Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Expert Dog Training in San Carlos, CA
The San Mateo Dog Training Club has been a trusted leader in dog training since 1957, offering comprehensive programs from foundational puppy classes to advanced competition obedience. As a licensed member of the American Kennel Club, we provide structured training in a spacious, fully-matted facility in San Carlos, CA. Our experienced instructors specialize in fostering teamwork between dogs and owners, utilizing positive, science-based methods tailored to individual needs. With decades of collective expertise, our team has trained thousands of dogs across all breeds and skill levels, emphasizing responsible ownership and community engagement.We prioritize client education through transparent communication, detailed class curricula, and personalized guidance to address behavioral challenges. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our long-standing reputation, numerous student success stories, and active participation in AKC-sanctioned events.
Services
Puppy Training
Obedience Classes
Competition Prep
Rally Training
Trick Training
Conformation
Scent Work
Phone Consultations
AKC Testing
Socialization Programs
Details
- Year established: 1957
Highlights and features
- We have over 65 years of experience in professional dog training.
- Our instructors are certified AKC evaluators and competition experts.
- We offer specialized programs for all skill levels from puppy to advanced.
- We use positive reinforcement methods with proven behavioral results.
- We provide personalized phone consultations for specific training needs.
Associations and certifications
- American Kennel Club
Services
Puppy Kindergarten
This foundational program focuses on early socialization and basic obedience for puppies aged 12 weeks to 6 months. Through structured interactions with other dogs and handlers, puppies learn essential skills like focus, leash walking, and basic commands. The curriculum emphasizes positive reinforcement techniques to establish good behavior patterns while addressing common developmental challenges. Classes include owner education sessions to ensure consistent training at home.
Competition Obedience
Advanced training program preparing dogs and handlers for AKC obedience trials. Covers precision heeling, complex recalls, group stays, and advanced retrieves. Instructors focus on refining skills required for Companion Dog through Utility levels, including scent discrimination and directed retrieves. Classes include ring practice and competition strategy sessions for both novice and experienced competitors.
Rally Training
Interactive training program teaching AKC Rally signs and course navigation. Classes progress from Novice to Master levels, covering 50+ obedience signs and advanced handling techniques. Includes real-world practice scenarios and mock competitions to build confidence. Instructors emphasize teamwork and clear communication between handlers and dogs during dynamic course execution.
Trick Training
Fun, engaging program teaching dogs to perform 20+ tricks including High Five, Spin, and Fetch Specific Objects. Classes combine basic obedience with creative training challenges to earn AKC Trick Dog titles. Focuses on building confidence, mental stimulation, and strengthening the handler-dog relationship through positive reinforcement techniques.
Phone Consultations
Personalized 15-minute consultations with certified trainers addressing specific behavioral issues. Experts provide tailored solutions for problems like separation anxiety, resource guarding, and socialization challenges. Follow-up recommendations include practical exercises and guidance on selecting appropriate group or private training programs for long-term success.
People
Melodie Farrell
Trainer & AKC Evaluator
Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator with extensive experience in positive reinforcement training methods. Specializes in behavior modification and puppy socialization programs.
Marian Pott
Competition Obedience Instructor
25+ years of experience in performance dog sports including obedience, herding, and rally. AKC and AHBA herding judge with expertise in leadership training for dog owners.
Amanda Gardner
Head of Advanced Training
Certified in multiple dog sports with 20+ years of competition experience. Specializes in advanced obedience, rally, and tracking training for competition dogs.
Cathy Dutra
Obedience Judge
Obedience judge with 13 years of experience and extensive background in training various dog breeds. Focuses on individualized training approaches for dog-handler teams.
Denise Gormish
Scent Work Specialist
20-year veteran in canine sports with specialization in scent detection and tracking events. Experienced in AKC tracking and NACSW nose work competitions.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use positive reinforcement techniques focusing on reward-based training to build confidence and cooperation between dogs and handlers.
Do you offer private training sessions?
We provide phone consultations and recommend group classes, but private training is available through our instructors' individual businesses.
What vaccinations are required for classes?
Dogs must have current vaccinations or titers, including rabies certification, shown on the first night of class or emailed in advance.
Can I observe a class before enrolling?
While we don't offer formal observation, our website provides detailed class descriptions and schedules to help you choose appropriate programs.
How do I register for classes?
All registrations are handled online through our website with payment required at the time of enrollment to secure your spot.
What happens if I miss a class?
Make-up sessions aren't offered, but instructors provide guidance on practicing missed material at home with your dog between sessions.
Reviews (4)
Jarrod Munder
Apr 16, 2022
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Small class sizes and wonderful instructors. Our lab puppy is much more well behaved after the Star Puppy and Home Manners classes. Looking forward to taking Public Manners soon!
Bryan Stockton
Mar 31, 2021
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Took my two dogs for dog training. The staff and volunteers were really nice and knew their stuff. They were able to suggest tips and tricks to correct all sorts of dog behavior. I went to get my dog to heel better but we came away with learning a lot more.
Megan Woods
Dec 14, 2020
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I'm so thankful our family found this Club! Everyone has been so nice, helpful and we've learned so much! The classes are perfect size so you get one on one help and work as a group! It is very clean and well maintained! We highly recommend them!
Brian Chatten
Mar 25, 2020
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Non experience trainers always switching off. Never staying with the same thing. Talk more about themselves about the dogs being trained will not ever recommend this location. Well travel hundreds of miles to stay away from it. Place is a bad place. Bad trainers
