Watching Instagram and YouTube videos won't give you a well-behaved dog. Working with Vladae will! We've been working with Vladae for about four months with our now six-and-a-half-month-old Golden Retriever, Coach, and it has been one of the best investments we've made. What sets Vladae apart is that he doesn't just train dogs, he teaches owners how to build a lifelong relationship with them. Every lesson leaves us with practical tools, clear direction, and the confidence to continue the training every single day. Because of that, the progress doesn't stop when the session ends. Vladae has an incredible ability to understand dogs. Watching him read a dog's behavior, body language, and mindset is genuinely fascinating. He knows exactly how to communicate with each dog in a way they understand, and it's clear this comes from years of experience and a deep understanding of canine psychology. He's also one of the most invested professionals we've ever worked with. Throughout the week, he encourages us to send videos, provides thoughtful feedback almost immediately, and is always available to answer questions or jump on a call if we need guidance. You never feel like you're figuring things out on your own. He truly cares about both the dogs and the people raising them, and he always follows through. Every recommendation Vladae has made, whether it's training tools, techniques, or daily routines, has become an essential part of Coach's development. We trusted the process from day one, and the results truly speak for themselves. (See the videos! Coach is only 6.5 months old in them.) Our puppy is happy, confident, well-mannered, and genuinely loves learning. We receive compliments on his behavior everywhere we go, and we owe so much of that to the foundation Vladae helped us build. We also had the opportunity to work with Erica, who trains alongside Vladae, and she was absolutely wonderful. One session with Erica is included in the program, and it was incredibly helpful. It's clear she shares the same passion, knowledge, and dedication that make this training program so special. Vladae brings unmatched energy, professionalism, and passion to every session. He genuinely wants every dog and every owner to succeed, and that level of commitment is incredibly rare to find. If you're looking for a trainer who truly understands dogs and is committed to setting both you and your dog up for long-term success, I can't recommend Vladae highly enough. Coach has become an incredible puppy, and we're excited to continue into adult school because of the foundation he's helped us build. We're so grateful we found him! read more

I wanted to address your recent claims regarding my review of your services. I assure you that I was a legitimate customer who genuinely shared my honest experience, which I believe is critical for other potential clients. While it's understandable to feel upset when receiving negative feedback, it's important to reflect on the reasons behind my review. I noticed that during our initial interaction, you made a comment about my background that many found to be a stereotypical and racist remark. In fact, I saw that you previously posted video footage of our encounter on your Instagram, but you removed it after receiving backlash for those comments. This indicates that others found your remarks concerning as well. I want to emphasize that my intention was never to harm your business; rather, it was to share my experience. Thankfully, I have since found another trainer who practices positive reinforcement, which aligns much better with my values and my dog's needs. read more

We started with Vladae when our Vizsla puppy was just a few months old and progressed quickly. It all made sense and yielded quick results. We were so happy with everything that we decided to progress further by sending her to his 2 week boot camp at 16 months old. When I asked why such a good dog would go to boot camp, Vladae responded with, "Same reason that the smartest kids go to university, to become all they can be and hone their skills." That made sense to me! If it was any other boot camp I would have been nervous about my baby. I know how well Vladae treats his campers though and his focus on health and exercise. "Only the tired dog is the good dog" Thank you Vladae! read more

Loved working with Vladae so much with my first dog that I got a second dog! His training style works incredibly well for my two dogs. It's a very balanced approach. I love that I can take my dogs everywhere with me, they're quiet (especially for huskies) and have good manners and are reliable off-leash read more

From the very start Vlade was very helpful and transparent to all techniques used in his process of training "Duner" our 6month Goldendoodle. I love the fact that Duner can walk off leash any where we go with unbelievable discipline and manners. I also always tell people that the owners must be committed to the training. All in all if you're serious about the success of training your dog correctly call Vlade.. https://instagram.com/dunerthegoldendood?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM= read more

