Gentle Touch Pet Training

Gentle Touch Pet Training provides a diverse range of training options, including group classes, workshops, mini classes, and private training. Group classes cover various levels such as Puppy Preschool, Puppy Enrichment, Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced Clicker classes, Refined Manners, Heel Class, Feisty Fidos (for reactive dogs), Nose Work, Agility, Rally, Therapy Dog Training, and Tricks classes.

Mini classes are structured as 3-week programs, focusing on specific skills like Focus & Engagement, Loose Leash Walking, and Tricks. Private training is available through one-on-one sessions, in-home training, and specialized Board & Train and Daycare & Train programs.

Class sizes are approximately 8 dogs for adult dog classes and 12 dogs for puppy classes. Training takes place in an indoor facility, with agility classes held outdoors in a fenced area. Floors for puppy classes are sanitized prior to each session.

Pricing Summary

New clients receive 10% off their first class by using the code NEW10. Veterans and First Responders are eligible for one free class spot and a subsequent 25% discount on all additional classes offered, including nose work and agility.

Policies

Due to limitations on class sizes, makeup classes are not offered. In a limited number of classes, videos of previously filmed sessions may be provided to help clients catch up if they miss a class. Outdoor agility classes may be canceled for safety due to weather, with updates posted on the website at least 2 hours prior to class.

Gentle Touch Pet Training is a nonprofit program that has been serving the Central Coast for over 20 years, having been founded in 1999 by Teah Anders, author of “Click ‘n Connect: Training your Dog – A Lifelong Journey.” All basic dog training, agility, and nose work classes are based on Clicker Training, which is described as a gentle approach using a marker signal and positive reinforcement.

They offer a wide variety of training designed to meet family needs and build dog reliability and confidence, aiming to teach owners and pets how to understand each other and become great communicators. Proceeds from Gentle Touch Pet Training benefit other nonprofit programs, including New Life K9s, which provides service dogs to veterans and first responders with PTSD, and Alpha Academy, a Christian-based mentoring program.

In addition to training, Gentle Touch Pet Training also offers resort services such as daycare and boarding, and grooming is also mentioned as a service provided through their affiliation with Thousand Hills Pet Resort.

Accomplishments

Gentle Touch Pet Training was founded in 1999 by Teah Anders, who is the author of “Click ‘n Connect: Training your Dog – A Lifelong Journey.” Teah Anders holds multiple certifications including Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI), Certified Management Instructor (CMMI), and CAP2 certification, and is an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Evaluator with over 21 years of experience.

The training staff includes several certified trainers (CPDT-KA, CNWI, CAP1) and evaluators (CGC Evaluator, AKC Scentwork and ASCA Detection Dog Judge). Many trainers actively compete in various dog sports, having earned numerous titles with their own dogs in disciplines such as Agility, Nose Work, Rally Obedience, Conformation, Musical Canine Freestyle, Obedience, Earthdog, Barn Hunt, and Therapy Dog work.

How to Get Started!

New clients can begin by using the code NEW10 to receive 10% off their first class. Veterans and First Responders can request a free spot in a group class by submitting a form to be added to a waiting list.