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    First Instinct Dog Training

    5.0 (14 reviews)
    Open Open 24 hours

    Services - First Instinct Dog Training

    Private dog training

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    Jax at his E-collar graduation
    Kayla N.

    Amie has been the best trainer ever. She has a calm & confident presence which is crucial for working with reactive dogs! I signed up for her 5-week E-collar training class and couldn't be happier with the results! Before her workshop I was extremely nervous and uncomfortable with using the e-collar in fear that I would "mess up" my dog Jax. Jax would chase after squirrels and was super iffy around other dogs. But thanks to her guidance I am now 100% confident using the E-collar and it's given my dog much more off leash freedom. Now I know that no matter what happens I will have control of my dog which really puts my mind at ease. Think of an E-collar as your seatbelt, it's there for safety in case of emergencies and totally worth it! Now I take Jax to parks and let him run off-leash around distractions such as dogs, people, and squirrels and have no issues like I had before! Amie truly knows what she's doing and is beyond patient if you have any questions. If you're thinking about it, trust me, go to Amie!

    Amie is fantastic and we were so blessed to be referred to her. My wife and I rescued Milo from the Harbor Animal Shelter in San Pedro. He's a 2 year old Rat Terrier ho has a strong personality and began to bite my son and I. We knew instantly there were some behavioral issues beyond basic training. Amie spent about an hour talking with us on the phone to identify the issues before even meeting us. We knew she was going to be a great fit. She taught us how to take control and teach Milo the new ways of life and develop a routine. We worked with her for 4 seasons and taught us how to use a slip leash, go to "place" crate training and how to walk with him and more. We saw instant improvement with Milo and couldn't be happier. Milo isn't perfect but it's a night and day difference in his behavior. We learned that his major issue is separation anxiety. We're now able to put Milo in his crate and leave the house for a few hours and he's as happy as can be. Amie, we can't thank you enough!!!

    Abby and I, practicing living in the moment.

    I reached out to Amie and First Instinct Dog Training a couple of months after adopting my three-year-old Doberman, Abby. I got Abby thinking her companionship would help me cope with stress. As she became more accustomed to her new life and started understanding our routine, it became difficult to take her on our walks or have her join me for a run. She has a lot of anxiety outside of the home, and she quickly became unmanageable, pulling against the leash with all of her Doberman strength and unexpectedly darting toward people and dogs. I was thankful she showed no signs of aggression, but that was a small comfort. During some of our low points, I thought I would have to return Abby to the rescue. I felt an immense sense of guilt. Tears were shed. I got a good feeling from Amie during our phone consultation and decided to commit to her four-session program. The improvement after just one session was remarkable. While we still have things to work on after completing the program, Abby and I have developed a strong foundation, and I'm confident that with time and practice I now have the tools to get us to where we both want to be. Amie is a great communicator, personable, confident, and has a real talent for diagnosing dog behaviors from careful observation and correcting them. I recommend her services wholeheartedly.

    place command
    Nadia A.

    If you need an AMAZING dog trainer Aimee is the one. I first brought my dog Leo to her because he was having difficulty obeying commands. He was always stressed out and had a bite incident. Ever since our first session with he was a completely different dog and Leo and I bonded with her well. She is kind, patient , and really great to be around. Leo now obey my commands and he is great in the house. He is less stressed and visibly happier. Thank you so much Amie we love you

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    3 years ago

    Great I loved this place! They are so friendly and my dogs loves it here. Truly the best!

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    Review Highlights - First Instinct Dog Training

    From our very first session, it was clear that Amie had special gift for working with dogs and their owners.

    Mentioned in 13 reviews

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    Sit Means Sit Dog Training Orange County - Albie

    Sit Means Sit Dog Training Orange County

    (251 reviews)

    We were going on a trip in a few weeks and asked if they could take our dog during the time. The…read moreeasily accommodated and took her in with no problem. Our dog was working with Bryan who gave updates on the days promised with no delays. We have a husky who is a bit skittish and of course a tad stubborn. When we watched her videos, she clearly was getting the training down well! Once we came home and picked her up, Bryan made it easy to understand the next steps and has consistently followed up with us to check how she's doing. It was suggested to train with an electric collar. My partner and I were considering it ourselves but didn't know how to use it properly. The SMS team have you try it - I wouldn't try something like this on my dog without knowing what it feels like a promise you, it's not at all painful. Since using it, our dog has followed commands and even does things naturally like being right at our side while walking or sitting and staying. We've only just begun and it's been great results. We hope that this keeps up and that once we ween off it, she'll be an even better dog. Two last things. They also understand a dog is a dog, her release command is literally "go play". Bryan helped train to lifestyle and our dogs specific needs. Secondly, they coordinated trainings on holidays - we flew in Christmas Eve morning and they easily accommodated us in such great manner.

    Ryan is absolutely amazing, and my pup Maximus and I are so grateful to have him as our trainer (we…read moreboth need him ) I have a very tough, sassy and stubborn husky mix who was never socialized and he just turned 1. Ryan has been so great with us - patient, kind, accommodating and always goes above and beyond when I have questions or need some extra guidance. He's taken extra time and care to understand Max's personality and needs so he can guide me too, since all dogs are different, and I've learned so much about my own body language and energy and how it contributes to the training process. Ryan ALWAYS follows up, checks in and makes sure to ask if I have any more questions. Max has a really strong bond with him as well, which makes me very happy to see and feel more comfortable if I need to leave him to board and train for any more work he might need. Super grateful for Ryan - and I highly, highly recommend him!! Cindy is also absolutely fabulous - she helped me so much when we realized that Max just needed a little bit of extra work and attention. They've both really made all the difference in my experience with training a newly adopted, reactive and high energy pup!

