Business Details
Your Trusted Dog Training Partner in Encinitas, CA
At School of Paws, we are dedicated to fostering strong, joyful bonds between pets and their owners through science-based, positive reinforcement training. Founded by certified trainer Pilar, our approach prioritizes trust, empathy, and effective communication to address behavioral challenges and nurture well-mannered companions. With over a decade of experience, we specialize in puppy training, separation anxiety, and customized programs tailored to individual needs.Our services extend across North County San Diego, including Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Rancho Santa Fe. We collaborate with rescue organizations and pet care providers, emphasizing mental and physical stimulation to ensure balanced, confident dogs. Backed by 5-star reviews, our commitment to humane methods and personalized care sets us apart as a trusted partner in canine education.
Services
Puppy Training
Private Dog Training
Board and Train
Dog Walking
Loose Leash Walking
Behavior Modification
Separation Anxiety Solutions
Socialization Classes
Crate Training
Obedience Coaching
Highlights and features
- We use only positive, force-free, science-based training methods.
- Certified trainers with over 10 years of experience in puppy development.
- Specialize in separation anxiety and behavioral rehabilitation for rescues.
- 5-star reviews highlighting personalized communication and visible results.
- Offer bilingual (English/Spanish) training command support.
Associations and certifications
- Victoria Stilwell Academy for Dog Training and Behavior
What people say
Fantastic trainer
Love for animals
Excited for walks
Visible improvement
Compassionate methods
Services
Puppy Training
Our puppy program prevents behavioral issues through early socialization and obedience training. We teach housebreaking, crate training, and basic commands while addressing biting, jumping, and separation anxiety. Sessions occur in your home for puppies 8 weeks to 10 months old, creating a foundation for lifelong good behavior through positive reinforcement techniques that build confidence and trust between pet and owner.
Private Dog Training
Customized sessions address specific behavioral challenges in adult dogs, including leash reactivity, aggression, and anxiety. Our certified trainers develop individualized plans for your dog's temperament and your lifestyle, using science-based methods to improve obedience and strengthen your bond. Programs include follow-up sessions in your home environment to reinforce learning and ensure long-term success through consistent, reward-based techniques.
Board and Train
This intensive program provides focused training in your home environment for dogs needing advanced behavioral modification. Options range from 7 to 21 days, addressing issues like severe anxiety, leash pulling, and obedience challenges. Our positive reinforcement approach teaches dogs to make good choices independently while building confidence through structured socialization experiences that prepare them for real-world distractions and interactions.
Dog Walking
Daily walks combine physical exercise with behavioral training to improve leash manners and social skills. Our trainers work on loose-leash walking techniques while providing mental stimulation through controlled interactions with other dogs. Each 60-minute session includes potty breaks, hydration, and personalized attention to reinforce training goals while giving pets essential exercise and companionship when owners are away.
Behavior Modification
Specialized programs target specific behavioral issues like separation anxiety, aggression, and extreme fearfulness. Our certified trainers use systematic desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques to change emotional responses. This science-based approach creates positive associations through gradual exposure while teaching alternative behaviors that replace unwanted patterns with calm, obedient responses to triggers.
People
Pilar
Certified Dog Trainer
Certified by Victoria Stilwell Academy, Pilar has trained over 1,000 dogs in 10 years. She specializes in puppy development and rescue rehabilitation, using positive reinforcement methods. Fluent in English and Spanish, she volunteers at Rancho Coastal Humane Society and works with local pet care providers to improve animal welfare.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We exclusively use positive reinforcement techniques certified by Victoria Stilwell Academy, focusing on reward-based learning without force or fear.
Do you offer services in Spanish?
Yes, we provide training commands and communication in both English and Spanish for bilingual households.
What areas do you serve?
We operate throughout North County San Diego including Encinitas, Carlsbad, Rancho Santa Fe, and surrounding communities.
Can you help with separation anxiety?
Our specialized programs address separation anxiety through systematic desensitization and confidence-building exercises proven effective for rescue dogs.
What payment options are available?
We accept cash, checks, and credit cards for all training packages and walking services.
Do you offer group classes?
We focus on private, in-home training for personalized attention, though we partner with local facilities for select group socialization sessions.
