Finest City Dog Training
Ranked #15 in San Diego and #306 in California
Service area: Finest City Dog Training serves San Diego, including North and South County communities. Group classes are held at various outdoor locations in San Diego (Kensington), Carmel Valley, Encinitas, and Del Mar.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Therapy Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Ongoing Weekly
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
- Senior (8+ years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Harnesses
- ✓ Flat Collars
Finest City Dog Training offers both private and group training programs. Private training programs are designed to give owners and dogs tools to meet training goals, improve consistency, and build stronger relationships. These include:
Single Session Dog Training: A one-time session for evaluation and addressing pressing concerns, with an option to upgrade to a program.
Mini Pack Dog Training Program (4 sessions): For minor issues or experienced owners, includes group classes.
Foundation Dog Training Program (6 sessions): For new puppies or dogs needing basics, includes group classes.
Ultimate Dog Training Program (8 sessions): Most popular, ideal for new puppy owners, first-time owners, or dogs with behavioral challenges, includes lifetime group classes and CGC certification.
Specialized Dog Training Program (12 sessions): Tailored for hectic schedules, “boot camp” experience, or accelerated obedience, includes lifetime group classes and CGC certification.
All private programs include phone and text support between sessions.
Group classes are held at various outdoor locations and feature Balanced Dog Training methods. They offer:
Puppy Socialization Class: For puppies 12-16 weeks old, focusing on safe introduction to other puppies and furthering socialization skills.
Beginner Dog Training (Level 1): For puppies 16 weeks or older and adult social dogs with little formal training, covering basic obedience commands and ongoing socialization.
Intermediate Dog Training (Level 2): For dogs with basic skills, focusing on obedience with increased distractions and intermediate-level skills.
Advanced Dog Training (Level 3): For dogs that completed Level 1 and 2, focusing on high-level skill training and prep for AKC Canine Good Citizen.
AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification: A preparatory class for therapy dogs in training or advancing skills and manners in public settings, includes the test.
Unlimited Group Training Classes: Provides lifetime access to all regular obedience classes (Levels 1-3) for one dog, offering ongoing training maintenance and support.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Private Training:
Single Session: $150 for one 60-75 minute session.
Mini Pack Dog Training Program: $550 for 4 private sessions (45 minutes each), includes 6 group obedience classes (Canine Good Citizen excluded). Save $50. Add another dog for $325.
Foundation Dog Training Program: $750 for 6 private sessions (45 minutes each), includes lifetime admission to Level 1, 2, and 3 group classes (CGC excluded). Save $150. Add another dog for $375.
Ultimate Dog Training Program: $925 for 8 private sessions (45 minutes each), includes lifetime admission to all levels of group classes and AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. Save $275. Add another dog for $450.
Specialized Dog Training Program: $1425 for 12 tailored private sessions (45 minutes each), includes lifetime access to all group classes and AKC Canine Good Citizen certification. Save $375. Add another dog for $850.
Group Classes:
Puppy Socialization Class: $40 for one 45-minute class.
Beginner Dog Training (Level 1): $200 for 6 classes (45 minutes each). Included at no extra cost if enrolled in a private training class.
Intermediate Dog Training (Level 2): $175 for 6 classes (45 minutes each). Included at no extra cost if enrolled in a private training class.
Advanced Dog Training (Level 3): $175 for 6 classes (45 minutes each). Included at no extra cost if enrolled in a private training class.
AKC Canine Good Citizen Certification: $175 for 6 classes (45 minutes each), includes the test. Included at no extra cost if enrolled in an 8 or 12 session private training class.
Unlimited Group Training Classes: $475 one-time fee for lifetime access to all regular obedience classes (Levels 1-3) for one dog.
All payments are processed in person after registering for a group class or a private training program.
Policies
In the event of cancellations for group classes, changes will be made no later than an hour before class.
Testimonials
“I have seen a huge improvement over the 2.5 weeks. Not sure what I would’ve done without [Jessica], but she is amazing and worth every penny.”
– Will G.
“She was super helpful training my first puppy. I highly recommend signing up for the private training program because it also includes unlimited group classes!”
– Sandy C.
“Jessica jumped in immediately and helped us through a tough situation after a move and was there every step of the way.”
– Bodie E.
About the Trainer
Finest City Dog Training is a professional dog training business based in San Diego, serving both North and South County communities. Their mission is to help build long-lasting positive relationships between dogs and owners by providing customized training solutions. They use a Balanced Dog Training method, which combines praise and consistency to achieve desirable behaviors and skills that last a lifetime.
Their approach is evidence-based and science-backed, focusing on understanding a dog’s instincts, tailoring training to their unique personality and learning style, and using natural drives for motivation. They adapt their methods to each dog, using a leash and collar as primary training equipment, and explicitly state they do not use shock collars, dominance techniques, clickers, or excessive treats.
Finest City Dog Training offers practical programs for all breeds and temperaments, including puppies, seniors, rescues, and reactive dogs. They also have a sister company, Finest City Pet Care, which provides customized, private dog walking, day pet sitting, and pet concierge services.
Accomplishments
Jessica McCloskey, owner and Behaviorist, has been a professional dog trainer in San Diego since 2007. Her credentials include Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, AKC Certified Temperament Test Evaluator, and Member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT).
How to Get Started!
To get started, clients can fill out a form on the website to register their dog in group classes, request a consultation for private training, or ask general questions. The business will respond promptly to discuss needs. Payments are processed in person after registration for a group class or private training program.

Contact Information
Certifications
- CPDT-KA
- Credentialed
Associations
- AKC
- APDT
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
Other Services Offered
- Dog walker
- Pet sitter