Training

Dog Training in Palos Verdes, California

Over 100 years of professional experience

Start Training today

Palos Verdes K9

trained right.
trusted for life.

Easy Reader's 2026 Best of the Beach (BOB!) award badge

Does your dog
have bad behaviors?

Does your dog bark at the door every time someone knocks? Do they jump on guests, drag you down the street on walks, or refuse to drop toys? Maybe they lunge at other dogs or struggle with anxiety.

If so, we can help.

Our training program is designed for everyday dogs and everyday families who need reliable solutions for behavior challenges. From leash manners to household boundaries, we provide clear, consistent training that creates calm, obedient, and well-adjusted companions.

A small dog sits on top of a toilet covered in toilet paper with toilet paper all over the floor.

we fix everyday problems



Leash Manners

No more dragging you down the street.



Quiet at the Door

Say goodbye to nonstop barking when the doorbell rings.



Polite Greetings

Stop the jumping. Guests can walk in without being knocked over.



Better Behavior Around Dogs

Reduce reactivity so walks and park visits are less stressful.

A girl in a white shirt standing with a trained dog outside of Palos Verdes K9.

our training approach

Every dog is different, and so is every family. That’s why we create a plan tailored to your family’s lifestyle. Training is practical, hands-on, and designed to replace frustrating habits with good behavior you can trust.

We work with dogs of all ages and breeds, from energetic puppies to older dogs with stubborn habits. Our goal is to give you the tools and confidence to manage your dog in real-world situations.

Train your dog to live with your cat

If your dog chases or fixates on your cat, it’s usually a lack of guidance, not bad behavior.

We teach impulse control, boundaries, and a calm behavior around your cat so your dog learns to ignore the urge to chase. With the right training, your dog can relax and coexist safely in your home.

Black cat and a brown spaniel touching noses on a couch

Private
Swim Lessons

If your home has a pool or you go on beach vacations often, you will want your dog prepared for any emergency. Our trainers teach your dog to:



Enter and exit the pool safely



Build comfort and confidence around and in the water



Develop strong, lifesaving swimming skills

*Please contact us about this add-on for training.

Training Programs

Every dog and family is different. That’s why we offer three structured training tiers — so you can choose the program that fits your situation and goals.

Foundation

$1,500

8 Sessions

Best for: Dogs with 1–2 specific behavior issues like pulling on leash, jumping on guests, or barking at the door.

Covers basic obedience, leash manners, and household boundaries. A focused program to solve your most pressing challenges.

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Foundation Plus

$2,500

10 Sessions

Best for: Dogs that need more structured correction across multiple areas — reactivity, anxiety, inconsistent recall, or multi-dog households.

Includes everything in Foundation plus off-leash reliability, guest manners, and real-world socialization work.

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Comprehensive

$5,500

12 Sessions · 90 Days

Best for: Families wanting a complete lifestyle transformation for their dog — or dogs with deep-rooted behavioral challenges that require sustained, intensive work.

Our most thorough program: 12 sessions over 90 days with full behavior modification, advanced obedience, and ongoing trainer support throughout.

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5-Star pet owner experiences

    
 
 
         
   Jackson Brunner 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We would gove this 100 stars if we could. From beginning to end our experience was nothing but incredible. We have finally found someone who is not only incredible at what they do, but cares just as much as we do about our pup. We were kept up to date every step of Henry’s boarding journey which put our mind at ease. They went above and beyond. We will definitely be sending our pup back whenever we need boarding.
  
 
        
   Joyce Rista 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My golden retriever puppy stayed with Mike for his in home boarding. The entire process was so easy and seamless. We went on vacation for an extended period of time and wanted her to feel like she was part of a family, which Mike and his family definitely did! He kept us updated daily with photos and progress, and she came back a different dog. Before we boarded her she was pulling and reactive to every dog that walked by, because she wanted to play. When we picked her up and took her home, she was walking on a loose leash and attentive during our entire walk, so we know he spent so much time with her. During our training sessions he was very thorough and explained the why (even to our young kids) to everything he was teaching which helps an owner being successful in training when he’s not around. Our pup will definitely stay with Mike again, and we will use him for future training sessions as we progress with our young pup! Thanks again Mike!
  
