K.O. Dog Training

Ranked #1 in San Juan Capistrano and #93 in California

5 Stars,99 Reviews
34101 Via California UNIT 12, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Service area: South Carolina and California, including Orange County. Training is primarily conducted at their own training locations, but they may offer training at other locations for an additional fee.

Service Overview

Types of Dog Training

  • Family Dog
  • Service Dog
  • Behavior Modification

Specialty Focus Areas

  • Basic Obedience
  • Puppy Training
  • Leash Pulling
  • Reactivity / Aggression
  • Jumping on People
  • Barking Excessively
  • Biting / Nipping
  • Potty Training
  • Fearfulness
  • Recall

Training Formats Offered

  • Private Lessons
  • Group Classes
  • In-Home
  • Private Facility

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
  • Balanced Training

Equipment: 

  • Harnesses
  • Head Halters
  • Pinch Collars

All training programs are private, with each 1-hour session fully dedicated to the owner and their dog. They train owners and dogs together using Positive Reinforcement and Relationship/Leadership training methods, avoiding force or harsh methods.

Basic Obedience: Teaches cues like COME, SIT, DOWN, STAY, FOCUS, STOP, and LEASH ETIQUETTE (Loose Leash Walking, Leave-It, Stop & Sit). Also addresses behavioral issues such as Chewing, Jumping, Barking, and Digging.
Puppy Training: Geared for puppies, covering basic obedience cues, LEASH ETIQUETTE, and common puppy issues like Chewing, Nipping, House-Training, Crate-Training, Jumping, and Socialization.
Behavior Modification / Problem Solving: Provides help for issues including Chewing, Leash Pulling, Jumping, Barking, Digging, House Training, Socialization, Destructive Behavior, and some levels of Aggression.
Service Dog Training: Requires an assessment to determine estimated cost and duration due to its detailed and advanced nature. This program involves extensive and frequent training, focusing on highly advanced obedience and Public Access Training, utilizing exercises combining Distance, Distraction, Duration, and Desensitization.
A.K.C. Canine Good Citizen Training & Evaluation: A 4-week program (group or private) that stresses responsible pet ownership and basic good manners. The first 3 weeks teach the 10 Test Requirements, with the test conducted on the 4th week. A pre-requisite is Basic Obedience with K.O. Dog Training or passing a short Basic Obedience Evaluation.

Pricing & Policies

Pricing Summary

Private sessions for Basic Obedience, Puppy Training, and Behavior Modification are $540. These programs consist of 1-hour sessions once a week for 6 weeks in South Carolina or 5 weeks in California. AKC Canine Good Citizen Training & Evaluation is 4 weeks, costing $160 for group training or $280 for private training.

For a second dog from the same household, an additional $270 is added for South Carolina programs or $135 for California programs. A 10% discount is offered for Active Military, Veterans, and Senior Citizens (one discount per program). Prices are based on training at their own locations; an additional 10% – 20% may be added for training at other locations depending on the area.

Policies

For a second dog from the same household, an additional fee applies ($270 for South Carolina, $135 for California). A 10% discount is available for Active Military, Veterans, and Senior Citizens (one discount per program). Training at locations other than their own may incur an additional fee of 10% to 20%.

Testimonials

“K.O. Dog Training is your go to place for 1-1 training. We brought our 6 month old Mini Dachshund for basic puppy training and loved every second of it. The classes were well organized and structured to meet our puppy’s needs and learning ability. He learned something new every visit. The best advice I can give you is to sign up for classes as soon as possible!”
– Brandon P.

“I was very pleased and impressed with the level of training that K9 Officer Sully received from Philip and Kiki at K.O. Dog Training. Philip was very patient and hard-working with both Sully and me. During the training, K-9 Officer Sully leanred basic commands and received his Canine Good Citizen Award as well as his Canine Good Citirizen Urban and Advanced Canine Good Citizen Awards. As I went through and completed the training, I felt that Philip supplied me with the tools I needed to make a more confident dod handler. If you are looking for an exceptional trainer for you and your dog, I would highly recommend K.O. Dog Training.”
– Katrina C.

“Michelle was very helpful and patient with us. Once Abby completed her course Michelle gave me tips on ways to contniue working with Abby and helping her matue. I offer a heartfelt recommendation for K.O. Dog Training!”
– Patricia G.

About the Trainer

K.O. Dog Training is a husband & wife team founded by Philip Kaough, offering knowledgeable and experienced dog training professionals. They do not hire outside trainers, ensuring personal interaction with every dog they train. Their goal is to help dog owners and their dogs achieve a more harmonious life through their Positive Reinforcement, Rewards Based, and Relationship/Leadership Training Programs and Methods. They are Veteran Owned & Operated.

They offer a wide range of private and group training services designed to help dogs succeed, including basic obedience, puppy training, behavior modification, and specialized service dog training. They emphasize building the relationship between owner and dog, focusing on kind, confident, and fair leadership, and understanding a dog’s motivators for rewarding good behavior.

Accomplishments

K.O. Dog Training was founded by Philip Kaough, a Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT), Pet CPR & First-Aid Certified, and an A.K.C. Endorsed Canine Good Citizen Trainer & Evaluator. Philip completed Animal Behavior College’s Certified Dog Training Program and has years of professional work experience as a Dog Trainer & Consultant.

Michelle Kaough is also a Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT), Certified Police K9 Trainer, and Pet CPR & First Aid Certified. She completed the Animal Behavior College Program as an Honor Graduate of her class in 2017 and earned her designation as a Certified Police K9 Trainer in 2019. The business is Veteran Owned & Operated.

How to Get Started!

The first step is a free, no-obligation Assessment of your dog, lasting approximately 30 minutes. This assessment provides an opportunity for owners to meet the trainers and for the trainers to observe the dog and become familiar with the desired training goals. Owners can decide whether to proceed with a training program after this meeting.

K.O. Dog Training featured image for this Dog Trainer
  • 9 Years Experience

  • Free Consultation

Availability

  • Weekdays
  • Weekends

Certifications

  • ABCDT
  • Credentialed

Associations

  • AKC

Languages

  • English
  • is black owned
  • is owned by veterans
  • wheelchair accessible parking

Location

34101 Via California UNIT 12, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675