We recently did private lessons with Cassie for our newly adopted dog and honestly couldn't be happier. She was so understanding and never made us feel rushed. She came to our home, walked with us, met us at nearby parks... really went the extra mile to work in environments that actually matter for our dog's day-to-day life. She also gave us supplementary material to reference on our own which was so helpful. We've also done group classes at the Clickstart facility with our other dog and every single staff member and trainer there has been incredibly kind and patient. It's just a genuinely good vibe across the board. 100% recommend Cassie and the whole Clickstart team. Whether you're working with a new rescue or puppy or just want some solid training support. read more

The trainers here are excellent! They are all so kind and patient. I love that the classes are small so each pup can get individual attention even in a group setting. They work at your dog's pace and that is huge for us. Thank you, Michael, Cassie & Liv! We're so glad we found Clickstart Dog Training Academy! read more

Clickstart Dog Training Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Clickstart is the best place to take your dog for training. I live in Dana point and researched trainers in the area who practiced positive reinforcement and Clickstart was the most experienced and qualified. I move cities frequently and have had the opportunity to work with lots of positive reinforcement trainers, so I can say that they are some of the best! Liv is extremely qualified and a memory that really sticks out to me is when I was pregnant, without asking, they provided two ways to do an activity so it was easier physically for me. It was natural for them and I was able to complete the same training but at my physical ability at the time! Now having a newborn Michael has been a fantastic support taking my dog for "homework sessions" to keep her skills sharp. He also squeezes in lots of fun that include beach days and hikes! He is her favorite person outside of our home! Their trick classes are SO MUCH FUN and I highly recommend as a way to build your relationship with your dog and stretch your own brain! I can't wait to start nosework. read more

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Clickstart is incredible! Our two year-old pitty has come such a long way since we started working with them when he was just a small pup. We started by taking group classes with Liv and Nick, then we did some private lessons with Alex and Amanda, and most recently we've worked with Cassie and Michael. I can wholeheartedly recommend every single one of these instructors! They're all knowledgeable, patient, and our dog LOVES them, which is really the best test :) read more

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I've taken two classes through Clickstart and can't recommend them more! Cassie and Liv are both so knowledgeable and compassionate. They care deeply about animal wellbeing and using positive reinforcement in their classes. I was going through some medical issues with my dog along with reactivity and fear or strangers. By the time we finished the first course, he was able to take treats from others and has building his confidence ever since. I never felt judged or that I was doing something wrong and truly can't thank all of the trainers enough for their empathy. Ollie had so much fun every class and I hope to take many more class with them! read more

Clickstart Dog Training Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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I learned about Clickstart Dog Training from my neighbor who has a dog that has been through several of their obedience classes. I was admiring how well behaved her Doodle dog is and I asked her where she is taking her dog for training. She told me about Clickstart offering a variety of group and personal training. Then the city I live in (Aliso Viejo) offered an obedience classe conducted by two trainers from Clickstart. I signed up my Doodle puppy and I was so impressed by the knowledge and kindness of trainers Cassie and Annie. My puppy is hyper like most Doodles, but she learned a lot and she benefited from the group classes by having to do commands with the distraction of having other dogs and people around. I am now planning on enrolling her into another group class at their facility in Lake Forest. I also plan on signing her up for agility classes and maybe some personal training to address specific issues that she is dealing with. I highly recommend this training facility for training because they use only positive reinforcement during training. I raise puppies for Guide Dogs of America and Clickstart teaches many of the same commands and techniques that Guide Dogs of America uses. read more

