Dog Behaviorist
Service in San Diego

Get professional help from a dog training and behavior company with more than 40+ years of experience

Is Your Fur Baby Acting Out or Acting Up?

Natural canine behaviors, such as chewing, digging, biting, scratching, running away, and barking can be challenging for dog owners to manage and can be helped with dog behaviorist training.

With Fon’s Dog Training, your fur baby is in the most capable of hands. From correcting ‘bad behaviors’ to strengthening the bond between pet parent and pet, we can help you and your dog through virtually any challenge.

What is a Dog Behaviorist?

A dog behaviorist is a professional trained and experienced in interpreting and understanding WHY a dog may exhibit certain behaviors. Dog behaviorists, such as those from Fon’s Dog Training, seek to discover and understand the motives (good or bad) that drive such behavior.

In other words, dog behaviorists treat the action (barking, biting, chewing, etc.) as a symptom of an underlying motivation or cause. This enables behaviorists to effectively address the reason behind the behavior, getting to the root and origin of the problem.

By understanding a dog’s reasoning behind its action, trainers, and owners will be better equipped to help their dog work through the issues in the most effective way possible.

Dog behaviorists work with pets and their owners to evaluate, observe and interpret dogs’ behavior in various settings, ranging from the home to dog parks, with people or when introduced to other dogs, and more.

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The Role of a Dog Behaviorist

Dog behaviorists take on both an observatory and hands-on role with dogs. The role requires years of experience, and a natural intuition with regard to pets, people, and the environment.

Dog behaviorists aren’t always trying to alter the pet’s behavior, such as to encourage or discourage a particular action (i.e. tail wagging), but rather seeking to help pet owners understand how to interpret their dog’s communication.

Dog Behavior is evaluated based on environmental factors, including but not limited to:

Other aspects a dog behaviorist is responsible for taking into consideration include the dog’s age, breed, health, history of neglect or trauma, and the pet’s unique personality type.

Physical Location at the Time of the Behavior

Environmental Noises and Stimulus

Social Interactions (with people or pets)

Presence or Absence of the Dog’s Owner

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Dog Behaviorist vs Dog Trainer Overview

Now that you have a better understanding of what a dog behaviorist does, let’s take a closer look at dog trainers.

Dog trainers typically work hands-on with the dog and its owner(s) both separately and together. The goal of a dog trainer is typically to correct ‘bad’ behaviors and/or teach dogs certain desirable actions or traits. Dog trainers will often teach ‘tricks’ such as handshaking, rolling over, etc., as well as commands such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, ‘come’, and more.

Examples of Training Techniques Employed by Dog Trainers

Other aspects a dog behaviorist is responsible for taking into consideration include the dog’s age, breed, health, history of neglect or trauma, and the pet’s unique personality type.

Reinforcement

This strategy works by discouraging or encouraging a behavior through reinforcement techniques. For example, if a dog listens to the command ‘sit’, it may be given a treat or affection. Over time, the dog learns that it receives a positive outcome when it listens to such commands, thus positively reinforcing ‘good’ behavior.

Pack Mentality

By their very nature, dogs are pack animals. This can be leveraged to the owners’ advantage in order to modify behaviors. Owners are positioned as the ‘alpha’ of the pack, and the use of strict boundaries (such as not letting pets ‘lead’ you on walks, or jumping on furniture) reinforces their alpha status. In other words, what the ‘alpha’ says goes.

Other aspects a dog behaviorist is responsible for taking into consideration include the dog’s age, breed, health, history of neglect or trauma, and the pet’s unique personality type.

The role requires years of experience, and a natural intuition with regard to pets, people, and the environment. Dog behaviorists aren’t always trying to alter the pet’s behavior, such as to encourage or discourage a particular action (i.e. tail wagging), but rather seeking to help pet owners understand how to interpret their dog’s communication.

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Licensing Requirements

Dog Training Licensure

In the United States, dog trainers are not required to have any type of licensing in order to market themselves as a trainer and to carry out services. However, some trainers may opt to undergo training and education that may result in certifications.

Dog Behaviorist Licensure

Similar to trainers, no specific licensures or certifications are required to become a dog behaviorist. However, dog behaviorists often have significant experience (years to decades) and/or education that better prepares them to fulfill their role.


For example, Fon’s Dog Training’s training director has more than 40 years of experience, with a long and documented track record of achieving results for pet owners.

