1 on 1 Private Sessions — $125 per session
One-on-one hourly private training sessions for the dog and owner together.
Private training of the dog and owner can take place in the owner's own home environment.
Focus: Basic obedience
Wency's Dog & Puppy Training
Wency's Dog & Puppy Training is a dog training business in Santa Barbara, California offering Group Classes, Private Lessons, and In-Home Training, with published programs from $125.
Santa Barbara • CA • Uses rented space • 5.0 ★ (5 Google reviews)
Last verified: Sep 6, 2026
Transparency Score
48 / 100
Limited information
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
- Price transparency
- 50%
- Method transparency
- 35%
- Program clarity
- 59%
About this program
What they say about themselves
Wency Elaine has been training dogs in Santa Barbara for over three decades, with roots that go back to starting puppy classes at the Santa Barbara Humane Society in 1991. According to her website, she was the first trainer in the area to offer puppy classes based on the methods of Dr. Ian Dunbar, a veterinarian and animal behaviorist whose work emphasizes early socialization and clear communication between dogs and their owners.
Her background includes extensive shelter work, where she used behavioral techniques with dogs that had been abused, neglected, or abandoned. The site notes she has trained obedience dogs—both her own and clients'—that went on to win awards. Beyond group puppy and obedience classes, she offers private in-home sessions and works with dogs dealing with fear, anxiety, or aggression.
Classes are held at a residential property with a gated entry system and an off-leash puppy play area. The program encourages all family members to attend so training stays consistent at home. Wency's Dog & Puppy Training focuses on teaching both hand signals and verbal commands, with group classes covering basics like housebreaking, biting, and digging for puppies aged three to five months.
What does Wency's Dog & Puppy Training charge for board and train?
Puppy classes, private sessions, in-home training, and an advanced novice course make up the offerings at Wency's Dog & Puppy Training. The six-week puppy program accepts dogs between 3 and 5 months old, while private sessions and in-home work suit owners who want individual attention on basic obedience.
Puppy classes cost $300 for the full six-week course. Private one-on-one sessions run $125 each, though in-home training rates aren't listed on the site.
Private Lessons
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 1 on 1 Private Sessions | $125 per session | — |
In-Home Training
In Home Private Training
Training delivered at the client's home, allowing the dog and owner to learn together in their own environment.
The trainer comes to the owner's home to work with the dog and owner together.
Focus: Basic obedience
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| In Home Private Training | Not published | — |
Group Classes
Puppy Training Classes — $300 per program
A six-week group class covering sit, down, stand, stay, wait, leave it, leash walking, and early recall work, along with housebreaking, chewing, digging, biting, and jumping problems. Owners are taught to view their puppy differently, using both hand signals and verbal commands, with an emphasis on off-leash socialization time.
Owners attend weekly 1.5-hour sessions with their puppy on leash, with limited group size of six puppies for individualized attention.
Best for: Puppies between 3 and 5 months old with current vaccinations, along with their owners and family members.
Focus: Puppy training, Socialization, Basic obedience
Duration: 6 weeks
Advance Novice Training
A follow-on obedience class for dogs beyond the puppy stage, building on basic commands.
Focus: Advanced obedience, Basic obedience
Group Classes in Santa Barbara typically runs $196–$330 across 10 programs that do publish pricing. Ask this trainer for a written quote before comparing.
| Program | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy Training Classes | $300 per program | 6 weeks |
| Advance Novice Training | Not published | — |
What training methods does Wency's Dog & Puppy Training use?
The site uses general language about training philosophy without naming specific techniques or tools. Aggression cases are considered individually rather than accepted or declined outright.
Method: Method unclear
Their website describes their approach in general terms without specifying which methods or tools they use.
How do we verify Wency's Dog & Puppy Training?
Certifications: Not specified on their website
Verification still pending or not yet requested. See our methodology for what verification does and does not mean.
Trust & facility details
Thirty years in business is the main credential mentioned, with classes capped at six dogs per trainer. Certifications, insurance details, and any satisfaction guarantees aren't published.
Facility: Uses rented space
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: 6
Booking: Phone only
How does Wency's Dog & Puppy Training compare in Santa Barbara?
Price: Wency's Dog & Puppy Training does not publish board & train pricing. Across Santa Barbara, 20 programs publish prices from about $157 to $1,665.
Reviews: Wency's Dog & Puppy Training shows 5.0★ from 5 Google reviews among 6 published Santa Barbara programs.
Transparency: This listing scores 48 out of 100 (price 50%, program clarity 59%). 1 of 6 Santa Barbara listings show certifications; this business does not list certifications.
What to ask Wency's Dog & Puppy Training
- Ask which certifications their trainers hold and who issued them.
- Ask for proof of liability insurance.
- 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
Training takes place at a rented space on Vista Vallejo in Santa Barbara. Parking and accessibility information aren't described on the site.
680 Vista Vallejo, Santa Barbara, CA
Hours: Not specified on their website
Contact / request a quote
Reach out directly or send a quote request through Wency's Dog & Puppy Training.
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