Excellence in Dog Training Through Proven Methods at Paw Commons Pet Resort in Hillcrest
Paw Commons Pet Resort provides Professional Dog Training in the San Diego community of Hillcrest and convenient to University Heights, North Park and the Gaslamp Quarter as well as near Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, Petco Park and San Diego International Airport.
At Paw Commons Hillcrest, our dog training programs are designed to develop well-mannered dogs while accomplishing the specific behavioral goals, skills or certifications you desire for your dog. Our approach to dog training combines science, research and years of experience with industry best practices, including the Balance Method of dog training with a focus on relationship-based management.
You can tell a well-trained dog what to do. A well-mannered dog does it before you ask.
- Blake Woody, Director of Training
Schedule a Free Dog Training Evaluation!
Professional Dog Trainers at Paw Commons Hillcrest
We often find that dog behaviors which are totally unacceptable to one client might be considered adorable by another. That’s why we start by meeting with you and your dog for a free evaluation. Together, we will put together a plan to address the issues, habits and boundaries that are right for your household.
We offer Overnight Training Camps, Group Classes, Private Lessons, Puppy Training and an extensive Working Dog program to meet the diverse needs and interests of our clients. One of our trainers will explain the differences and help you decide on the best fit.
Our professional dog trainers are certified American Kennel Club (AKC) Evaluators and receive continuing education as members of the Association of Dog Training Professionals. Our team follows the same philosophy and approach consistently across our locations. We are constantly improving our methods and sharing our knowledge of animal training theory with each other – along with a few funny stories now and then!
When you focus on the relationship between the client and the dog, that's where you're going to have success.
- Blake Woody, Director of Training
Want to take a deep dive into our dog training philosophy?
Schedule a Free Dog Training Evaluation
When you trust the professional dog trainers at Paw Commons Hillcrest we will design a customized program to meet your goals and objectives. Years of experience have taught us that every relationship is unique – including your dog’s tendencies and abilities plus your own interests, tolerance levels and availability.
To get started, we offer a Free Evaluation where you and your dog will meet with one of our trainers for a half-hour session. We will learn about your situation, spend some time with your dog, and explain your role in the training process. Once we decide on a plan, it’s our job to teach your dog to self-regulate and think for themselves, and to equip you with clear expectations and the tools you need for sustainable success as you enjoy life together!
Schedule a Free Dog Training Evaluation!
Dog Training Services Provided at Paw Commons Hillcrest
We offer a variety of overnight training camps, group and individual lessons, puppy classes and working dog programs. Our dog training options range from basic obedience lessons and solving more challenging behavior problems to training for high-level service jobs and certifications. We also help your pet overcome issues such as potty training, jumping on people, pulling on a leash, barking and more. Our programs are customized to meet the needs of your household and are appropriate for dogs of any age.
Overnight Training Camp
Overnight Training Camps at our Hillcrest, San Diego facility provide 1-on-1 time with our trainers to work on resetting problematic behaviors and building positive habits. Just being immersed in a new environment with consistent routines often has a calming effect on dogs that helps jump-start their training. At the end of camp, we offer a Departure Lesson and two Follow-ups to show off what your dog has learned and to teach you how to maintain the consistency that’s key to your long-term success.
The biggest difference between our three Overnight Training Camps is time – the amount of time spent with our trainers and away from home. Longer camps give us more opportunities to solidify learning through repetition and added distractions, with plenty of positive reinforcement. While your pet is staying with us for training, you will receive updates, photos and videos to keep you informed about their progress.
5 Week Overnight Camp
Obedience & Behavior Modification
| Days of Training | 25+ |
| Additional Lessons | 1 Departure Lesson (1 hour) |
| 2 Follow-up Lessons (1 hour each) | |
| Extras | Complimentary bath in our doggie spa |
4 Week Overnight Camp
Advanced Obedience Training
| Days of Training | 20+ |
| Additional Lessons | 1 Departure Lesson (1 hour) |
| 2 Follow-up Lessons (1 hour each) | |
| Extras | Complimentary bath in our doggie spa |
3 Week Overnight Camp
Focused Obedience Training
| Days of Training | 15+ |
| Additional Lessons | 1 Departure Lesson (1 hour) |
| 2 Follow-up Lessons (1 hour each) | |
| Extras | Complimentary bath in our doggie spa |
Private Dog Training Lessons in the Hillcrest Area
We offer private lessons for clients who are looking for a more hands-on dog training experience. When you tell us what specific skills or issues you want to address, we will lead you through each session with expert training techniques and guidance. Your teamwork will be rewarded as you strengthen your relationship with your dog and see behaviors improve.