Clickstart Dog Training Academy - Clickstart obedience graduation day. - Pet Training Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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My service dog in-training (Noodle) and I have been working with Liv before we even picked him up! It's been nearly a year, and this review is so overdue. Today is his first birthday! We met Liv for the first time 1 week prior to make sure we have everything set up, and been taking private classes with them for about 6-8 months to get all of our basics in, and only recently slowed down to every other week or so to allow more time for us to train on our own in between sessions. I have been following Liv and their dog on Instagram since they got Mouse, and I have just been so inspired by them. From the get go, Liv suggested a series of foundational skills, such as settle and chin rest, which were extremely helpful to keep our sanity intact as Noodle got older and became more rambunctious at times! We never specifically trained "obedience". Rather, we were taught to focus on skills that will help Noodle to live comfortably and harmoniously in a human-centric world. In our first weeks working together, we were given a list of recommended books to help Noodle become emotionally resilient and to prevent separation anxiety. We were taught to train Noodle to breathe when he is overly excited, to get in a down position or to sit when we no longer want to engage in his play. For every challenge we have, Liv always had a solution. With all that, though we obviously at some very difficult moments, we overall had a very very pleasant experience raising our puppy, or one what most people would call "obedient", but really just a dog that is emotionally regulated, calm and taught skills that set them up for success. What is more impressive to me, is that none of this is done with harsh techniques. Liv practices force-free and positive reinforcement techniques only, meaning we give lots of positive associations like treats and praises when something goes well. In our year of having Noodle, I can count with less than 5 fingers the number of times I've yelled at Noodle and it was only because he was playing a bit too rough and accidentally hurt me (totally understandable and age-appropriate). We never used any physical punishment. Liv always made sure to sprinkle fun and humor in all of our trainings - mix in spins and twirls with boring settles and practice teeth brushing and giving lots of treats to keep things exciting and light hearted. Some people have seen me train Noodle and were like "wow he gets a treat for doing everything!", I mean, don't you get paid for doing anything? Sometimes when Noodle is a max toddler mode, force free is admittedly not the fastest way to end the chaos, but I would choose prioritizing my dog's happiness over my own convenience any time - and this is also something Liv exemplified over and over with their own dog and through their ways of training. Moreoever, Liv is concerned about our dog's wellbeing outside of being a "good dog". Liv taught us Cooperative Care, which is practicing going to the vet, and working at your dog's pace to make things like nail trimming, ear cleaning, and even injections a game. This was a concept that was new to me but makes so much sense. It is a lot of work and time, but in all worth it if you prioritize your dog being comfortable in uncomfortable scenarios. In all, thank you SO much Liv for being in our lives, for helping Noodle grow into the best version of himself, and for inspiring us to be better humans! read more

Clickstart Dog Training Academy - Noodle - Pet Training Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Clickstart is amazing! I adopted two reactive 3 year olds (bonded pair) from a shelter last January. I did the reactive rover class and then continued with a few private sessions to practice meeting neutral dogs in a controlled setting. The girls have made so much progress! Cassie and Liv are super knowledgeable and you can tell they are passionate about what they do read more

Clickstart Dog Training Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I worked with Clickstart Dog Academy to train my doodle, Charlie. I'll be honest--I was not the easiest client. I had very high expectations, and I wanted to see progress quickly. They gently reminded me several times that with doodles (and many dogs in general), the real results don't fully show until they grow and mature, usually around a year old. At the time, I didn't fully understand what they meant, but I do now--and they were absolutely right. Charlie is now four years old, and she is truly the best-trained dog I've ever had. The obedience, the focus, the recall, and even the emotional regulation she has in new environments--it's all there. The training they provided didn't just "work," it lasted. I find myself still noticing things they instilled in her, years later. Looking back, I wish I would have trusted the process more and appreciated what they were saying from the beginning. Being a doodle owner can come with a lot of energy, emotion, and trial-and-error. But Clickstart really knew what they were doing. They saw who Charlie would grow into, not just who she was in the moment. Their professionalism, patience, and ability to understand both the dog and the owner truly sets them apart. I'm very grateful for the foundation they gave Charlie. If you're considering training, especially if you have a doodle, I highly recommend them. They know their craft, and the results speak for themselves. Anywhere I take Charlie she's the best behaved. She listens to every command intently. The most surprising part is my time...it was so limited, and yet they managed to create an environment to make this easier on me. I'm telling you, if you want good dog trainers, these are the ones. You'll be blessed to have them. Thank you- all of you for your patience's with me (especially me ) and your excellent training with Charlie! read more

Clickstart Dog Training Academy - Charlie now 4 - Pet Training Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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I had tried two other puppy kindergarten programs over the years, but Clickstart was by far the best one. The difference was night and day. What really stood out was how much I learned. The instructors gave me valuable tools I could actually put into practice at home--especially around reducing fear in my puppy. I felt like I was giving him the confidence he needed, and it was only possible because Clickstart showed me how. The classes were very structured, and while I initially focused more on the puppy playtime, I soon realized how much I appreciated the insights the instructors shared each week. Simple but important things--like why puppies need naps to prevent nipping--completely changed how I approached training and daily life with my dog. Thank you, Cassie, Liv, Amanda, and Michael! The staff are extremely knowledgeable and their expertise shows. I couldn't recommend Clickstart more highly--it's an amazing foundation for both you and your puppy. read more

I hired Liv for some support working through my cat's big feelings about my new dog. I needed a knowledgeable trainer who had experience managing dog/cat integration. Liv was able to work remotely with me to develop some skills with my cat (mostly his station behavior), help me find ways to increase my cat's enrichment to keep him entertained and happy (so he forgot he wanted to hit the dog), and was instrumental in helping us find a cat-proof barrier for our hallway so we could separate the creatures as needed while we worked on the issue. They quite literally saved my animals' relationship as well as my own relationship with my cat (I was starting to really resent him for his meany pants behavior). Once we had made pretty strong gains in that area, Liv was also Super helpful in working with me to help my dog (a service dog in training) get more comfortable riding in the car, and build engagement in public. If I could give 10 stars I would. Liv is kind, supportive, understanding, and incredibly knowledgeable/skilled. read more

Amanda is fabulous trainer Our dog responded so well with Amanda and she gave us great techniques to train our dog read more

Our dog, Baloo, has had a fair bit of private training, but we were looking to brush up his skills and really wanted to attend group classes to work on his skills around other dogs (He'd actually never done group classes before). I am in love with Clickstart's positive training philosophy. The keep things light and low stress on everyone (dogs and people). We've done 2 courses so far (High School and College). Baloo just finished college and PASSED his Canine Good Citizenship test on the first try! We are so proud of our boy! Clickstart is a great way improve our relationship with our dog and honestly a good excuse to get out of the house. We'll probably continue to take Clickstart courses until we run out. Lucky for us we still have Masters, PhD, Patio Puppy and more courses to take! See you guys soon! read more

Clickstart Dog Training Academy - Baloo paying attention to the lesson during collage at Clickstart. - Pet Training Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Highly recommend the trainers and classes at Clickstart. Our dog, Tobi, has taken classes at Clickstart since he was a puppy. He's completed kindergarten, elementary, middle school, and the canine essentials sequence. Tobi loves going to the classes. The trainers are knowledgeable, conscientious, and overall amazing. Thanks to their training sessions and feedback, Tobi learned many useful behaviors, commands, and boundaries. I firmly believe the kindergarten classes made Tobi a well-adjusted, socialized dog. He learned how to safely socialize with other dogs, how to explore new objects and environments, and how to exhibit good behavior. When Tobi's been around puppies and dogs that haven't had training, it's very apparent how much he's benefited from Clickstart's training. We, as dog parents, have also learned so much about dog behavior and how to deal with tricky situations. We can't wait to enroll Tobi in high school (and hopefully have him earn his PhD). Thank you Cassie, Liv, Nick, and Michael for your expertise and guidance! read more

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We've been clients of Clickstart for two years with our rescued Golden Retriever, who struggles with anxiety - and we can't recommend them enough! The trainers at Clickstart are absolutely amazing. They use positive reinforcement only, which has made such a difference for our dog's confidence and happiness. Over time, we've learned so many helpful training techniques and enrichment activities that have improved our dog's life (and ours!). We've done private 1:1 training sessions weekly and also attended sniff classes, both of which our dog's confidence loves. The team is patient, knowledgeable, and truly cares about each dog and their family. Thanks to Clickstart, our puppy is calmer, more confident and thriving. If you're looking for compassionate, effective, and fun training - Clickstart is the best! read more

Cassie helped us so much with our reactive puppy. The reactive rover class gave us so much insight. Then private sessions helped even further with the unique crazy needs of our little guy. Other trainers suggested harsh methods or multi week "camps" that were not only questionable but expensive. Cassie and Liv were lifesavers. We have work to do but we now have tools and a team to guide us. Thank you!! read more

Clickstart is such a fun place to build not only a strong relationship with your dog but also their skills too! Their approach is science based and the staff are not only highly trained but continue to learn and stay up to date. Finding a good, responsible, and kind trainer is challenging, and I am confident Clickstart found most of them! We started coming here when we brought our puppy home. Their kindergarten is so fun and they take every precaution including making sure you step in a disinfectant when you come in. It is so challenging to socialize your puppy and keep them safe during the time they aren't fully vaccinated and Clickstart's puppy kinder is second to none. We have had the opportunity to continue training in their "elementary", "middle" and "high school". All of which have taught our "social butterfly" golden pup all that he needs to know, and in a very fun and engaging way. We have also taken to some of their extracurricular with both our pup and our older dog. They have both had a blast and get SO excited to see the trainers. I cannot say enough kind things and recommend them to anyone I meet. We can't wait to continue our training with them and continue the fun! Thank you, Clickstart staff (literally everyone) for all that you have done for us and all the pups that are lucky enough to meet yall. read more

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I'm so happy we found Clickstart! I would give them more stars if I could. We decided it's never too late to start with formal training for our 5 year old golden retriever, and Liv and team have been wonderful. Training can be overwhelming and time consuming for dogs and humans, but they make it fun and low stress. They genuinely care and go above and beyond to meet your dog where they are on their training journey. We just finished high school and have already signed up for our next class. read more

I have been wanting to post this update for a few months now because something happened earlier this summer where Clickstart really came through for me and my dog Riley. We were at a park and an off leash dog ran over and pinned Riley to the ground and was about to bite him. I was able to pull the dog off in time but Riley was traumatized and was screaming. My concern was that my sweet and friendly dog will start being reactive towardsd other dogs after this experience, since he was trembling for a good 20 minutes after. I immediately texted Liv and they suggested I come by the campus for Riley to run around and decompress with his favorite people. I followed their advice and went over. Riley had a the best time with Liv and Michael. They played with him, gave him treats, he used some of their toys. After playing with him and watching his behavior, they reassured me that he'll be fine. They suggested a doggie hike that was happening that weekend where he can be around other dogs in a controlled setting to reinforce positive experiences with other dogs. I offered to pay for using their space and they refused because they were more concerned about his well being. I went on the hike with Cassie, and Riley had a lovely time. Thankfully, he is all good now, and there was no long term emotional damage. You truly are in great hands with them. I want to also take this opportunity to express how incredible our experience was with Liv when we did private sessions with them at our home during Riley's puppyhood. Riley is my first pet ever and was lost on what would be the best way to train him. There are so many conflicting views on the internet. I thankfully found Clickstart for puppy kindergarten, and then private sessions with Liv. Liv, truly goes above and beyond to address all your concerns. They explain everything they are doing and if you have any questions, they answer. They addressed and provided training techniques for all the behaviors I was concerned about during the time. Yes, you use a lot of treats in initial training but that is only for a little while until you build a positive reinforcement history with your pup. This is very important so that they can grow to be happy and reslient dogs no matter what life throws their way. If I wasn't ever sure why we were doing things a certain way, Liv clearly explained from a dog behavior perspective. Also as demonstrated by the above experience, I can contact them anytime and they are there for Riley and I. I have learnt so much and at 3.5 years old, Riley is just an utter joy to have as my fur baby. If you are looking for "corrections" by any aversive means, this is not their philosophy. Riley is proof that positive reinforcement training works. It requires patience, and learning on the human's part. I hope this helps in you making a decision about this place. Choosing Clickstart is the easiest decision you are going to make for your pet. They are genuinely really good, knowledgeable people with integrity. read more

