How to Find a Good Dog Trainer in San Diego

Whether you're raising a brand-new puppy, dealing with some tough behaviors, or just looking to strengthen your bond with your dog, finding the right dog trainer can make a huge difference.

But let’s be honest - searching for a trainer can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of websites, styles, and opinions out there, and you just want someone you can trust who will actually help you and your dog. San Diego is filled with amazing trainers and professionals, so narrowing down your search is key.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how to find a good dog trainer, what to look for, red flags to avoid, the kinds of questions you should be asking, and how to find someone who fits your lifestyle and goals. Whether your a San Diego resident or on the complete other side of the coast, this post could help you find exactly what you're looking for.

Step 1: Know What You Need

The first step in finding a great trainer is figuring out what you need support with.

Are you raising a puppy and want to get off on the right foot?

Are you dealing with leash reactivity or fear-based behaviors?

Do you want a calm, confident family dog who can join you at breweries, brunch, or hiking trails?

Different trainers specialize in different things. Some love working with high-energy adolescents, others are fantastic with shy rescue dogs, and some focus on specific sports or service work. So before you start Googling, ask yourself:

• What behaviors or goals do I want help with?

• What kind of environment will help me learn best—private sessions, group classes, or day training?

• How hands-on am I able to be with the training process?

  
  

Knowing what you need will help narrow your search and make sure you're matched with someone who's truly qualified to help (and hey, if you're looking for a dog trainer in San Diego - it might be us!)

Step 2: Look for Credentials That Actually Mean Something

Not all dog trainers are created equal. Unlike professions like veterinary medicine or psychology, dog training is unregulated—meaning anyone can call themselves a trainer without formal education. That’s why credentials and continuing education matter!

Look for:

• Certifications from credible organizations, such as:

  • IAABC members (International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants)

  • Fear Free Certified Professionals

  • Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP)

  • Specialized Certifications or Degrees rooted in Animal Behavior Science

    
    

• Hands-on experience: Someone who’s worked with hundreds of clients or logged thousands of hours in real-world training has a lot more reps under their belt than someone just starting out.

  
  

• Education in behavior science: This is especially important for dogs with fear, reactivity, or anxiety. A trainer who understands learning theory, thresholds, and body language can prevent setbacks and help your dog feel safe while progressing. When you speak with them during a consult - ask about this. What education in behavior science do they have?

  
  

Bonus points if they stay current by attending conferences, learning from mentors, or collaborating with other pros.

Step 3: Ask About Methods—And Don’t Be Afraid to Walk Away

This is a big one. The training methods your trainer uses should match your values and support your dog’s emotional well-being.

Here’s what to ask:

"What methods do you use in training, and how do you handle unwanted behaviors?"

A good trainer should be able to explain their approach clearly, without jargon or defensiveness.

Ideally, you want someone who:

• Uses positive reinforcement

• Understands the science of behavior change

• Avoids punishment-based tools like shock collars or leash pops

• Prioritizes your relationship with your dog over quick fixes

  
  

Steer clear of anyone who talks about being the “alpha” or uses outdated dominance theory. We now know that dogs aren’t trying to take over your household, they’re usually just confused, overstimulated, or trying to cope the best way they know how.

If a trainer promises instant results or makes you feel like you need to control or dominate your dog, that’s a red flag!

Step 4: Read the Vibe

Yes, qualifications and ethics matter.

But so does your gut.

Dog training is intimate. You’re opening your home (or your emotions) to someone who’s helping you and your dog navigate behavior, stress, frustration, and growth. So you want a trainer who feels like a safe, helpful presence, not someone who’s going to judge you or make you feel small.

Look for someone who:

• Asks questions about your lifestyle and goals to tailor this to your training plan

• Listens to you and helps you feel understood 

• Offers realistic, actionable steps

The right trainer should leave you feeling supported and motivated, even when things feel hard. That doesn’t mean sugarcoating things - but it does mean they meet you where you’re at, and help guide you forward in a doable, compassionate way.

Step 5: Explore Their Website and Social Media

Before you reach out, stalk a little (the good kind). A trainer’s website and Instagram can tell you a lot about their personality, communication style, and approach.

Ask yourself:

• Do they only communicate in sales pitches?

• Do they show real clients that they work with?

• Do they come off as approachable?

Trainers who are open about their philosophy and show their work (without relying on fear-mongering “before/after” videos) are usually more trustworthy.

Step 6: Read Reviews and Ask for Referrals

Reviews can give you insight into what it’s actually like to work with a trainer, beyond the professional bio. Look for reviews that mention things like:

• How the trainer communicated

• How the dog changed and how the human grew

• How setbacks were handled

• Whether the process felt supportive

  
  

If you’re part of any local San Diego dog groups on Facebook or Nextdoor, that’s another great place to ask for recommendations. You’ll get unfiltered insight from real people in your area, and can often find someone with experience in your exact situation.

Step 7: Book a Call or Consultation

Once you’ve narrowed it down, reach out!

Many trainers offer free phone consults or single intro sessions so you can see if it’s a good fit. Use this time to ask questions, share your goals, and get a feel for how they approach behavior.

If a trainer tells you they can't move forward with you unless you jump straight into a full package - this is also considered a red flag. You want someone who understands that this is an investment for you, and you want to do the work to make sure you find the best fit.

You deserve to work with someone who gets your dog and your lifestyle, and who makes the learning process feel less stressful and more empowering.

Meet Me: A Local Option You Might Like!

Hi, I’m Shannen, owner of Pups on the Coast. I’m based right here in San Diego, and I’ve worked with hundred of dogs and their humans work through everything from reactivity and anxiety to calm puppy foundations and long-term confidence.

Here’s what I bring to the table:

• A science-backed, reward-based approach rooted in emotional regulation and structure

• A calm, non-judgmental presence that helps you feel less overwhelmed

• Realistic plans broken into bite-sized goals (because life is chaotic enough!)

• Experience with puppies, adolescent dogs, and complex behavior cases

• A nerdy love for understanding how your dog’s brain works—and how to work with it instead of against it

  
  

I offer private coaching, day training, and online consults that let you move at your own pace. Whether you’re dealing with chaos or just trying to build calm, confident habits, I’d love to help.

You can learn more about my services at www.pupsonthecoast.com, and you can book a no pressure, obligation free consult call through this link.

And if I’m not the right fit? No worries. I’m always happy to refer you to other amazing trainers in San Diego who align with your needs.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right dog trainer in San Diego is about more than just price or convenience, it’s about trust, education, communication, and compatibility.

Whether you’re navigating a new puppy, reactivity, anxiety, or just want to build better routines, a good trainer can be a game-changer.

Remember:

• Know your goals

• Ask the right questions

• Look for kind, evidence-backed methods

• Trust your gut

• Don’t settle for someone who makes you or your dog feel small

Your dog is already doing the best they can with the tools they have—and you are too. A great trainer helps both of you grow, together.

And if you’re looking for that kind of support, I’d be honored to help.

P.S. If you're curious about how I work, check out the free resources on my site, or shoot me a message—I'm always happy to chat dogs.