Top Dog Training Services in San Diego

Fear Free Family Dog Training in San Diego

Professional dog training with compassion and expertise. I help you and your furry friend build a stronger, more harmonious relationship through positive reinforcement and proven techniques.
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Unleashing True Potential

If your search for an empathetic dog trainer in San Diego has led you here, Kindred Dog could be the answer to all your needs. 

Kindred Dog helps families overcome behavioral obstacles with their furry friends through methods that rely on positive reinforcement to strengthen the bond between you and your pet. 

Through an education-based approach and family-centered training methods, Kindred Dog brings you and your dog closer in a relationship of mutual understanding, respect, and fulfillment.

All great partnerships begin with a conversation, and that includes your relationship with your pet. Book a free consultation to try Kindred Dog’s evidence-based dog training sessions in San Diego today.

Why Train With Kindred Dog

Expert, compassionate training rooted in education and science.

As a highly educated, licensed, and certified dog trainer serving San Diego families, Susie Petrucci brings extensive experience in behavior consulting and training along with judgment-free coaching to her practice.

Education & Certification

Teaching dogs through proven learning science.
Susie holds an Ed.S. in Education and multiple training credentials:
CCTA
CCDT (with distinction)
CAATP
Every lesson is grounded in both behavioral psychology and compassion.

10+ Years of Experience

A San Diego dog trainer who is both formally taught and practically equipped.
Susie has successfully helped hundreds of dogs.
Puppy socialization
Reactive dogs
Separation anxiety
Leash training
Recall training
Behavioral transformation

Family Paws Parent Educator

Expert guidance for families with babies and children.
As a licensed Family Paws Parent Educator, Susie helps families prepare their dogs for life with infants and toddlers through the Dogs & Storks® and Dogs & Toddlers programs.

Fear Free Certified Trainer

Modern, force-free methods backed by science.
Kindred Dog uses Fear Free dog training techniques to create positive emotional experiences, reduce anxiety, and build confidence.

Shelter Trainer & Rescue Advocate

Every dog deserves a second chance.
A former shelter consultant and trainer, Susie supports rescue adoption by offering discounted sessions for adopted dogs and compassionate guidance for post-adoption transitions.

Trauma-Informed Expertise

Specialized knowledge for sensitive and fearful dogs.
Through coursework with Dr. Laura Donaldson (PhD, CDBC, KPA CTP), Susie applies trauma-informed strategies that help dogs recover trust and resilience.

San Diego Dog Training Services

Customized training programs designed to meet you and your dog where you are.
Puppy Training

Puppy Training

San Diego dog trainer Susie Petrucci can help set your puppy up for success with foundational training, socialization, and house training.
4-6 private sessions
In-person & virtual services offered
What’s Included:
  • Basic cues (sit, stay, come)
  • House training & crate training
  • Socialization with people & dogs
  • Bite inhibition
  • Loose leash walking
  • And more!
Adolescent and Adult Training

Adolescent and Adult Training

Build reliable obedience and strengthen the bond between you and your adult dog.
4-6 private sessions
In-person & virtual services offered
What’s Included:
  • Advanced cues & off-leash reliability
  • Self-control & focus training
  • Loose-leash walking
  • Recall training in distracting environments
  • Stay & place cues
  • And more!
Behavior Modification

Behavior Modification

Address specific behavioral issues with customized San Diego dog training plans and professional guidance.
4-6 private sessions
In-person & virtual services offered
What’s Included:
  • Reactive/aggressive behavior support and improvement
  • Separation anxiety treatment
  • Excessive barking cessation
  • Resource guarding prevention
  • Fear & phobia treatment
  • And more!

Dogs & Storks® / Dogs & Toddlers

Prepare for life with babies and toddlers with help from San Diego dog trainer and Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator Susie Petrucci.
Private sessions in person or via Zoom
In-person workshops
What’s Included:
  • Boundary training & supervision education
  • Gentle exposure to novel sounds, sights, smells, etc.
  • Preparation for milestones
  • Body language and safe interaction modeling
  • Cue training and relaxation techniques
  • And more!

