Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Professional Dog Training & Obedience Classes in Monterey Bay
Since 1966, Monterey Bay Dog Training Club has been dedicated to fostering responsible dog ownership through professional obedience training and community engagement. Our certified trainers bring decades of combined experience in dog behavior, competition, and education, offering structured programs from puppy socialization to advanced rally and obedience trials. As the first AKC-member club in the region, we host annual trials in agility, obedience, and scent work while supporting philanthropic initiatives like our $1,000 UC Davis veterinary scholarship.Our curriculum emphasizes positive reinforcement techniques, ensuring dogs become well-mannered companions for home life, travel, and competitive showing. With facilities in Watsonville and Capitola, we serve Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Monterey Counties, maintaining a reputation built on 58 years of consistent quality and student referrals.
Services
Obedience Training
Rally Classes
Conformation Training
Scent Work Trials
Agility Trials
CGC Testing
Trick Dog Certification
Community Events
Fundraising Programs
Veterinary Scholarships
Details
- Year established: 1966
Highlights and features
- Our trainers hold 29 obedience titles and 18 agility championships with decades of instructional experience
- Offering structured programs from puppy socialization to utility-level obedience since 1966
- Host annual AKC-sanctioned agility, obedience, and scent work trials with national competitors
- Maintain 58-year legacy of quality demonstrated by student referrals and returning handlers
- Provide community support through veterinary scholarships and emergency canine care funding
Associations and certifications
- American Kennel Club (AKC)
Services
Obedience Training
Structured programs from puppy basics to advanced competition preparation. Classes teach controlled heeling, stays, recalls, and formal obedience exercises using positive reinforcement techniques. Trainers with decades of experience help dogs become well-mannered companions for home life and travel.
AKC Rally Classes
Year-round instruction in AKC Rally at all levels. Focuses on teamwork between handler and dog through sequential obedience exercises with signs. Prepares teams for competition while improving communication and control in practical scenarios.
Conformation Training
Specialized classes for dogs interested in conformation shows. Teaches proper ring presentation, stacking, and gaiting techniques. Small group instruction ensures personalized attention for handlers preparing for AKC conformation events.
Scent Work Trials
AKC-sanctioned scent detection events testing dogs' natural tracking abilities. Participants learn to identify and alert on specific scents in various environments. Events held annually at Santa Cruz Elks Lodge with multiple difficulty levels.
Agility Trials
Competitive obstacle courses testing speed and precision. Annual trials at Manzanita Park include jumps, weave poles, and contact equipment. Open to all skill levels with separate divisions for novice and experienced teams.
People
Carol Davis
Trainer
Certified instructor since 1996 with 29 obedience titles. National champion in AKC Rally with her Schipperke Misty. Specializes in advanced obedience and competition preparation.
Dorothy Mash
Trainer
30+ years teaching dog training with multiple obedience titles. Expert in positive reinforcement techniques. Continuously updates skills through seminars and workshops.
Edie Losch
Trainer
14+ years with MBDTC. Former sheep herding competitor. Focuses on practical training applications and mentorship for new trainers.
Luane Vidak
Retired Trainer
Obedience pioneer with 29 titles. Developed training curriculum for home and competition. Former trial chairperson with expertise in multiple dog sports.
Questions
What training levels do you offer?
We provide puppy classes through utility-level obedience, plus all levels of rally and conformation training.
Are your trainers certified?
All instructors hold advanced obedience titles and have decades of professional training experience.
How can I join club events?
Complete one training session or attend a general meeting. Membership requires sponsorship and voting approval.
Do you offer financial assistance?
We provide a $1,000 UC Davis veterinary scholarship annually and fund emergency canine care through donations.
What competitions do you host?
Annual AKC-sanctioned trials in agility, obedience, rally, scent work, and variable surface tracking tests.
Reviews (6)
Michael Bashista
Apr 16, 2018
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We've trained four dogs with MBDTC, including obedience and agility. Also a great atmosphere for socializing your dogs.
Linda Coleman
Feb 27, 2018
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The best deal in dog training! I've trained 4 different dogs over 10 years with the great trainers at Monterey Bay Dog Training Club. Every dog is a little different and needs a different approach to training. From a nervous & shy Great Dane to an exuberant & outgoing Golden Retriever, the trainers always worked with me to find the best approach to fit each dog. I was able to train my dogs to the level we were able to compete successfully in AKC Obedience and Rally competitions and earn a few titles. But the best part is the bond that develops with your dog as you work toward better communication and understanding.
Denise Weatherwax
Dec 11, 2017
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I have been training my dog here with several different trainers (Luanne, Pam, Dorothy, Susan) since she was a puppy, almost 8 years ago. We have progressed through several different level of classes in obedience and agility and she is such a happy dog. I constantly get compliments on how well behaved my dog is. I also go back about 20 years to another dog who was very shy and fearful. We completed Beginning Obedience, and, even though he wasn't naturally talented, I had him almost 15 years and he never forgot heeling on leash or recall -- the two most important things your dog can do, in my opinion.
Candice McLaren
Nov 04, 2017
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I've been training my Aussies with the Monterey Bay Dog Training Club since 2006. I appreciated the expertise of the trainers, the individual attention, and the weekly classes are really FUN! I recommend this training group to any dog owner.
Monterey Bay Dog Training Club Inc
Apr 09, 2017
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I have been training my dogs at Monterey Bay Dog Training Club for almost 9 years. I have had 4 dogs and myself train with them. The trainers are experienced and can handle all sizes and temperaments. In the past year I have trained with Luane Vidak in Capitola and with Dorothy Mash and Carol Davis in Watsonville. My next class will be with Susan Westover and we are really looking forward to it.
Garth Gregson
Jan 17, 2017
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All the classes I have attended have been led by knowledgeable and encouraging instructors. I recommend classes with the Monterey Bay Dog Training Club to anyone that just wants some basic obedience training or wants to compete in obedience with the objective or putting titles on their dog.