SoCal Dog Training - Pet Training Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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As a first-time Cavapoo owner, I felt completely overwhelmed with the process of dog training and had no idea what to expect. It honestly brought back the feeling of being a first-time parent--questioning every decision, but without a nurse hotline for guidance. My husband and I were especially struggling with how to manage Chloe around our young kids. She was very unruly, reactive on walks, and difficult to control around other dogs. We found SoCal Dog Training through a friend's referral, and choosing Vladae ended up being one of the best decisions we've made. I'll admit, I was skeptical at first--so many trainers promise results--but Vladae truly delivers. The onboarding process was seamless. The initial FaceTime consultation helped set clear expectations, and I really appreciated how upfront and honest he was about the work required. What stood out most to me was his long-term commitment--knowing I could always come back for refreshers gave me a lot of confidence that I wasn't just getting a short-term fix. The training sessions are where the transformation really happens. After each session, it genuinely felt like we had a new dog--but that's also where the responsibility comes in. You have to consistently follow through with the exercises he gives you. In many ways, it reminded me that investing in my dog's future takes the same consistency and commitment as investing in my two kids. She's now quite literally my third kid. Chloe used to be extremely reactive--barking, pulling on the leash, and even jumping up on our toddlers. Vladae helped me understand the root of her behavior and showed me how to properly address it. Now she's calm, more confident, and walking her has become something I actually enjoy. Seeing that transformation has been incredibly rewarding. It wasn't an easy process, but it was absolutely worth it. Also, a special shout-out to Antonina for being so kind, responsive, and accommodating with scheduling. read more

First, we want to express our sympathy to Vladae and his family. Knowing that his wife is Ukrainian, we can only imagine how stressful this time has been. Despite that, Vladae has been incredibly present, focused, and supportive throughout our training experience. We recently brought home Kona, our Goldendoodle from Alva, Florida, and started looking for a trainer. While traveling in Hawaii, we met a couple who mentioned spending over $7,000 on several dog training schools. After seeing their dog, it honestly made us realize that spending more doesn't always mean getting better results. We later came across an old clip of Vladae on the David Letterman show and found out he's now training dogs in Southern California. From the start, he put together a plan specifically for Kona that made sense for our lifestyle and our dog. The progress was noticeable very quickly. Kona is calm, responsive, and follows cues without us needing to say much. We're now comfortable taking him out in public and even off-leash in appropriate places. Compared to what we saw others going through, we achieved better results without going through endless programs or unnecessary expense. We're really thankful for Vladae's guidance and the relationship that developed through this process. If you're looking for someone who genuinely understands dogs and focuses on real-life results, we would confidently recommend SoCal Dog Training. read more

SoCal Dog Training - Kona at Vladae house over the New Year. - Pet Training Near Me - Newport Beach, California

My husband--a retired veterinaian--and I first learned about Vladae through a close friend who has successfully trained her Border Collies with SoCal Dog Training over the years. Once we brought home our two-month-old King Charles Cavalier puppy, Willow, we immediately reached out based on that trusted referral. From our very first consultation, Vladae made us realize that dog training is just as much about training the humans. We absolutely loved his personality and great sense of humor. He was very thorough in explaining everything which helped us understand the training concepts, he used plenty of funny analogies that kept us laughing while making everything completely relatable. Having some European roots ourselves, we really connected with his style. Vladae was honest, straightforward, and set very clear expectations for us. He told us right away that Willow had the potential to perform like a Ferrari, but he also firmly emphasized that if we didn't do our homework, it simply wouldn't work which is very true. His methods perfectly combine positive reinforcement with gentle firmness, tailoring the tools strictly to Willow's emotionally sensitive personality. He was incredibly gentle, yet still delivered amazing results. At one point during the training, Willow stayed with Vladae's family. The amount of care that Vladae and his lovely wife, Antonina, provided for Willow was amazing. From cooking for her to reporting back on every detail--even how she poops--alongside nonstop training, it was an outstanding experience. We would never trust our sensitive Willow to anyone else. We also truly enjoyed the maintenance classes that SoCal Dog Training provides for graduates, where we got to work with Vladae and his other great trainer, Erica. Vlade has also been available by phone for specific issues and is always more than willing to help. We are so glad to have found Vlade and could not be more pleased with the results. We are happy to share some videos of our Willow performing beautifully in public places. read more

Update: Another unexpected benefit has been a big drop in separation anxiety. I leave home for a few weeks a few times a year, and it is usually stressful for him. He gets anxious and unsettled. This time was noticeably better. I think the training built his confidence, and the structure gave him peace and comfort, so he stayed calmer and less stressed. read more

SoCal Dog Training - Pet Training Near Me - Newport Beach, California

If you are like me you don't read long reviews- so I will get right to the point with my experience for my 2.5 year old goldendoodle's (Milo) training: 1- Vladae has a proven system but also gives an individualized plan. MIlo was taught Vladae's system of off-leash skills, no barking, no jumping (and many other skills) but Vladae also identified that Milo was great around people but nervous/anxious in public and around other dogs. So Vladae taught him the proper social skills, arranged for dog pack walking and even hosts a weekly meet-up with his past clients to continue to work on Milo's socialization. No other trainer is doing this. 2- Vladae is the most knowledgeable person about dogs I've ever met. He tells you exactly what you need from food, toys, treats, equipment, etc. and he can assess your dog's behavioral issues like no one else- the knowledge and detail is amazing. 3- Vladae teaches the owner more than the dog- everything from your posture, stance, walking gait, tone of voice, inflection, hand signals, holding leash, how to play and so much more. He will give you all the tools for success. 4- Vladae treats you like family. He is always available by phone/text for any questions. He continues to check on you and sends helpful videos and training tips. He provides follow-up appointment without charge. We will be using him for boarding when we take trips and for any future new doggy additions to our home. read more

