Facebook-f Instagram
Logo for Alcala Country Pet Resort featuring a dog silhouette and the tagline "Where your pets come in as guests and leave as family."
Login or Sign Up

Dog Training

Book Your Free Dog Training Evaluation Today

Book Now
At Alcala Country Pet Resort, we understand that your dog is not just a pet, but a member of your family. It’s never too early OR too late to get professional assistance with dog training in Encinitas, CA. We work towards bringing out your pet’s best behavior while reducing and resolving undesirable behavior. Our certified professional dog trainers are here to help establish clear expectations and create a roadmap targeted at achieving your specific dog training goals.

Dog Training in Encinitas & Carlsbad, CA

At Alcala Country Pet Resort, we understand that your dog is more than just a pet — they’re a beloved member of your family. Whether you’re seeking dog training in Encinitas, CA, or need help with specific behavioral issues, it’s never too early or late to get professional assistance. We aim to bring out your dog’s best behavior while resolving undesirable habits.

Our certified professional dog trainers, have decades of combined experience and specialize in a wide range of training services in Carlsbad, CA, including:

Our Dog Training Programs: From Foundation to Advanced Skills:

  • Foundation Skills Training: Attention, sit, down, recall
  • Intermediate Skills Training: Leave it, drop it, stay, door manners, leash walking
  • Advanced Skills Training: Reinforcing all of the above in different environments and with varying distractions
  • Jumpy Greetings: On and off-leash training
  • Cooperative Handling: For grooming and vet visits
  • Leash Reactivity Training
  • Resource Guarding
  • Behavior Modification for Aggression: Available in private lessons only

Strengthening Your Relationship with Your Dog Through Training

There is no better time than now to create and strengthen a long-lasting, loving relationship with your canine companion based on mutual trust, respect, and love. Our framework for working with every dog is built to create resilient, brave, and confident dogs who live harmoniously with their families. We explore creative ways to meet each dog’s unique needs, collaborate with pet parents to implement successful management strategies for preventing undesirable behaviors and utilize positive reinforcement training activities to teach desirable alternative behaviors. We do NOT use any tools or techniques that will suppress your dog’s behavior with fear, pain, or intimidation.

Take the First Step – Schedule Your Free Training Evaluation Now!

Book Now

In Facility Day Training/Puppy Training Preschool

Want to make the most out of your dog’s daycare time? Our In-Facility Day Training programs are a favorite among busy pet parents in Encinitas and Carlsbad, CA who want expert help reinforcing good behavior and obedience skills. This all-in-one option combines play, learning, and professional guidance — so your dog learns while you handle your day.

Our Puppy Training Preschool is the best way to kickstart your puppy’s training in Encinitas, CA and nearby areas like Carlsbad. Designed for puppies at least 10 weeks old (with 2 rounds of Distemper/Parvo vaccines), this program focuses on:

  • Safe and structured human, dog, and environmental socialization

  • Confidence-building through crate training

  • Teaching foundational life skills that last a lifetime

Early training creates better-behaved dogs — and happier homes.

Whether you’re just starting out with training or dealing with challenging behaviors like jumping, barking, or leash pulling — our Day Training programs are here to help. We work one-on-one with your dog during daycare to teach practical skills and reinforce positive behavior in a real-world environment.

Dog Training Program Pricing:

 
  • 10 days + 2 private lessons = $2295
  • 20 days + 3 private lessons = $4295
  • 30 days + 4 private lessons = $6295
  • Add on private lessons $175/hour
In Facility Day Training/Puppy Training Preschool

Book Your Free Dog Training Consultation!

Book Now

In-Facility Board & Train Dog Training Programs

An immersive behavioral wellness experience! Board & Train programs are a great option for jump-starting a new puppy towards training success, structured mental enrichment during extended dog boarding stays, continued reinforcement of previously learned skills, or providing specialized help towards resolving common problem behaviors. We take pride in providing your dog with highly-skilled and individualized time, attention, and practice to nurture and enhance the calm, confident, and well-mannered dog we know they can be. All Board & Train programs start with a one hour private lesson for setting clear goals and expectations and finish with a one hour private lesson – at time of pick-up – to ensure you have all the information to maintain success after returning home with your pup. You will receive weekly reports, photos, and video clips throughout your dog’s stay.

What to Expect During Your Dog’s Stay:

     
  • Ample outside time in our fully fenced yards for potty breaks and exercise
  • Scheduled meals in mentally stimulating enrichment toys
  • Strategic and Structured management and handling for diligently preventing practice of undesirable behaviors
  • Multiple dog training sessions per day practicing skills to achieve goals we set together
  • Supervised dog-to-dog play if/when appropriate
  • Safe and controlled exposure to novel stimuli for socialization.
  • Calming atmosphere for nap times and overnight sleep
  • Lots of love and snuggles

We strongly encourage additional follow-up lessons and day training to maximize and maintain success.

