Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

The Best Dog Trainers in San Diego, CA of 2024

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

This is a list of the top dog trainers in San Diego, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

Gina Esoldi
CPDT-KA AKC-CGC Evaluator Assistance Dogs International Crisis Response Canine Trainer - San Diego CPR - Canine Paws to Share
Service dog training, Puppy dog training, In home dog training, Off leash dog training, Board and train dog training
San Diego
In 2014 with my then companion dogs, Tebow, Scruffy and Richter, I ventured to the dog park and had a chance meeting with Sally Montruchio the founder of Next Step Service Dogs. This meeting changed my life, as Sally helped me take my passion for dogs and service to the next level. After attending just one class with NSSD I was committed to the program and excited for the opportunity to train a...

Sarah Surritt
KPACTP, CPDT, CGC Evaluator
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, In home dog training, Board and train dog training
Carlsbad, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Vista, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Clairemont, Sorrento Valley, Escondido, Poway, Oceanside, Leucadia, Cardiff, Rancho Bernardo, Mira Mesa, Pacific Beach, San Marcos
Sarah was that kid growing up who was always bringing home strays and begging her mom to let her keep them. Ever do that? Thankfully, her folks typically said yes and she grew up surrounded by animals.

Until she began volunteering at the San Diego Humane Society and what was the onset of her training career in 2001, she didn't realize there was a different way to train and build a gre...

Ashley Cipolletti
CPDT-KA, BA Psychology
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, In home dog training, Off leash dog training
Point Loma, ocean beach, pacific beach, hillcrest, north park, South Park, downtown, little Italy, Clairemont, La Jolla, Scripps Ranch, La Mesa, Chula Vista, National City, San Diego county
I am a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and I specialize in training former rescue and shelter dogs. I'm passionate about giving a voice to the voiceless and strive to make the world a better place for canines and their human companions.

Lindsey Lieberman
CCPDT, CBCC, FFCP
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, In home dog training
Serving the dogs and people of Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, and San Marcos
Lindsey has been working with dogs professionally for over 15 years. She got her start in shelter dog behavior and training, which provided her with the unique experience of working with dogs of all types, temperaments, and histories.
Lindsey is passionate about helping cultivate peace for dogs and their families by combining modern, fear-free dog training methods with Mindfulness practi...

Brandi Hutsell
CCPDT-KA, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Aggressive dog training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy dog training, In home dog training, Off leash dog training
La Jolla, Point Loma, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Downtown San Diego, Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, North Park, South Park, Golden Hill, Normal Heights, Kensington, Tierrasanta, Mission Valley, Kearny Mesa, Clairemont, Bay Park, Carmel Valley, Sorrento Valley
Brandi Hutsell is a co-owner and certified dog trainer with Instinct San Diego. Brandi loves using modern, evidence-backed learning techniques to help humans and dogs learn to communicate clearly with one
another, and seeing the strong, positive relationships that grow from that mutual understanding. She is a kind, patient teacher who readily adapts her coaching and communication style to m...

Linda Michaels
VSPDT, MA Psychology
A long-time devoted practitioner of the Positive Reinforcement method of training, Linda Michaels provides behavioral modification therapeutic treatment to puppies and dogs of all ages, personalities, and temperaments. Linda also teaches basic and advanced obedience, as well as socialization skills and desensitization techniques.

She believes that proper communication is the foundatio...

Emily Larlham
San Diego
Emily Larlham runs the dog training business Dogmantics Dog Training in San Diego, California. She is known around the world for her popular Youtube Channel ‚ÄòKikopup' where she has posted over 350 free in-depth dog training tutorials. She believes that by putting out free training tutorials that don't involve any forms of physical or psychological intimidation, it will not only effect how pe...

Leeyah Wiseman
School For The Dogs Certified Professional Trainer, Separation Anxiety Shadowing Program Certificate, Advanced Separation Anxiety Shadowing Program Certificate
Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, In home dog training
San Diego
Leeyah is a certified dog trainer and completed a rigorous 6-month apprenticeship studying animal behavior and applying science based, positive reinforcement training techniques. She's passionate about utilizing gentle training methods to help anxious dogs and their people. And is known to go above and beyond in order to give her clients the best chance possible.

Through completing hu...

Beth Frumkin
Former guide dog as assistance dog trainer. Over 20 yrs experience
Aggressive dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy dog training, In home dog training, Off leash dog training
San Diego County
Hi . My name is Beth and I am a dog trainer and behaviorist with 22 years experience. I have trained Guide Dogs for the Blind, Asistance Dogs for the Disabled, was the puppy group leader for Guide Dogs of America. I have trained thousands of dogs privately. I have recently published a kindle book chronicling obedience and behavioral training as well as many articles. I work on the train the tra...

