Mark and his team are absolutely the best. I contacted him after a long search for a service dog. My needs are not typical. I had found that most programs who provide assistance dogs are limited to people with physical disabilities, specific to war veterans, or have endless requirements. I'm a university student with schizoaffective disorder, and don't appear disabled, so other trainers either failed to take me seriously or matched me with seriously unsuitable dogs. Mark matched me with Sabbath, a young german shepherd (both bred and raised at Pro-Train, if I'm remembering right). Sab is smart, calm, and completely devoted to me. He follows me wherever I go, looks to me for permission before obeying any commands by another person, and has terrific recall and obedience on or off-leash. He is polite and friendly with other dogs and even (surprisingly) cats. While gentle and extremely quiet, Sabbath is protective. He guards entrances, uses whisper barks to announce strangers on property, and has proven that he will stand between me and aggressive dogs/threatening people with a low growl and intense stare. His assistance tasks are solid at home, work, school, restaurants, and everywhere else. On our first airline flight we got constant comments about what an experienced flyer he must be to be so exceptionally calm and well behaved. He's also lots of fun, loves playing fetch and finding games. Mark always responds quickly to my questions, he and the other staff members that I met were great people and always kind. Sabbath has literally changed my life, the independence and stability he gives me are definitely something special. read more

Pro-Train Innovative Dog Training - Sabbath, Pro-Train service dog. - Pet Training Near Me - Vista, California

I used to be the owner of an extremely aggressive and dangerous pit bull. She was so aggressive towards people and uncontrollable that we were not able to go for walks, I could not have people over and rides with her in the car were unbearable because of the constant barking at cars and people. She barked all day inside and on the balcony at any noise and all people. I was truly in over my head. My dog is 2 and I had looked for trainers for about a year since she had exhibited behavior of extreme aggression since she was about 5-6 months. No one was willing to train her due to her severe problems because bringing her anywhere was usually out of the question. I was finally referred to Mark by another trainer who told me that my dog's problems were too large for even him to address. I was extremely nervous to drop my dog off and leave her with strangers in a new place for 3 long weeks, but it was something that I needed to do and that she desperately needed. Upon meeting Mark, I knew that he was confident in solving my dog's problems. His trainer Shadow was also incredibly helpful and kind. Shadow is probably one of the most patient and polite people I have ever met. The both of them and the rest of Mark's team did such an amazing job and have changed my life and completely reformed my dog. I doubted she could ever be a normal and obedient dog, but I am happy to say I am now the owner of a well behaved pit bull. I still work with my dog everyday to maintain her training and it will be a long process for the both of us still, but ProTrain gave my dog the skills she needs to learn how to behave. It is definitely a financial investment, especially for a student like myself with limited resources, but Mark generously worked out a payment plan with me. I was happy to spend the money because not only is she completely trained, but she is now a member and can receive free refresher training for life. She is finally the calm, well mannered dog she was meant to be and we can live a normal life with walks, car drives and occasional trips to the beach full of people and dogs thanks to ProTrain. read more

My husband and I just dropped off our 2 mixed breed dogs at Pro-Train. Our 1.5 year old aussie-terrier has her short tempered tendencies and our 9 month old german shepard mix is a sweet cuddle bug but is learning all the aggressive-playful things the other dog does. And I'm already afraid of the almost 60 pound launching to nip at me, I can only imagine what it'd be like when he's fully grown at 70-80 pounds! Though the investment can put a hole in your pocket if you're an average income person, but I have no doubt that over the years we will look back and realize this was the best thing. Mark assessed our dogs with a variety of questions and after a handler graded the dogs he gave us a breakdown of the quote and explained the 3 week time frame. We then returned a few days later and dropped them off. I am very confident that the dogs will return completely transformed as far as behavior goes. I can't wait to see them after two weeks where we will step in at a training session. **will update my review after training** read more

Just had my 3rd little doggy trained. I'm so happy! I was worried she would lose her butterfly chasing puppy personality but she didn't. She just listens now. It's so great to be able to take what people refer to as "yippee" or "yappee" dogs anywhere and everywhere with me and they are the best behaved! I LOVE the refresher training. They treated my babies like family. read more

Pro-Train Innovative Dog Training - Jeremiah following his "down" command. - Pet Training Near Me - Vista, California