I've never worked with a dog trainer before and I've also never had a puppy before. I've always adopted older or senior pups so when I ended up with a Border Collie puppy, I was completely lost. I wanted to make sure she was properly socialized while being a well mannered pup so I looked up puppy classes nearby and Clickstart was so close to me. We signed up for puppy classes which really trained me more than my puppy. They taught me how to train her through positive reinforcement using the clicker and we saw a change in her behavior almost instantly. I can tell my puppy really enjoys socializing with the other puppies there and they make learning fun and enjoyable for both the human and puppy. I plan on enrolling her in more group classes when she is fully vaccinated! I also saw they have group led hikes at nearby trails, which is such a neat idea! read more

Every dog owner should benefit from what Clickstart has to offer! My partner and I took some starter courses on reactivity after we realized our rescue dog Berklee had big, persistent feelings about strange dogs AND people. We then invested in customized, 1:1 behavioral modification. Clickstart taught us SO much about dog behavior. I feel so grateful to now have a window into understanding Berklee better so I can be a better guardian. Liv worked dozens of hours with us and was committed to moving at Berklee's pace. To this day, Liv is one of just two humans (beside myself and my partner) who can approach within 10 feet of Berklee without any reaction or distress signals whatsoever- a HUGE testament to their exceptional skill. Highly recommend any and all of their services. read more

Clickstart is truly all positive reinforcement and will provide the best environment for your dog to learn. (I tried another R+ trainer before this and it was a complete waste of my money.) Liv, Amanda, and Cassie will take the time to get to know you and your dog and find the best plan of action to make it a successful experience for everyone involved. I am and always will be forever grateful for them and Clickstart. The time they have taken with us both is beyond what I would've expected from our very private in our house. I was so excited when they were able to open their own storefront with space for classes. We have joined in on great classes and rented out the space to celebrate on a few occasions. This year we hosted Stitch's birthday party for a few friends and both Liv and Michael went above and beyond to make sure everyone was happy and having a great time. I have learned so much about overall dog behavior and health as well as how to do CPR even thanks to their amazing classes. I highly recommend any of their classes to dog parents. The trainers here are the only ones I would trust with my dog. She did the camp sessions where they picked her up for a few hours each day to really work with her on everything we wanted her to learn and I was never worried about her. I only have left her with a few people but the trainers at Clickstart I would always trust! This year they even had photos with Santa where all dogs got their own time and got to be comfortable and they work with local shelters giving donations and free sessions. Thank you to the entire Clickstart team for all they do for us and the community! read more

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We enrolled our puppy, Chai, with Clickstart starting at nine weeks old. Since the beginning, all of the staff have been super accommodating and welcoming. They answer every question we have and consistently go out of their way to meet our specific puppy's needs. After puppy kindergarten, we started doing private sessions at home with Michael- who has been the absolute best. Michael is always on time, shows up with a great attitude, and is very patient with us and Chai! Chai LOVES Michael (we're pretty sure he's chai's favorite human.) Michael has taught us so much - how to loose lease walk, teaching chai to settle, and much more. We will be continuing to use Clickstart and work with Michael to set our puppy up for success. read more

Clickstart Dog Training Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Throughout the years, we've worked with numerous trainers, varying in philosophy and expertise. Clickstart is by far the best. To say we were beyond overwhelmed when we got our 8-week-old puppy, Sully, would be an understatement. From puppy classes to private training, Clickstart's intentionally designed curriculum instilled solid foundations and has equipped us with the tools necessary to raise a well-adjusted dog and feel reassured throughout the process. A couple of things that might not be readily apparent about Clickstart have consistently stood out: First, their approach is empirically based. While I could go on tangents regarding lack of regulations, etc., it is refreshing to wholeheartedly trust the process, knowing you can solely focus on training instead of questioning the 'why' or if you're in the right place. Second, the level of care from their entire team is unmatched. They want what's best for you and your dog - limited class sizes, attentive instruction, lesson breakdowns, and ample opportunities to ask questions. We've had the pleasure of training 1:1 with Michael since March. Admittedly, we initially tempered our expectations, given Sully is a nearly 60-pound bouncy doodle with limited impulse control. We could not have been more wrong. In our first meeting, Michael gained Sully's trust quickly and showed a deep understanding of his needs, a testament to his sincerity and expertise. Throughout our training sessions, Michael takes the time to truly listen, ask thoughtful follow-up q's, and provide guidance. His dedication and support have allowed Sully to make huge leaps, exceeding our expectations. I cannot say there are many things worth a weekly drive from LA for, but Clickstart will always be one of them. read more