Britta Staub
Certified Canine Behavior Consultant and a Certified Dog Trainer
Service dog training
San Diego, Ramona
My name is Britta Staub, I am from Berlin, Germany. I moved to Hawaii in 2000 when I got married. I Moved to Poway, CA in 2010 and Ramona in 2017. I worked as a Physical Therapist and Personal Trainer for more than 30 years. After experiencing overpriced, ineffective and sometimes overly physical dog training methods, I chose to start ASPIRE Dog Training. I started by becoming a Certified Dog T...

Lara Schindler
ABCDT, CGC Evaluator
Puppy dog training, Agility dog training
Classes located in Ocean Beach and Point Loma
Lara Schindler is the founder of Happy Dog Happy Owner and has over 15 years experience training people and their dogs. Lara has always had a love for dogs and an interest in dog behavior and dog training. During a stressful time working as a corporate trainer, Lara realized that she wanted dogs to play a more prominent role in her life, as they always brought her joy and happiness. It was thi...

Mariah Orozco
Puppy dog training, In home dog training, Off leash dog training, Board and train dog training
Fallbrook, De Luz, Rainbow & Bonsall
A Dalmatian dog mom, furever loving training and playing with puppers!

Welcome to San Diego’s list of top dog trainers. The San Diego, California list is based on 648 votes from the California Sniffspot community. Only the San Diego dog trainers with the top number of votes made this list. Trainers are ordered by number of votes, with Gina Esoldi at the top of this list with 184 votes. We also counted 2983 votes for California, with the remaining trainers listed outside of San Diego.

Our rankings include trainers certified by CPDT-KA and CGC Evaluator. They also specialize in Puppy dog training, In home dog training amongst other training programs.

San Diego dog trainer services include:

Puppy dog training
In home dog training
Reactive dog training
Aggressive dog training
Off leash dog training
Board and train dog training
Service dog training
Deaf dog training
Agility dog training

Behind every successful San Diego training session lies a passionate professional. Gina Esoldi shares why they chose this path: For my love of dogs and working with people.. All 12 trainers on this San Diego list are committed to positive reinforcement. Trusted San Diego trainer, Sarah Surritt, uses the following methods: I help new pet parents train their dogs using kind, positive methods so that they can feel confident they can bring out the best in their dog and have an amazing relationship build on trust and joy. An initial consultation is starting point for all privates. Includes lengthy online application to gain dog's /family history/behavioral focus areas. Consult is in the home or online. Followed by a thorough follow-up plan for continued training/recommendations/management plan and package options for addtil support. For private ongoing sessions follow ups to clients vary based on their learning style. May include all/some of the following: text message summaries, email recap, video tutorials, shared google doc for goal tracking/daily tasks, daily or weekly check-ins with student. Access to our online client resource page with videos/printables is also offered to both in person and online students. All training is shaped, captured or lured. There is no use of punitive, aversive training or tools. I train using a marker signal (mostly a clicker) and teach students the same. Instruction style is verbal as well as hands on- I often use video to record and share for feedback and guidance as well.

Explore the top dog trainers in San Diego as voted by our community:

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Cities Near San Diego

Ordered alphabetically, only included cities where there is enough data to compile a list

See The Best Dog Trainers In Other States Near California

Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list

See The Best Dog Trainers By Type In San Diego

Sniffspot San Diego Dog Training Frequently Asked Questions

How did Sniffspot choose the best dog trainers in San Diego?

Our Dog Trainer Contest determines the best dog trainers in San Diego. We collected an impressive 648 resulting in 12 on this list, all located in San Diego. Thank you for trusting Sniffspot with San Diego dog trainer recommendations!

What qualifications do the top dog trainers in San Diego have?

The top dog trainers in San Diego are usually qualified by one (or several) of the following accreditations: CPDT-KA, CGC Evaluator, and FFCP.

Who is the top dog trainer in San Diego and why?

Gina Esoldi is the top trainer in San Diego. They received 184 out of 35065, which was more than anyone else in San Diego. Gina Esoldi specializes in: Service dog training, Puppy dog training, In home dog training, Off leash dog training, Board and train dog training

What do San Diego dog trainers specialize in?

The 12 dog trainers on our San Diego list specialize in: Aggressive dog training, Agility dog training, Board and train dog training, Deaf dog training, In home dog training, Off leash dog training, Puppy dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training

What are the most common training methods for San Diego dog trainers?

