Follow The Leader K9

4.8 Stars,113 Reviews

333 Palm Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Service area: Serves the greater Santa Barbara area, including Mission Canyon and surrounding neighborhoods.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

Family Dog
Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

Puppy Training
Leash Pulling
Reactivity / Aggression
Jumping on People
Barking Excessively
Separation Anxiety
Biting / Nipping
Fearfulness
Recall

Training Formats Offered

Private Lessons
Private Facility
Board and Train
Day Training
Video Calls

Program Formats

One-Time Consultation
Sessions Package
Ongoing Weekly
Intensive Program

Types of Dogs

Small
Medium
Large
Giant
Herding
Sporting
Working
Hounds
Terriers
Doodles
Brachycephalic

Age of Dogs Trained

Puppy (<1 year)
Adolescent (1-2 years)
Adult (2-8 years)
Senior (8+ years)

Dog Training Methodology

Methods:

✓ Positive Reinforcement Only
✓ Positive with Some Corrections
✓ Balanced Training

Equipment:

✓ Clickers
✓ Food Rewards
✓ Harnesses
✓ Flat Collars
✓ Martingale Collars
✓ Pinch Collars
✓ E-Collars
✓ Obstacle Courses

Follow The Leader K9 offers a tiered program structure beginning with a free 10-minute phone call to assess needs, followed by a paid 60-minute initial consultation with the master trainer. Clients can choose from individual training sessions (60 minutes), day training (Monday–Friday, 8am–5pm), or overnight boarding and training (24/7 immersion in the trainer’s home). Off-leash daycare is available for well-socialized dogs. All programs include daily video updates, hands-on training with the master trainer, and owner coaching to reinforce skills at home. Programs are customized based on the dog’s behavior, goals, and owner’s lifestyle.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Initial phone consultation is free. Initial consultation is $50 off-site. Individual training sessions are $50 off-site. Day training and overnight boarding are available with pricing based on duration and needs; food and special items must be provided by the owner. Off-leash daycare and overnight boarding require an initial paid consultation.

Policies

Owners must provide their dog’s food, bedding, toys, and treats for boarding programs. All dogs must complete an initial paid consultation before joining day care, overnight boarding, or off-leash programs. No specific cancellation or rescheduling policy is stated.

Testimonials

“After 7 years & 3 trainers our Doberman-Ridgeback rescue was within days of being put down for fear based aggression. We were out of options. Eric took him, (and us) for a month plus ride with texts, videos, and coaching. I now have a new – different dog who is just a short step from perfect. I couldn’t recommend Eric more highly as a dog trainer and dog owner coach. Eric is skilled, patient, and knows what he is doing. He saved my dogs life.” – Keith T.

“I could not say better things about Eric at Follow the Leader K9. I brought my German Shepard Mix, Arlo, to work on his stranger danger, leash reactivity, socialization, and overall obedience. Eric was able to expose Arlo to so many different types of scenarios and work with him on all of his issues. His pack helped my dog build confidence, learn how to property socialize, and so much more. Eric helped implement various training tools specific to Arlo’s need. I now have a dog who can be off-leash, knows basic commands, and enjoys structure and training.” – Mandy Y.

“Eric is incredible! I brought my Australian Cattle Dog to him for a board and train for 5 days to help with her fear of men and dog reactivity. It was my first time leaving her for a long period of time, which I was very nervous about, but Eric assured me that she would be okay. I feel silly for having worried because my dog thrived with Eric. He sent me lots of updates including photos and videos, and I could see her progressing each day. In one video she rolled over for him to rub her belly which she rarely does for anyone but me! My dog was having a blast while getting trained at the same time. Eric went above and beyond with my dog, not only helping solve the issues that I was concerned with, but also significantly improving her obedience. He taught her the “out” command in just those few days while I had struggled with it for months. I had never crate trained her, but after those few days with Eric she is completely crate trained. She will enter the crate enthusiastically with the command “crate”, she doesn’t make a sound in the crate, and when I open the door of the crate I can leave the room and she won’t exit until I say “okay”. He spent a lot of time working with me as well to make sure I had a thorough understanding of her training, ensuring that she will continue to succeed. Eric completely transformed my relationship with my dog and how we communicate, and I couldn’t be more grateful.” – Anonymous

About the Trainer

Follow The Leader K9 is a dog training business based in Santa Barbara, owned and operated by Eric Stokell, a master trainer with over 10 years of experience. They specialize in personalized dog training for dogs of all breeds, ages, and temperaments, with a strong focus on behavior modification for issues like reactivity, aggression, separation anxiety, and fearfulness. Their unique approach is grounded in the philosophy “If we love them, lead them” and “We don’t blame them, we train them,” emphasizing compassionate, individualized training that builds trust between dog and owner. They offer a range of services including private in-home and facility-based training sessions, day training, overnight boarding and training, and off-leash daycare at their half-acre training facility in Mission Canyon. Eric’s personal journey began with rehabilitating a severely aggressive rescue dog, Kaya, which inspired him to help other owners facing similar challenges. They provide daily video updates during boarding programs and coach owners to continue training at home, ensuring long-term success.

In addition to training, they offer overnight boarding and day care for well-socialized dogs, with structured socialization and obedience work in a home-like environment. Their programs are designed for owners seeking not just compliance, but a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with their dog. They also provide free 10-minute phone consultations to assess needs and recommend the right program.

The business supports clients with free training resources, a blog, videos, and client support materials, all aimed at empowering owners to become confident, calm leaders for their dogs.

Accomplishments

Eric Stokell successfully rehabilitated Kaya, a severely aggressive rescue dog scheduled for euthanasia, and has since helped numerous high-needs dogs transition into well-behaved family pets. He has studied with top canine rehabilitation specialists nationwide and built a reputation for transforming dogs with extreme behavioral challenges.

How to Get Started!

Begin with a free 10-minute phone consultation to discuss your dog’s needs. Afterward, schedule a paid 60-minute initial consultation with the master trainer to assess your dog’s behavior and determine the best training program. From there, you can book individual sessions, day training, or boarding programs through their online booking system.

Book Now Contact

11+ Years Experience
Free Consultation

Availability

Weekdays
Morning
Afternoon

Hours

Monday: 8:30am-5:30pm
Tuesday: 8:30am-5:30pm
Wednesday: 8:30am-5:30pm
Thursday: 8:30am-5:30pm
Friday: 8:30am-5:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Languages

English

wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible parking

Other Services Offered

Dog day care center
Pet boarding service

Location