Pawtopia Dog Training

Training begins with an initial consultation to assess the dog’s behavior and owner goals. Clients choose between one-off private lessons or multi-session packages. For package clients, Colleen conducts in-home training sessions and provides video, photo, and written summaries after each session. Ongoing email, text, and phone support is included. Programs are customized for each dog’s personality, motivation, and specific behavioral challenges.

Pricing Summary

Private lessons are offered a la carte or in packages: 8 sessions for $1,760 ($220/session), 10 sessions for $2,150 ($215/session), and 12 sessions for $2,400 ($200/session). Executive & VIP services are custom-priced. No upfront package sales; pricing is transparent and goal-focused.

Pawtopia Dog Training, led by industry expert Colleen Demling-Riley, offers personalized dog training and behavior modification services in San Diego. With over 20 years of hands-on experience and multiple elite certifications, Colleen specializes in helping pet parents build stronger communication with their dogs through private, in-home sessions. She addresses a wide range of issues including puppy manners, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, aggression, and fearfulness, using positive, relationship-based methods. Colleen also provides Executive & VIP services for high-profile clients, including custom training for service dogs, international travel preparation, and pet care support like walking and sitting. Her approach emphasizes client participation, ongoing support via text and phone, and tailored programs that adapt to each dog’s needs.

Pawtopia offers both a la carte private lessons and structured packages for long-term guidance, with sessions designed to achieve goals in as few as 3–4 visits. Colleen is also a frequent media contributor and has trained service dogs for Canine Companions for Independence, while designing the therapy dog program at Naval Medical Center San Diego. Her reputation is backed by a perfect 5-star Yelp rating and numerous local and national honors.

Additional services include partnership-based training tips with Pet ‘n Shape, educational resources, and supply recommendations. Training is available across multiple San Diego neighborhoods, with travel fees applied for out-of-area requests.

Accomplishments

Colleen Demling-Riley is one of only three certified IAABC members in San Diego County. She holds CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, and CDBC credentials. She trained service dogs for Canine Companions for Independence, designed the therapy dog program at Naval Medical Center San Diego, and is an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She was a finalist for Entrepreneur of the Year by Women in the Pet Industry Network, named Top 40 Under 40 and Woman of Influence by Pet Age Magazine, and has been featured in Yahoo, Huffington Post, and Woman’s Day.

How to Get Started!

Client engagement begins by contacting Pawtopia via phone or email to schedule an initial consultation. Colleen assesses the dog’s behavior and the owner’s goals to recommend a customized training plan, either as a one-time lesson or a multi-session package.