For a Civilized Dog

For A Civilized Dog offers four main programs: Free Consultation (to assess needs and create a plan), Private Instruction (in-home or at facility), Board & Train (21-day foundational program or shorter stays for eligible clients), and Certifications & Evaluations (AKC CGC and Therapy Dog prep). The 21-day board & train includes group and individual training, daily play sessions, and on-site care. Follow-up private lessons are recommended to maintain progress. All programs are tailored to the dog’s behavior and the owner’s schedule.

Pricing Summary

Pricing is customized after a free consultation based on the dog’s needs and chosen program. Private instruction sessions are scheduled based on behavior assessment. The 21-day board & train program includes bath, ear cleaning, and nail trim. Shorter board & train stays are available for eligible clients. Additional charges apply for bathing on stays under 21 days. No specific rates are listed publicly.

Policies

All board & train stays require advance reservation and are subject to kennel capacity. Dogs must have current Rabies, DHPP, Bordetella vaccines, and a negative fecal/giardia test. Puppies must be 16 weeks old and fully vaccinated. Spaying/neutering is not required. Follow-up private instruction is recommended after board & train. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated.

For A Civilized Dog is a family-owned dog training business based in Newport Beach, California, with over 20 years of experience helping dog owners train puppies and adult dogs of all breeds and temperaments. They offer personalized training programs ranging from basic obedience to severe behavior modification, including aggression and reactivity. Their services include private in-home and facility-based instruction, a 21-day board & train program at their 13,000 sq ft indoor/outdoor facility, and AKC Canine Good Citizen and Therapy Dog evaluations. They emphasize motivational, creativity-driven methods and provide flexible scheduling to fit busy lifestyles. The team includes certified trainers with backgrounds in shelter work, service dog training, and veterinary care. They also offer dog daycare, pet boarding, and grooming services, making them a comprehensive resource for dog owners in Orange County.

Their facility features indoor/outdoor runs, artificial turf play areas, and on-site staff for 24/7 care during board & train stays. All dogs must have up-to-date vaccinations and a negative fecal test. They welcome unspayed/unneutered dogs and accept puppies as young as 16 weeks. Clients praise the team’s patience, expertise, and consistent communication, especially during board & train programs where detailed progress reports are provided.

The business is led by Head Trainer Cary Petersen, who has trained dogs since 2000 and specializes in complex behavioral cases, including aggression. Other trainers include Dannielle, who focuses on puppy training and in-home sessions, and Jaclyn, who manages operations and has experience in therapy dog certification and agility.

They also offer free consultations to assess each dog’s needs and create a customized training plan before any program begins.

Accomplishments

Cary Petersen, Head Trainer, has over 20 years of experience since founding the business in 2000. He studied under one of Southern California’s top trainers and is known for handling severe aggression cases. He competes in high-level hobby dog competitions with his own dogs and has trained shelter dogs in complex tricks. Trainer Dannielle has experience apprenticing as a service dog trainer and volunteering at shelters. Jaclyn has over 7 years in veterinary care and has completed AKC Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog, dock diving, and agility certifications with her own dogs.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients begin with a free consultation to assess the dog’s behavior and develop a personalized training plan. After the consultation, clients choose a program (private instruction, board & train, etc.) based on their goals and schedule. Reservations for board & train must be made in advance due to limited capacity.