Business Details
21 Years
experience
Trusted Dog Training Classes in Santa Barbara, CA
Perfect Puppy Academy has been a trusted leader in puppy and dog training for over two decades, specializing in science-based, positive reinforcement methods. Our certified professional trainers bring extensive experience in canine behavior, having graduated more than 6,000 satisfied clients across Santa Barbara and Goleta. We focus on creating well-socialized, obedient companions through structured classes that emphasize trust, cooperation, and leadership.Our curriculum, developed in collaboration with veterinary experts, addresses socialization, obedience, and impulse control while accommodating both puppies and adult dogs. With flexible scheduling and small class sizes, we ensure personalized attention to meet each family's unique needs.
Services
Puppy Training
Obedience Classes
Socialization Sessions
AKC Certification Prep
Private Training
Agility Instruction
Leash Walking
Impulse Control
Dog Sports
Senior Dog Training
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in puppy training with science-based methods
- Our team uses scientifically proven positive reinforcement techniques
- Certified instructors with advanced dog training certifications
- 6,000+ satisfied graduates demonstrate our consistent results
- Small class sizes ensure personalized attention for each dog
Associations and certifications
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
What people say
Superb trainer
Well-trained happy dog
Fantastic experience
Essential for new dogs
Patient guidance
Services
Puppy Training
Our puppy training program develops socialization skills and basic obedience through five-week sessions. Puppies learn essential behaviors like sit, stay, and leash walking while building confidence around strangers and other dogs. Classes maintain four to twelve dogs for personalized attention, with vaccination requirements ensuring safe interactions.
Obedience Classes
Advanced obedience instruction refines commands and impulse control in distracting environments. Dogs master complex tasks like off-leash heeling and public down-stays while improving recall abilities. Small group settings allow focused training for dogs that have completed foundational courses.
AKC Certification Prep
This specialized program prepares dogs for the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen test. Training covers all 10 test elements including grooming tolerance and polite greetings. Participants receive test administration opportunities upon readiness assessment.
Private Training
Customized one-on-one training addresses specific behavioral challenges in home environments. Certified trainers develop tailored solutions for issues like separation anxiety or leash aggression. Flexible scheduling accommodates unique household needs.
Agility Instruction
Competitive agility training develops physical coordination and handler communication. Dogs learn obstacle courses, weave poles, and timed sequences. Instruction includes competition preparation for national events like AKC Agility Championships.
People
Anne Swan
Owner/Lead Trainer
Certified dog trainer with 20+ years experience, CPDT-KA credential holder, and national agility champion handler. Developed curriculum used in local dog clubs and specializes in positive reinforcement methods.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement techniques focusing on reward-based learning to build trust and cooperation with dogs.
Are vaccinations required for classes?
Yes, dogs must be current on distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and rabies vaccinations as veterinarian-recommended.
Do you offer private training sessions?
Yes, we provide in-home private training packages tailored to specific behavioral needs and household requirements.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Santa Barbara and Goleta, with training locations in both urban and park settings.
Can older dogs attend classes?
Yes, we offer specialized programs for adolescent and adult dogs focusing on behavior modification and advanced training.
How do I prepare for the AKC CGC test?
Our CGC prep course covers all 10 test elements with practice sessions and official testing opportunities included.
Reviews (5)
Sam Khaki
Jan 23, 2022
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I am so glad we enrolled our puppy in the perfect puppy academy. The instructor Anne was amazing. She was very knowledgeable, easy to understand and retain the things she taught and was always willing to answer questions regardless of how many times she was asked the same question. I cant wait to take any of the other classes she offers and I recommend anyone with a new puppy sign up.
Crystal G.
Apr 26, 2021
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Anne is an AMAZING trainer with so much patience and knowledge about the training process. I definitely recommend this program based on price and overall experience
Keely Gregorio
Jan 12, 2021
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Anne Swan is the best! Loved that she trained our family so we had tools to work with our own puppy at home.
Shelby DeGroot
Nov 13, 2020
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Great place to socialize your puppy and Anne is super knowledgable! We will be going back for Puppy 2 class.
Lynn Menefee
Nov 05, 2020
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Great location for training. Great, low key training from knowledgeable trainer, who meet the training a joy for dogs and people!
