John’s Natural Dog Training Company
Ranked #4 in Carlsbad and #343 in California
Service area: San Diego, California, including Carlsbad, Oceanside, and Encinitas.
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Therapy Dog
- Competition / Agility
- 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
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Group Classes
- In-Home
- Board and Train
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:
- ✓ Balanced Training
Equipment:
- ✓ Food Rewards
- ✓ Flat Collars
John’s Natural Dog Training Company offers a variety of programs tailored to different needs. Private in-home training includes the Platinum Program (8 private sessions, lifetime access to all group and specialty classes) and the Gold Program (6 private sessions, lifetime admission to group obedience classes). The Silver Program is designed for older dogs with no or few behavioral issues, experienced owners, or those needing a refresher. The Bronze Program provides unlimited lifetime access to obedience group classes.
The customizable K9 Personal Trainer Program involves trainers coming to the client’s home to do the training work. Group classes are held throughout San Diego and include Puppy Socialization, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Canine Good Citizen (CGC) classes. A Single Consultation is available for minor issues or as an introductory session, with the fee applicable to a full package. The Perfect Puppy Program offers four in-home sessions for new puppies, covering housebreaking, biting, sleeping arrangements, kid-proofing, and nutrition, and includes two rounds of group classes. They also offer Board & Train options and specialized services like Behavior Evaluation and Therapy Dog Prep.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
The Gold Program costs $725.00, and the Platinum Program costs $875.00. Multiple dog and military discounts are available, and financing options are offered. A single consultation fee can be applied towards any private training package or Board and Train Program if upgraded. The Bronze Program is an unlimited group class package.
Policies
Training packages do not expire, allowing clients to take a slower approach if needed.
Testimonials
“Johns services were superb! I had a rescue dog with some behavioral issues and John and his team really helped him through most of his issues. John always went above and beyond! When I entered the hospital for an ongoing illness he would always make himself available to help take care of my dog when I needed help and was in a bind. He and his team truly care about dogs are well versed in all the different training methods and very caring and nurturing people! I highly recommend using his services! Thank you John!!!!”
– Megan F
“John helped us with our scruffy terrier mix we adopted. Otter was a street dog and had lots of issues. John gave us great advice that got us through the first few months and turned him into a great dog. John was realistic about what it would take. We highly recommend John.”
– Rick C
“In my neighborhood everybody who owns dogs knows John because he really and truly knows dogs! We recommend him to everyone. He is a miracle-worker, plain and simple. WORTH EVERY PENNY…We’ve hired John for three dogs. The first time we met him (in the mid 1990’s) he trained us! Even though I’d grown up with dogs and I’d read every book I could find on raising a puppy, I was still struggling with the basics of dealing with two children under 4 and a pup. In minutes John had our puppy’s full attention and showed us how teach our dog by working with his natural behavior, rather than against it. As I said, I’d grown up with dogs, but he pointed out stuff I’d never noticed before: like when my dog “swallowed a thought”. (You’ll have to take a lesson with John to learn about that!) In that first session he taught our dog how not to bolt when the front door was opened, to stop chewing on the kids’ toys, to stop chewing on kids’ fingers, and he taught us everything we needed to do until he was 6-months-old and able to come to group classes. He gave us instructions for the kids, too, so that puppy and kids would grow up safely and happily.We followed his instructions faithfully and went to the group classes. Our puppy grew into the best-mannered dog in the neighborhood. Everybody loved that dog. So many people would tell me, “If you ever want to give him up, I’ll take him in an instant!” We’ve hired John a couple of times since, for more dogs that came to live with us. Two of my neighbors and I even hired him for a semi-private class. Again, all were extremely successful outcomes… BUT… here’s the thing: he trains the owner as well as the dog, and the ultimate success of your dog’s training depends on whether or not you’ll follow his guidelines. Our last dog passed away over a year ago and we’re finally getting ready to let a new pup into our lives. And that’s when we’ll be calling John’s Natural Dog Training again.”
– B.M.
About the Trainer
John’s Natural Dog Training Company, serving San Diego, California since 1990, offers professional dog training services based on a “natural approach” that emphasizes effective communication and understanding canine instincts. They aim to improve the relationship between dogs and their owners by shaping behavior and educating clients about “K9-ality.”
The company works with a wide range of dogs, from young puppies needing foundational training to newly rescued dogs with specific behavioral needs, including fearful, highly reactive, or aggressive dogs. Their methods are positive and motivational, utilizing praise, petting, toys, and sometimes food, alongside distractions and neutral corrections. They explicitly discourage the use of electronic shock collars and choke chains, adhering to a “gentle as possible, firm as necessary” philosophy.
Beyond training, they provide product suggestions such as dog food and training collars. John Rubin, the founder and owner, is a nationally recognized expert canine behaviorist and dog trainer with over 30 years of experience. He is respected by local veterinarians, breeders, shelters, and rescue organizations, and has served as an expert witness in court. The company also engages in community outreach, organizing forums and workshops on responsible dog ownership and safety.
Accomplishments
John Rubin, the founder and owner, has over 30 years of experience training dogs and is nationally recognized as an expert canine behaviorist and dog trainer. He pioneered the “natural approach” to dog obedience training. He is highly respected by San Diego veterinarians, breeders, shelters, and rescue organizations, and has testified in court as an Expert Witness for canine behavior. He also organizes community forums and offers free workshops on dog safety.
Kylie Gilmour, Head Trainer, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and has 15 years of experience in veterinary medicine and animal behavior. She is an AKC STAR Puppy and Canine Good Citizen Certified Evaluator, a member of the International Association of Dog Trainers, and a Certified Professional Dog Trainer. Trish Fleming, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), has a Master’s Degree in Education and expertise in behavioral science and modification, with extensive experience working with rescue dogs. She is also an AKC Certified Evaluator and a member of the International Association of Dog Trainers.
How to Get Started!
To begin, clients can schedule a free phone consultation or fill out an online information request form. They can also call or text the provided phone numbers directly. For private training, various packages are available, and a single consultation can be scheduled, with the fee applied if the client decides to upgrade to a full program.
Contact Information
Availability
- Weekdays
- Weekends
- Morning
- Afternoon
Certifications
- CPDT-KA
- Credentialed
Associations
- AKC
- Accredited
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Pet boarding service
- Pet supply store