Business Details
Trusted Dog Training & Daycare Services in Salinas
Founded by Barbara DeGroodt, From The Heart Dog Training has dedicated over six decades to transforming canine behavior through trust-based, pain-free methods. Our approach emphasizes mutual respect between pets and owners, utilizing positive reinforcement to address behavioral challenges. With expertise in obedience training, agility, and socialization, we serve Salinas and Monterey County, offering group classes, private consultations, and daycare. Barbara's international experience and recognition as 2011 National Dog Trainer of the Year underscore our commitment to excellence. We prioritize safety with strict vaccination requirements and personalized assessments, ensuring each dog receives tailored care.Our facility in south Salinas provides a secure, stimulating environment for training and social interaction. By combining decades of experience with continuous education, we empower owners to build lasting bonds with their pets. Our services extend beyond basic obedience, fostering mental development and emotional well-being in dogs of all breeds and sizes. Through workshops and community events like Small Dog Social, we promote responsible pet ownership and lifelong learning for both dogs and their families.
Services
Dog Obedience Training
Doggie Daycare
Private Consultations
Fun-gility Classes
Small Dog Social
Puppy Training
In-Home Training
Specialty Classes
Behavioral Counseling
Agility Training
Highlights and features
- We have over 60 years of professional dog training experience
- Our methods focus on trust and positive reinforcement
- Offer in-home private training sessions for personalized solutions
- Recognized as National Dog Trainer of the Year in 2011
- Provide customized behavioral modification programs for special needs dogs
What people say
Love Barbara and her training methods
Great place for dog socialization
Best trainer available
Effective one-on-one training
Wonderful experience overall
Services
Dog Obedience Training
Our behavior-based training program teaches essential commands like sit, down, stay, and heel while building trust between dogs and owners. Through positive reinforcement techniques, we help develop well-mannered pets that understand household expectations. Classes focus on practical skills for everyday situations while making training enjoyable for both dogs and their handlers.
Doggie Daycare
This supervised social environment provides exercise, mental stimulation, and canine interaction while owners are away. Our facility offers structured play sessions with safety assessments to ensure appropriate dog groupings. The program includes enrichment activities and direct supervision by experienced pet care professionals in a secure, indoor setting.
Fun-gility Classes
Low-impact agility courses designed for recreational fun rather than competition. Weekly changing obstacle courses allow dogs to develop physical coordination through three on-leash runs. The drop-in format accommodates flexible scheduling while promoting confidence building and handler-dog communication in a stress-free environment.
Private Consultations
One-on-one sessions addressing specific behavioral issues in the dog's home environment. Customized training plans target problems like aggression, anxiety, or destructive behavior through personalized instruction. This service offers flexible scheduling and concentrated focus on individual dog-owner relationship challenges.
Small Dog Social
Weekly gatherings for dogs under 30 pounds or six months old to develop proper social skills. Structured interactions teach canine communication basics while owners learn appropriate supervision techniques. The donation-based event supports local animal rescue organizations through community participation.
People
Barbara DeGroodt
Founder/Dog Trainer
With over 60 years of professional experience, Barbara is an International Association of Canine Professionals Hall of Famer and 2011 National Dog Trainer of the Year. She has trained diverse species and served as a mentor instructor for Animal Behavior College, specializing in positive reinforcement methods.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use trust-based, positive reinforcement methods without pain or intimidation, focusing on building mutual respect between dogs and owners.
Do you offer in-home training sessions?
Yes, we provide private in-home training for clients who need personalized solutions or cannot attend group classes.
What are your vaccination requirements?
Dogs must be current on Rabies, Distemper, and Bordetella vaccines. Puppies need at least one vaccination to participate.
How do you handle behavioral assessments?
We conduct interviews and trial days to evaluate each dog's temperament and ensure proper placement in our programs.
What services are available for small dogs?
Our Small Dog Social events provide weekly socialization opportunities specifically for dogs under 30 pounds or six months old.
Do you offer group classes?
Yes, we offer group obedience classes and Fun-gility sessions at our 10,000 sq ft indoor facility in south Salinas.
Reviews (4)
Bronxbomber Ever
Feb 12, 2022
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Very convenient hours and the ability to drop off your fur baby without having to schedule ahead is a bonus. My dog told me she really likes it there too. It's a win-win! Update: Still love the convenience of open drop off hours. I believe this is the only business in town that's this accommodating. And my dog plans her whole week around hanging out with her friends at From the Heart.
Calla Boo
Sep 24, 2021
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Left my puppy there for 8 hours to play while I made us some money to bring home the good bacon. By the end of the day she was exhausted. I guess she was a little too vocal and had a citronella (I think that is what I heard) collar put on her to calm her down. Highly recommend this day care. It is close to where I work and a few colleagues have dropped off there pets here as well.
Pat Lewis
Jun 22, 2021
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Just started to attend the saturdy 9:00 a.m. puppy Socialisation Sessions 2 weeks into a puppy training class and 2 weeks into a dog training class with another dog Barb does a great job! My puppy is tired after all that work!
Terri Baldwin
Apr 14, 2019
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Love Barbara and her training methods. Kai my Baby Chow Chow puppy attended puppy class. He is also signed up for Drop In Class and he attends doggie daycare. I love that he gets to socialize as you know Chows can be rather aloof, but here he loves interacting with his classmates! Great place.
