Get Pawsitive Dog Training

Ranked #1 in Vista and #189 in California

5 Stars,1 Reviews
2140 Buena Creek Rd, Vista, CA 92084

Service area: Get Pawsitive Dog Training serves clients online and locally in Del Mar, Encinitas, Vista, Solana Beach, San Marcos, Oceanside, Escondido, Carmel Valley, Clairemont, Mission Valley, and all surrounding areas of North County. Travel fees may apply for areas outside their primary service region.

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
  • Fearfulness
  • Stealing Food
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • Group Classes
  • In-Home
  • Private Facility
  • Board and Train
  • Day Training
  • Video Calls

Program Formats

  • One-Time Consultation
  • Sessions Package
  • Ongoing Weekly
  • Intensive Program

Age of Dogs Trained

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

Dog Training Methodology

Methods: 

  • Positive Reinforcement Only

Get Pawsitive Dog Training offers a variety of programs including Online Dog Training, Private Dog Training, and Group Dog Training classes. Online options include virtual private coaching, monthly support groups, and self-study courses like the 6-week Pawsitive Puppy Academy and The Magic Mat Program, which teaches dogs to self-calm. Online sessions are recorded, include tracking sheets, and offer ongoing support via text, email, phone, or Zoom.

Private Dog Training provides in-home services, one-on-one coaching, and Board & Train programs for all ages, specializing in puppy training, basic manners, rescue dogs, and behavior issues such as anxiety, fear, and reactivity. Day Training is also available for intensive, in-home training without boarding. A specialized Separation Anxiety program begins with a 45-minute Zoom consultation.

Group Dog Training classes are kept small for personalized attention and include Puppy Socials & Outings, Pawsitive Puppy Preschool (8-16 weeks), Puppy Kinder Level 1 (16 weeks-7 months), and Puppy Kinder Level 2 (5-7 months). Adult classes include Pawsitive Manners Level 1 (6+ months) and Level 2 (7+ months). Specialty classes cover Pet Assisted Therapy Prep, reliable recall (“COME!”), addressing excessive barking (Bark Class), brewery etiquette (Sip Sit Stay Brew Class), and loose leash walking (Walk With Me: Leash Foundations). All group classes prohibit prong collars, choke chains, and e-collars.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Initial online or private in-person consultations range from $200 to $240 for 60 minutes. Board & Train packages start at $300 daily for 5 days (your home) or $325 daily (their home), with rates for longer stays available upon inquiry.

Group classes, typically 4-6 consecutive sessions, range from $215 to $300. Puppy Socials are $49 per class. Self-study online courses like The Pawsitive Puppy Training Academy and The Magic Mat Program are $47 each. Ongoing monthly support through The Pawsitive Training Club is $37 monthly or $370 annually.

A minimum of 72 hours notice is required for a full refund on group classes or private packages before services begin; otherwise, a no-refund policy applies once services have commenced. Private session cancellations or rescheduling require 24 hours advance notice, and all private packages expire within 5 months of the first session. An administration fee of $60 may be deducted from refunds if training is discontinued due to behavioral issues.

Policies

Group class refunds are not provided less than 72 hours before the class. For private packages, a minimum of 72 hours notice is required for a full refund before services begin; otherwise, there is a no-refund policy once services have commenced. Private session cancellations or rescheduling must be made 24 hours in advance. All private in-person or online packages expire within 5 months of the first session.

The business reserves the right to decline working with any dog presenting overly dangerous or disruptive behavior. If behavioral issues are discovered during training that necessitate discontinuation, a refund (less a $60 administration fee) of the unused balance will be provided, or the balance can be applied toward private lessons. The use of prong collars, choke chains, or e-collars (shock, vibrate, stim) is not permitted in their training programs.

Testimonials

“Sarah was so wonderful and sensitive to my dog’s triggers and fears. She turned my dog who was feral in Mexico for years into a confident house pet in no time! Sarah does a wonderful job at explaining exactly how to communicate with your dog efficiently and exactly what we are teaching our dogs to do in a controlled environment will translate into scenarios at home and on walks. With my personal dog, who had never worn a collar or walked on grass before at the age of 4 yrs old, Sarah had her sitting in a matter of minutes. After a few short weeks, I had a wonderful dog that would pay attention to me and she is always checking in with me to see what I want her to do.”
– Ada H, Group Class Student

“Sarah has been a wealth of knowledge with our two 9 week old mini Goldendoodle’s! She came to our home and did an initial consult and helped us get on track with potty and crate training! She also hooked us up with the ultimate Puppy Checklist to ensure we were ready when they got here. Get pawsitive has been a life saver when it comes to training our puppies both in home and in class. After our puppy class we feel confident in our abilities to continue training our puppies as they grow.”
– Tony & Kristy de Calonne, Lily & Rose

“I started working with Patti when I moved with my reactive dog to San Diego, having no idea how difficult a transition it would be for him. We were in a bad situation & I’d started to fear I’d need to rehome him. Thank the universe I found Patti. She was so empathetic to our situation & had a variety of coping skills she taught us that helped immediately; while we were able to work on his deeper issues over time. My 10 yr old dog continues to improve with consistent practice. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen. Patti’s teachings helped me keep my dog, I cannot recommend her highly enough. She is Pawsitively a lifesaver!”
– Mel J.

About the Trainer

Get Pawsitive Dog Training offers positive reinforcement dog training services, both in-person and online, with over two decades of experience. Their certified professional dog trainers use up-to-date, fun, effective, and humane methods, ensuring no use of pain, fear, or force. They aim to help pet parents build an amazing relationship with their dogs based on trust and joy.

The business specializes in puppy training, basic manners, and working with rescue dogs, as well as addressing behavior issues like anxiety, fear, and reactivity. They also assist families in preparing for a new baby’s arrival and have experience training other species such as horses, cats, guinea pigs, and pet pigs. Their unique approach focuses on understanding the underlying reasons for behaviors like barking, digging, jumping, or lunging, rather than just treating symptoms, to foster lasting connections.

Accomplishments

Get Pawsitive Dog Training boasts over two decades of experience with certified professional dog trainers. Sarah Surritt is a certified trainer and positive training enthusiast. Patti O’Farrell is a Certified Separation Anxiety Training (CSAT) expert and KPA-CTP. Pilar de Veintemilla graduated with distinction from the Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training & Behavior (VSA). Libby Lucas is a CPDT-KA and ABC-DT, who also volunteers at the San Diego and Rancho Coastal Humane Societies and has a background as a biologist in habitat and wildlife conservation.

How to Get Started!

To begin, new clients can schedule a free 20-minute Discovery Call to discuss training goals and determine the best service fit. All online and private in-person training sessions require an initial consultation. For Board & Train programs, clients are advised to contact the business to check availability and schedule a meet and greet consultation.

Get Pawsitive Dog Training featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 20 Years Experience

  • Insured

  • Free Consultation

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends
  • Morning
  • Afternoon

Certifications

  • KPA-CTP
  • CPDT-KA
  • Credentialed
  • wheelchair accessible entrance
  • wheelchair accessible parking

Other Services Offered

  • Pet boarding service
  • Pet trainer

Location

2140 Buena Creek Rd, Vista, CA 92084