SoCal Dog Training - Milo staying in place at crowded Spectrum - Pet Training Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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It's been a few months since I completed an intensive training program with Vladae at SoCal Dog Training, and I couldn't be happier with the results. I traveled all the way from Michigan to Southern California to train with him, and it was absolutely worth both the time and the financial investment. My Australian Shepherd, Umka, now behaves wonderfully in public places, even with heavy distractions, and is just as well-mannered at home. The transformation has been incredible and truly reflects Vladae's knowledge, dedication, and understanding of dogs. The most important thing I realized after working with Vladae is that most behavior issues are not really the dog's fault, but come from the owner or handler. Dogs are creatures of habit, and their behavior depends greatly on how we live with them, guide them, and communicate with them. This understanding completely changed the way I work with my dog and made all the difference. I'm very grateful for the experience and the results we achieved. I'm now continuing with trick training on my own, which feels much easier thanks to the solid foundation we built. read more

SoCal Dog Training - My mom who never comes closer to dogs...loves Umka - Pet Training Near Me - Newport Beach, California

We did Vlade's 3 lesson training program when our pup was 10months. He's 6yrs old now and we're still struggling to undo the damage. He used an e-collar and and pinch collar, and shocked our dog until he popped like popcorn. He muttered an apology and turned the level way down. We were new dog owners and scared and when I intervened, he told my husband something about women being too soft. Long story short, his methods had my dog scared and traumatized. After the second lesson, my sweet pup became a fearful anxious dog with fear aggression. He told us our dog was extremely stubborn and Vlade looked physically flustered that his methods weren't working for us. His "lifetime guarantee" is a bunch of BS too. When I called him out of desperation for guidance/tips 2yrs later, he told me to call a different trainer who may be able to help more and gave me another trainer's number so I could sign up and pay all over again. Believe the 1 star reviews, the theme is the same. E-collars and pinch collars, as well as "domination" theories have all been debunked and not recommended by any reputable trainer or vet, look this up before you book this clown. read more

Vladae's has an amazing ability to connect with dogs. The process starts before he even meets your dog in person. He has to prepare us for the process and it requires us to be open to doing what is needed for success. He's going to be extremely honest with you and I for one appreciate that. We came to Vladae because of his results with our friend's dog. They had spent thousands before with other trainers and still had no results. They turned to Valdae and he exceeded their expectations. We didn't want to waste our time and money with anyone who wasn't going get us the results that we want. Sometimes the process is uncomfortable but all learning is. Today, we have a dog who never goes off script. If he does, it's because we dropped the ball. I appreciate Vladae and his approach. When you work with a master, you get mastered results. I highly recommend Socal dog training. My wife and I were humbled but open to the feedback. This was the key to having to top trained dog who were can take anywhere without ANY issues. Thank you Vladae for teaching all of this to us. It has made our lives exponentially less stressful abd we can enjoy our dog in so many more ways now. read more

SoCal Dog Training - A good boy lying on his bed until he's commanded to leave it. - Pet Training Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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I've known Vladae for about 12 years from my work as a veterinary technician. I've consistently heard great things about him from fellow veterinary professionals. We always appreciated when our patients were also his students. Those dogs are calm, well-behaved, and cooperative during medical treatments. Over the years, I've referred both hospital clients and pet-sitting clients to Vladae. Recently, I finally had the chance to work with him directly while training a 3-month-old puppy. It confirmed everything I have heard. I saw how happy the puppy was when it saw Vladae arrived. This explain a lot about his approach! Vladae uses positive reinforcement. He takes time to understand the root of behavior issues. He sets the dogs up for success by using gentle, veterinarian-approved tools. I recommend Vladae for dog training of all ages. I support his methods 100%. read more

