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Out N' About Dog Training is a dog training business in La Mesa, California offering Private Lessons, Board and Train, In-Home Training, and Group Classes, with published programs from $165.
La Mesa • CA • 4.7 ★ (20 Google reviews)
Last verified: Sep 5, 2026
56 / 100
Moderately transparent
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
What they say about themselves
Julie Schmitt brings an unusual background to dog training. Before founding Out N' About Dog Training in 2002, she spent six years working at a guide dog organization, earning a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor license—a credential her site describes as unique among San Diego trainers. She holds additional certifications including CPDT-KA and was personally approved as a trainer by Victoria Stilwell.
Her approach, as she describes it, mirrors how she raised her own kids: reward-based, focused on relationship-building, and attentive to small positive moments rather than punishing mistakes. She characterizes her methods as rooted in scientific research and designed for lasting results. The business serves East San Diego County, including La Mesa, Santee, El Cajon, and surrounding neighborhoods.
Out N' About offers private in-home sessions, day training, board and train, and group classes. According to their site, behavior consulting for dogs nine months and older addresses issues like aggression, fear, anxiety, and resource guarding, while younger dogs work on foundational manners. Group classes are kept intentionally small—four dogs for drop-in sessions, up to six for puppy preschool with two assistants present. Virtual evaluations before in-person work are offered as a way to reduce stress and accelerate progress. The business notes recommendations from local veterinary hospitals and an animal shelter.
Consultations and evaluations before you commit to a program.
This is a one-hour virtual session in which the trainer assesses the dog's behavior issues and develops a plan of action before in-person work begins.
Best for: Owners at the start of the behavior consulting process, before their first in-person session.
Duration: 1 sessions
Focus: Basic obedience
Private behavior consulting runs $165 per session, with a four-session package available for $660. Out N' About Dog Training also offers a three-week board and train, day training where they work with your dog while you're away, and group classes including a six-week puppy program for dogs under five months. Drop-in specialty classes are available for dogs over six months.
Private sessions cost $165 each, or $660 for a four-session package. Pricing for the board and train, day training, and group classes isn't published online.
A three-week program in which the dog boards with the trainer, who develops a plan based on the dog and family's needs and teaches the dog to behave well within the household.
The dog stays with the trainer for the duration, and the family receives tactics and tools at the end to maintain results.
Best for: Dogs whose behavior has become too much for the family to manage on their own, as described by a client with an exuberant young Weimaraner.
Focus: Basic obedience
Duration: 3 weeks
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Board and Train — Three Week Program | Not published | 3 weeks |
Private one-on-one training sessions covering everyday manners like greetings and leash walking, as well as more serious behavior issues such as aggression, fear, anxiety, and resource guarding. Sessions can take place at home or in other locations chosen by the client.
A trainer meets one-on-one with the owner and dog, tailoring a plan to the dog's temperament and the household.
Best for: Owners of dogs with general obedience gaps or with more serious behavioral concerns like aggression or anxiety.
Focus: Basic obedience, Aggression, Fear & anxiety, Resource guarding
Duration: 1 sessions; 4-session package $660
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Behavior Consulting and Training — Single Session | $165 per session | 1 sessions |
Focus: Basic obedience
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Day Training | Not published | — |
A class-based program to help owners get through puppyhood, teaching skills for the puppy to grow into a well-behaved adult companion. Puppies must have at least one set of vaccinations before starting.
Puppies attend group classes such as Puppy Preschool alongside other vaccinated puppies, led by the trainer and assistants.
Best for: Puppies under 5 months old, with private alternatives available for puppies who can't yet attend group classes.
Focus: Puppy training, Socialization, Basic obedience
Duration: 6 weeks
Group Classes in La Mesa typically runs $127–$179 across 9 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
Drop-in group classes covering fun and functional skills, kept small with only 4 dogs per class for personal attention.
Owners and dogs attend small drop-in group sessions led by the trainer.
Best for: Dogs over 6 months old looking for ongoing group class options.
Focus: Basic obedience, Socialization
Group Classes in La Mesa typically runs $127–$179 across 9 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Training | Not published | 6 weeks |
| Specialty Classes | Not published | — |
They explicitly describe their approach as force-free. The program does work with dogs showing aggression or other serious behavior issues.
Method: Reward-based
Uses rewards and positive reinforcement only, without corrections or aversive tools.
Certifications: CPDT-KA, APDT, CCPDT
Verification still pending or not yet requested. See our methodology for what verification does and does not mean.
The lead trainer holds CPDT-KA certification and has been in the field for 30 years. Insurance coverage and guarantee terms aren't mentioned on the site.
Facility: not specified on their website.
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: No guarantee offered
Waitlist: not specified on their website.
Dogs per trainer: not specified on their website.
Booking: Contact form
Price: Out N' About Dog Training does not publish board & train pricing. Across La Mesa, 11 programs publish prices from about $120 to $179.
Reviews: Out N' About Dog Training shows 4.7★ from 20 Google reviews among 2 published La Mesa programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 56 out of 100 (price 20%, program clarity 66%). 2 of 2 La Mesa listings show certifications; this business lists CPDT-KA, APDT, CCPDT.
Training takes place on Dale Ave in La Mesa. The site doesn't specify whether sessions happen at a facility, in-home, or both.
Dale Ave, La Mesa, CA
Friday: Closed
Monday: 8AM-6PM
Sunday: 9AM-6PM
Tuesday: 8AM-6PM
Saturday: Closed
Thursday: 8AM-6PM
Wednesday: 8AM-7PM
Reach out directly or send a quote request through Out N' About Dog Training.
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