Beckman’s Dog Training

Beckman’s offers multiple programs: Board & Train (2 or 3 weeks) with daily training, play, and socialization; Feisty Fido for reactive dogs, starting with a facility assessment; Private Training at Facility or In-Home; Online Video Sessions; and Group Classes at partner locations. All programs emphasize positive reinforcement, play-based learning, and behavior modification. Follow-up board and train options are available for continued progress. The Coaching Program trains aspiring professionals in Joel’s methods.

Pricing Summary

Pricing varies by program: Board & Train offers 2-week (Adventure) and 3-week (Signature) packages; Follow-Up Board & Train requires a minimum of 4 nights. Private sessions are offered at their Ramona facility and in-home. Online sessions available. No public pricing listed; contact for quotes.

Policies

In-home private sessions must be scheduled 48 hours in advance. Board & Train programs require an initial assessment to determine fit. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated on the website.

Beckman’s Dog Training is led by Joel and Liz Beckman, who bring decades of experience training killer whales, dolphins, and other exotic animals to the dog training world. Their unique approach is rooted in positive reinforcement, honed through marine mammal training, and applied to help dogs of all temperaments—especially reactive and aggressive ones. They offer a full range of services including private in-home sessions, facility-based training, board and train programs, group classes, and online video consultations. Their signature Board & Train program includes daily training, playtime in pools and pastures, and integration with other well-behaved dogs. All training emphasizes play, confidence-building, and socialization. Their team consists of trainers personally mentored by Joel, many with backgrounds in exotic animal training, making them one of the most experienced positive reinforcement teams in the country. They also operate a training facility in Ramona, CA, and partner with Camp Run a Mutt for group classes in multiple San Diego locations.

Their Feisty Fido program is designed for dogs with leash reactivity, aggression, or fear-based behaviors, starting with a controlled assessment at their facility. They provide detailed videos and home instructions after board and train completions, and their training philosophy ensures dogs learn through fun, structured interactions. Joel and Liz are passionate about helping owners achieve peaceful, confident relationships with their dogs.

They also offer a professional coaching program for aspiring dog trainers who want to learn directly from Joel’s methods.

Their family dog, Prince, serves as a role model and helper in training sessions.

All services are available across San Diego County.

They do not offer grooming, boarding (beyond training), walking, or pet retail services.

They are not a breeder, daycare (beyond training), or pet store.

They are not a veterinary or medical provider.

They do not use corrections, pinch collars, e-collars, or other aversive tools.

They are not affiliated with any certification bodies beyond their internal training standards.

They do not offer service, therapy, or competition dog training as formal programs, though behavior modification is central to all their work.

Accomplishments

Joel Beckman holds an exotic animal education and training degree from Moorpark College and trained killer whales at a world-famous San Diego theme park. He has over five years of marine mammal training experience and has mentored his entire team. Liz Beckman trained killer whales, dolphins, and pilot whales for 10 years. Together, they founded Beckman’s Dog Training in 2007 and have built one of the most experienced positive reinforcement dog training teams in the country.

How to Get Started!

Begin by scheduling a Feisty Fido appointment at the Ramona facility for reactive dogs, or request an in-home, facility, or online session via their website. Contact by phone or email to discuss needs and determine the best program. An initial assessment is required before starting Board & Train.