Fon’s Dog Training Certifications

  • Kennel Tech Certified

  • Canine Good Citizen Evaluator (AKC)

  • And more…

Fon’s Dog Training Awards

  • The Friends of Animals award from the North County Humane Society

  • Head dog trainer for leading facilities in the region, including: San Diego Humane Society, San Diego Obedience Club, and North County Humane Society

  • Handlers and their K-9’s from Fon’s Dog Training have earned honors including: Top Dog Award, Judges Choice Award, 1st place in Obedience, 1st. place in Agility

DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES:

Dog Trainer vs Dog Behaviorist

Let’s recap the major similarities and differences between these two roles.

Differences

  • Dog trainers tend to be hands-on while dog behaviorists may be both hands-on as well as observational.

  • Trainers are unconcerned with the ‘why’ behind a dog’s actions and more so concerned with simply correcting the behavior. Behaviorists, by contrast, seek to understand the reasoning or motivations behind a dog’s actions.

Similarities

  • Neither profession is required by law to have any specific type of training, education, or certification, however, it is not uncommon for either to proactively seek out certifications.

  • Both trainers and behaviorists may work on either short-term or long-term with pets

  • Both roles may work with good as well as bad behaviors

  • Each may involve the owner individually and together with their dog when working to uncover the reasons behind the behavior as well as to correct or influence the dog’s behavior(s).

Our Testimonials

I cannot say enough good things about Fon’s Canines. They are extremely knowledgeable, and they really understand dogs of all types. They cater the training to your dogs’ specific needs, and not cookie-cutter training like other trainers out there. Ricky and Fon were extremely patient and understood our dogs way of thinking to ensure he was successful. Safety is a focus, and we had more headway in 4 private lessons than we have in the 3 years we’ve had our pup. They’ve made walks and taking our dog in public stress-free and enjoyable for the first time ever! Thank you so much for everything!

Ash Drake

I cant say enough good things about Fon’s Canines. Laurie was great at answering the multitude of our questions and getting us scheduled for our puppies training…We could immediately see the difference in Vern. He was calmer and in more control. We received nearly 1.5 hours of personalized training for us to practice and reinforce the behaviors that were taught to Vern. Much to our surprise, the last step in the process was for a trainer to come to our home 2 days later to see how things were progressing, add any other in-home training we needed and answer any questions we had.

Chris Madsen

If your looking for the best place to have your dog trained regardless of dog breed, look no further. Fon’s Canines is the best hands down! We’ve been taking our boy GATOR here for training and boarding as well since he was a puppy and we couldn’t be happier with the results and customer service they provide.

Jorge Cuevas

I would give a million stars if I could!! Fon’s Canines changed my life and my dog’s life. I came to Fon’s Canines to train my golden retriever puppy. I am not sure who learned more, the dog or me. They gave me the tools and confidence to train my dog and any other dogs I may have in the future. The things I learned here I will carry with me in all K9 experiences in the future.

S W

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San Diego Zip Codes Where We Offer Dog Training

91911
92154
92592
91910

92115
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91950

92117
92111
92024
92129

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92008

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92013

92069
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92075
92018
92022
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92030
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92038
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92009
92019
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92118
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92068
92074
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92079
92085
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92123
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92081
92120
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92029
91901
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92004
92036
91962
92140
91917
92061
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92184
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92191

92091
91905
92182
91963
92070
92145
92190
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North County Dog Training

Carlsbad
Adobe Hills
Alga Hills
Alicante Hills
Arterro
Aviara
Barrington Place
Calavera Hills
Carlsbad East
Carlsbad South
Carlsbad West
Castlemar

Cortez
Fairway South
Flave La Costa
Jerez Court
Jockey Club
La Costa
La Costa Downs
La Costa Fairways
La Costa Greens
La Costa Heights
La Costa Knolls
La Costa Meadows

La Costa Oaks
La Costa Oceanview Estates
La Costa Ridge
La Costa Valley
Lakeshore Gardens
Meadowood
Mehr Villas
Monarch Villas
Morning Ridge
Olde Carlsbad
Omni La Costa Resort
Rancho Carrillo

Rancho La Costa
Santa Fe Trails
Sea Point Tennis Club
Sonata
Southern Preserve
Stoneridge at La Costa Oaks
Summerwalk
The Foothills
The Ranch
Villas of La Costa
Viridian

Encinitas Dog Training

Avocado Acres
Beach
Beachwalk
Beacon Beach Village
Bello Mar Estates
Cambria
Cantebria
Cardiff By The Sea
Coast Country
Colony Highlands
Copper Crest
Country Rose
Crest Acres
Crest Drive
Devonshire
Double LL Ranch
Dove Hollow
Encinitas
Encinitas Coastal
Encinitas Estates
Encinitas Highlands
Encinitas Hills
Encinitas Ranch

