Dog Training San Diego

We are a Canine Rehabilitation Training Team. We instill leadership in people to change relationships and create balance with their canines. Our goal is to give owners and their dogs the confidence and tools to be safe and calm in any situation.

Our Expert Dog Trainer, Katie Lekas

Katie is our Owner and Head Trainer! She has been training dogs all her life and has been doing canine behavioral rehabilitation work most of her adult life.

Katie has always had a strong passion for helping and connecting with animals. So much so, that from early childhood, she would check books out from her local library so that she could learn as much as she could about dogs and their behaviors: why they do what they do, how they feel, etc. She was fascinated by them and was always trying to learn more about how to better connect with them.

As she got older, she began learning both basic training and trust-building with fearful dogs. In early adulthood, Katie began working with other trainers, learning about behavioral rehabilitation, mainly for fear and aggression, and how these behaviors manifest and why. She worked with other trainers until she became proficient in her work, enough to build confidence as a trainer, and have a client base of her own. When she realized that too many trainers focus on cookie-cutter training methods, she decided to strike out on her own and create CRT K9: a company founded on the idea that, barring neurological illnesses, or undedicated owners, any dog of any breed, size, age, or temperament, can be helped through any issue; and that, like humans, each dog is a bit different, and some learn differently than others, so it’s important that trainers work with each dog for who they are, rather than expecting that every dog is the same and blaming the dog when their methods don’t work.

Why Choose CRT K9 for your Dog Training Needs?

Why work with us? Because CRT K9 is dedicated to helping every single owner who wants a better life for their dog. We understand the nuances of training and that not every dog or human will learn the same.As much as it is our job to train your dog, we also teach you how to effectively work with your dog so that you can build the best dynamic with them and give them the happiest, healthiest life that they deserve.

We work with you directly to make sure that you are as knowledgeable and confident in your work with your own pup, so that you can help them through anything, with our help. We give our clients access to us whenever they need us or have questions. We never want you to feel like you’re on your own in figuring things out.

When you work with us, you have a trainer at your disposal every day in between sessions so that you have the best pathway to success with your dog. Dog owners often tell us that they feel like they should just automatically know better when it comes to what’s best for their dog’s behavior, and many dog parents are hard on themselves when they feel like there are behaviors that they don’t understand or know how to work through. THIS IS WHY WE EXIST! We are here to help you build a healthy and loving dynamic with your dog so that you can always feel confident in your work with them, but also in the fact that you have top notch trainers at the tip of your fingers if you ever need help!

Our San Diego Dog Training Services!

Obedience

We offer basic training for dogs of all ages. Basic obedience training is offered through session work with you and your pup. Our clients always tell us, “my dog and I have grown a much stronger bond since beginning training!” This is why we do what we do. Our goal is to help you create an even stronger bond with your dog.

Aggression

Aggression manifests as a result of only a couple root issues: Fear and Territory. We take the time to show you how to handle your dog in any situation, and more importantly, how to correct those root issues so you can have a better relationship with your happier and more balanced canine companion.

Anxiety

When anxiety gets the better of your pup, it can manifest a number of different ways: flight, fight, and avoidance. These are the things we work through with you to help you show your dog that they are protected with you, their alpha, and that they can be comfortable in their day-to-day life.

Doggy Daycare

Our doggy daycare provides a safe and fun environment for dogs to play and socialize while their owners are away. Our trained staff supervise and engage with the dogs, offering various activities and toys. Clients rave about how much their dogs enjoy coming to daycare and how content they are when they leave. Our goal is to give owners peace of mind knowing their pets are happy and well-cared for.

CGC Training

Our Canine Good Citizen Training program helps dogs develop manners and obedience skills. Trainers work with owners and dogs to teach them what they need to pass the test. The program covers socialization, obedience, and behavior. Owners and dogs who complete the program will have the skills to be responsible and well-behaved members of their community.

Service Training

Our Service Dog Training program teaches dogs how to assist individuals with disabilities. Our trainers work with both the dog and handler to teach them the necessary skills. The program covers mobility assistance and medical alert, among other tasks. Upon completion, the dog will have the training needed to become a valuable service animal for their handler.

Board and Train

Our Board and Train program provides extensive training for dogs. Dogs stay with us while our experienced trainers work on obedience, socialization, and behavior modification. Owners can expect a well-trained dog at the end of the program. This is best for aggressive dogs or dogs needing lots of help.

Puppy Training

Our puppy training program is designed to teach puppies the basics of obedience and socialization. Our experienced trainers work with puppies to teach them important skills such as potty training, crate training, and basic commands. We also focus on socialization to help puppies learn how to interact with other dogs and people. Our program sets the foundation for a well-behaved and well-adjusted adult dog.

Do you need a Dog Behaviorist San Diego?

People often think that raising dogs is so much like raising children that, ‘if we don’t need trainers to help us raise kids, then why would we need them for our dogs?’

This is a misconception that so many people fall victim to. The reality is that, yes, in many ways dogs are like children. However, we often humanize them too much and forget that they are an entirely different species! This is why it’s so important to work with a trainer when you get your new pup, whether it’s an 8-week-old puppy, or a 12-year-old senior from the shelter.

Good trainers have spent years studying canine behavior and tendencies and are better equipped to help you understand why your dog does what they do, and how to help them understand what you need from them in their new home. Since dogs don’t speak the human language (English, Spanish, etc.), it can be very frustrating for pet parents in their efforts to communicate with their dogs positively and effectively. This is where trainers come in.

We teach you how to better communicate and connect with your pup, so that they understand their role in your family, and you feel confident in your ability to direct them as you need to.

As trainers, we also teach you how to build those healthy dynamics so your dog can truly feel all the love and care that you have to offer them. Don’t wait until your dog shows signs of negative behaviors. Start working with us today!