Our top dog trainer in San Diego, Gina Esoldi, uses the following process: Training your dog whether it be for a companion, therapy work, or service is about trust, communication and most of all relationship. Your companion dog should be trained to fit your lifestyle, your family and your needs. Working with service dogs and veterans I have spent many years training and transferring dogs to their new teammate. Dogs will always perform for the trainer but is it transferable? My goal is to give you those tools to not only help in the process, but allow you to maintain the training for years to come!

How much does dog training cost in San Diego?

The average dog training cost in San Diego is between $70 and $150 per hour. Take advantage of free intro sessions in San Diego or California to determine the right fit.

How do I choose the right dog trainer in San Diego?

To find the right match in San Diego, consider whether they hold CPDT-KA or CGC Evaluator, as well as whether they specialize in Puppy dog training, In home dog training, or something else.

What’s the best way to train my San Diego dog?

Our 12 San Diego dog trainers are the best to ask. .

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams

July 10, 2024

Dog Trainers

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

Most recent articles

Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Discover the Australian Shepherd, a breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were originally bred in United States for herding, beginning in 1950s.

Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Considered a medium dog, American Staffordshire Terriers were originally bred in United Kingdom for baiting bulls, fighting, and hunting, beginning in 1800s — though they're known as gentle, playful lovers today.

Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Discover the Golden Retriever, a breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game, beginning in 1860s.

Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs.

Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.

The Best United States Dog Parks

Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!

Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
Comprehensive Guide to Scent Training for Dogs (Facts + Infographic)
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
How Much Does it Cost to Train a Service Dog?
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

The Best Dog Water Parks in the United States
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
Best Toys for Herding Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
The Best Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers (Facts + Infographic)
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
Dog Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
You’ve been told your dog needs regular exercise. There’s a reason “walking the dog” is a classic daily activity: Frequent excursions give your pup a chance to experience the world, maintain a healthy weight, and — most importantly — spend time with you! Consistent physical activity can also improve their strength, muscle tone, coordination, and mental ability over time.
Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Signs, Causes, and How to Handle It
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
Dog Reactivity Chart: Understand and Fix Dog Reactivity
Your dog is reactive. They’ll see another dog, person, or other stimulus in the environment (like a car or bike) while out on a walk and suddenly go crazy at the end of their leash. The barking, lunging, and growling feels embarrassing for you — and it’s clear that your pup isn’t having a great time either.
How to Socialize Your Reactive Dog
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
Definitive Guide: What is Dog Reactivity?
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
How to Deal With Food Aggression in Dogs (Facts + Infographic)
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2024
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

The Best Indoor Dog Parks in the United States
Looking for a space to play with your dog no matter what the weather’s like outside? Look no further than our list of the best indoor dog parks in the United States! These climate-controlled spaces are growing in popularity as pet ownership increases throughout the country. As a bonus, many of them also offer dog training, boarding, grooming, or daycare services on the premises.
The Best Off-Leash Dog Parks in the United States
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered! It’s hard to narrow down, but we’ve put together some of the best off-leash dog parks throughout the country so you can plan your next adventure — along with a checklist of what to bring, what to know beforehand, and some frequently asked questions.
The Best Las Vegas, Nevada Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Las Vegas? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks to plan for your next adventure in Sin City.
The Best United States Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog? We’ve got you covered!
The Best Portland, Oregon Dog Parks
Looking for the perfect place to play with your dog in Portland? We’ve got you covered! Take a look at the best local dog parks and plan for your next adventure in the City of Roses.

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Best Dog Trainers in San Diego, CA of 2024

Gina Esoldi

Sarah Surritt

Ashley Cipolletti

Lindsey Lieberman

Brandi Hutsell

Linda Michaels

Emily Larlham

Leeyah Wiseman

Beth Frumkin

Britta Staub

Lara Schindler

Mariah Orozco

See The Best Dog Trainers In Other Cities Near San Diego

See The Best Dog Trainers In Other States Near California

See The Best Dog Trainers By Type In San Diego

Sniffspot San Diego Dog Training Frequently Asked Questions

How did Sniffspot choose the best dog trainers in San Diego?

What qualifications do the top dog trainers in San Diego have?

Who is the top dog trainer in San Diego and why?

What do San Diego dog trainers specialize in?

What are the most common training methods for San Diego dog trainers?

How much does dog training cost in San Diego?

How do I choose the right dog trainer in San Diego?

What’s the best way to train my San Diego dog?

David Adams

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado