Free Consult
Focus: Basic obedience
1 / 8
John's Natural Dog Training Company
John's Natural Dog Training Company is a dog training business in Carlsbad, California offering In-Home Training, Group Classes, and Private Lessons.
Carlsbad • CA • Mobile / travels to you • 4.1 ★ (11 Google reviews)
Last verified: Sep 5, 2026
Transparency Score
46 / 100
Limited information
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
- Price transparency
- 0%
- Method transparency
- 100%
- Program clarity
- 63%
About this program
What they say about themselves
John Rubin founded this Carlsbad training company in 1990 after developing what he calls a "natural approach" to working with dogs. According to his website, he has trained dogs for over three decades and has been called as an expert witness in legal cases involving canine behavior. The business describes its method as relying on verbal commands, gentle correction, and praise—avoiding shock collars and choke chains, which they say a skilled trainer shouldn't need.
The training team includes head trainer Kylie Gilmour, who holds a bachelor's degree in animal science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and carries several certifications including CPDT and AKC evaluator credentials. She previously managed a boarding and training facility in Orange County. Trish Fleming, another trainer on staff, has a master's degree in education and CPDT-KA certification, with a background in working with rescue dogs affected by trauma.
John's Natural Dog Training Company offers group classes, private lessons, and in-home sessions. Their site highlights work with aggression, reactivity, and separation anxiety, though they note that aggression cases require a paid evaluation first. They also prepare dogs for AKC certifications including Canine Good Citizen. The business states it serves families with new puppies, first-time owners, and people working through challenges with rescued dogs.
Getting started
Consultations and evaluations before you commit to a program.
What does John's Natural Dog Training Company charge for board and train?
A tiered system of in-home training forms the core here, from the entry-level Silver Program for dogs needing a refresher up through the Platinum Program for aggression, socialization issues, or families with young children. John's Natural Dog Training Company also runs group classes: a six-week Beginner Class for puppies 16 weeks and older, an Advanced Class building toward off-leash reliability, and a four-week Canine Good Citizen prep course. Puppy socialization sessions are available exclusively to private program clients.
What board & train costs in Carlsbad
Private sessions in Carlsbad sit around a $150 median among listings that publish prices. Ask what a full program would cost for your dog.
Private Lessons
K9 Personal Trainer Program
A more customizable, comprehensive one-on-one training option beyond the standard tiered packages.
Focus: Basic obedience
Private Lessons in Carlsbad typically runs $128–$785 across 9 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| K9 Personal Trainer Program | Not published | — |
In-Home Training
Platinum Program
This is the most comprehensive in-home package, geared toward puppies, rescues with behavior concerns, and dogs working toward CGC, Therapy Dog, or AKC obedience titles. It includes access to the ongoing group obedience and puppy socialization classes.
Training is delivered in-home with the option to attend group classes included in the package.
Best for: Owners with young pups, rescues with behavioral issues, new or inexperienced owners, and dogs with aggression or socialization issues.
Focus: Puppy training, Aggression, Socialization, Basic obedience
In-Home Training in Carlsbad typically runs $369–$2,290 across 3 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
Gold Program
A mid-tier in-home package intended for dogs with mild behavioral issues or owners wanting refresher training.
Training is delivered in-home as a private package.
Best for: Owners with pups or older dogs, including some with mild behavioral issues or experienced owners wanting a refresher.
Focus: Basic obedience, Puppy training
In-Home Training in Carlsbad typically runs $369–$2,290 across 3 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
Silver Program
A lighter in-home package aimed at dogs with minimal issues or experienced owners needing a refresher course.
Training is delivered in-home as a private package.
Best for: Older or rescued dogs with few to no behavioral issues, or very experienced owners.
Focus: Basic obedience
In-Home Training in Carlsbad typically runs $369–$2,290 across 3 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Platinum Program | Not published | — |
| Gold Program | Not published | — |
| Silver Program | Not published | — |
Group Classes
Bronze Program (Unlimited Group Package)
This package provides ongoing, unlimited access to the group obedience classes, though it does not include CGC preparation.
Owners bring their dog to unlimited group obedience classes on an ongoing basis.
Best for: Very experienced owners or those who completed the Silver program wanting more class access.
Focus: Basic obedience, Socialization
Includes: Lifetime support
Group Classes in Carlsbad typically runs $135–$405 across 8 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
Beginner Class
A six-week, one-hour weekly on-leash class covering long-distance work on a lunge line and the come command, with class materials and a graduation certificate included.
Dogs attend weekly one-hour on-leash group sessions for six weeks.
Best for: Pups 16 weeks or older, or dogs with little to no obedience training.
Focus: Basic obedience, Puppy training, Recall & off-leash
Duration: 6 weeks
Group Classes in Carlsbad typically runs $135–$405 across 8 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
Advanced Class
A six-week, 45-minute weekly class involving more intensive handling techniques, formal obedience commands, and extended long-distance work, preparing dogs for CGC certification or AKC obedience competition.
