John's Natural Dog Training Company

I rescued an Akita who, while overly affectionate with people has/had some real aggression issues towards other dogs. She has been in several "scraps". My friends bought us sessions with John's company for my birthday, I upgraded to a Gold package to have access to ongoing group lessons as Kiya matures.
Jessica is our trainer and I have seen a HUGE improvement in Kiya, I am coming along slowly but, humans do seem to take more time to train! We start group class tonight, Jessica knowing how nervous I would be getting into the "distraction" part of training has offered to handle Kiya if she gets too aggressive. It's service like this and passion for the dogs that what I appreciate so much.
Having had dogs all my life, I never have had dog aggression issues before, Jessica has been great in our private sessions and I am excited about group class. Kiya even made it through a on leash walk at OB's dog beach last weekend. I would highly recommend this company and Jessica! Thank you!

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John and Denelle have made the training of my headstrong Shiba Inu pup a dream (OK, close to a dream! As close as it will ever get with a Shiba.) Their experience and guidance have been invaluable in shaping the little guy into a very well behaved citizen. Don't know what I would do without them both!

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John's Natural Dog Training Company is THE BEST. I don't know what the other reviewer is talking about. No collars are issued - I used a buckle collar at first then a martingale as my doggie got a little bigger and more interested in the other dogs. Danelle and Elizabeth are the group class instructors and they are all so good - the classes were really fun. My private training was with John and he really does know dogs. He was very patient with me and my litte puppy as I had never had a young dog before. I will recommend and use them again!

Jessica told us to sign up for Beginner Obedience class. Within 10 minutes, she promoted both my dogs to Advanced. The experience has been awesome. They have more confidence, and ignore the other dogs in class. It is possible to teach old dogs new tricks! When Jessica started with our recently adopted rescue, he behaved more like a feral cat than a dog. He pee'd and pooped wherever he was at the moment he had to go, wouldn't walk on a leash either. Within minutes of Jessica working with him, he started to walk on the leash. By the time we completed our second training session, he stopped relieving himself inside my house. I have never been one to believe in miracles before, but I am a believer now! Miracles do happen, and Jessica entering our lives is a true blessing. I don't have a lot of money to spend, but I do not regret getting the Platinum package at all. I plan on taking every group class we can.

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The standard required issue for classes with 'John's Natural Dog Training Co' (group and private) is a metal prong/pinch collar. All techniques are based on the use of these corrections. The methods taught are very outdated and now known to be ineffective as most owners want to build a relationship and understanding with their dogs. This requires positive reinforcement training. Even the REAL 'Dog Whisperer', Cesar Millan, goes no further than the use of nylon martingale loop collars for control of the difficult animals he trains on a daily basis.

My recommendation for those serious about dog training (and before spending hundreds of dollars) is to sit in on classes of a few different trainers. There are many good and humane trainers around San Diego depending on what area is closest. Good luck and HAVE FUN!

I have dog named "Charlie" who is two years old.I got Charlie from "Helen Woodward Animal Shelter" when he was 12 weeks old.Charlie was a sweet puppy but a bit shy,I did everything I was told to do including "Socializing, Obedience School, etcAfter a transitional period in my life, moving, breakup, etc..My Charlie started to develop some aggression issues;he actually bit my Mother who I am living with temporarily. I was devastated and desperate.I had to address the seriousness of what had happened.I researched extensively online and after thoughtful consideration called "John's Natural Dog Training Company." Within 24 hours Jessica responded to me and listened patiently as I explained the situation.I couldn't have been more relieved. Within the week Jessica was at my home doing a consultation.Jessica has natural instincts and a soothing logical and patient approach to dog training.I purchased the "Bronze Package" and it was the best money ever spent. Charlie needed structure to feel safe she explained.I set boundaries with Jessica's help and my dog, although not perfect,(but who or what is)has turned into an incredible and dependable companion.It broke my heart to see Charlie misbehaving and I feel tremendous relief that he is becoming the dog I had hoped and knew he could become.I will always recommend Jessica and this company to anyone who has any type of dog with any and all behaviors issues.Thank you Jessica from the bottom of my heart.
Becky Bensussen

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We have been with John's Natural Dog Training Company Since 2006. The trainers have brought me and my Dog Oso to the point where we have bonded and the Dog is now a Therapy dog. I couldn't have asked for better trainers and friends.

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We purchased the 8 in-home sessions in order to get our Papillion to the point she could attend group classes. She was a timid 6-month old when I brought her home and displayed her fear by barking, snarling, growling and lunging at people and other dogs. After only 4 sessions with Jessica, she was ready to attend group classes. I am utterly amazed at the progress. Jessica has been so patient with us (humans being the slow to learn ones).

We haven't yet completed the last two in-home sessions and have not only begun group obedience classes, we have started agility class. After the first agility class, our dog was jumping over bars, running through tunnels, jumping up on and staying on a table, and running up and down an a-frame. Unbelievable!! She was totally unconcerned with the other dogs around her and she thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Her confidence has been so boosted by her experiences with John's Natural Dog Training, that people find it hard to believe she was such a terror before.

Our dog is now a more attentive, happy, and and trainable member of the family. It may seem expensive, however it is worth every penny.

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I rescued my dog as an adult and he had some serious behavior issues that made it hard to have anyone visit our house. Our vet highly recommeded John's Natural Dog Training so I made the call and that weekend we had our first private lesson with Denelle Smalley. She is absolutely amazing! It was as if she knew exactly what my dog was thinking and because of that she was able to immediately help us tailor a training plan to help our dog reach his full potential. Since working with Denelle my dog has gone from out of control to a AKC canine good citizen. I atribute this to dedication and the amazing help, knowledge, and support that Denelle provided for both myself and my dog. We continue to attend group classes with both Denelle and other John's trainers whom I am always impressed by. Thanks Denelle!!!!

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When we added our Golden Retriever, Fenway, to our family, we also added two important, two-legged beings: John Rubin, company owner and dog training expert, and Denelle Smalley, lead trainer. They've trained, raised, and most importantly, loved him as their own. He is a happy, healthy, loving, highly-social, well-adjusted and well-trained dog because of their dedication, devotion and commitment. They've gone above and beyond from Day One. They're always on time for in-home appointments and group classes. They're just a phone call away with any questions and concerns we've had. Their suggestions for bonding, feeding, leashes/collars, etc., have been excellent. And John and his family have been invaluable, when it comes to doggie day care and overnight boarding. They truly have a sixth sense when it comes to dogs. Fenway is who he is today because of John and Denelle. And oh yes. They've also trained me in the process, which is no small feat! I wouldn't think of training or boarding with anybody else. I respect and trust them!

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