Fiore
Flair
Forrest Bluff
Green Valley Estates
Haciendas De La Playa
High Country Villas
Hillside Acres
Knightsbridge
Lake Val Sereno
Leucadia
Leucadia Acres
Leucadia Beaches
Leucadia Collection
Mainhouse
Maravu
Mendocino
Monte Mira
Moonlight Beach
Morning Sun Ranch
Neptune
New Villanitas
Normandy Hill
North Leucadia

Sage Canyon
San Elijo Ranch
Sandalwood
Sandpiper Point
Saxony
Seabluffe
Seagate Village
Seaside Gardens
Seaside Ridge
Sidonia
Sienna Canyon
Sky Loft Clusters
South Coast Park
Summerhill
Summit at Cantebria
The Sands
The Terraces at Cantebria
Vida Pacifica
Village Creek
Village Park
Villanitas
Wildflower Estates
Sage Canyon

San Elijo Ranch
Sandalwood
Sandpiper Point
Saxony
Seabluffe
Seagate Village
Seaside Gardens
Seaside Ridge
Sidonia
Sienna Canyon
Sky Loft Clusters
South Coast Park
Summerhill
Summit at Cantebria
The Sands
The Terraces at Cantebria
Vida Pacifica
Village Creek
Village Park
Villanitas
Wildflower Estates

Carmel Valley Dog Training

Miramonte
Del Mar Heights
North City
Del Mar Mesa
Pelacio Del Mar
Cielo Del Mar

Pacific Beach Dog Training

North Pacific Beach
South Pacific Beach
Mount Soledad
Central Mission Beach
Belmont Park
Crown Point

Central & Costal Dog Training

Hillcrest
Little Italy
Gaslamp Quarter
East Village

Mission Hills Dog Training

Devonwood Park-West
Expressions
Mission Hills Brand
Mission Hills Cedros-San Jose
North Mission Hills
Orion
Upper San Jose St

Ocean Beach Dog Training

North Ocean Beach
South Ocean Beach
The Hill
Point Loma
Coronado

Bankers Hill Dog Training

Park West
Florence Heights

La Jolla Dog Training

La Jolla Farms
La Jolla Shores
La Jolla Heights
Hidden Valley
Country Club
Village
Beach-Barber Tract
Lower Hermosa
La Jolla Mesa
La Jolla Alta
Soledad South
Muirlands West
Upper Hermosa
La Jolla Village

Inland Dog Training

Alessandro
Amtrak
Arrowhead
Arrowview
Belevedere
Blair Park
Cajon
California
Carousel
Carvedale
Cimmeron
Curtis
Delman
DMV

Drnag
East Valley
Feldheym
Hi-30
Hudson
International
Kendall
La Plaza
Lankershim
Lytle Creek
Mount Vernon
Muscoy
Muscupiabe
Ne-Sterling

Nena
North Park
Pacific
Perris Hills
Rancho West
Ridgeline
Riverview
Roosevelt
San Gorgonio
Sandin Hills
Sbhs
Seccombe Lane
Show Place
South Pointe

Stadium West
Terrace
University
Valley College
Valley View
Wildwood Park
Wilson
Yerdemont
Normal Heights
North Park
South Park

Our San Diego Location

Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
Saturday 9:00am – 4:00pm

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Directions to Fon’s Canines Dog Training from Common Places in San Diego

San Diego International Airport to Fon’s Canines Dog Training – San Diego Dog Training

3225 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

Get on I-5 N from N Harbor Dr and India St
9 min (3.4 mi)

Follow I-5 N to Garnet Ave. Take exit 23B from I-5 N
5 min (5.2 mi)

Drive to Santa Fe St
3 min (1.1 mi)

Destination:
5050 Santa Fe St Suite B, San Diego, CA 92109

Downtown San Diego to Fon’s Canines Dog Training – San Diego Dog Training

Get on I-5 N
3 min (0.8 mi)

Follow I-5 N to Garnet Ave. Take exit 23B from I-5 N
6 min (6.7 mi)

Drive to Santa Fe St
3 min (1.1 mi)

Destination:
5050 Santa Fe St Suite B, San Diego, CA 92109

La Jolla to Fon’s Canines Dog Training – San Diego Dog Training

Take Fay Ave and Girard Ave to Torrey Pines Rd – 3 min (0.7 mi)

Continue on Torrey Pines Rd. Take La Jolla Pkwy and I-5 S to Damon Ave – 8 min (5.1 mi)

Follow Damon Ave and Santa Fe St to your destination – 2 min (0.5 mi)

Destination:
5050 Santa Fe St Suite B, San Diego, CA 92109

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