Meet Susie Petrucci, Founder of Kindred Dog

Your dedicated partner in creating lasting bonds between you and your dog, Susie is a San Diego-based Fear Free Certified dog training professional who brings to the table a unique mix of formal training and more than a decade of hands-on experience.

Susie’s Philosophy

My philosophy is simple: training should be compassionate, force-free, and fun for both you and your dog.
By focusing on positive reinforcement and respecting each dog’s unique needs, we can create clear communication that strengthens your bond and fosters confidence.
With over a decade of hands-on experience and advanced certifications, I’m dedicated to guiding families toward a harmonious life with their dogs, where learning is joyful, progress is lasting, and your connection only grows deeper.

Certifications & Training

Ed.S & MA
Certified Dog Trainer (CCTA, CCDT) — CATCH Canine Trainers Academy (with distinction)
Certified Animal Assisted Therapy Professional (CAATP)
Fear Free Certified Trainer
Family Paws Parent Educator
Pet First Aid & CPR Certified
Trauma-Informed Coursework (Dr. Laura Donaldson): Grounding; Trauma & Fear based behaviors; Somatic Self-Resilience; Why Trauma-Informed Changes Everything

What Families Are Saying

Real stories from real families who’ve transformed their relationship with their dogs
Professional dog training with Susie Petrucci. Building stronger bonds between dogs and their families through positive reinforcement and proven training methods.
– Reviewer Name
Professional dog training with Susie Petrucci. Building stronger bonds between dogs and their families through positive reinforcement and proven training methods.
– Reviewer Name
Professional dog training with Susie Petrucci. Building stronger bonds between dogs and their families through positive reinforcement and proven training methods.
– Reviewer Name
Professional dog training with Susie Petrucci. Building stronger bonds between dogs and their families through positive reinforcement and proven training methods.
– Reviewer Name
Professional dog training with Susie Petrucci. Building stronger bonds between dogs and their families through positive reinforcement and proven training methods.
– Reviewer Name

Susie started working with me, my husband and my 5 year old “high energy” golden doodle starting when I was in my third trimester with my first child. We wanted to get ahead of anticipated behavior issues with the new baby coming and nip some old bad habits as well – excessive barking was the main issue.

I love that she comes to our house because it makes the training way more specific to our needs. She worked with us to make goals and always came with a plan but was flexible to change gears if we needed work on something different. She always has a million ideas if something just isn’t working and she was also good about setting expectations up front!

Her training style is all positive reinforcement – which had the added effect of lowering my dog’s anxiety since starting training – an unanticipated bonus! He absolutely loves the training and is exhausted by the end of our sessions.

She also helped us with some tips on making it an easy transition for our dog with the new baby! Now that she’s here Susie continues to be super flexible and can pivot easily to meet new unanticipated needs!

My dog has seen a remarkable transformation! As I write this, he’s sleeping quietly on his pillow while two giant trucks are outside with workers using chainsaws and loud machines. Had this been 4 months ago we would have endured a full day of endless barking. Now my baby can nap soundly and so can the dog despite all the previously “triggering” activity going on outside! It’s been such a relief!

I recommend Susie to everyone I know with a dog… it’s been such a bonding experience with him at a time where everyone tells you, “your dog will become just a dog once the baby’s here!” I refused to let that be the case and we have Susie to thank! I’ve learned you absolutely CAN teach old dogs new tricks – and they LOVE it!
 

FAQs

What is the duration of a session?

Most private sessions last between 60 and 90 minutes.

Yes, we offer virtual sessions for many goals.

We believe in force-free, reward-based methods rooted in learning science and positive reinforcement.

Many families notice improvements after the first session, but all dogs are unique individuals with their own personalities.

Transform Life With Your Dog

Schedule your first dog training session in San Diego and find out how family-centered programs and a compassionate, science-backed approach can strengthen your bond.

Let’s Start Training Together

Ready to begin your dog’s training journey? Get in touch and let’s discuss how I can help you and your furry friend.

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Contact Information

Tues/Wed/Thurs9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Monday & Friday8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Saturday & SundayBy appointment only
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Evening and weekend appointments available upon request

Response Time

I typically respond to inquiries within 24 hours. For urgent training needs, please call directly.