Clickstart Dog Training Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Classes at Clickstart are fun and informative. All the trainers are friendly and welcoming. They use methods that are gentle, effective, and tailored to each dog. I would recommend Clickstart for dogs in any phase of their life. read more

We have worked with a handful of different trainers and facilities for private training and group classes over the last decade, but Clickstart Dog Training Academy stands out among them as one of the best. When we brought home our new Golden Retriever puppy, I knew I wanted to pursue getting his AKC STAR Puppy title. We struggled finding a trustworthy local facility that offered qualifying classes, so when Clickstart came highly recommended by a breeder I trust, we signed up for their Preschool and Puppy Kindergarten classes. It's a 4 hour trip one way, but let me tell you--they are WORTH IT! What a kind, welcoming, and accommodating group of individuals. The owners and trainers have been nothing but lovely and the care they've shown our puppy and the other puppies in our classes is superior to our past experiences. You can both hear and see how much their staff genuinely cares about the students' well-being (both canine and human). As someone with disabling health issues and also training my puppy with the hopes of him becoming a service dog, I've greatly appreciated their accommodations and respect listening to my wishes and plans. If you are disabled, you can rest assured you and your pup will both be well taken care of here. I could go on and on about how much I love Clickstart and the wonderful people that make up their team. I'm just so grateful to have found a versatile facility (including online classes) with an awesome support system as my puppy progresses through his training. I only wish we lived closer so we could take advantage of all the different courses they offer. read more

Clickstart Dog Training Academy - Danie and Medic enjoying the great outdoors thanks to the training and skills developed at Clickstart Dog Training Academy! - Pet Training Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I kid you not, the best resource and support I have come across!!! Unlike the past trainers I've met, there was nothing questionable or doubtful since I've met Clickstart's team and started their programs. They are so kind and they are truly there because they want to help. I don't wonder whether they try to sell me classes and supplies just to make money, which is what has happened in the past and I hated it because it changed nothing. Not only are we taught skills, both Alex (my rescue) and I, but they genuinely educate you on the big picture of being a pet owner/parent - they explain the reasoning behind our dog's behavior, logic of a certain exercise/skill and the context to use them in. It's taught in easy simple terms, you won't get lost. I started to understand so much more about what it's like to live life with my dog in a world that he doesn't understand and it's waaaay less emotionally & mentally exhausting for us all. I write my review specifically for those whose owners and dogs struggle with reactivity, especially fear-based aggression. I will die on this hill with and for Clickstart - you do not need aversive tools and force. Just when you think it's hopeless for dogs with big feelings, trust me it's not. We need more people like the team at Clickstart!! We have more classes I'm looking forward to taking with them and I can't wait how much more we can accomplish. Yes, it's an ongoing expense but as far as finances go, their classes are often taught in bundles and when broken down, they are SO incredibly budget friendly and endlessly worth it. Not convinced yet? We just completed our first year of classes with them and now I was able to leave for vacation and get a sitter for Alex, all thanks to Clickstart. Thank you so much - big love to Cassie, Michael and Liv!!! read more

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I cannot recommend Liv enough! This amazing trainer has been a part of my dog journey for years-- from working with my beloved dog, Oakley, who has since passed, to now working with my new puppy, Henri. Both Oakley and Henri have LOVED Liv!! Liv has always shown incredible knowledge, patience, and a deep understanding of canine behavior. They tailored each personal training session to meet the unique needs of both of my dogs, which made the experience both effective and enjoyable for us both. The skills and techniques I've learned with Liv and the other Clickstart trainers helped strengthen my bond with my dogs. Everyone at Clickstart is extremely kind, skilled, attentive, and supportive. The trainers care about both the dogs and their owners! I highly recommend Clickstart to anyone looking for dedicated and professional dog trainers! The positive changes in my dog's behavior are a true testament to their expertise and care! read more

