Protection Dog Temperament Test — $250/session
Best for: Dogs must be at least 10 months of age
Focus: Aggression
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Man-K9 - San Diego Dog Training
Man-K9 - San Diego Dog Training is a dog training business in San Diego, California offering Private Lessons and Group Classes, with published programs from $100.
San Diego • CA • Training facility • 4.9 ★ (83 Google reviews)
Last verified: Sep 5, 2026
Transparency Score
42 / 100
Limited information
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
- Price transparency
- 50%
- Method transparency
- 35%
- Program clarity
- 37%
About this program
What they say about themselves
Manuel Villanueva has spent over four decades training dogs, with a background rooted in police K9 work. According to his site, he began working with Dobermans, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds at 18, later studying under Fon Johnson, a figure he credits as a pioneer in law enforcement canine training. His credentials include California P.O.S.T. certification as both an instructor and evaluator, and the business describes him as the sole civilian in San Diego County contracted by police departments to train their K9 units. He currently works with agencies in Oceanside, Carlsbad, Chula Vista, and several other Southern California cities.
The San Diego operation focuses heavily on professional applications: patrol dog training, narcotics and explosives detection, and handler certification courses. They also offer protection dogs for private clients, ranging from home security animals to what they call their "Elite" tier. Their stated approach emphasizes adapting methods to each dog's temperament rather than applying uniform techniques.
The team includes senior trainer Fon, who has worked across disciplines from pet obedience to police academy instruction since 2012. The business points to competition results as evidence of their methods—handlers they've trained have placed at events like the Riverside K9 Trials, and Villanueva has judged both national and international competitions. A temperament evaluation precedes their protection training programs.
Getting started
Consultations and evaluations before you commit to a program.
What does Man-K9 - San Diego Dog Training charge for board and train?
Protection training, law enforcement courses, and detection dog programs form the core of what Man-K9 - San Diego Dog Training offers. Private protection training runs 10 sessions and requires passing a temperament test first. Professional courses include a CA P.O.S.T. certified agitator course (capped at 6 students), a canine team evaluator certification for experienced handlers, and a 5-week detection dog handler course.
Protection dog private training costs $6,000 for the 10-session course. Professional certification courses are more accessible: the P.O.S.T. agitator course runs $350, and the team evaluator course is $100. Pricing for the patrol academy and detection handler courses isn't published.
Private Lessons
Protection Dog Private Training — $6,000 per program
Best for: Only for dogs that have completed the temperament test
Focus: Aggression, Advanced obedience
Duration: 10 sessions
Police Training — Single Private Lessons
Best for: Designed for Sergeants, Lieutenants and Captains with no K9 experience or new canine supervisors
Focus: Advanced obedience, Aggression
Private Lessons in San Diego typically runs $108–$1,195 across 17 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Protection Dog Private Training | $6,000 per program | 10 sessions |
| Police Training — Single Private Lessons | Not published | — |
Group Classes
CA P.O.S.T. Certified Agitator Course — $350 per program
Best for: Designed for novice and experienced handlers and decoys; limited to 6 students
Focus: Aggression, Advanced obedience
Canine Team Evaluator Course — $100 per program
Best for: For officers with at least 5 years experience as a canine handler
Focus: Advanced obedience
Detection Dog Basic Handler's Course
Focus: Scent work, Advanced obedience
Duration: 5 weeks
Group Classes in San Diego typically runs $92–$550 across 27 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
Patrol Academy — Basic Handler Course
Focus: Advanced obedience, Aggression
Group Classes in San Diego typically runs $92–$550 across 27 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| CA P.O.S.T. Certified Agitator Course | $350 per program | — |
| Canine Team Evaluator Course | $100 per program | — |
| Detection Dog Basic Handler's Course | Not published | 5 weeks |
| Patrol Academy — Basic Handler Course | Not published | — |
What training methods does Man-K9 - San Diego Dog Training use?
The site uses general language about training philosophy without naming specific tools or techniques. Whether they accept dogs with aggression or bite history isn't addressed directly.
Method: Method unclear
Their website describes their approach in general terms without specifying which methods or tools they use.
How do we verify Man-K9 - San Diego Dog Training?
Certifications: 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 1982, the program runs from a dedicated facility and lists AKC CGC Evaluator certification. Details about insurance, guarantees, and overnight staffing don't appear on the site. Visitation policies and update frequency for dogs in training aren't specified.
Facility: Training facility
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: Phone only
How does Man-K9 - San Diego Dog Training compare in San Diego?
Price: Man-K9 - San Diego Dog Training does not publish board & train pricing. Across San Diego, 55 programs publish prices from about $77 to $876.
Reviews: Man-K9 - San Diego Dog Training shows 4.9★ from 83 Google reviews among 23 published San Diego programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 42 out of 100 (price 50%, program clarity 37%). 7 of 23 San Diego listings show certifications; this business lists AKC CGC Evaluator.
What to ask Man-K9 - San Diego Dog Training
- Ask for proof of liability insurance.
- Ask how many dogs each trainer handles at once.
- Their site describes their approach in general terms — ask which specific methods and tools they use.
- Ask whether you can visit during the program.
- Ask if anyone is on-site overnight.
Location & hours
The Santa Fe Street facility sits in San Diego's 92109 zip code. Parking availability and accessibility features aren't described on the site.
5050 Santa Fe St, San Diego, 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 Man-K9 - San Diego Dog Training.
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