Group Classes
Pack Walks
Continue building your skills through group pack walks. Designed to foster safety, opportunity, and continual development of your skills as a team with your pup. These pack walks offer “real life” practice in a controlled group setting with a Paw Commons Trainer. Registration for sessions is required due to limited spacing. Membership is good for 3 months.
Specialty Group Class
Teach your pup new and fun skills such as Trick Training, Doggie Parkour, Scent Skills, Public Access, Leash Reactivity and more with one of our specialty skill training group classes. Check with your location's training team for the group class calendar!
Puppy Training Options
Puppy Socialization 101
Help your puppy learn basic skills, as well as how to play with other pups in our doggie daycare. A series of LAB Sessions are included, where the trainer works with just your puppy in addition to their time in the daycare mix. It’s a good balance of group play and 1-on-1 attention with a trainer, with time at home each night.
| Half Days of Dog Daycare | 5 |
| LAB Sessions (while at Daycare) | 5 |
| Additional Lessons | 1 Private Lesson (1 hour) |
Puppy Kindergarten
Teach your puppy foundational skills for learning manners and boundaries. A series of LAB Sessions are included, where the trainer works with just your puppy in addition to their time in the daycare mix. It’s a good balance of group play and 1-on-1 attention with a trainer, with time at home each night.
Your puppy will be able to test for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy certification after completing Puppy Kindergarten.
| Full Days of Dog Daycare | 10 |
| LAB Sessions (while at Daycare) | 5 |
| Additional Lessons | 6 Private Lessons (1 hour) |
| Extras | 1-1 Groomer Consult & Premium Bath |
Puppy Bootcamp
Give your puppy a jump start on learning new skills with our Puppy Bootcamp. This Two Week Overnight Camp offers a specialized curriculum focused on socialization, manners, and jump-starting your dog’s well-mannered foundation. A deposit of $250 is required for booking.
| Days of Training | 10 |
| Nights of Lodging | 14 |
| Additional Lessons | 1 Departure Lesson (1 hour) |
| 2 Follow-up Lessons (1 hour each) | |
| Extras | Complimentary bath in our doggie spa |
Schedule a Free Dog Training Evaluation!
Working Dog Program
Click below for information about our Working Dog program, including training classes for service, facility and therapy dogs or public access certification.
Meet Our Paw Commons Hillcrest Dog Trainers
Blake Woody, Director of Training
Blake Woody has trained a variety of domestic and exotic animals for over 13 years. She believes that training should not be an overly complicated or daunting process, it is the small moments that make the biggest impact. She has experience training canines for service, therapy, public access, trick training, and behavior modification. Blake is a Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers.
Blake is an Arizona native who wrangles her husband Michael and her sons Samuel and James with their three dogs.
Samantha Smith, Lead Trainer at Hillcrest
Samantha Smith has raised and trained dogs throughout California for over 5 years. Her passion is to foster the human canine connection and build stronger bonds with our furry family members. Sam has worked with a large variety of canines from pet dogs to working dogs. Her specialty is public access and advanced task training.
Even though Sam works with dogs, she has a feisty kitty named Hazel at home who works as her honorary training assistant. On weekends, Sam trades in her leash and treat pouch for a good book and a sunny spot at the beach.
Apprentice Trainer Program
Paw Commons Training Department is excited to announce the Apprentice Trainer Program. We have identified a need within our community to provide a sustainable opportunity for the next generation of trainers to grow and be welcomed into a collaborative collective. This vision gave way for an 18-month education program that gives new trainers a balanced approach to education, hands-on experience, and one on one coaching.