 
        
   Vanessa Lanza 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have found the best of the best, and for that we are entirely grateful! Mike’s training style is exceptional and easy to integrate into daily life. He is an expert trainer for working breeds, which is why we’ve had such great success with our cattle-staffy mix and pit mix rescues. Mike will curate a custom strategy that fits your household dynamic and goals. He has a way of breaking down the principals of each correction in a way that just clicks. Our pups simply adored their time working with him—as did we! We feel so secure knowing that Mike advocates for each and every dog he works with, keeping them safe and comfortable throughout the entire process. He really shifted our perspective around reactivity and how to properly manage certain situations that previously felt stressful or overwhelming. Discovering Palos Verdes K9 has genuinely changed our lives!
  
 
        
   Richie Petruziello 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike has been working with our dog Sophie for about a year and we keep getting compliments on how well-behaved she is. SoFi is a Australian cattle and Staffordshire terrier mix. Mike has a subtle touch that dogs just love and he educates so well that he makes training dogs easy. Mike clearly explains every situation that your dog may get into very clearly and he uses practical interactions that are easy to follow. He truly has the magic touch, flexible with your schedule, and travels to you. I highly recommend using his service.
  
 
        
   Traci Critton 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike is the best! Honey Boy is my wonderful but very energetic and strong golden retriever. As he hit adolescence he was getting difficult for me to walk. He started being reactive to other dogs and was constantly breaking free and chasing peacocks. Mike has given me so much confidence and I can now walk Honey Boy without being fearful. Mike is not only uber knowledgeable about dogs, he is easy going, kind and friendly. I look forward to our sessions. He listens to what you want help with and really focuses on your needs. I greatly value Mike and I am so thankful for his help! I cannot recommend him highly enough!
  
 
        
   G Gammell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mike helped me control, walk and enjoy my two shepherd mix dogs.  They did not like other dogs, or people walking dogs.  They are now ok with experiencing dogs at the park, and around the neighborhood.  I am so happy Mike helped them and me.
  
 
        
   Dan Lau 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thanks to Mike he helped our family get the best dog ever!! We couldn’t imagine our house without Zokko, the biggest and most handsome German Shepard you have ever seen. Mike is a master trainer and can help find a dog that suits your family needs. He helped us find Zokko from a breeder in Germany. Once Zokko came here, Mike kept him for several months fine tuning all the training and protection work. Once Zokko was ready to integrate into our home with our 2 elementary aged daughters, Mike gave us our dog. He continued to come over weekly to train Zokko and help with the protection work and commands. Our Zokko is ready to keep us safe and will surely deter any potential intruder. And on the flip side he gets lots of hugs from our daughter’s friends, and enjoys every moment. But most importantly he is our newest family member. We love him!!
Thank you Mike for everything!! Oh and to top it off, his wife is a fabulous Veterinarian down the road. VIP treatment all the way!!!
  
 
        
   Ommid Ferdows 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing results with Mike—professional, patient, and very knowledgeable. Easy, effective training and a genuinely great guy. Highly recommend!
  
 
        
   Me 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Went through two other trainers with my rescue dog before PVK9; wish I would've contacted Mike first!! I would have saved THOUSANDS!
I hesitated at first, assuming anyone training "working breeds" would have a militant approach. WRONG! He's got a "southbay surfer vibes" approach, yet all the knowledge and experience for elite working class dogs. Plus, he is humble in his confidence! Doesn't overpromise. Isn't fixated on a "system" he created; but rather pulls out the tools for the dog that's in front of him. He works with you; in the environments you live in! AND, my dog LOVES him! Mike makes corrections fun! A little more than halfway through our program and we've made progress I am proud of and that others can recognize.
If you want truly specialized dog training with results, this is your guy!
  
 
        
   Restaurant Rescue 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ok, Zilla is a LOT of dog.  I raised him from a puppy and he’s even a bit of a handful for me some times.  But ‘Magic Mike’ is able to handle him like he’s a 10lb puppy.  PVK9 is the only place I board my dog.  They pick him up, drop him off and take excellent care of him.  If you love your dog like I do, this is the only place you want your dog to stay while you’re away.  Worth every penny, A+, 5 Stars, Two thumbs up!