Board & Train Program Pricing:

     
  • 2 Weeks + 2 Lessons = $3395
  • 4 Weeks + 3 Lessons = $6395
  • 6 Weeks + 4 Lessons = $9195
If you’re searching for dog training near me or reliable dog training in Carlsbad, CA, we’ve got you covered.
In Facility Board & Train Dog Training

BOOK YOUR FREE TRAINING EVALUATION OR INQUIRY PHONE CALL TODAY!

Book Now

One-on-One Private Dog Training Lessons

Private dog training lessons are ideal for dog-savvy owners seeking personalized guidance to achieve lasting behavior changes. Whether you’re looking for help with specific issues or want to reinforce foundational skills, our private lessons are designed to suit your schedule and goals. We recommend meeting every one to two weeks to ensure steady progress and consistent behavior improvement.

During each session, you and your dog will work directly with our professional trainers to implement new strategies and techniques that fit seamlessly into your daily routine. Our trainers will provide step-by-step instructions, offering practical advice on how to incorporate these techniques into your everyday life. After each lesson, you’ll receive a detailed follow-up email with exercises, activities, and video clips to help reinforce what you’ve learned.

What’s Included in Private Lessons:

  • Initial Consultation & Goal Setting: We’ll conduct a detailed Q&A to define your dog’s immediate and long-term training goals.
  • Behavior Analysis: Observation of your dog’s body language and behavior, with explanations for better understanding.
  • Custom Training Plan: Personalized strategies for positive reinforcement, counter-conditioning, and desensitization to achieve your goals.
  • Safety & Management Tips: Proactive advice on increasing safety and preventing unwanted behaviors.
  • Recommended Supplies: Suggestions on training tools and equipment for optimal success.
  • Consistency and Routine: Help setting a predictable daily routine for your dog to foster long-term behavioral changes.
  • Follow-Up Lessons: We’ll discuss and schedule future lessons to continue progress.

Important Note: For best results, we encourage the participation of all immediate family members during training sessions. Consistent support and execution from everyone in the household are critical to reaching your training goals.

Pricing:

  • Initial Consultation (90 min) + 4 One Hour Lessons = $995
  • Add-on Private Lesson = $175/hour

 

One-on-One Private Dog Training Lessons
traning program

DOG TRAINING GROUP CLASSES

All of our group classes meet for one hour per week for 5 consecutive weeks. Week 1 of all classes are for HUMANS ONLY, no dogs. This will allow us to ensure everyone is well informed on safety, expectations, basic terms and concepts, reinforcement systems, and relevant introductory exercises before attending class with their dogs.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

  • All participating dogs OVER 16 WEEKS OF AGE must have current rabies, DHPP, bordetella vaccines and be in good general health. Puppies may start training programs as early as 10 weeks of age with 2 rounds of DHPP and provide updated records as appropriate. No refunds will be issued for dogs excused from class due to expired vaccination status or medical concerns.

BEHAVIOR

  • Alcala Country Pet Resort group classes are not designed to address reactive, aggressive, or separation related behavioral issues. Private lessons are available to address such concerns. Please inquire with our training manager for scheduling. No refunds will be issued for dogs excused from class  for behavioral disruption.

PREREQUISITES

  • To optimize accessibility to our community, Alcala Country Pet Resort group classes do not have any required prerequisites. Please thoroughly review class descriptions and suggested prerequisite skills to ensure your dog is ready to attend. No refunds will be issued for lack of preparedness or understanding of suggested prerequisite skills.

COST

  • Payment is collected in full ($250/class) at the time of registration to secure your reservation. No class transfers and/or refunds will be issued within one week of the class start date.

ATTENDANCE

  • Classes start and end promptly at their scheduled times. Those who arrive 10 minutes late will not be admitted and marked absent. No refunds are issued for tardiness or absence.
  • Alcala Country Pet Resort does not offer makeup classes. An opportunity to audit (without dog) a future class may be offered when appropriate.
  • Classes run for 5 consecutive weeks. If you anticipate missing more than 1 week, we strongly recommend waiting until a future class where you can have full attendance.

SUPPLIES & MATERIALS

  • At the time of enrollment, an email will be sent out including basic information for the class including location, general guidelines, as well as required and recommended supplies.
  • All enrolled students will receive emailed recaps including the discussion topics, step-by-step instructions of each exercise, helpful illustrations and video demonstrations to review at home.