We have a 3 1/2 year old Golden Retriever that we have been trying to train through other methods for 3 years with no success. Jack, our Golden, was totally out of control around our friends (junmping on them, constantly seeking attention, and generally not fun for our friends to be around him); he would not come when called; was uncontrollable around other dogs....you name it, that was Jack. After only two one-hour sessions with Mark and Lee at Pro-Train, he is a completely different dog. Mark showed us how to be the Alpha dog and we now have a completely controlled dog under any and all circumstances. It is such a pleasure taking him for a walk and not having to keep him on a leash. He is free to hang back or go ahead and he always comes immediately when we say "Jack". We never have to worry about his behavior around friends, other dogs, kids, etc. and people we have known for years are amazed that he is such a changed, gentle, happy, and friendly dog. Mark and Pro-Train have changed our lives and Jack's life for the better! We are all happier and Jack understands and enjoys his position in the "pack"! Thank you Mark, Lee, and Pro-Train! We could not be happier with our experience! Kirk and Diane W. read more

Pro-Train is currently training a mobility service dog for me. Mark was very good in determining my needs for stability and bracing. His staff have made amazing progress with our 10 month old malumate. When I have had difficulty working with my dog, he has come up with a training that meets my needs. read more

If you are leery, chose these guys and gals. They gave me the greatest gift I could ask for training my baby Zeus (Huge all black German). The professionalism, they truly did wonders on my dog. He is well disciplined as promised. Look you still have to work with your dog, but they provide amazing support. I am so happy with Lee and a young african american man they are extraordinary. Honestly, I was leery about leaving my dog for 3 weeks, I read the yelp reviews and it helped me to make a decision. This is the best decision I have made. My son Zeus this dog is amazing, just remember YES you trained the dog. DO THE FOLLOW UP SESSIONS! If you don't the only person you have to be upset at is yourself. LEE ROCKS! Tell them they will show you, protrain does their job but you have to know how to handle your dog, its like a kid practice makes perfect. I am so happy, so so happy that my son Zeus is no longer a burden. Just so you know, the staff is there to help, if your dog is acting up they are a phone call away. As a business man I was impressed at their willingness to help I am so happy. Hell, I would have a beer with any of these guys how do you thank people who have changed the dynamic of your family? Thank you guys so much I look forward to our second follow up in 2 weeks. From the bottom of my heart thank you guys. Love, Adrian & Zeus! read more

Mark and his team have trained three of our family dogs. They recently trained our fourth addition which was a different challenge. Sugar was born deaf and was having a hard time responding to us. They have made her the happiest little puppy because now she knows how to look up at us for her directions. Thank you so very much! read more

I have a female GSD from Pro Train who just turned 11. 'The Lovely Brikka' as I like to call her has been my constant companion all these years & is the sweetest dog I've ever had. She is protective & on duty when it's called for, loving & laid back when it isn't. People who meet her (initially hesitant because of her size & the fact she's a GSD) later tell me they can't believe how sweet & intelligent she is. I attribute this to Mark Castillero's at Pro Train training. When my wonderful girl passes -- not for years I hope! -- I will get another dog from Mark, as I know it'll be in good health, well bred, well trained & a great dog. read more

Pro-Train Innovative Dog Training - The Lovely Brikka on her 11th Birthday (8/5/15) -- a Pro Train GSD. - Pet Training Near Me - Vista, California