We started working with Vladae just a few weeks ago, and I can't believe the difference we've seen in our 10-month-old Labrador already! From the very first session, it was clear that Vladae truly understands dogs on a deeper level -- not just their behavior, but their emotions and personalities too. What impressed us most is how personalized his approach is. He doesn't follow a "one-size-fits-all" training formula -- instead, he took the time to get to know our pup, her quirks, and even our family dynamic. Every technique he's shown us feels like it was made specifically for her. In just three sessions, we've gone from daily chaos to calm, confident walks and a much happier dog overall. Vladae also explains the "why" behind every command, so we're learning right alongside her, which makes training so much easier and more meaningful. If you're looking for a trainer who's not only knowledgeable but genuinely passionate and intuitive about dogs, Vladae is the real deal. We're beyond grateful to have found him! read more

Thank you for everything Vladae! You are truly one of a kind. Within 5 minutes of our session, I already noticed a significant difference in my dog's behaviour. The boot camp was incredible. My dog came back even more confident, well-behaved and happy. I am so grateful and highly recommend SoCal Dog Training to anyone looking for the best trainer. read more

SoCal Dog Training - Pet Training Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Vladae did a great job with our frenchie. Started off as basic training but ended up going to boot camp. She had the basics down but as a working family it was hard to commit the time to socialize her / finish her off. She was with him in his home for 2 weeks and has come back with all her commands solid and a much more confident dog. This was her first time away from us. We received daily communication and pictures and felt that Vladae treated her as a part of his family. More than just a trainer. Thanks Vladae. read more

Our journey with Vladae began with a brief FaceTime meeting. He was very straightforward, telling us that raising a dog is like raising a child -- you only get one chance to do it right. At the same time, he gave us hope that if we trusted the process, we could see real results. He emphasized honesty, staying in touch, and doing our homework between sessions. During the one-hour consultation, he assessed our dog and gave a three-step plan to follow before our first in-person session. Following it already brought improvements and made the first class much less stressful, especially for our sensitive dog. Vladae is calm, gentle, and understanding, focusing on the root cause of behaviors rather than corrections. Working with him and Erica helped our dog gain confidence and succeed in public spaces. After just a few sessions and practice at home, our dog is performing at a level we never thought possible. We are incredibly grateful for Vladae and trusting his knowledge and expertise-- this experience has truly been life-changing for us and our pup! Harley is a miniature F1 Bernedoodle read more

We found Vladae after I reached out looking for help with our puppy, Odin, who we plan on becoming a service dog for our autistic son. We weren't just looking for basic obedience training -- we already had some concerns like nipping and barking at other dogs, and wanted to make sure we were on the right path from the start. From our initial consultation, it was clear that Vladae is extremely experienced and incredibly knowledgeable. He laid out exactly what we needed to be doing both inside and outside of the home, explained the importance of structure, consistency, and follow-through, and provided us with effective tools and resources to support Odin's training. We started working with him when Odin was 6 months old and saw results immediately after the very first session. Now, 7 months in, the transformation has been amazing. We still have a little ways to go due to service dog standards and task training, but in such a short time Vladae has already gotten us far ahead. He's always available if we have questions or need to adjust something, which we truly appreciate. He's very straight to the point, doesn't sugarcoat anything, but genuinely treats his clients like family. Vladae is truly one of the best of the best. If you're looking for a trainer, you won't regret it -- just be ready to put in the work and, as he says, "trust the process." read more

I cannot recommend Vladae enough. I have a large 2.5 yr old male newfiedoodle, that had some behavior and hyperactivity issues. I went thru training with Chewie when he was 4-7 months with another professional trainer and even sent him to another board and train program when he was around 10 months. While this training was somewhat helpful, I didn't realize at the time that not all trainers are created equal. I only realized after meeting Vladae that there's many levels of mastery when it comes to dog training and Vladae is the best. He knows dog psychology, physical and vocal queues, and the most nuanced training techniques to help any dog and their owner. It's truly amazing the level of detail he provided me to know what to do with Chewie everyday and how to handle tough situations. I feel so much more confident as a dog owner now. If you have a dog of any age and want to be the best canine leader you can be, I'd recommend Vladae. read more

I was honestly really nervous about training in public. I tend to get anxious around crowds, and my dog always picked up on that energy. Public places felt overwhelming for both of us, so I usually avoided them altogether. Working with Vladae completely changed that--much faster than I expected. In just two sessions at a very busy mall during the holiday rush, we trained in real-life situations instead of quiet, controlled environments. And honestly, if you're going to face anxiety, doing it in a packed holiday mall kind of makes sense We worked on off-leash walking through crowds, staying calm around people and noise, and smoothly transitioning into stores and restaurants. What used to feel stressful and chaotic suddenly felt structured and manageable. What really stood out to me was the clarity and structure Vladae provided. Nothing felt rushed, forced, or confusing. Every step had a purpose, and as my dog stayed calm and focused, my own confidence grew right along with him. Our day-to-day life already feels so much easier. We move together with calm and confidence, and the progress is undeniable. The videos truly speak for themselves. I highly recommend training with Vladae if you're looking for real results in real-world situations. read more

