One-on-One Dog Training
Private dog training lessons provide an option to work one-on-one with one of our certified professional dog trainers. Sessions are scheduled to accommodate your availability, and training will focus on behaviors you and your dog need help with.
One-on-one dog training is open to dogs of any age. Proof of current vaccinations is required.
Register for a FREE initial phone consultation to discuss your individual needs.
Adult dogs must be up to date on all vaccinations, including:
- Distemper-Parvo
- Bordetella (“Kennel Cough”)
- Rabies
Leptospirosis and Canine Influenza (H3N2) vaccinations are recommended but not required.
Puppy health requirements:
- Puppy has lived in the home a minimum of seven days prior to training appointment
- Puppy has received a minimum of one Distemper/Parvo vaccine and one Canine Influenza (H3N2) vaccine
- Puppy has received a Bordetella vaccine a minimum of seven days prior to training appointment
- Puppy has been dewormed two weeks prior to training appointment
- Puppy is on an appropriate flea and tick preventative
If your dog needs to be spayed or neutered or needs vaccines updated, you can make an appointment here.
$150 per one-hour session.
- A flat, or Martingale collar or harness. Dogs MAY NOT wear choke chains, prong, or electronic collars (e-collars).
- A six-foot, non-retractable leash.
- A hungry, but not famished dog.
- Treats: Have a variety of your dog’s favorite treats available, cut into very small pea-sized pieces.
We understand that unexpected circumstances arise. To receive a refund we must receive your cancellation a minimum of 72 hours prior to the start of your session. Cancellations without 72-hour notice will receive a credit for a future session to be used within 12 months.
American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Test (AKC CGC)
This is a one time meeting for testing only. An official AKC test form is included. The test recording fee to the American Kennel Club is an additional fee which will be paid directly to the AKC by the dog’s guardian.
This is a PASS or FAIL test. A refund will not be given for test failure.
To make an appointment, call 805-971-1733 or email [email protected].
Meet the Trainers
Cathy Gushulak
CPDT-KA, KPA-CTP, CAMT, AKC Evaluator
For her entire life, Cathy has felt a special relationship with animals. After college and a career as a paralegal, Cathy decided to change her focus to helping other people with their four-legged family members.
Cathy is a Certified Training Partner with the Karen Pryor Academy focused on Clicker Training, a member of the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers International, and an AKC Evaluator for the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Programs.
Cathy shares her home with a Bernese Mountain Dog, an Australian Shepherd, and a cat. She has fun training and competing with her dogs in Obedience, Rally, Agility, Conformation, Nose Work, Drafting, Herding, AKC Canine Good Citizen, and AKC Trick Dog. She is also a Certified Animal Massage Therapist and groomer. She jokes that her “life has gone to the dogs.”
Cathy loves to teach humans about how their dog thinks and learns, and how to create clear communication which helps to build a great human/canine relationship.
Christine Brewer
MA, CPDT-KA
Christine earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in 1997, working with chimpanzees in primate cognition projects. Building upon her undergraduate studies, Christine earned her Master of Arts in Physical Anthropology in 2002, specializing in the study of animal behavior. Her academic pursuits laid a strong foundation for her future endeavors in understanding and advocating for animal welfare.
Following her education, Christine worked for five years as a zookeeper at the Kansas City Zoo. She then spent a decade at an animal shelter in Kansas, where she honed her skills in animal care and behavior management. In 2017, Christine attained her CPDT-KA certification. In 2018, she joined Santa Barbara Humane as a veterinary technician. Since January 2020, Christine has worked in the behavior department, eventually becoming the Manager of Animal Behavior. Her responsibilities include teaching public classes and working hands-on with shelter animals, embodying her dedication to enhancing animal welfare through education and practical intervention.
Christine lives in Santa Barbara with her very spoiled pit bull, Boo. She enjoys reading, playing board games, and attending concerts. Notably, she has seen Jackson Browne play live more than 25 times.