I Brought in my 3 1/2 month Labrador Retriever for "Puppy Management Training", "Behavior Modification" and "Advanced Obedience Training"...initial quote was $2,750.00 . After negotiating with Shadow, Pro-Train's Trainer, we settled on the price of $2300.00. Training time was to be 3 weeks, of which they assured me that upon my dog's return home his training would be complete, but I would have to continue "to fine tune" on my part. First problem, was the owner tried to send our dog home after 2 weeks versus the 3 weeks agreed to, stating, "the dog is fully trained". Based on the dog's behavior after 2 weeks, I disagreed and the dog stayed another week at the facility. The main issues the dog had when we reached out for training was Potty Training; Chewing everything in sight; Eating its own poop; Jumping on people...typical puppy behavior. The dog has an electronic collar on her, the owner carries a transmitter of which the owner is supposed to do a "correction" for every bad behavior...the problem with this system is you have to watch the dog 24/7 to correct the behavior. I do not know about other dog owners, but I do not have the time to watch my dog 24/7 to make sure she is doing the right behavior. After the dog was home for 1 week, and basically having NO CHANGE in his puppy like behavior, I returned to Pro-Train to voice my concerns. I spoke with Lee, the General Manager and Shadow, the Trainer...Shadow was polite and listened to my concerns, but could not really help or actually have the ability to address my concerns not being the owner. Let's just say, the GM Lee, could definitely use some classes in Customer Service. The GM's response was basically, "the dog does fine under our control in our controlled environment"...which might be true..but as most dog owners know...a dog's environment can not be controlled 24 hours a day....Additionally, we paid $2300.00 dollars to have our dog trained to be with us not all that money to have our dog trained to be with Pro-Train and their environment. The GM Lee, reached out to the owner, Mark to advise him of our displeasure and bring to the forefront our concerns. The owner's response was simply, "for more money, I will come out to the home and inspect the dog's environment". Considering the circumstances I could not fathom throwing more good money after bad money at this already very expensive training debacle. I have spent the last 2 1/2 months "trying to fine tune" my dog's behavior. She still has all of the above mentioned puppy behavior and as far as "the advanced obedience training" goes,...Let's just say it is not advanced by any stretch of the imagination. I could have gone to Petco, and secured the same training for my puppy for $129.00. Just the sight of the E-Collar and/or its transmitter causes her (our dog) to be scared, never mind when you apply the correction. It was probably naive on my part, to "buy in" to the sales pitch of having a fully trained puppy after 3 weeks. I also believe the electronic collars don't necessarily work for all type dog personalities. Pro-Train has not bothered to reach out to me to address ANY of my concerns since my last visit 2 1/2 months ago. To me it shows their lack of interest in satisfying their customers,. I could not and would not recommend Pro-Train for your puppy's training. I can think of a lot better uses of $2300.00 dollars. Dana R read more

After talking to the manager Lee over the phone I can say I will NOT be taking my dogs here. I called to ask if I could get a quote for my 3 dogs and he rudely responded, "WHAT". I repeated my self and again he answered the same way. When he finally understood what I was asking for he said, I'm gonna give you a quote that comes to my head and that's $7,000. and he then continued by telling me everything they'd do for my dogs and I asked him again, how much and he said $7,000. He then continued, "that's because we haven't met your dogs and haven't analyzed them. You need to set up a consultation for us to analyze them and that would be $100. Then we can give you a quote for the training sessions." So instead of being a smart ass and sarcastic he could've just started there from the beginning. VERY RUDE and HORRIBLE customer service. read more

Taking my dog to Pro-Train was the worst mistake of my life. If you care the least bit about your dog, do not trust Pro-Train. When I first sat down with Mark and he told me about the one hundred dollar fee to evaluate my dog and the 2100 dollar price tag I would be paying to train my dog. I figured it would be top of the line training that would last me a lifetime so I invested the money. The first training session I had I was able to see my dog, she was not only skinny but not herself, understandable being away from home. Then the trainer started telling me how Mark was making fun of me and my husband for having to make payments on the 2100 dollars, he also mentioned he was making fun of my mother who came along. The second time I stopped by my dog had multiple wounds on her and a rip on her bottom lip. They claimed she got off her leash ( a choke collar which she has never gotten off of) and got in a dog fight. They said they had been having problems with her aggression towards other dogs. I told them that made no sense since she's never had aggression towards dogs and always goes to an off-leash dog park. So they tried to change the story and say it was just towards one dog. When I said I felt she needed to be taken to a vet, Lee had me call Mark to ask his opinion. Mark was rude and dismissive and told me he could fix it with a liquid bandage. I told him I talked to the vet and she felt my dog should be take in, he said if I wanted I could take her and pay the fee myself. On top of all this, my favorite part was bringing my dog home and finding all the prong-like scars on her from the shock collar and a huge patch of hair missing which they claim was from leaving a shock collar on in the rain. She had multiple scars and wounds on her. When I addressed Mark, he yet again, dismissed me. I was trying to file a lawsuit and was late on two payments. I ended up calling the police on Mark who decided to address the late payments by breaking in to my apartment while I was in the shower and my husband was taking care of our baby and taking our dog. I ran around like crazy (late for work) until my neighbor heard me looking for my dog (who magically disappeared from our upstairs apartment with the door closed) and said the trainer took her in a white van with red writing. I immediately called them and Lee said, I was in the driveway and Mark said he knocked. They refused to bring me my dog and said I could go pick her up if I wanted. I arrived with the police who returned my dog to me and after talking to him said, "If I were you I wouldn't pay that a**hole s**t.". Save yourself the time and trouble and find a reasonably priced trainer that actually cares about pets and their career. read more

