Other Dog Pros and Resources

Of course I wish I could help everyone who gets in touch with me for dog training. However, I may not be available or may not be the best match for you and your dog. Because I am dedicated to helping you find the help you need, I’ve put together this resource list of dog trainers and other dog professionals who are committed to science-based, positive reinforcement dog training methods. Before hiring a trainer, please talk to the trainer to learn more about how they work, their experience, and their business practices. This list is not meant to be an endorsement of any one person or a guarantee of services provided, but rather jumping off point for your research into who you would like to work with.

Dog Trainers in Santa Cruz County

Paws First Dog and Cat Training
Leslie Miller
www.pawsfirsttraining.com
leslie.pawsfirsttraining@gmail.com
609-903-6905
Areas served: Santa Cruz and local area
Specializing in cooperative care/husbandry, preparing for vet visits for both dogs and cats. Will work with your vet care team to help prepare your pet for veterinary visits and procedures. Also, small group classes and private training for both dogs and cats (online).

Spotlight DogTraining LLC
Simone McKenna
www.spotlightdogtraining.com
Contact: through contact form on website, or info@spotlightdogtraining.com
Serving area: Scotts Valley (west of HWY 17), Felton, Ben Lomond, Boulder Creek
Services: gentle, science based and force free training for a great puppy head start, with emphasis on prevention training and early basic life skills. Support for raising a puppy and finding solutions for common puppy challenges. For puppies from 10 weeks of age to 6 months.

Monica Pielage Dog Training Services
mpielage@yahoo.com
831-325-3416
Santa Cruz County
Using positive reinforcement and relationship-based training methods, I help people learn to communicate effectively with their canine companions. I offer private instruction and teach Family Dog classes and a sport called Treibball at Living with Dogs.

Be Mine, Canine!
Kristin Myers
beminecanine.com
be.mine.canine@gmail.com
831-200-8816
Serving Santa Cruz, Capitola,Soquel, Aptos, Felton, Boulder Creek, Watsonville
I provide humane and science-based dog training to clients in need of support for dogs struggling with a variety of behavioral issues including fear, reactivity, and obedience. I have a special passion for teaching trick training and off-leash recall. All ages and breeds welcome.

Clear Mind Canine
Heather Ross
www.clearmindcanine.com
clearmindcanine@gmail.com
831 222 0211
Serving Felton, Ben Lomond, Central Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley
I offer private lessons specializing in puppies, reactive dogs and competition training.

Dogs in Good Hands
Carla Braden, Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Certified Canine Behavior Consultant
www.dogsingoodhands.com
carlajbraden@gmail.com
Serving Santa Cruz County for behavior consultations, Santa Cruz for good manners training
Specializing in fear, anxiety, aggression, reactivity, and training together through the first year.

Fresh Start Dog Training
Joanie DeNeffe
jedmew@gmail.com
831 332-9777
Serving Santa Cruz. Behavior consultations and coaching. Working with newly adopted dogs and families in transition. Specializing in fearful anxious dogs. Creating positive strategies for problem behaviors.

Matthew Crumley
Jack’s K9 Academy
831.227.7465
jacksk9academy@gmail.com
www.jacksk9academy.com
Focus on fear and aggression, however love to also work with dogs just needing some training.
In person private sessions and group classes.

Living With Dogs
www.livingwithdogs.us
For group classes including puppy socialization classes, family dog classes, and sports classes.

Mike Colucci, ABCDT
Bearded K9 Training
Beardedk9@gmail.com (preferred), 8189038938
Serving Santa cruz, Aptos, Scotts Valley/San Lorenzo Valley (sometimes), Watsonville (Sometimes)
Private Training focusing on puppy and adolescent manners and obedience, obedience for dogs of all ages, reactivity management and adjustment, beginning scentwork. Group classes also offered through Living With Dogs.

Pacific Paw LLC
Michelle Nolan & Debra Finfer
pacificpaw.com
info@pacificpaw.com
Serving Santa Cruz, Capitola and parts of Soquel
Pacific Paw provides group dog walking, daycare and training services with an emphasis on providing mental and physical stimulation for your dog in an environment where they can thrive and have fun!

Two Paws Up!
Lee Morrow
lee@twopawsup.us
twopawsupwatsonville@gmail.com
Facebook page – @TwoPawsUpWatsonville
(831) 319-0199
Serving South County and Santa Cruz
I offer private coaching sessions outside your home and in some instances, walk and train sessions. Lately I have been enjoying helping puppies and newly adopted/rescued dogs and their people get off to a good start.

Wunderdog Training
Kelly Vaillancourt
831.406.7688
www.wunderdogtraining.com
Serving Santa Cruz County.
Walk&Train program offers positive methods for training leash reactive dogs. Shelter-to-Shine program offers private training sessions for newly adopted shelter dogs at discounted rates.

Dog Trainers in Santa Clara County

The Teacher’s Pet Dog Training
Karen Shipe
www.theteacherspetdogtraining.com
karen@theteacherspetdogtraining.com
(408) 610-8738
Serving Santa Clara County
The Teacher’s Pet Dog Training offers private training to help your puppy become a well-mannered member of your family and your adult dog to be a well – mannered housemate, and a great walking companion.

Dog Walkers, Pet Sitters, Vet Tech Services

Home Healthcare for Pets
Heidi Miller
Mobile Vet Tech Services
www.homehealthcareforpets.com
heidi@homehealthcareforpets.com
(831)566-7754
Heidi Is a Registered Vet Tech and Certified Professional Dog Walker providing medical and non-medical pet care services and dog walking in Santa Cruz County.

Pacific Paw LLC
Michelle Nolan & Debra Finfer
pacificpaw.com
info@pacificpaw.com
Santa Cruz, Capitola and parts of Soquel
Pacific Paw provides group dog walking, daycare and training services with an emphasis on providing mental and physical stimulation for your dog in an environment where they can thrive and have fun!

Surf City Dogs
Simone McKenna, Certified Professional Dog Walker
https://www.surfcitydogs.com
info@surfcitydogs.com
“New client intake form” through website
Serving Scotts Valley, Felton, Ben Lomond
Individual Dog Walks, Walk and Train Walks

Online Training Resources–Trainers, Classes, Videos

Kikopup YouTube Videos
A library of fantastic free videos
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-qnqaajTk6bfs3UZuue6IQ 

Fenzi Dog Sports
Online classes, webinars, and workshops for pet dog people and dog sport enthusiast
https://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/

Absolute Dogs
Online training programs
https://absolute-dogs.com/

Dogs That
Susan Garrets Online Training Programs
dogsthat.com

 

If you would like to be included on this referral list, please send an email to mardi@gooddogsantacruz.com