Dogs attend weekly 45-minute group sessions for six weeks.
Best for: Dogs who have already completed the Beginner Class or private training.
Focus: Advanced obedience, Recall & off-leash
Duration: 6 weeks
Group Classes in Carlsbad typically runs $135–$405 across 8 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
Puppy Socialization
A socialization-focused class where young pups meet other puppies while starting the obedience process, with games that build confidence and lessons on housebreaking, nutrition, and leash training.
Puppies attend a group class alongside other young pups.
Best for: Young puppies, including those too young for the Beginner Class.
Focus: Puppy training, Socialization, Basic obedience
Group Classes in Carlsbad typically runs $135–$405 across 8 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
Canine Good Citizen
A four-week, one-hour weekly class that prepares dogs for the AKC's ten-step Canine Good Citizen test, culminating in the test itself and certificate upon passing.
Dogs attend weekly one-hour classes for four weeks and then take the CGC test.
Focus: Advanced obedience
Duration: 4 weeks
Group Classes in Carlsbad typically runs $135–$405 across 8 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze Program (Unlimited Group Package) | Not published | — |
| Beginner Class | Not published | 6 weeks |
| Advanced Class | Not published | 6 weeks |
| Puppy Socialization | Not published | — |
| Canine Good Citizen | Not published | 4 weeks |
What training methods does John's Natural Dog Training Company use?
The approach is explicitly balanced, combining techniques from multiple training philosophies. Aggression and behavioral cases are accepted, though eligibility appears to be evaluated individually rather than guaranteed for every dog.
Method: Balanced
Combines rewards with corrections, which may include tools such as prong collars or e-collars.
How do we verify John's Natural Dog Training Company?
Certifications: CPDT-KA, AKC CGC Evaluator
Verification still pending or not yet requested. See our methodology for what verification does and does not mean.
Trust & facility details
Operating since 1991, the trainer holds a CPDT-KA certification and serves as an AKC CGC Evaluator. Insurance coverage and guarantee terms aren't addressed on the website.
Facility: Mobile / travels to you
Owner visits: not specified on their website.
Video updates: not specified on their website.
Overnight staffing: not specified on their website.
Insurance: not specified on their website.
Guarantee: not specified on their website.
Waitlist: not specified on their website.
Dogs per trainer: not specified on their website.
Booking: Contact form
How does John's Natural Dog Training Company compare in Carlsbad?
Price: John's Natural Dog Training Company does not publish board & train pricing. Across Carlsbad, 21 programs publish prices from about $89 to $1,490.
Reviews: John's Natural Dog Training Company shows 4.1★ from 11 Google reviews among 5 published Carlsbad programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 46 out of 100 (price 0%, program clarity 63%). 3 of 5 Carlsbad listings show certifications; this business lists CPDT-KA, AKC CGC Evaluator.
What to ask John's Natural Dog Training Company
- They don't publish pricing — ask what a three-week board and train costs and exactly what's included.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance.
- Ask how many dogs each trainer handles at once.
- Ask whether you can visit during the program.
- Ask if anyone is on-site overnight.
Location & hours
Training happens in clients' homes throughout the Carlsbad area, with the business based on Roosevelt St. Since this is a mobile operation, there's no facility to visit, and parking or accessibility considerations depend on your own location.
Roosevelt St, Carlsbad, CA
Friday: 8AM-5PM
Monday: 8AM-5PM
Sunday: 9AM-4PM
Tuesday: 8AM-5PM
Saturday: 9AM-4PM
Thursday: 8AM-5PM
Wednesday: 8AM-5PM
Contact / request a quote
Reach out directly or send a quote request through John's Natural Dog Training Company.
Compare Carlsbad programs like these
Similar programs nearby
Finest City Dog Training - North County
Carlsbad, CA · 4.8 ★ (32)
Group Classes · Private Lessons
9 programs
From $40
Balanced
Traction Dog Training Club
Carlsbad, CA · 4.8 ★ (17)
Private Lessons · In-Home Training · Board and Train
11 programs
From $45
Balanced
Performance K9 Training
Carlsbad, CA · 5.0 ★ (18)
Board and Train · Private Lessons
6 programs
Contact for pricing
Balanced
Canine Learning Centers
Carlsbad, CA · 5.0 ★ (75)
Group Classes · Private Lessons
10 programs
From $250
Method unclear
Specialty Dog Training
Oceanside, CA · 4.6 ★ (101)
Board and Train · Private Lessons · In-Home Training · +1
7 programs
From $149
Balanced
Pat's Pack Dog Training
Oceanside, CA · 5.0 ★ (91)
Private Lessons · In-Home Training · Board and Train
3 programs
Contact for pricing
Reward-based