We are busy working parents with young children. I didn't realize how full our plate was until we added a bulldog/pitbull mix puppy to our family. After 9 weeks of urine/poop accidents in the house, jumping on elderly grandparents, chewing the coach, puppy biting us, bulldog stubbornness with refusal to walk around the block, barking/whimpering at night, aversion to his crate, and every day like feeling like groundhogs day with trying to address these behaviors, Pro Train Innovative Dog Training not only resolved our issues but were invested in giving us the skills to maintain the training gains. Our dog basically engaged in typical puppy behaviors that we just did not have the time to handle. Our dog has morphed from a somewhat feral animal, to an awesome member of our family that even my 9 year old son can manage. The dog seems so much happier with his new sense of self control. We were worried that his personality would be blunted, but actually we now get to really know and bond with him. Paying for dog training seemed like a luxury that we could not afford; however, after having gone through it, I wished I would have done this before with my other dogs in the past. The result and ongoing support has improved our quality of life that made service well worth every penny and more. The are responsive and trouble shoot every issues that has arisen. Mark (owner) and Lee (manager) really get that every dog is unique and different and have a talent for figuring each dog out. Their passion for this business is clear when you see them interact with your dog and I felt really good leaving him with people who I could see and feel love dogs. I felt very comfortable with the other trainers who worked with my dog and our family. I have taken a pile of his business cards and distributed it to people I meet because the experiences has been so positive for us that I want other people to experience it too. read more

I have owned dogs all of my life and have never felt so connected to our most recent dog, April. We got her as a foster and when she and my daughter bonded, we adopted her. I decided to have her trained by Mark and his staff to be my daughter's service dog. I had to leave April for five weeks and I was soooo worried about her. I hated leaving her so much but I have to say, all of that worry was for nothing. Saheed worked day in and day out with April. She was treated like a queen but she was also trained so well. Saheed is the ultimate dog whisperer and Mike and Lee are amazing. I trust them implicitly with my daughter's dog. She was hard headed and stubborn before her stay with Pro-train and now she is obedient and amazing. She is so well behaved, we take her everywhere. My daughter will even be able to take her to school with her! Mark and his team are spectacular to work with and they really do know their dogs! Will have them come to my house for sessions with my other dogs too! read more

Having our dogs trained at Pro-Train has been one of the best things we have ever done for our dogs. Between myself and husband we have three dogs. Like most couples, we both had our own dogs for several years before we met, and we have had a few issues trying to get them to live happily together. After a horrible dog fight between our two old male dogs dogs, my husband and I were at a loss for what to do. I think that many people can relate to their dogs being like family members and the thought of giving one away due to a behavioral issue is unbearable. As a last resort we decided to try professional training a chance. The Pro-Train website caught our eye because it said no dog is too old and seemed to fit our needs. Mark invited us up for a consultation and really listened to our concerns. He recommended a training plan for both dogs and we actually were so impressed with him that we left them there that day for their weeks long training. Now keep in mind we were really wondering if we would see results with both dogs because they are 9 and 6 and are really dominant breeds (pit bull and Shepard mix), but were astonished when we got them back! Lee and Jaime are the trainers that worked with us and are absolutely wonderful and very knowledgeable. They made sure we knew how to utilize the skills the dogs learned there in our own home, and even provide free refresher training courses for life. I cannot explain how amazing it is to come home to behaved dogs. It's also pretty rewarding to see the jaw-dropped expressions on our neighbors faces as we walk our dogs by that no longer pull and listen to every command we give. I hardly ever write reviews but I have to give props when it's deserved. I highly recommend this place! Thanks Mark, Lee, and Jaimie! read more