We absolutely love this place! We started with the pre-puppy workshop; which helped us get set up for success with our pup. It was time well spent! Now that we have our puppy he is having fun being socialized, trained and he's pooped when we get home! The trainers are awesome, they definitely know their stuff. We are looking forward to taking all of the classes that they offer. read more

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With the dog training industry being as unregulated as it is, it is really difficult to find qualified, credentialed trainers that believe in force-free, fear-free training, which is why we are so grateful to have found Clickstart. We started our Coton puppy off at Clickstart's puppy group socialization classes then jumped into private training sessions with Liv. Both the class and Liv's expertise gave us tools we needed to raise a well-rounded, well-adjusted and confident puppy. In short, Liv is incredibly knowledgable, has wonderful, positive energy (Aspen loved her!) and was very patient with us as handlers/owners. I honestly cannot recommend Liv and Clickstart enough. It's evident they care deeply about the animals they work with and that this is a deep passion of theirs. They prioritize continuing education as well. I can and have referred Clickstart to several people. They really are some of the best behaviorists and trainers out there. read more

We've worked with Clickstart for both individual training with Liv and through enrollment in their Reactive Rover Recovery class. We couldn't have more positive things to say about the experience! Liv collaborated with us to identify appropriate goals for training (ones that went beyond "obedience" and focused on our dog's actual feelings and behavior), coached us on how to use evidence-based strategies with our dog, and provided feedback via email after every session. In an unregulated industry like dog training, it's very hard to find trainers to trust. I was not interested in hurting, scaring, correcting, or stressing my dog out in order to get him to "comply" with demands, and none of those things were EVER promoted at Clickstart. Liv and Cassie are educated, compassionate, and trustworthy. If you're looking for trainers who are knowledgeable about canine cognition, behavior, and learning + ones who teach evidence-based training methods that you'll feel good about using with your dog, I can't recommend Clickstart enough. read more

Clickstart is the best! I have a very high energy puppy that I was struggling to train on my own and that all changed when we started going to Clickstart. We have done both in home training with Amanda (who is the best!) as well as group classes and field trips. They have created such an amazing community and both myself and pup love it there. Could not recommend more. read more

Clickstart Dog Training Academy - Kevin graduating Middle School! - Pet Training Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I attended the PetTech CPR and First Aid class with my employer called Truly TLC Services. The staff were amazing. The instructor Cassie Pestana was incredible. Michael was very friendly and helpful. Great items to purchase with reasonable prices. I am looking forward to the PetTech Saver course. Thanks again for all of the useful knowledge you informed me with. read more

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I can't thank Cassie enough! She is the best dog trainer I've ever met, and I've met many. Three and a half years ago, I got my first dog ever - a 5-week-old German shepherd puppy. Boy, he was a handful to raise! I worked with five different trainers, all of whom were too harsh. I'm against e-collars and prong collars no matter what Icouldn't bring myself to use them on a creature that I love. One trainer told me that I have to fight over balls with him to prove that I'm alpha(he still can't drop the ball without another ball that I offer him instead). The biggest issue I faced with him was his reactivity - he wasn't aggressive, but he would bark at people he was afraid of, especially those wearing big hats, being too tall, or dressed in unusual clothing. Nothing seemed to work until I met Cassie. She is incredibly knowledgeable and clever, and she found a way to correct this behavior. I still can't believe he can be petted by a STRANGER ; it's truly remarkable. We even had a session with Cassie and her colleague, whom he had never met before, to practice saying hi to strangers. Another challenge we faced was when we moved, and he struggled to get used to taking stairs. However, after just two sessions with Cassie, the issue disappeared. My mom calls her a Wonder Woman! She even walked my dog, despite not usually walking dogs, when I had my human baby, simply because she wanted to help me out. I'm so grateful! I'm incredibly proud of my perfect dog, and I know we wouldn't be where we are without Cassie! read more

Clickstart Dog Training Academy - My Gigi - Pet Training Near Me - Lake Forest, California