    Zoom Room Dog Training - Earn Your AKC Tricks Certification at Zoom Room Huntington Beach!

    Zoom Room Dog Training

    (187 reviews)

    I wanted to share my experience with Zoom Room Huntington Beach because I ran into several issues…read morethat made me decide not to continue with their training program. I attended an Obedience 2 session on September 27th. When I arrived, the waiting area outside had a strong smell of urine, which made me question how often that space is cleaned. During class, we were given a plate for treats, and I wasn't comfortable using it without knowing how frequently they're sanitized. Before attending, I had called for help with the app because I was unsure how to manage the class schedule. I was advised to try the first class before committing to anything else, and I asked to be removed from all waitlists. Even so, the next day--September 28th--I was still added to another class I had specifically asked not to be enrolled in. I canceled it immediately and requested confirmation that I wouldn't be charged for it. On September 30th, I emailed to request a refund for the unused classes. I was told I'd only be charged for the one session on the 27th. My total charge was $405, and I expected to be refunded everything except that single class. Instead, it wasn't until I filed a dispute with my credit card company that on October 25 I received a refund for only $324. I was charged for the class on September 28. I followed up multiple times from September through November 22nd--about six emails in total--and each time I was told that "Vince was out of the office" and that my refund was still being handled. I am still waiting on that refund. I shared this feedback with them directly because I do think simple improvements--like suggesting owners bring their own bowls or a mat for their dog--could make a difference. I was genuinely hoping to return in the future for trick or scent classes, but the lack of customer service and the difficulty getting a straightforward refund left me very disappointed. I hope they take this as constructive feedback and make changes that improve the experience for other dog parents.

    How cool!!! Small…read morepersonable classes ranging from obedience, tricks, agility and more. I randomly tried a package of classes when I stopped by - hoping to get my dog to stop nipping me when he is excited. Classes teach the owner how to train their dog. Go home and keep practicing! The instructors and owner totally care, giving tips to nip behaviors in the bud and to UNDERSTAND your dog. I've only started my pup here, he's 8 - but it's just been fun to interact with him and try something different. Here he's in tricks class!

    The Dog Guru Whisperer & Ex K9 Officer Training - http://www.thedog.guru

    The Dog Guru Whisperer & Ex K9 Officer Training

    (648 reviews)

    I almost didn't book with The Dog Guru because I saw a review calling him "verbally abusive," and…read moreafter working with him personally, I honestly could not disagree more. Pay ZERO attention to that review. As a psychologist, I pay very close attention to behavior, regulation, communication, and emotional energy, and at no point did I witness cruelty, aggression, intimidation, or abusive behavior toward me or my dog. What honestly amazed me most was that he never said one word to my dog. There was no yelling, chaos, or "training performance." It was all action, energy, body language, timing, and an understanding of canine psychology that I have never personally seen before. Before we started working together, Daisy was going after every dog she saw. Within two hours, we were calmly walking and standing next to dogs that were within a foot of her, even sniffing her, and she was completely relaxed. The transformation was honestly remarkable. I think some people may misunderstand firmness, honesty, or structure as being "mean," especially when dealing with difficult dog behaviors, but there is a huge difference between abuse and someone confidently leading both owner and dog. My experience felt safe, effective, loving, and honestly incredible. For the first time in a long time, I left feeling hopeful and relaxed instead of anxious. I am extremely grateful I trusted my own experience instead of one negative review.

    Initial impression - First thought . There is only one…read moreCaesar Milan. Second thought. No doubt an excellent trainer for the military and if that's what you're looking for he may be just your speed ! His accolades can be found in so many of his advertisements which I'm sure are no doubt accurate. If you're going to pay a sum in advance to schedule a conversation, (as I did) , you may have to call him to remind him to call you on the last day that the call was promised . While, this truth may not sit well and I didn't actually hire him, no matter because your mileage may vary. He is a busy guy. All the best to you all.

    Canine Learning Academy - Sunny Honey:)

    Canine Learning Academy

    (55 reviews)

    I have been going to canine learning academy since October of 2023 with my mini goldendoodle…read moreTimber. We are a strong advocate of positive reinforcement training. Your puppy or dog will grow and learn so many skills and be well mannered. With all the guidance and training I have the dream dog that I can take anywhere with me. Timber has learned so much through the puppy program, all day school, grad prep school, puppy and manner classes, canine good citizen, agility and so much more. This community is one of a kind. My dog and I have made so many strong friendships and have created so many memories that I hold close to my heart. I have been going to canine learning academy since October of 2022 with my mini goldendoodle Timber. We are a strong advocate of positive reinforcement training. Your puppy or dog will grow and learn so many skills and be well mannered. With all the guidance and training I have the dream dog that I can take anywhere with me. Timber has learned so much through the puppy program, all day school, grad prep school, puppy and manner classes, canine good citizen, agility and so much more. This community is one of a kind. My dog and I have made so many strong friendships and have created so many memories that I hold close to my heart.

    Even though they train a large number of puppies and adolescent dogs at the same time with very…read moreindividual attention. A bit pricey, but when you figure out the per hour rate you'll see that this academy is a bargain. The big plus is all of the follow-up group classes on the weekends.

    First Instinct Dog Training - pet_training - Updated May 2026

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