Mark and Pro Train are angels on earth. My children and I are so blessed that we were referred to Mark to train our german shepherd puppy Leo. Mark took Leo from being an aggressive, stubborn, biter to a young obedient prince. Mark's extensive training is not only essential for any dog owner but his kind, sensitive demeanor has also helped my family during a very personally difficult and traumatic time. We are sincerely grateful to Mark for his professionalism always and any dog would be lucky to have been trained by him! Every detail of the training experience has been wonderful and the follow up has been exemplary. Mark and his team really understand dogs AND people. They will be our family's friends for life!!!! read more

mark and his staff did a terrific job of training hugo as a vision assist dog for me. they were thorough in what they taught hugo and clear as to what my on-going responsibilities would be. while training is the beginning, it was made clear to me that the long-term effect of the training relied upon me reinforcing what they taught hugo. we went thhrough the paces multiple times until i had an intuitive feel (which is still evolving) for how to work with and get the most out of my service dog. he behaves very well off-lead and responds quickly (most of the time) to voice commands. working with hugo has made clear to me what good dog training entails. although i continue to use the training collar, i need it less and less with each passing day. i am very pleased with my experience with mark and pro-train and expect to use them again when we get our next dog. read more

I can't even thank Pro-Train Innovative Dog Training enough! Mark there are no words to express how thankful I am for Frankie! We started out with our own puppy (German shepherd) after having this pup at home for a week or so we knew we were WAY over our heads! I did not know where to turn, so went on line and started looking. The dog Gods were looking over my head that day because there was Pro-Train. After reading a little I called Mark, he said come on out. Mark and his team talked to us, explained what we needed to do and of course they would help. At that meeting I told Mark that I wanted the out come of my shepherds training to be a service dog for me. With my medical condition I need help with balance and every day needs. With me being a very laid back person, quiet, well just not someone that a growing active shepherd needs we all decided that she was not ment for me. Mark told me he wants me to meet some more little older mello type dogs to see if we could match. The second dog my Frank was a match! He is one of Pro-Train labs that Mark and Team had been training for two years Because of the knee surgeries my dream was to squat down and come back to standing without holding anything. I had been working for 6 years to do this. (sounds so simple) but because of knee surgeries and then RSD it was a just a dream. Well on the second day with Frank, I was working on this task, I went to the squat no problem, but coming back up was an issue. Frank, was at a down stay got up came over to me, he braced him self best he could and let me use him to get up! I DID IT!!!! (ok with Franks help) 6 years work from me, and one Pro-Train Dog that was doing his training to help. Then after having Frank several weeks I fell out side, Frank was in the yard doing his dog business. He came running to me when I hit the pavement, I told him to "get Jim" ( never having done it before) he ran in the house and barked at Jim until Jim came with him. He is a Pro-train Dog and we are so very thankful to Mark and his Staff for Frank- my helper. Pro-Train helps so many and we all Thank You Mark and Staff read more

I've always had a passion for working with dogs and it was really just my luck that when I wanted to learn how to become a dog behaviorist, I found ProTrain institute willing to take me under their wing. I feel like most places will teach you how to do basic obedience and maybe a few other tricks. But ProTrain not only taught me how to do advanced on/off leash obedience AND behavior modification in a variety of ways, they also covered a lot about how to run a business so you're prepared on how to market yourself when you're graduated. I wanted to focus mainly on behavior modification and service dog work so they had tailor made courses of that just for me but they also taught me about a lot of other subjects such as kennel management, first aid and nutrition, protection work, and different training tools I could use in different situations. So when I left ProTrain, I really became the "dog expert", knowing a wide variety of things about the dog world. This really made clients see me as a respected source of information despite being so young (currently 21) and helped me to point clients in the right direction when they wanted to know something outside of my field of expertise. ProTrain has a very hands-on, one on one approach to learning. You get to work inside an actual business and gain real world experience as you learn. They're willing to invest in you and provide you with a tailor made program that meets your needs. They know that if you succeed, everyone succeeds. The senior staff Mark, Shadow, and Lee are all very professional and courteous. Really, this is just a top notch school and if you want to learn from one of the best, this is the place to be. read more

This rating is LONG overdue, but better late than never. I refer tons of friends and fellow dog lovers to Pro Train every year. Just happened to log onto this site and realized I've never left feedback. Mark and his team saved my aggressive rhodesian's life about 9 years ago. After 5 different trainer's evaluations, weeks of starving the dog to make him eat out of other people's hands and fruitless "food motivating" training, and one evaluation that suggested I put the dog to sleep; I brought my two male RR to Pro Train for a 2 week intensive desensitization camp. They both came back a little like they had been at a concentration camp, but completely obedient and more confident dogs. The problem child went because he bit a guest at the house and the other went for "moral support". Needless to say, both were perfectly behaved and lived long and happy lives. Never another incident. Mark truly saved this dogs life. If you have an aggressive or difficult dog - go to Pro Train. You will not be sorry. read more