SoCal Dog training -– Dog Trainer in Orange County” is a dog training business in Mission Viejo, California offering Private Lessons and Board and Train.
Mission Viejo • CA • 5.0 ★ (75 Google reviews)
Last verified: Sep 5, 2026
28 / 100
Minimal information
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
What they say about themselves
Vladae Roytapel, who founded SoCal Dog Training, brings an unusual background to the work. According to his site, he began competing in obedience training as a child in the Soviet Union, won national championships there and in Moldova, and later trained security dogs for a nonprofit in Detroit before establishing his practice in Southern California. He claims roughly 40 years of experience across five countries.
The business describes Roytapel as specializing in aggressive dog rehabilitation, including cases other trainers considered hopeless. His stated approach focuses on teaching owners to project calm, confident leadership so dogs can relax out of a perceived need to lead. He refers to his communication method as "Doglish," which he says he developed by observing how dogs signal each other.
SoCal Dog Training, based in the Mission Viejo area, offers private lessons, board-and-train programs (a two-week "Doggie Bootcamp"), puppy workshops, and behavioral consultations. They also provide virtual sessions for clients outside Orange County. The site notes that Roytapel has appeared on various national media outlets including NPR and CNN, and claims he has worked with celebrity and executive clients. The website appears somewhat dated, but the biographical detail about the founder's training history is more specific than many competitors provide.
Consultations and evaluations before you commit to a program.
This service assesses the puppy's breed, age, home environment, social exposure, and family background to shape a personalized training focus.
Best for: Puppies whose owners want a training plan tailored to their specific circumstances.
Focus: Puppy training, Socialization
Clients send a video of the problem behavior, then schedule a 30-minute video call where a trainer discusses possible solutions.
Best for: Dog owners located outside Southern California or unable to attend in person.
Duration: 30 sessions
Focus: Basic obedience
A phone-based alternative to the video consultation, for clients who don't use Skype, following the same format of submitting a video and scheduling a call.
Best for: Dog owners who cannot use Skype for the virtual consultation.
Duration: 30 sessions
Focus: Basic obedience
SoCal Dog Training offers a two-week board and train program covering basic obedience, socialization, and aggression work. Private lessons are also available through their Gold Training Package, which focuses on advanced obedience and off-leash recall. Specific session counts and scheduling details aren't published on the site.
What board & train costs in Mission Viejo
We don't have enough published local pricing yet. Ask for a written quote that covers duration, inclusions, and follow-up.
The dog stays with the trainers for two weeks, covering the same content as the Gold package while also working on behavioral issues.
The dog boards with the trainers for the two-week duration.
Best for: Dogs with behavioral problems in addition to obedience needs.
Focus: Basic obedience, Socialization, Aggression
Duration: 2 weeks
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Doggie Bootcamp | Not published | 2 weeks |
This package works on socializing the dog with other dogs, people, children, and cats, aiming for full off-leash control.
Focus: Socialization, Advanced obedience, Recall & off-leash
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Training Package | Not published | — |
The site uses general language about their training philosophy without naming specific techniques or tools. They do accept dogs with aggression issues, which suggests experience with behavioral cases.
Method: Method unclear
Their website describes their approach in general terms without specifying which methods or tools they use.
Certifications: Not specified on their website
Verification still pending or not yet requested. See our methodology for what verification does and does not mean.
They've been in business for 40 years, a notably long track record in the industry. Details about facility setup, overnight supervision during board and train, owner visit policies, and insurance aren't addressed 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: not specified on their website.
Waitlist: not specified on their website.
Dogs per trainer: not specified on their website.
Booking: Contact form
Price: SoCal Dog training -– Dog Trainer in Orange County” does not publish board & train pricing. Across Mission Viejo, 0 programs publish prices.
Reviews: SoCal Dog training -– Dog Trainer in Orange County” shows 5.0★ from 75 Google reviews among 1 published Mission Viejo programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 28 out of 100 (price 0%, program clarity 68%). Certification disclosure is still sparse in this city.
Training takes place at 125 Alienta Ln in Mission Viejo. Parking availability and facility accessibility details aren't mentioned.
125 Alienta Ln, Mission Viejo, CA
Friday: 9AM-10PM
Monday: 9AM-10PM
Sunday: 11AM-9PM
Tuesday: 9AM-10PM
Saturday: 9AM-10PM
Thursday: 9AM-10PM
Wednesday: 9AM-10PM
Reach out directly or send a quote request through SoCal Dog training -– Dog Trainer in Orange County”.
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