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Cape-Able Canines is a dog training business in La Mesa, California offering Group Classes and Board and Train, with published programs from $80.
La Mesa • CA • Training facility • 4.9 ★ (18 Google reviews)
Last verified: Sep 5, 2026
88 / 100
Highly transparent
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
What they say about themselves
Cape-Able Canines operates out of La Mesa, California, offering group training classes, daycare, and overnight boarding from a facility that includes an 8,100-square-foot grass play yard. According to their website, the business was originally founded by Aleita Downer and is now owned by Michelle Leone, who completed an 18-month apprenticeship program there before taking over operations. Leone lives on-site to provide round-the-clock supervision for boarding dogs.
The training staff includes Jane Glickman, who holds a CPDT-KA certification and serves as an AKC evaluator for several programs including Canine Good Citizen, STAR Puppy, and Trick Dog. Their site states that Glickman has over 25 years of classroom teaching experience. The business describes its training philosophy as focused on teaching owners how to train their own dogs rather than training dogs directly—they use what they call gentle, lure-based positive reinforcement combined with some correction.
Class offerings range from puppy socialization for dogs three to six months old through advanced obedience, with specialty options like rally, agility introduction, and AKC title preparation. Their boarding setup is described as apartment-style rather than kennel-based, with dogs staying in climate-controlled living spaces alongside staff. Daycare operates on a required weekly commitment rather than drop-in basis, which they say allows for consistent temperament-based grouping during play sessions.
Group classes cover a wide range, from puppy socialization and general obedience to rally introduction, tricks, and confidence-building courses. Cape-Able Canines also offers AKC certification prep for both Canine Good Citizen and CGC Urban tests. A board-and-train option is available at $80 per day, with food and vet care included; dogs must be spayed or neutered and over six months old.
Most group classes run $179 per course, with a tricks class at $129 and the urban prep course at $120. Boarding with training costs $80 per day. All prices are published clearly on the site.
This is a luxury boarding service, not a training program; dogs stay overnight in a staff member's apartment-style living space rather than kennels, with supervision around the clock.
Dogs live with staff in an apartment setting, participating in daycare or play during the day.
Best for: Dogs needing overnight boarding, must be current on vaccines and spayed/neutered if over 6 months.
Focus: Basic obedience
Includes: Food included, Vet care included
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bed and Biscuit Boarding | $80 per program | — |
This is a foundational obedience class for adult and senior dogs, teaching manners using lure-based and positive reinforcement methods combined with corrections.
Owners and dogs attend a weekly class working through obedience skills together.
Best for: Dogs aged 6 months to thirteen years and older.
Focus: Basic obedience, Socialization
A puppy class geared toward preparing dogs for the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy evaluation, with an emphasis on early socialization and manners.
Puppies and owners attend group sessions working on foundational skills and socialization.
Best for: Puppies between 3 and 6 months old.
Focus: Puppy training, Socialization, Basic obedience
A follow-on obedience class continuing beyond general obedience skills.
Focus: Advanced obedience
A class preparing dogs and owners for the AKC Canine Good Citizen certification test.
Focus: Advanced obedience, Basic obedience
A class teaching trick training, geared toward preparing for the AKC Trick Dog title.
Focus: Basic obedience
An introductory class to the sport of rally obedience.
Focus: Agility & dog sports, Advanced obedience
A class focused on teaching dogs to walk politely on leash without pulling.
Focus: Leash training
A class aimed at building confidence in dogs, likely helpful for nervous or unsure dogs.
Focus: Fear & anxiety, Socialization
A class preparing dogs for the AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen test in real-world outdoor settings.
Focus: Advanced obedience, Socialization
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| General Obedience | $179 per program | — |
| S.T.A.R. Puppy Class | $179 per program | — |
| Level 2 Obedience | $179 per program | — |
| Preparation for the AKC Canine Good Citizen Test | $179 per program | — |
| Tricks! | $129 per program | — |
| Introduction to Rally | $179 per program | — |
| Leash Manners | $179 per program | — |
| Confidence Courses | $179 per program | — |
| Out and About/Preparation for the CGC Urban | $120 per program | — |
The approach is explicitly described as balanced training. Specific tools or techniques aren't detailed on the site, and whether they work with aggression or bite-history cases isn't addressed.
Method: Balanced
Combines rewards with corrections, which may include tools such as prong collars or e-collars.
Certifications: CPDT-KA
Verification still pending or not yet requested. See our methodology for what verification does and does not mean.
A dedicated facility with overnight staffing handles the boarding program. At least one trainer holds a CPDT-KA certification. Insurance, guarantee terms, and owner visitation policies aren't listed.
Facility: Training facility
Owner visits: not specified on their website.
Video updates: not specified on their website.
Overnight staffing: Yes
Insurance: not specified on their website.
Guarantee: No guarantee offered
Waitlist: not specified on their website.
Dogs per trainer: not specified on their website.
Booking: not specified on their website.
Price: Published board & train pricing is still limited among other La Mesa programs, so a midpoint comparison is not available yet.
Reviews: Cape-Able Canines shows 4.9★ from 18 Google reviews among 2 published La Mesa programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 88 out of 100 (price 100%, program clarity 52%). 2 of 2 La Mesa listings show certifications; this business lists CPDT-KA.
The facility sits on Commercial Street in La Mesa. Parking availability and accessibility details don't appear on the site.
8150 Commercial St, La Mesa, CA
Friday: 6:30AM-6PM
Monday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Tuesday: 6:30AM-6PM
Saturday: Closed
Thursday: 6:30AM-6PM
Wednesday: 6:30AM-6PM
Reach out directly or send a quote request through Cape-Able Canines.
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