Fantastic Foundations

Fantastic Foundations is an introductory dog training class for ALL AGES AND SKILL LEVELS! Whether you have a brand new puppy, a new to your home rescue dog, or want to strengthen mutual trust and understanding between you and your pup, this class is made for you! Alongside reinforcing valuable life skills, we emphasize the importance of a customized blend of decompressive activites, environmental management, physical exercise, predictable routines, social support, and agency for each individual. This class will nurture confidence and resilience for both you and your dog! Younger puppies (10-16 weeks) will experience safe socialization of new sights, sounds, smells. Adolescent and adult dogs (5+ months) will have the opportunity to practice skills around novel distractions.

GET STARTED WITH GROUP CLASS HERE

Rapid Recall

Rapid Recall is an intermediate level dog training class where you and your dog will learn and practice a variety of dynamic games to start building that turn-on-a-dime, automatic response recall you’ve always dreamed of. We start by conditioning critical foundational skills and build in more distance, speed, and distractions through each class. Having a rock solid recall is one of the most valuable skills our dogs can have. Let us help you rebuild a robust reinforcement history (LOTS OF GOOD THINGS) for your dog’s recall.

GET STARTED WITH GROUP CLASS HERE

Loose Leashes

Loose Leashes Is an intermediate level dog training class that will teach you and your dog over a dozen different exercises designed specifically for building more reliable engagement with you while simultaneously shifting your perspective on what loose leash walking “should” be. Having a dog drag you around the block is no fun for anyone involved and is one of the most frustrating problem behaviors that many pet parents have to deal with on a daily basis! There are SO many reasons why dogs pull while they’re on leash and as much as we would all love to allow our dogs to run freely off-leash in the wild outdoors for optimal physical exercise, this is not a safe, readily accessible, or a realistic option for most. On the other side of the spectrum, a 30-minute power walk on a 6ft lead around the neighborhood block usually isn’t the most satisfying option for for most dogs either.

GET STARTED WITH GROUP CLASS HERE

NEW! TRAINING ENRICHMENTS

Add a 20 minute Training Enrichment activity to any dog daycare or boarding visit. Limited spots available on a first come, first served basis. Check availability with our front desk staff when booking your dog’s next visit with us! Each session comes with a report card and photos.

Now offering
Dog Training
Dog Training

Meet your trainers!

COURTNEY roberts

After graduating from Tarleton State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Wildlife Management in 2011, Courtney volunteerd at In-sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center in Wylie, TX, The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney, TX, completed a 6 month internship at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, LA, and was employed at the Dallas Zoo for 10 months. 

In May 2014, she started in a Dog Trainer role at Petco and she quickly moved her way up to leading her district and mentoring new trainers. Courtney joined the expert team at All Fur Fun Training & Event Center where she provided day training and board and train services, assisted with marketing and social events, and attended several in-person weekend seminars with leaders in the industry. She had the pleasure of shadowing Karen Deeds (CDBC) through her Reactive Integration group classes, and got a behind the scenes look at the world of various competitive dog sports: agility, obedience, scent work, rally, etc. In 2017 she established her own business Wag Works Behavior & Training, was an active volunteer and foster for the SPCA of Texas and several local rescue organizations, and created and taught the Home for Hounds program for shelter dogs and inmates at the Dallas County Jail. As her passion to collaborate with other dog care services continued to grow, she accepted a Dog Trainer position with Camp Bow Wow where she had the opportunity to teach their team of daycare and boarding care providers all about dog body language and how to manage and handle playgroups in safer and more humane ways.

 In 2018, her extensive experience led to her accepting a leadership position assisting the start up of a brand new concept Petco branch in Southern California where Fear Free vet, daycare, grooming, and training services would all exist under the same roof. Her journey in collaborative services continued as the Training Manager of Dogs Abound from 2019-2021. Alongside owner and colleague Liz Randall, they grew a team of trainers and services specializing in providing unmatched professional guidance for everything from superior puppy foundational life skills to addressing severe aggression and reactivity.

Courtney loves living in sunny Southern California with her life partner, 4 dogs, and newest tiny human son Sage, born February 2022. She loves all things outdoors and spends many hours of her time dedicated to learning and practicing least intrusive and minimally aversive methods with an emphasis on ethical, humane, and functionally effective techniques. She regularly attends various seminars, workshops, conferences, and webinars in order to provide clients with the most up-to-date research based information available.