I just want to give short update about my experience after a year when Vladae trained my Lenny. He is doing amazing! I use Vladae's teaching every single day because unless you use it you lose it. But I can enjoy Lenny now like I never thought I could because of what I learned and continue to practice daily from Vladae. read more

SoCal Dog Training - Lenny - Pet Training Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Vladae is an excellent teacher. He taught and trained our chocolate lab Crash to be an amazing companion at home and in public. He also taught our family to be great owners. No one delivers results like Vladae. He is passionate and truly cares about the dogs and more importantly he has become an extended part of family. SoCal Dog Training is simply the best. read more

German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County (CA) heartily endorses Vladae. Whether you are looking for basic obedience training or struggling with challenges and need a professional's support, Vladae is your solution. He is a behaviorist who has studied for decades, and he applies specific techniques to individual cases. No two dogs are alike for Vladae. Simply stated, if you are looking for a successful outcome, choose Vladae. He will train YOU, so that you can communicate better with your dog for an ideal relationship. Maria Dales, Director, German Shepherd Rescue of OC read more

SoCal Dog Training - Pet Training Near Me - Newport Beach, California

I rescued my Belgian Malinois, Akira, at just two months old. She had a strong personality from the start and was showing fearful and snappy behavior toward strangers. I knew I needed guidance, not just for her, but for our whole family. I asked my neighbor who trained his German Shepherds, and he told me about his experience working with Vladae years ago. It was exactly what we needed. Looking back now, I'm so glad I started working with Vladae on in person puppy training with my puppy at 12 weeks old age. The process wasn't always easy, but we went through every stage together--puppy challenges, basic training, socialization, and later adult training. Over time, Akira transformed into a calm, well-balanced, loving dog that I can take pretty much anywhere. She's confident around people, great with my kids, and handles new environments without stress. One of the moments that really confirmed how far she'd come happened at a community event in Tustin. Some police officers who work closely with this breed noticed her and stopped to talk to us. They told me they were genuinely impressed with her obedience and her gentle personality. Hearing that from people who know Malinois breed so well, meant a lot to me. I'm genuinely grateful for all the help and support we received from Vladae. It made a huge difference for our family. I'm sharing some before-and-after videos too--she was about eight months old in those clips--just to show the progress we experienced firsthand. read more

I found Valdae through a friend's recommendation, and I'm so glad I did! My dog Mocha started training with him when he was just 6 months old, and now at 1 year old, he's doing amazing. He knows how to sit, lie down, go to his place, and stay without any issues. He'll even chill on his mat for several minutes all on his own--it's seriously impressive. Valdae is super patient, professional, and really knows his stuff. He worked with Mocha in a way that felt calm and encouraging, never pushy. You can tell he genuinely cares about the dogs he trains and wants both the dog and the owner to succeed. Training with Valdae has made life with Mocha so much easier and more enjoyable. If you're looking for someone who's not only great with dogs but also easy to work with, Valdae's your guy. I couldn't be happier with the results! read more

If you're looking for someone to train YOU how to help you have a happy, obedient dog, Vladae is the very best. I recently lost my previous service dog of 9 years, Kaia the pittie, in April whom I had rehabbed from an abuse situation. Losing her led me to rescue my new dog Kronk. Being almost a decade older now and with worsening disabilities, when I rescued another dog after her passing, I knew I needed help to ensure my new dog could live up to service dog expectations so that he could help me live my life easier. Vladae was hesitant at first because my boy Kronk is a 77 lb pitbull and if you know bully breeds, they are stubborn and require good owners who are persistent and consistent. Vladae doesn't just take any clients, he's a very busy and popular man and you have to prove that you will put in the work, but if you do, it pays off! He knows what he's doing! Listen to his guidance and you will have the perfect dog. He will treat you like you are family and you won't regret it. He is worth every penny spent. I've never worked with anyone as wonderful, kind, knowledgeable, and helpful as Vladae. The best part about him is that he will always answer your texts and calls. Even when my dog caught giardia and I texted him about how worried I was, Vladae called me right away with concern and additional tips to help me through the time. Look at my dog as proof. We only met 4 times, but already after the 3rd session, Kronk comes with me everywhere and helps me get through my life living with my many disabilities. TLDR; If you need help with your dog and you're willing to do the homework, definitely call Vladae. Also, RESCUE, FOSTER, ADOPT. Shelter dogs can be service dogs too! read more

