. Well, we still have not received the refund of our money and we're out hundreds of dollars for nothing. TOTAL FRAUD. DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY. Read the rest of the reviews. Many people with our same story. I wish I would have researched the company more carefully