Courtney is a CPDT-KA, Fear Free Certified Professional, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, Certified Trick Dog Instructor and has most recently completed Behavior Explorers’ Shaping Skills with Mary Hunter, PetHarmony’s Enrichment Framework for Behavior Modification MasterClass, and the Resilience Rainbow seminar via Behavior Vets. She has brought her Fantastic Foundations, Rapid Recall, and Confidence Course group classes with her and will continue to add new and exciting training services to the Alcala menu!

COURTNEY, CPDT-KA
Staff member with dog

Cydney Litt

Cydney received her Animal Behavior College Dog Trainer (ABCDT) certification in 2018. She worked as a Petco Dog Trainer and Canine Good Citizen Evaluator with Petco from 2018-2021, instructing basic to advanced manners classes and private lessons. In April of 2021, she joined the Alcala Country Pet Resort Training Team and became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT). In April of 2023 she received her Fear Free Professional certification and emphasizes the importance of a Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach to training. Cydney is avidly continuing her education through research and additional certifications. She specializes in obedience skills and instructing group classes. Cydney is passionate about building communication between pet parents and their furry family members and setting them up for success.

 

Leeloo Multipass, a golden retriever/shepherd mix, and Korben Dallas, a staffordshire/catahoula mix, have joined Cydney and her partner TJ on their many adventures from San Diego, LA, to Oahu and back. Cydney has had a lot of fun teaching them tricks from ‘high five’ to ‘peek a boo’!

Lana Falke

Lana holds the CPDT-KA certification and is a Fear Free Certified Professional, AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and member of the Pet Professional Guild. 

With a lifelong passion for canines, Lana has dedicated her career to enhancing the bond between humans and their four-legged companions. As a teen, you could find her with her Rough Collie, Iris, competing at conformation shows across Germany. She has always had a big heart for homeless pets, and at the age of 10, she started visiting the local animal shelter on weekends to walk the rescue dogs and give them a break from their kennels.  

Soon after moving to the U.S. in 2012, Lana signed up to volunteer at the San Diego Humane Society. During her 5 years with the organization, she took on a variety of roles and responsibilities with shelter dogs. She apprenticed with Lindsey Lieberman, CBCC, Fear Free CPDT, who was the Behavior & Training Coordinator. During her time as a Behavior & Training shelter volunteer, Lana became acquainted with a variety of dog personalities, temperaments, and behavioral concerns, and it greatly shaped how she approaches training and behavior modification, particularly in the most challenging cases. 

If you are seeking assistance with manners training or behavior modification, Lana can help you and your dog build a relationship based on trust and cooperation while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare by utilizing scientifically proven, force-free methods that ensure the animal’s physical and emotional safety and well-being. She believes that all dogs are precious and works with each dog to bring out their unique strengths, and she’s dedicated to making training a positive and productive experience for both you and your dog. 

Lana is also passionate about teaching her own dogs and cat fun tricks because she found that learning tricks helped her rescue pups build confidence and strengthen the human-animal connection. Aside from working with dogs, Lana practiced refining her skills in handling and training young horses for over a decade.

Whenever she is not training her clients’ dogs, Lana pours her heart into her two shepherd mixes, Pollux and Fern, and her kitty, Antares. She’s also a certified yoga instructor and enjoys bouldering, being creative, and spending quality time with family.

Lana Falke

Cydney Litt

Cydney Litt grew up riding horses and volunteering with stable work before she began her career in dog training. In 2017, she moved to Los Angeles and adopted her first rescue, a two and a half year old lab mix with a lot of big feelings. This encouraged Cydney to study dog training by going through an educational program. By 2018, she had graduated from Animal Behavior College with honors and acquired her ABCDT certification. Soon after, she moved to Hawaii and joined Petco’s Dog Training team, becoming a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She instructed private and group classes, focusing on a wide range of obedience behaviors and problem solving for the home. During her journey with Petco, she rescued her second pup, Korben, a playful five year old Catahoula mix, from Oahu. 

After the pandemic, she moved back to her hometown of San Diego and had a unique opportunity to teach matwork skills to parents and dogs struggling with separation anxiety. Wanting to further her education even more, she joined Alcala Country Pet Resort in 2021 as a full time dog trainer. Within six months, she became a Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA). By 2022, she had also become Pet First Aid and Fear Free certified. In 2023, she spent a year building her knowledge of pet nutrition at Carlsbad Pet and Feed in addition to providing walks, enrichment, and pet sitting care through Dogs on the Run. She rejoined Alcala Country Pet Resort in September of 2024, excited to be back, and continues her dog training journey with her amazing training team.

Cydney applies positive training techniques with all her dogs by utilizing a Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive approach. Her positive reinforcement techniques help set the dog up for success and learn the skills while also having fun! She encourages questions from her clients and truly enjoys helping others. Cydney believes that learning how our dogs speak will help us bridge the gap between human and canine communication.