SoCal Dog Training - My good boy Kronk IG: @kronkthechonk - Pet Training Near Me - Newport Beach, California

This is just a follow up to my previous reviews. We are not almost 1.5 years post boot camp. Since then Vladae has followed up on progress and even come to my home to help refine some skills. No other trainer would do this. Great man, great trainer. read more

Turning a Leash-Pulling Lemon Tornado into the Family's Pride Ferrari Dog Background & Problem * We had a 4-year-old Golden Retriever who was sweet but completely disobedient. * He pulled on the leash constantly, got distracted at the drop of a hat, and ignored every command, especially when strangers gave him attention. * Walks became stressful for the whole family, and with a newborn arriving soon, it felt impossible to manage. * We looked for trainers, but most felt vague, expensive, and offered no guarantees. * A neighbor with a perfectly behaved Golden told us about Vladae. We joked that we must have ended up with the "bad model" of the breed. Solution * We signed up for Vladae's Bootcamp, which included a prep session, two weeks of immersive training with him, and follow-up coaching. * With the newborn on the way, we needed real results fast, not just nice promises. * We learned practical, hands-on techniques before and after the bootcamp so we could keep the training going at home. Results * The transformation was unbelievable: calm, obedient, and responsive both on and off leash. * We now have the tools to handle new situations as they come up. * Our dog is lovable and manageable again, and family walks are something we actually look forward to. * Our only regret is waiting so long to send him to Vladae. We could have saved ourselves years of stress and frustration. TestimonialWe totally loved working with Vladae. Antonina and Vladae are absolutely, absolutely amazing. He is sweet, helpful, accommodating, and absolutely professional. He does not make false promises. He truly knows and loves dogs and can turn a "lemon" into a "powerful Ferrari." Highly recommended. Vladae does not just train dogs, he trains families to enjoy and love their dogs again. Thank you Vladae read more

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This is one of the best dog trainers I have ever encountered. My pup was In need of training and after a few other trainers, I was lucky enough to meet Vlade. He helped to show my dog all the things that needed to be a great companion He taught my dog manners, obedience, and good behavior. My dog had all of these qualities deep inside but it took a skilled trainer like Vlade to bring it all to the surface. I never would've been able to share in the beauty of my dog without the help of Vlade. I have through the years recommended Vlade to anyone who has a dog who is in need of training Many of those people have thanked me countless times for the introduction to this wonderful man who is known dogs all his life and has brought joy to many families because their dogs have become happy members of each of their families II have known Vlade for the lifetime of my dog. Sadly, my dog recently passed away and in there is no way I would ever get another dog without making sure my new family member would be guided by Vlade. His guidance, his wisdom, his know how is a very rare find in today's world. He trains with love, kindness, strength of character and authority. This is what makes a great trainer, And a great trainer helps make your pet the best family member. I look forward to my new family member and knowing the person that's going to guide my new pet will be Vlade. He is the absolute best I have ever encountered I recommend him to everyone. Most of all, I thank him for helping shape my pet into the wonderful dog she became. read more

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Updated review today July 4th, 2025: My family has now known Vladae for over 20 years dating back to our many years together in Michigan when he helped us to train our four Bichons and our one Maltese. He did an amazing job training our dogs and he was an absolute pleasure to work with and our dogs all loved him also. The Governor of Michigan at the time awarded him the highest honor naming him the "BEST DOG TRAINER IN MICHIGAN". We have since moved to Newport Beach 5 years ago and we now have two French Bulldogs that Vladae has been helping us with. Vladae has an extremely rare and exceptional gift. He is able to communicate clearly and effectively with all dogs using a language that he devised and developed many years ago when he was the TOP DOG TRAINER in RUSSIA before moving his family to the US. Vladae truly is a genius when it comes to dog psychology and training dog owners. He is a gifted teacher and trains owners how to get their dogs' full attention and respect to follow commands. He can train any dog from the smallest gentlest puppy to very large dogs that might have problems with aggression or other issues that need to be addressed. In addition, Vladae has a heart of pure GOLD and he has a great sense of humor and he is very funny and entertaining as well! Training sessions are fun for the dogs and their owners. He is so kind, patient, compassionate, and caring and all of our dogs over the past 20 years have LOVED him! He is very respectful and polite and he is also very clear and appropriately firm with his instructions and directions. His results are immediate and impressive. We love Vladae and he has always been available to our family whenever we had a question, problem, concern or needed his advice, help, and support. Our family gives Vladae the highest possible 10 out of 10 rating without question or reservation. We know that you will be completely happy and satisfied with his outstanding professional approach and results in training your dog if you are fortunate enough to get the opportunity to work with him. He is the best dog trainer I have ever known or seen anywhere. You will be very glad that you chose to work with him and his colleagues at SoCal Dog Training! read more

