Out N' About Dog Training

Business Details

24 Years

experience

Expert Dog Training Services in La Mesa, CA

Out N' About Dog Training has been dedicated to transforming canine behavior through science-based, positive reinforcement methods since 2002. Founded by Julie Schmitt, a licensed Guide Dog Mobility Instructor with over 25 years of experience, we specialize in creating personalized training plans that address both basic obedience and complex behavioral challenges. Our team holds prestigious certifications including CPDT-KA, VSPDT, and Fear Free Professional designations, ensuring clients receive expert guidance rooted in humane practices. We serve East San Diego County with virtual and in-person sessions, offering services ranging from puppy socialization to advanced behavior modification.

Our approach emphasizes long-term relationship building between dogs and owners, integrating training into daily life for sustainable results. With a proven track record of success across thousands of cases, we remain committed to empowering pet owners through education and practical solutions. Our transparent methodology and focus on real-world application have established us as a trusted leader in the dog training community.

Services

Behavior Consulting Board and Train Day Training Puppy Training Specialty Classes

Details

Year established: 2002

Highlights and features

25+ years of professional dog training experience with proven results
Certified trainers holding industry-leading CPDT-KA and VSPDT credentials
Personalized training plans tailored to each dog's temperament and owner's lifestyle
Combines virtual coaching with in-person sessions for comprehensive learning
Specializes in both basic obedience and complex behavior modification

Associations and certifications

Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
Certified Victoria Stilwell Positively Dog Trainer (VSPDT)
Certified Fear Free Professional

What people say

Remarkable improvements Fantastic trainer Well-mannered dog Patient and professional Transformed our walks

Website

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Services

Behavior Consulting

Private sessions address aggression, anxiety, and obedience issues through customized behavior modification plans. Our certified trainers evaluate environmental factors and implement science-based techniques to resolve problematic behaviors. Clients learn practical skills to maintain long-term improvements in their dog's conduct.

Board and Train

Two-week programs combine foundational obedience with socialization in a structured environment. Puppies receive daily training while returning home evenings and weekends. The curriculum includes impulse control, leash manners, and social skills through supervised play groups and personalized instruction.

Puppy Training

Age-specific programs develop social skills and basic obedience through hybrid virtual/in-person formats. Curriculum covers house training, bite inhibition, and foundational cues using positive reinforcement. Classes include developmental guidance for puppies under seven months of age.

Day Training

Professional trainers conduct multiple weekly sessions at client residences to address behavioral challenges. The seven-session package focuses on leash reactivity, socialization, and obedience training while owners receive transition instruction for maintaining training consistency.

Specialty Classes

Themed group classes enhance specific skills like leash reactivity management and environmental enrichment. Limited to four dogs, these sessions build on prior training with progressive challenges in real-world settings using positive reinforcement techniques.

People

Julie Schmitt

Owner/Lead Trainer

Certified dog training expert with 25+ years experience, holding CPDT-KA, VSPDT, and Fear Free certifications. Specializes in positive reinforcement methods and behavior modification for dogs of all ages.

Questions

What training methods do you use?

We exclusively use positive reinforcement techniques without force, choke chains, or electronic collars. Our methods focus on reward-based learning and behavior modification.

Do you offer virtual training options?

Yes, we provide virtual evaluations and hybrid training programs combining online instruction with in-person sessions for comprehensive learning.

What areas do you serve?

We operate throughout East San Diego County including La Mesa, Santee, El Cajon, and surrounding communities with both in-home and facility-based training.

Are your trainers certified?

Our lead trainer holds multiple industry certifications including CPDT-KA, VSPDT, and Fear Free Professional designations with 25+ years of professional experience.

How long do training programs last?

Program duration varies: Board and Train runs two weeks, private packages typically require 8-12 weeks, and puppy classes follow structured 4-5 week curriculums.

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Reviews (5)

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Josephine A.

Nov 06, 2021 Report

Initially signed my puppy up for basic puppy classes -- love that socialization was a component of them! Super important for puppies developmentally and really a lot of 'bang for your buck'. After a few traumatic vet visits, my little guy had started to be scared of vets AND new people in general so we started doing 'puppy Montessori' (day training where my dog got to stay with Julie and learn in FUN and HUMANE ways that the world isn't so scary!) He had a vet visit today at a new hospital. and it went so well!

I wanted to cry at how well it went! I was so nervous because it ended up being a "curbside" visit since we were running a bit late, but for sure all the work he put in with Julie paid off because when the vet called me he was shocked to learn that I had been worried about how he'd feel about the vet. Absolutely recommend reaching out to Julie if you need support with your dog's confidence and general development!

Kathy M.

Apr 29, 2021 Report

Critical: Professionalism Julie was very rude by criticizing our dog's ears being taped ( none surgical procedure) to tip them. Her attitude after her comment changed and classwork was almost to the point of being ignored.

Kathy Wilkinson

Mar 23, 2021 Report

Julie is amazing. She worked magic with my pug Francis in only a couple weeks. He was a crazy puppy who would bite and chew everything. He would not initiate playing with his toys or settling down. Now he knows how to grab a toy and lay down and play with it in a calm manner.

Derek Hyman

Feb 06, 2019 Report

Julie was great and amazing with our new puppy. She was patient and flexible to our schedules on top of being a great trainer. She really understands puppies and loves her work. Her in house consultations helped us change the behavior of our 11 month old puppy immediately. Thanks for everything Julie!

Neomi Marroquin

Nov 05, 2018 Report

She's amazing and very attentive. We took are dog Max here when he was a puppy. He's all grown now and he is seriously one of the most friendliest and most obedient dogs. Her classes certainly helped a lot!