When she is not dog training, she can be found cuddling with her pups or losing herself in a good book. She is an avid Dungeons and Dragons nerd and enjoys going to Renaissance Fairs with family and friends.

Cydney Litt

General FAQ

Dogs and cats must be at least 16 weeks of age to join us. They need to have received their final round of puppy or kitten shots, including their first rabies vaccination.

If your dog is over 7 years of age and cat is over 10 years, we require their veterinarian to complete the below Veterinary questionnaire within 6 months of any boarding stay in order for us to ensure they are in good health to stay with us.

Veterinary Questionnaire

Dogs who aren’t spayed or neutered are more than welcome to stay and play with us. They’ll receive one-on-one play sessions with a caregiver. For the safety of all our guests, we can’t accept females approaching, in, or recently out of a heat cycle.

The following vaccinations are required for dogs:

  • Rabies (1- or 3-year duration)
  • Distemper & Parvo (1- or 3-year duration)
  • Bordetella* (Must be given within 6 MONTHS prior to visit)
  • Canine Influenza (This is not a required vaccine but is highly recommended)

         *May be administered on-site for $50.00*

The following vaccinations are required for cats:

  • Rabies (Once in cat’s lifetime, does NOT need to be current as of boarding dates)
  • FVRCP (1- or 3-year duration for all cats under 10 years of age)
  • Feline Leukemia OR FELV Test (Yearly)

Shot records may be uploaded directly to your client account. They may also be sent to our office email address, alcalacountrypetresort@gmail.com, or submitted in person. We must have vaccination records in-hand when your pet arrives, or they will not be permitted to check in.

Dogs from the same household may share accommodations; please let us know if they need to be separated at mealtime. Cats from the same household may be lodged together as long as they are able to eat in the same space. If cats cannot eat together, they will need to be housed separately. Multiple cats that are sharing a space will need to be booked into a mid-size or larger suite.

Our cattery features different size suites at different price-points. Most spaces feature three levels for your cat(s) to enjoy, and all have a built-in window; unit width and shelf area may vary from one class of accommodation to the next. If you have not been to our facility before, we recommend stopping in for a tour so you can determine what kind of space is the best fit for your cat(s) and your budget. Please keep multiple options in mind as some suite-types may be unavailable for your dates.

We provide Purina ProPlan Lamb & Rice kibble for our dogs, and we do keep a small supply of canned food on hand (usually chicken or beef). We use Blue Buffalo kibble at our cattery, as well as canned Friskies in assorted flavors. Pets that are not finicky eaters and have no food allergies or dietary restrictions are more than welcome to eat our food. If your pet has special dietary needs, experiences tummy upset with changes in diet, or is simply disinclined to eat when out of their regular environment, we recommend providing the food they are accustomed to eating at home. Food from home should be measured out per individual serving to ensure we have enough to last the duration of their stay. Please include a couple of extra meals just in case your pet needs to stay longer than initially planned. 

We have cold storage for any food that needs to be frozen or refrigerated. If your pet eats raw, fresh, or homemade food, please portion it out so we are able to thaw a couple of meals at a time while keeping the rest frozen until it is needed.

It is not necessary to bring anything else as we provide dishes, blankets, and beds for our canine and feline guests, as well as litter and boxes for cats. 

In most cases we can administer oral and topical medications (eyedrops, eardrops, creams, ointments, sprays). We do not administer any medication that is given by injection. Please bring prescription bottles or original packaging in case we have questions about what is being given or the proper dosage.

Our office is open from 7:00am to 6:00pm on weekdays, 9:00am to 5:00pm on Saturdays, and 12:00 noon to 5:00pm on Sundays. Some services are only available for certain windows within our public hours.

General Daycare: Pets may arrive anytime after we open and leave anytime before closing

Boarding Check-Ins: 8:30am – 430pm Monday – Saturday; 12PM – 430 Sunday

Boarding Check-Outs*: 8:30am – CLOSE on Monday – Saturday; OPEN – CLOSE Sunday

*Please come after NOON if your pet is receiving an exit bath

Orientation for New Dogs: 11:00am – 4:00pm, Tues – Thurs & Sat 

Touring: 12:00PM to 3:00PM, Monday – Saturday 

For the safety of our guests and staff, please leave your pet at home while you visit.

Training Consultations & In-Person Lessons: By appointment with Courtney, our Training Manager.

BOOK YOUR FREE TRAINING EVALUATION OR INQUIRY PHONE CALL TODAY!

Discount subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offers.
Applies to first-time boarding customers only.

Book Now
Scroll to Top