SoCal Dog Training - Pet Training Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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Hello everyone! We had our pup Zuma, a medium sized golden doodle, spend some time with Vladae. We cannot recommend Vladae enough. We are expecting a baby, and Vladae and his wife Antonina were so gracious to take Zuma in. First we did the puppy training and that was a world difference from when he started but we are also both working full time jobs and a kiddo at home so you can probably imagine we were not the best with keeping up the recommendations and teachings from Vladae. We then opted to have Zuma spend time exclusively with Vladae for the puppy boot camp. That was a game changer even more so. We were constantly getting updates. Communication with Vladae and his wife was consistent. We really took the lessons from Vladae to heart this time around. Vladae even made time to come to our home to assess and tweak some things so that we can continue to teach Zuma not to jump or bark especially with a baby due soon. Zuma has progressed so much and we are so happy with how far Zuma has come along. The training doesn't stop there. There will still be more meetings in the future. Vladae continues to check up on us to see how we are doing and that really means a lot - he truly cares about his clients. Consistency is the key is the biggest lesson we have learned and you really do have to lean into and trust the process. Vladae does provide you with all the skills to have a happy, fulfilling life with your dog. If you're looking for a dog trainer, please don't hesitate to reach out to Vladae. His method worked wonders for our rambunctious pup. Thanks for everything you have done for our family Vladae. read more

SoCal Dog Training - Pet Training Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Vladae was recommended to me by my veterinarian over 12 years ago for my rescue Border Collie, Zoe. Prior to Vladae, I worked with other trainers whose focus was primarily on basic obedience such as sit, stay, and heel. Zoe was later attacked at a dog park and subsequently became extremely reactive around other dogs. After Vladae's bootcamp, she was transformed into a completely different dog, and I committed to maintaining her training for the rest of her life. When I adopted my new 1.5 year old Border Collie, Bentley, I wanted to make sure that he benefitted from Vladae's training right away so that we could have the best start possible. Bentley is friendly, but extremely anxious around new people and situations. Vladae's signature method of focusing on socialization first, then training, helped change Bentley into a much calmer and confident dog. After training and boot camp, Bentley is now fully off-leash trained, comfortable with new people and busy environments, and able to go anywhere. Working with Vladae right from the start made the process much easier and smoother for everyone involved, including Bentley. Vladae taught me a lot about Bentley's body language, as well as other dogs, so that I can proactively manage stressful situations. As a result, Bentley feels safer and calmer. People constantly comment on how well-behaved and mellow he is, especially me for being so young. Vladae also commits to lifetime maintenance, treating each client as one large family. Several clients meet regularly in groups of various sizes for their dogs to socialize, play, and train together to keep everyone's skills sharp. This last aspect is something I have never encountered with any other trainer, and is so much appreciated. Thank you Vladae! read more

SoCal Dog Training - Puppy Party! Bentley enjoying training and socialization with his SoCal Dog Training friends introduced by Vladae. - Pet Training Near Me - Newport Beach, California

Erica and So Cal Dog training took my friendly but excitable dog to the next level. Now distractions are negligible, can take him nearly anywhere without worry. The process was easy, understandable, and in short time this dog is about ready for my goal of visits to vets and work with ptsd. I'd recommend SoCal Dog Training to anyone who is serious and willing to do the work required for a first class canine. read more

Vladae is the best dog trainer in SoCal period. After working with Vladae, my dog can go off-leash, stay in place at outdoor coffee shops and dining areas while I go inside (no crying or whining), has perfect recall, and shows controlled behavior around other dogs. Whatever issues you have with your dog, they will go away. My experience: When I first got my puppy, I did all the obedience training, listened to podcasts, watched YouTube videos - all of that. But obedience training isn't enough. Major had serious behavioral issues - he wouldn't listen to me, and if I went inside or left him anywhere he would start crying. He was uncontrollable around other dogs because he wanted to play. But most importantly, he was afraid of humans. Whenever anyone would come near, he would back away. This was a really important issue to address head on because when a dog gets older, the behavioral issues get worse and he would be at-risk of biting another person or child if I didn't train him. I needed a dog trainer to teach me and the dog so that the dog would LISTEN TO ME. That's the key. Now, whatever command, wherever we are - Stay, Down, Come - he does it. The results: Now I have such a great relationship with my dog. He gets so many compliments about how well behaved he is, and I can take him to do so many fun things - the park, the beach, hikes, coffee shops where he waits calmly while I order. The best thing about getting training right is that you have a much better relationship with your dog. It's easy to spend money on the wrong dog training. You'll save money by investing in Vladae's dog training and get the results, period. How Vladae works: He FaceTimes you first to give you tips on how to set up your home correctly, then uses his deep knowledge of dog behavior after he meets with your dog to address your dog's unique problems. All of Major's issues - his genetically induced insecurity and sensitivity, his fear of people, his separation anxiety, and his lack of impulse control around other dogs - required a lot of deep knowledge in the animal behavior field that Vladae provided. In the video I'm sharing, I'm walking Major off-leash at an outdoor shopping mall. What isn't shown in the video is that we walked by multiple dogs too - and he stayed perfectly calm and focused on me. read more

