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Dogs With Dave

4.7 (39 reviews)
Open 2:00 pm - 8:30 PM

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Services - Dogs With Dave

Private dog training

Puppy socialization classes

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Waiting for treats!
Ellie P.

My husband and I owe so much to Dave and his training! I reached out to Dave as a first time puppy owner when we got our little girl Abigail. A few weeks after we brought her home, we put her into puppy classes with Dave. It was one of the best decisions we've ever made in our lives. Dave was awesome! I love how he took the time to train Abigail over a period of time and that she was properly introduced to other dogs. Dave does a great job training the owner just as much as he trains the pup. As a responsible dog owner it is important to make sure you have a well behaved dog that you can control. Dave teaches you how to do this. Another reason we went with Dave was because he is a Canine Good Citizen (CGC) evaluator and could train her to pass the CGC certification, which Abigail did :). If you are in the San Diego area and debating hiring a dog trainers, don't. Just go with Dave!

Biscuit's first day of training!
Corinna L.

Dave is the best of the best. We started training with Dave as soon as we could with our new puppy Biscuit. He taught us, even more than he taught the dog, how to properly walk on a leash, greet other dogs and humans, and so so much more. We were so thankful for all of his hard work and training because we are working on having Biscuit become a therapy dog and working with him made us more than prepared for the therapy dog prep program even when she was still so young. We are so thankful for Dave and would recommend to all dog owners!

Doggo and Catso napping on the porch in harmony.
DivaDangerous T.

TLDR; Dave's awesome--train your dog with him. Long version, if you care to read my story--I rescued Gunnar, a (currently) 80 lb, 3 yr old Doberman Shepherd, from the Bonita animal shelter at the beginning of this year. He was a somewhat emaciated stray who seemed the most laid back, sweetest, smartest dog in the pound. I've had 7 dogs in my lifetime, not including my childhood family dogs. That includes 3 shepherd mixes and a chow chow--all rescues--so I didn't think adopting another large, smart, protective breed would be a problem for me. When I first broke Gunnar out he was quiet, friendly, got along with most of the dogs and all people we met, seemed all around wonderful--except for some separation anxiety, jumping on people, and a couple of indoor accidents. He learned tricks and basic commands at a lightning rate. After a few weeks, though, he began to change. He started to bark at dogs that barked at him through fences as we passed. He then started to lunge and bark whenever he saw a dog on the street. He was initially very friendly at the dog park, then suddenly he was picking fights with the largest male he could find like the new kid trying to make a point in the prison yard. Sometimes he would almost pull me off my feet trying to go after another dog. Then he started lunging and barking at certain people on our walks. I took him to Home Depot and to my horror, he nipped a passing shopper. Thankfully the man didn't press charges. Gunnar wasn't always bad--but enough to constantly put me on edge when I took him out of the house. I've dealt with many dog behavioral issues but never severe aggression from such a large dog. Not gonna lie; I thought about taking him back to the pound. I didn't think I could handle this extra large package of muscle--especially since I lived with chronic pain from an accident last year. However, I have a personal attachment to "problem children" and giving them the love they need to turn around. I talked to several different trainers. I wanted someone who focused on positive reinforcement techniques (btw, I've worked with Bark Busters twice in the past and because of their negative techniques I will NEVER work with them again). Dave was the second most expensive trainer I spoke to. I bring this up because with my current earnings, affording him was a challenge and I couldn't commit to the program lightly. However, he spent nearly an hour on our first phone conversation listening to my concerns and explaining his philosophy of dog training. He didn't promise quick results--he made it clear that it was going to be a few months' commitment of about two lessons per week, which actually reassured me as opposed to trainers who sell you expectations of only needing a few lessons. He was also willing to work with me on getting Gunnar socialized to be good in the dog park--at the very least, he needs to be able to get along casually with dogs that come into work (since he comes to work with me). I will mention Gunnar worked briefly with another professional trainer previously who was incredibly nice, but Gunnar wouldn't listen to her. During the first free in person consultation in the park with Dave, Gunnar went after a passing dog almost immediately, lunging and barking. Without using anything but a long lead attached to Gunnar's regular leather collar, Dave had him under control, quiet and attentive in about 30 seconds. Maybe in about 10. I will also add that during our free consult, Dave gave me basic advice to stop the jumping. Keep in mind I got advice from two other trainers previously without much success. Dave's advice stopped about 99% of the jumping after only 2 days. I was amazed. And I was sold. It's been about two months. We still have about a month to go, and some goals yet to reach. It's been a journey of ups and downs. Sometimes I wanted to give up. However, I now write this review in the middle of a semi-crowded restaurant. We passed a large, barking dog that was lunging at us on our walk here. Gunnar turned his head disdainfully away as we walked by, quiet as a mouse. A little chihuahua off leash ran up and got right in his face. He sniffed its butt and moved on. He sat quietly in line at the order counter, then lay down quietly by my feet as I ate and wrote this review. 6 people mobbed him for pets and he accepted their attention royally. One person asked me if he was a service dog, and said, "You got a really good one! He's so calm for a 3 year old!" So if you have a problem child, I wholeheartedly recommend you bring him to Dave...he really understands how a dog thinks. My super smart and sensitive Shepherman gives a paws up!

Dave and Branson
Robin W.

Dave is literally a lifesaver! I called Dave last year the day after getting my 16 week old rescue puppy, Branson, and began working with him immediately. I was a bit overwhelmed at first, to say the least. When I called Dave, Branson was skittish and timid around people and other dogs and had no training whatsoever. Within a week, he was able to sit and stay, was beginning to walk obediently on a leash, and had begun socialization with other dogs. Several months later, Branson is a changed dog who loves socializing with people and animals alike. He has passed his canine good citizenship test, loves the dog park, dog beach, and trips to the pet store. Dave was amazing working around my husband's military schedule when he was home, and working with just me and Branson when Mike was deployed. Branson LOVES Dave and is almost overcome with excitement every time he sees him. We recently moved across the country and my husband often jokes that he wants to fly Dave out to teach Branson new skills and tricks. Bottom line: I can't recommend Dogs with Dave enough!

Shazam at his first training with Dave.  Already sitting on command.

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Review Highlights - Dogs With Dave

. I will also add that during our free consult, Dave gave me basic advice to stop the jumping

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