Business Details
27 Years
experience
Expert Dog Training & Pet Services in San Luis Obispo
Gentle Touch Pet Training has been dedicated to enhancing the human-canine bond through positive reinforcement training since 1999. Founded by Teah Anders, author of Click n Connect: Training Your Dog A Lifelong Journey, we specialize in science-based methods that mirror marine mammal training techniques. Our comprehensive programs include puppy foundations, advanced obedience, agility, and nose work classes designed for all skill levels. As a nonprofit initiative of Son Care Foundation, Inc., our mission extends beyond training to fostering hope through mentorship and community service. With over two decades of experience serving the Central Coast, we combine expertise in animal behavior with a commitment to ethical training practices.Our team of certified professionals delivers personalized instruction through group classes, private sessions, and specialized workshops tailored to individual needs. By integrating modern training methodologies with practical application, we empower pet owners to build lasting relationships with their canine companions. All proceeds from our services directly support New Life K9s service dog programs and Alpha Academy youth mentorship initiatives.
Services
Puppy Preschool
Agility Classes
Obedience Training
Nose Work Workshops
Private Training
Therapy Dog Certification
Board & Train Programs
Daycare & Train
Feisty Fidos Classes
Rally Obedience
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in positive reinforcement training methods
- Our programs support veterans through the New Life K9s service dog initiative
- We offer specialized classes for puppies through advanced obedience training
- Our training methods are based on marine mammal behavior science
- All profits fund youth mentorship and community service programs
Services
Puppy Preschool
Puppy Preschool provides essential socialization and foundational training for puppies aged 8-16 weeks. Our structured program develops basic obedience skills while promoting positive interactions with other puppies and humans. This early intervention helps prevent behavioral issues through gentle, reward-based methods that establish lifelong learning patterns.
Agility Classes
Agility Classes offer physical and mental stimulation through obstacle course training. Designed for all skill levels, these sessions improve coordination, focus, and handler-dog communication. Our courses use positive reinforcement to build confidence and strengthen the working relationship between dogs and their handlers.
Private Training
Private Training sessions provide personalized instruction tailored to specific behavioral needs. Available as in-home training or board-and-train programs, these sessions address individual challenges through customized training plans. Our certified trainers work directly with dogs and owners to implement effective, long-term solutions.
Nose Work Workshops
Nose Work Workshops develop dogs' natural scenting abilities through engaging detection exercises. These classes channel energy into productive mental stimulation while building confidence. Participants learn to identify and indicate specific scents through positive reinforcement techniques that enhance problem-solving skills.
Therapy Dog Training
Therapy Dog Training prepares teams for community service work through specialized obedience and public access training. Our program covers temperament development, task-specific skills, and handler-dog coordination required for therapy certification. Graduates qualify to participate in community outreach programs.
People
Teah Anders
Founder
Teah Anders founded Gentle Touch Pet Training in 1999 and authored Click n Connect: Training Your Dog A Lifelong Journey. With over two decades of experience in positive reinforcement training, she specializes in applying marine mammal training techniques to canine education.
Carol
Private Trainer
Carol specializes in personalized dog training programs with expertise in behavior modification. She brings extensive experience working with dogs of all breeds and temperaments through both group classes and private sessions.
Lisa
Private Trainer
Lisa offers customized training solutions with a focus on positive reinforcement methods. Her experience includes working with puppies through advanced obedience training, helping owners develop strong communication with their canine companions.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement methods based on marine mammal training science, including clicker training and reward-based techniques.
Do you offer puppy training classes?
Yes, our Puppy Preschool serves puppies aged 8-16 weeks with socialization and basic obedience training.
Are your trainers certified?
Our trainers have extensive experience in positive reinforcement techniques and work with certified programs.
How do your services support nonprofits?
All profits fund New Life K9s service dog programs and Alpha Academy youth mentorship initiatives.
What class options are available?
We offer group classes, private sessions, board-and-train programs, and specialized workshops for all skill levels.
Reviews (4)
Merijane McTalley
Mar 30, 2022
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Great training program. Instructor. Carol and Matt are knowledgeable and my dog and I (especially me) have learned so much. I am going to take the next course and highly recommend it
Corlese Todd
May 22, 2021
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Teah is a very kind and gentle trainer who is full of knowledge. We learned a lot and look forward to continuing training at home. We might have made some lasting puppy friends if our little Aussie wasn't so shy, but that was one thing we could not untrain.
Levi P.
Mar 19, 2021
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I'm so pleased with and grateful for Teah's Puppy Preschool class, especially during times of the pandemic. My puppy was able to get the crucial socialization with other dogs that he needed and I learned a lot from the class as well. All of the staff are wonderful and love what they do! Ghost had a blast and we'll be returning in October for Kindergarten!
Jeff Miller
Jan 16, 2020
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We have taken our dogs through puppy training and the nose work. They have turned out great. All our "kids" will go to Gentle Touch Pet Training.
