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Wigglewag Training & Dog Care Services is a dog training business in Pasadena, California offering Private Lessons and Board and Train, with published programs from $850.
Pasadena • CA • Home-based trainer • 4.7 ★ (28 Google reviews)
Last verified: Aug 21, 2026
96 / 100
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What they say about themselves
Wigglewag Training & Dog Care Services is a family-owned Pasadena business founded by Cynthia and Nestor Escobar. Nestor is described as the owner, Expert Canine Behavioralist, and Master Trainer, with more than 13 years of canine-care experience and work with thousands of dogs and owners. Cynthia is co-owner and a canine trainer. The website states that Nestor has studied canine behavior and psychology, training, rehabilitation, health, nutrition, and holistic health.
Training is highly individualized and integrates owner education with work on the dog. Programs range from private introductory and supportive sessions to multi-session packages and residential training lasting 21 or 30 days. Common concerns include fear, anxiety, jumping, aggression, barking, socialization, and broader rehabilitation needs. Board-and-train programs include an introductory psychology session plus follow-up private sessions, while daycare is incorporated into the company's broader training and socialization model.
Wigglewag describes its approach as based heavily on canine psychology, natural learning, structure, exercise, pack interaction, relationship building, and owner leadership. The site also states that e-collar training is available. Its residential Pasadena facility has a live-in lead trainer, and boarding provides 24-hour structure, training, play, and rest. Wigglewag is bonded and insured and states that Nestor is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals. Enrollment is selective, and the website repeatedly states that an Introductory to K9 Psychology session plus at least two daycare days per week are required.
Consultations and evaluations before you commit to a program.
A short one-on-one evaluation where the trainer assesses the dog either at the client's home or Wigglewag's site.
Best for: Prospective clients wanting an initial evaluation of their dog's needs.
Focus: Basic obedience
A required 2.5-hour in-depth intake session where the trainer evaluates the dog and family dynamics to build a rehabilitation plan.
Best for: All clients before enrolling in further training services.
Focus: Basic obedience
Private evaluations, introductory psychology sessions, supportive training, Puppy 101, multi-session relationship programs, 21- and 30-day board-and-train, puppy residential training, structured daycare, boarding, and behavioral rehabilitation are offered. Training can address fear, anxiety, aggression, barking, socialization, household structure, and owner-dog communication. E-collar training is also available.
Private training ranges from $175 for an evaluation to $850 for a graduate supportive session. Training packages cost $2,050 to $3,900, with Puppy 101 at $2,450. Board-and-train costs $4,500 to $8,189. Daycare is generally listed at $60 to $75 daily and boarding at $90 to $105, depending on program level.
A 21-day board-and-train stay with 24-hour supervision, structure, and relationship-building, including a 2.5-hour intro session and two follow-up private sessions.
The dog boards on-site under the trainer's direct supervision for 21 days.
Best for: Dogs with moderate rehabilitation and training needs.
Focus: Basic obedience
Duration: 21 days
Includes: Owner handoff sessions, Follow-up sessions
A 30-day intensive board-and-train stay with 24-hour supervision, including a 2.5-hour intro session and four follow-up private sessions.
The dog boards on-site under the trainer's direct supervision for 30 days.
Best for: Dogs with in-depth rehabilitation and training needs.
Focus: Basic obedience, Advanced obedience
Duration: 30 days
Includes: Owner handoff sessions, Follow-up sessions
A 21-day board-and-train program for puppies covering socialization, guidance, and foundational training under 24-hour supervision.
The puppy boards on-site for 21 days with the trainer, plus a 2.5-hour intro session and two follow-up sessions.
Best for: Puppies needing a foundational start to training and socialization.
Focus: Puppy training, Socialization, Basic obedience
Duration: 21 days
Includes: Owner handoff sessions, Follow-up sessions
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Board & Train | $5,460 per program | 21 days |
| Advanced Board & Train | $8,189 per program | 30 days |
| Solid Foundations — Puppies Only | $4,500 per program | 21 days |
A 60-minute in-home follow-up session for past clients wanting continued guidance.
The trainer conducts a private in-home session with the owner.
Best for: Graduates of Wigglewag programs wanting additional support.
Focus: Basic obedience
A three-session package covering canine psychology, socialization, potty and crate training, and pack walking basics for new puppy owners.
Includes one 2.5-hour intro session plus two 60-minute supportive sessions.
Best for: New puppy owners wanting foundational guidance.
Focus: Puppy training, Socialization, Basic obedience
Includes: Owner handoff sessions, Follow-up sessions
A three-session package of foundational and supportive private training aimed at deepening the owner-dog relationship.
Three 60-minute private in-home sessions with the expert trainer.
Best for: Owners ready to begin rehabilitation and training work with their dog.
Focus: Basic obedience
Duration: 3 sessions
The highest tier private training package with six 60-minute sessions intended to deeply transform the owner-dog relationship.
Six 60-minute private foundational and supportive sessions with the expert trainer.
Best for: Owners seeking the most intensive private training support offered.
Focus: Basic obedience, Advanced obedience
Duration: 6 sessions
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Supportive Session | $850 per session | — |
| Puppy 101: What do I do NOW?! | $2,450 per program | — |
| Building a Relationship | $2,050 per program | 3 sessions |
| If You Lead They Will Follow | $3,900 per program | 6 sessions |
Wigglewag emphasizes canine psychology, natural pack learning, structure, exercise, relationship building, owner education, and individualized rehabilitation. The goal is described as creating balance and confidence rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all program. The website also states that e-collar training is available.
Method: Balanced
Combines rewards with corrections, which may include tools such as prong collars or e-collars.
Certifications: IACP
Verification still pending or not yet requested. See our methodology for what verification does and does not mean.
Wigglewag states that it is bonded and insured, with Nestor directly supervising training and housing needs. Residential boarding includes a live-in trainer and 24-hour structure. Dogs are assessed before group services, and some may begin with private work or controlled walks before entering daycare.
Facility: Home-based trainer
Owner visits: not specified on their website.
Video updates: not specified on their website.
Overnight staffing: Yes
Insurance: Yes
Guarantee: No guarantee offered
Waitlist: not specified on their website.
Dogs per trainer: not specified on their website.
Booking: Phone only
Price: Their board & train is 38% above the Pasadena midpoint based on published prices.
Reviews: Wigglewag Training & Dog Care Services shows 4.7★ from 28 Google reviews among 2 published Pasadena programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 96 out of 100 (price 100%, program clarity 84%). 1 of 2 Pasadena listings show certifications; this business lists IACP.
Wigglewag operates from a residential training facility in Pasadena, near the Bungalow Heaven area, and serves clients throughout the surrounding San Gabriel Valley. A full public street address, parking information, and accessibility details are not published.
270 E Claremont St, Pasadena, CA
Friday: 7AM-6PM
Monday: 7AM-6PM
Sunday: 9AM-5PM
Tuesday: 7AM-6PM
Saturday: 9AM-5PM
Thursday: 7AM-6PM
Wednesday: 7AM-6PM
Reach out directly or send a quote request through Wigglewag Training & Dog Care Services.
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