Vladae is a miracle worker. He accomplished more in a single two-hour training session with our wheaten terrier Clancy than I tried, and failed, to accomplish over two years. After the first session, our dog was walking at our pace without pulling on the leash, sitting, staying, and coming on command. By the third session, Clancy followed both oral and hand commands in a busy mall setting with multiple distractions. With the use of Vladae's proven techniques and "doglish" commands, we no longer had to worry about injury to Clancy or ourselves as a result of him chasing after dogs, squirrels, and coyotes. Vladae and his wonderful wife Antonina love dogs. They provide a warm and caring training environment for pets and owners alike. read more

We had an incredible experience with Erica & SoCal Dog Training. Erica trained our 10 month old puppy, Theo in her home overnight for one week. We started with a phone call, then FaceTime consultation and interview, then met with Erica for an hour one on one training session before Theo started his official overnight training. He learned to control his reactivity and barking around all kinds of distractions. Erica took him to many public places and was training him off leash almost right away. We are sooooo amazed by the progress so far and will continue implementing everything we learned. read more

We can't say enough good things about Vladae and his board and train program. It has completely transformed our dog and opened up a whole new world for us as owners. Before training, we were constantly struggling with overexcitement, reactivity, and unreliable obedience. Every new distraction, whether it was a dog, a person, or a sound, would set him off. Listening to commands was hit or miss, and we never felt fully in control. Off-leash felt impossible too. After just two weeks with Vladae, the change has been incredible. Our dog now has the focus, calmness, and self-control we always hoped for. He listens, even with distractions around, and we can finally trust him both on and off leash, in public, around other dogs, and in situations that would've been overwhelming before. Now, instead of feeling anxious about taking him places, we feel excited about all the new adventures we can share, like taking him to the dog park and beach, restaurants, and visiting busy public places. On top of the amazing results, we felt completely comfortable and at peace leaving him in Vladae's care. His home-based program meant our dog wasn't just another number, he was treated like family, getting individual attention, structure, and real-world practice that made all the difference. Vladae and his wife, Antonina, both took such amazing care of him. They even made him home cooked healthy meals when he was being a picky eater, going totally above and beyond. Antonina, who is from Ukraine, showed us such warmth and kindness, even while carrying the weight of everything happening back home. We're sending love and strength to their family, and we're so grateful for the care and heart they poured into our dog during this time. Their compassion and dedication meant the world to us, and we could truly feel how much they cared. We also really appreciated the communication throughout. Vladae kept us updated regularly, and we could see how engaged he was in our dog's progress. He didn't just train our dog, he gave us the tools, confidence, and knowledge to keep building on the progress. The support and education we got as owners was just as valuable as the training itself. If you're looking for someone you can truly trust with your dog, someone who delivers real results and sets you up for lasting success, Vladae is hands down the best choice we could've made. We're beyond grateful and so excited for everything that's now possible with our dog. We'll be recommending him to friends and family without hesitation! read more

We recently had a tune up session with Vladae since we will be flying and traveling with our pup. Of course Vladae was more than happy to meet with us.. What sets him apart is not just his expertise, but his dedication to building a lasting relationship with both you and your dog. Unlike many trainers who offer a one-and-done session, Vladae provides lifetime training, ensuring that both you and your pet continue to succeed long after the initial session. If you're looking for a trainer who goes above and beyond, Vladae is the one! read more

SoCal Dog Training - Pet Training Near Me - Newport Beach, California

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If you want your dog to be amazing, follow Vladae. He will show you the way to make it happen. His techniques are miraculous, and his precision is astounding. My dog is very assertive, stubborn, and tries to get away with as much as possible. In the touch up session Vladae identified minor errors I was making and we continued through the mall, leash free, These videos show how focused my dog can remain amidst so many distractions. If she can make it through all this, imagine how she is at home. We don't have a barking or destructive dog. We have a happy dog in a happy home thanks to Vladae. read more