A Better Canine School-Dogs
Service area: Serves all of San Diego County, including East, Central, South, and North regions, with clients traveling from cities like La Mesa, El Cajon, Chula Vista, La Jolla, Carlsbad, and Encinitas.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Service Dog
- Therapy Dog
- Working Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Resource Guarding
- Fearfulness
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- In-Home
- Private Facility
Program Formats
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
- Intensive Program
Types of Dogs
- Small
- Medium
- Large
- Giant
- Working
- Terriers
- Doodles
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Positive with Some Corrections
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
- ✓ Martingale Collars
- ✓ Pinch Collars
- ✓ E-Collars
- ✓ Obstacle Courses
Training programs include private and group lessons at the La Mesa facility or in-home sessions. Programs are tailored to individual needs and can range from basic obedience to advanced service and behavior modification. Clients receive ongoing support and can opt for intensive training formats. A free e-book sample is offered to introduce training philosophy.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Pricing details are not listed on the website; clients are encouraged to call for personalized quotes and package information.
Testimonials
David is great. His methods work wonders. His techniques even worked with a Siberian Husky, a breed many say is untrainable. Definitely recommend. He is an excellent trainer. At the end you will enjoy a perfect dog.
– Anonymous
We just started his program and my problem fur baby is already turning into a gentleman. David is a lover of animals and is very old school in his ways but they are very effective especially with large aggressive dogs. Super excited to learn more and get my baby the help he needs.
– Anonymous
Dave Ruiz is the best thing that happened to our dog and us. He is an old-school trainer with lots of discipline for the dogs and their owners, but he also displays infinite love for dogs and their people. I would recommend him and his methods for everyone who is looking to have a well behaved and confident canine companion.
– Anonymous
About the Trainer
David Ruiz is the founder and Master Dog Trainer of A Better Canine School for Dogs in La Mesa, San Diego, offering personalized dog training services for puppies and adult dogs. He specializes in obedience, behavior modification, and advanced training including service, therapy, guard, and hunting dog programs. David’s methods are rooted in decades of hands-on experience, combining traditional discipline with deep compassion for both dogs and their owners. He is the author of the acclaimed book, *The ABC’s of Dog Training …and YOU!*, which is available as a free e-book sample and on Amazon Kindle. Training is offered both at his facility in La Mesa and in-home, with group and private lesson options. David has trained dogs of all sizes and temperaments, including breeds often considered difficult like Siberian Huskies, and has helped owners overcome challenges like separation anxiety, leash pulling, barking, and aggression.
His approach emphasizes clear leadership and consistency, earning praise from clients who describe him as old-school yet effective, with a gentle and humorous demeanor. He also provides online training and ships his training book nationwide, making his expertise accessible beyond San Diego County.
Accomplishments
David Ruiz has been the Owner/Director of A Better Canine School for Dogs since 1978. He served with Pilot Dogs, Inc. training guide dogs for the blind and has authored the widely recognized book *The ABC’s of Dog Training …and YOU!*, now available on Amazon Kindle. He has trained dogs across diverse disciplines including service, therapy, and guard work.
How to Get Started!
Prospective clients are encouraged to call (619) 466-1877 to schedule an initial consultation. A free sample e-book is available for download to learn about David’s training philosophy before committing to lessons.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
- Evening
Hours
6:30am-8:30pm
Languages
- English
- Spanish
Other Services Offered
- Dog day care center
Location
1405 San Altos Pl, Lemon Grove, CA 91945Listing Tools for Trainers
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