When I adopted my chihuahua, Gigi Mae, a few months ago, I was instantly charmed by her sweet face and playful personality. What I did not realize was that she was also a racist anti-masker who took feminism a step too far. And, sure. I could have gotten away with it, what with Gigi being all of six pounds. People just laughed when Gigi barked with all her heart. But, as an Asian parent with two other law-abiding perfect dogs, I expected more. And so, Gigi started at Clickstart. I was not sure how the first meeting would go with her private instructor, Michael. But, his calm nature made her feel comfortable and confident right away. Michael listened to my concerns and, within the first session, we were able to address Gigi's reactivity, replicating different scenarios that were triggering. I saw some improvement from the get go and it only continued to get better with each session. Cassie even joined in on one of the classes. She was supposed to just spend a couple minutes to create some noise that would cause Gigi to bark, but she ended up staying for the whole hour, even providing her own insights and tips that I found very helpful. In these sessions, I appreciated that I was provided with the tools to work with Gigi, as well as the explanation. I learned why it was important for Gigi to have certain skills, like sit and down, and how to use them effectively. Now, five sessions later, Gigi is quite the mature dog. She watches me for direction and she knows how to relax, even when various people or animals walk by. This whole experience has strengthened our bond and it just warms my heart seeing how happy and motivated Gigi is. She enjoys learning, prancing her way through all of her classes, and she loves all of people she's met on campus. We plan to continue with group classes soon so that she can continue growing and living her best life. Thank you, Michael, Cassie, and the rest of the Clickstart team! read more

Clickstart Dog Training Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Lake Forest, California

just completed 8 private trainings with Cassie and could not be more satisfied. Sophie is noticeably more calm inside and barks much less. We also have a bunch of new tools to handle various behavior as needed. Will work with them again in the future. read more

I cannot express my love for Clickstart enough! The trainers love each and every dog that comes through their door. We've been using their services for months now and constantly tell our friends they need to go. Our puppy is a teenager and having them there to guide and assist us has minimized the stress and frustrations that come with having a puppy. Our Goose absolutely loves them, you can tell how well they treat each dog by their demeanor! His entire butt wags and he cannot contain his excitement when we show up at their door. We consistently get comments on how well behaved our 1 year old puppy is! Thank you Clickstart we love your team read more

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Love click start & so do many puppies! We have 2 Coton de Tulare s. This is a great trading tool for those puppies that haven't gotten all of their vaccines yet. Great for socializing and teaching them commands at a young age. My puppies are only three months old ,and with only 5 click start classes they've learned to respond to coming to me when called, sit ,lay down ,their name and we are working on other things. ( have 3 more classes to graduate to the next level) Also they get to play with other puppies for great social skills . I highly recommend Click start program for your puppy. read more

We sought out Cassie's services because we were in over our heads! We rescued dear Bea, a 2-year-old, 45-pound shepherd mix, who clearly had been neglected. Bea is highly reactive to any movement or sound outside of the house and has a serious, persistent bark. After researching all the trainers in our area, we chose Cassie. She is a Certified Behavior Consultant, BA, KPA-CTP, CBCC-KA, and PetTech Pro. She utilizes a methodology based on LIMA (least intrusive, minimally aversive) principles established by the leading experts in animal behavior. This approach focuses on training without the use of fear, force, pain, or intimidation. This was totally in line with our approach to animals and has proven to be super helpful for Bea (and us!). Cassie won Bea over in less than 30 seconds. What we love about Cassie is not only is she super knowledgeable but she clearly has deep respect and love for our canine friends. We also appreciate her home visit summaries and helpful handouts. I cannot recommend Cassie and Clickstart Dog Training Academy enough! Deb read more

I would highly recommend Clickstart for any new or seasoned dog owners, especially those with reactive dogs. Our journey with our dog started over a year ago with the reactive rover classes lead by Cassie. The online format allows for comfortability practicing at home, and the lessons and homework were excellent reinforcement. Cassie was so knowledgeable and was available via email to answer any questions regarding the homework. After those classes were done, we decided to continue with 4 one-on-one training sessions with Cassie to help further our dog's skills and reactivity, allowing us to become better advocates for him as well. We've seen him come a long way and are so grateful for Cassie's guidance on this journey. We look forward to future classes at Clickstart. The investment is highly worth it and we are thankful to have them as a resource. read more