Business Details
34 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training in Carlsbad, CA
Canine Learning Centers has been dedicated to dog training and education in San Diego County since 1992. Founded on the principles of understanding, connection, and respect, our programs focus on fostering obedience and good manners in family pets through personalized training methods. Our expertise spans all breeds and temperaments, with a unique emphasis on building an inseparable bond between owners and their dogs. As an award-winning trainer, Laura Christiansen brings over 30 years of experience working with thousands of dogs, offering insights into the human-canine relationship. We specialize in small group classes, private training, and behavioral consultations tailored to each dog's unique personality.Our facility in Carlsbad provides a safe, indoor environment for training, complemented by access to extensive instructional resources. Recognized nationally for excellence in dog training, we remain committed to helping owners develop lasting, positive relationships with their pets. Our approach combines practical skills like leash control and obedience commands with deeper behavioral understanding. We serve dogs of all ages, from puppies to adults, addressing challenges ranging from basic manners to complex behavioral issues. With a focus on education and community, we empower owners to create safe, loving environments for their dogs throughout every stage of life.
Services
Private Lessons
Obedience Classes
Agility Training
Puppy Programs
Behavior Modification
Nosework Classes
Canine Good Citizen
Urban Dog Training
Intro to Agility
Freedom Unleashed
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We work with all dog breeds and temperaments.
- Our trainer was named National Dog Trainer of the Year.
- We offer personalized training programs tailored to each dog.
- Our facility provides a safe, distraction-free training environment.
- We emphasize long-term behavioral understanding over mechanical commands.
What people say
Award-winning trainer
Personalized programs
Visible improvements
Structured classes
Positive methods
Services
Private Lessons
Personalized dog training sessions with award-winning trainer Laura Christiansen at our Carlsbad facility. Each lesson is tailored to your dog's unique personality and behavioral needs, incorporating instructional videos for continued practice. Sessions typically occur 1-2 weeks apart, requiring owner practice between lessons. Laura may use her own dogs for distraction training to simulate real-world scenarios.
Agility Training
Structured agility classes teaching dogs to navigate tunnels, weave poles, jumps, and other obstacles. Programs include Intro to Agility for beginners, Level 2 for intermediate dogs, and Advanced Urban Dog training for complex environments. Classes focus on building confidence, physical coordination, and owner-dog communication through fun, engaging exercises.
Behavior Modification
Specialized programs addressing anxiety, fear, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, and destructive behaviors. Includes a 75-minute initial consultation with written assessment, follow-up calls, and video review. Our approach focuses on understanding root causes while implementing practical solutions to create lasting behavioral changes in various home environments.
Puppy Kindergarten
Four-week program for puppies 10-16 weeks old covering basic manners, control, and socialization. Combines agility exercises with behavioral foundation training to prevent future issues. Includes instructional videos for home practice and addresses common puppy challenges like house training, chewing, and appropriate play behavior.
Canine Good Citizen
Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification program. Designed for dogs who have completed beginner obedience training, focusing on advanced commands, public access skills, and proper behavior in various environments. Helps develop well-mannered dogs through structured exercises that reinforce reliability in distracting situations.
People
Laura Christiansen
Owner/Director/Trainer/Author
Award-winning dog trainer with over 30 years of experience working with thousands of dogs. National Dog Trainer of the Year recipient in 2016. Specializes in understanding canine behavior and developing training programs that strengthen human-dog bonds.
Cade
Helper Dog
Socially savvy and well-trained dog who assists Laura with private training sessions. Demonstrates proper behavior and serves as a model for other dogs during training exercises.
Spice
Helper Dog
Experienced training assistant who helps demonstrate techniques during behavioral sessions. Provides real-world examples of successful training outcomes through her consistent performance.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement techniques focusing on knowledge, love, and respect rather than punishment. Our methods emphasize understanding canine behavior and building strong communication between owners and dogs.
Do you work with aggressive dogs?
We do not accept dogs with severe aggression issues. Our programs focus on behavioral modification for anxiety, reactivity, and fear-based behaviors rather than handling dangerous aggression cases.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Carlsbad and North San Diego County from our indoor facility located at 5115 Avenida Encinas Suite H, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
Are your classes suitable for all dog breeds?
Yes, our training programs are designed to accommodate all breeds and temperaments. Our experienced trainers adapt techniques to suit each dog's unique characteristics and learning style.
Do you offer private training sessions?
Yes, we offer private one-on-one training with Laura Christiansen Monday-Thursday from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Sessions are available in packages ranging from single lessons to comprehensive programs.
What is your cancellation policy?
Packages expire 6 months after start date with no refunds for unused sessions. We recommend consistent attendance to maximize training effectiveness and maintain progress.
Reviews (5)
Beata Rhoades
May 29, 2022
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We found Laura online when we got our vizsla puppy. We desired a very well trained dog that we could take anywhere with us and not have behavior issues. With Laura's guidance that is exactly what we got. We have taken all her obedience classes and enjoyed the experience of learning from her, and the bonding that it created with us and our dog so much that we have even taken all of her extra classes such as nose work and tricks. Everywhere we go we get compliments on how well behaved our dog is and that would not be the case nor would we have the amazing relationship that we have with our dog if not for Laura
Brittany E.
Apr 28, 2022
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Laura is a terrific trainer who has helped train my dog with my family for the past year. We have taken multiple group classes with her and each has provided us so much value for understanding and working with our dog, Louie. She truly understands dog behavior and has helped us to understand our dog that much more. Since starting classes at Canine Learning Center, we have noticed a significant improvement in Louie's obedience and confidence.
We love the variety of classes offered and I have been introduced to fun enrichment activities such as agility and sniff work, which has helped deepen the bond I have with my dog and which I've continued to do with him in our free time. We definitely plan to continue to go to more classes and always look forward to the new options that become available. It has been a wonderful experience working with Laura and we really appreciate all we have learned!
We love the variety of classes offered and I have been introduced to fun enrichment activities such as agility and sniff work, which has helped deepen the bond I have with my dog and which I've continued to do with him in our free time. We definitely plan to continue to go to more classes and always look forward to the new options that become available. It has been a wonderful experience working with Laura and we really appreciate all we have learned!
Sarah Shalviri
Apr 22, 2022
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We LOVE Laura and Canine Learning Centers! Our dog Cruiser has been going to Laura's classes since he was a puppy. Laura has the perfect combination of "easy" training tips as well as tailored solutions based on your dog's breed.
Maria Segura
Apr 21, 2022
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I highly recommend Canine Learning Center for your puppy or adult dogs training needs. Laura Christiansen is an amazing trainer. Sully and I started with Private Lessons that included the Beginner Practice Class then we went on to the Canine Good Citizen class. Not only is Laura the best dog trainer she has also helped train me so I could be a better dog parent! Next we will be in the Freedom Unleashed class -I can't wait!
Andrew T.
Apr 20, 2022
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Have taken many classes for my two dogs. Well organized classes that has taught me how to handle/train my dogs. Classes were 1 teacher to 6 students/dogs, felt that we were able to get the 1-1 time we needed during group classes.
