Top Dog Training Services in San Diego
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Choice-Based Learning:
Dog Obedience Training in San Diego

If you’re looking for dog obedience training in San Diego, you’ll find a different approach here. Traditional “obedience” implies control or compliance, but at Kindred Dog, our science-based training is built on choice, communication, and mutual understanding.
Susie helps adult and adolescent dogs develop reliable, emotionally safe behavior skills through positive reinforcement. When dogs feel safe and supported, they naturally choose the behaviors their handler is cueing. This builds stronger bonds, deeper trust, and lasting manners that work

A Note on the Word “Obedience”

Many San Diego families search for dog obedience training, but Susie’s approach is different from traditional obedience models.
At Kindred Dog,
  • Your dog understands the cue
  • The behavior feels safe, rewarding, and achievable
  • Your dog chooses to respond because the communication makes sense (and good things happen!)
Training isn’t about forced compliance; it’s a collaborative process where dogs are treated as thinking, feeling partners. This choice-based approach builds confidence and strengthens your bond.

Training Focus

  • Positive reinforcement & marker training (clicker or verbal)
    Your dog learns what to do through clear communication and reward-based learning.
  • Loose-leash walking without aversives or corrections
    Dogs stay close because checking in feels rewarding and safe, not because they fear corrections. This supports confident and enjoyable walks.
  • Reliable recall around distractions (parks, trails, neighborhood)
    Recall becomes a trust-driven behavior. Your dog chooses to return because the cue is clear and consistently associated with positive outcomes.
  • Self-control: “sit,” “down,” “place,” “leave it,” “drop it” cue training
    These cues help dogs regulate emotions, understand expectations, and move through their environment with confidence.
  • Calm focus & disengagement skills 
    Especially helpful for adolescent or adult dogs who become easily stimulated or reactive. Dogs learn to pause, look away, and reset, which builds emotional resilience.
  • Cooperative care foundations (consent cues, handling, grooming)
    Cooperative care training for dogs over 6 months makes necessary grooming and medical handling procedures easier and less stressful.
  • Real-world proofing:
    Cues are practiced in gradually more complex environments so your dog succeeds confidently and consistently outside of training sessions.

Why This Approach Works

Traditional dog obedience training often relies on physical and/or emotional pressure. Susie’s always force-free method replaces compulsion with clarity, emotional safety, and choice.
This approach builds:
  • Mutual trust
  • Clear communication
  • Emotional security
  • Reliable manners that last
Dogs learn because the behavior makes sense and feels good. This leads to durable, joyful, relationship-centered skills that support long-term success for both dogs and families.

Program Details

This science-based training program is led by Susie Petrucci, a Fear Free Certified Trainer trusted by pet owners in San Diego for adult and adolescent dog training. Every session prioritizes emotional safety, clear communication, and choice-based learning.
Duration: 4 to 6 weeks of 60- to 90-minute sessions with customized pacing based on your dog’s needs.
Availability: Training appointments are offered Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Evening and weekend times can be arranged when needed.
Safe, Private Sessions: Private, force-free training tailored to your dog’s temperament, history, and learning style.
Learning Resources: Families receive homework plans, video recaps, and support between sessions so progress continues at home.

San Diego Dog Training Services

Our approach to in-home training for adolescent and adult dogs in San Diego is one part of a broader, relationship-based training philosophy. Kindred Dog supports families at every stage of life with their dogs.

Puppy Training

A fear-free foundation program that covers early socialization, house and crate training, basic cues, and healthy behavior habits.
Includes 4–6 private sessions offered in person or virtually, tailored to your puppy’s developmental needs.

Behavior Modification

Support for dogs experiencing reactivity, anxiety, fear, or other challenging behaviors.
This program uses fear-free, science-based strategies tailored to your dog’s specific needs, with 4–6 private sessions available in person or virtually.
Dogs & Storks® / Dogs & Toddlers

Family Paws Training: Dogs & Storks® / Dogs & Toddlers

Fear-free guidance for families preparing dogs for life with babies and toddlers.
This program covers boundaries, safe interactions, and gentle desensitization, offered through private sessions or in-person workshops.

Why Choose Kindred Dog?

Our philosophy is built on empathy, science, and collaboration. Training is never about forcing compliance. It is about creating clear communication and emotional safety so dogs and families learn together.
We focus on:
  • Positive reinforcement
  • Clear, consistent cues
  • Cooperative care
  • Emotional safety
  • Compassion for both dogs and families
Founder Susie Petrucci holds an Ed.S. in Education and multiple training certifications in addition to her personal passion for helping dogs and their families achieve harmony in their homes.
  • Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator
  • Fear Free Certified
  • CCTA
  • CCDT
  • CAATT
We never rely on pain, fear, or intimidation. Instead, our San Diego adolescent and adult dog training focuses on teaching dogs and their humans to create understanding on both sides. With Kindred Dog, learning feels supportive, collaborative, and lasting.

Begin Your Dog’s Transformation

Your dog deserves training that honors their emotions, intelligence, and individuality.
Book a free consultation and experience a relationship-centered, choice-based approach to learning.