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The Best Aggressive Dog Trainers in San Diego, CA of 2026

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David Adams

Dec 2, 2025

Dog Trainers

Welcome to the Sniffspot list of top-rated dog trainers for Aggressive dog training in San Diego, CA. Based on feedback and votes from our Aggressive dog training community, we've curated a list of top-rated trainers in the San Diego area.

  • Sarah Surritt Photo

    Sarah Surritt

    KPACTP, CPDT, CGC Evaluator

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Board and train dog training

    Carlsbad, Encinitas, Rancho Santa Fe, Vista, Del Mar, Carmel Valley, Clairemont, Sorrento Valley, Escondido, Poway, Oceanside, Leucadia, Cardiff, Rancho Bernardo, Mira Mesa, Pacific Beach, San Marcos

    Sarah was that kid growing up who was always bringing home strays and begging her mom to let her keep them. Ever do that? Thankfully, her folks typically said yes and she grew up surrounded by animals.

    Until she began volunteering at the San Diego Humane Society and what was the onset of her training career in 2001, she didn't realize there was a different way to train and build a gre...


  • Ashley Cipolletti Photo

    Ashley Cipolletti

    CPDT-KA, BA Psychology

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training

    Point Loma, ocean beach, pacific beach, hillcrest, north park, South Park, downtown, little Italy, Clairemont, La Jolla, Scripps Ranch, La Mesa, Chula Vista, National City, San Diego county

    I am a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA) and I specialize in training former rescue and shelter dogs. I'm passionate about giving a voice to the voiceless and strive to make the world a better place for canines and their human companions.


  • Lindsey Lieberman Photo

    Lindsey Lieberman

    CCPDT, CBCC, FFCP

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training

    Serving the dogs and people of Vista, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, and San Marcos

    Lindsey has been working with dogs professionally for over 15 years. She got her start in shelter dog behavior and training, which provided her with the unique experience of working with dogs of all types, temperaments, and histories.
    Lindsey is passionate about helping cultivate peace for dogs and their families by combining modern, fear-free dog training methods with Mindfulness practi...


  • Brandi Hutsell Photo

    Brandi Hutsell

    CCPDT-KA, Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Deaf dog training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training

    La Jolla, Point Loma, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, Downtown San Diego, Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, North Park, South Park, Golden Hill, Normal Heights, Kensington, Tierrasanta, Mission Valley, Kearny Mesa, Clairemont, Bay Park, Carmel Valley, Sorrento Valley

    Brandi Hutsell is a co-owner and certified dog trainer with Instinct San Diego. Brandi loves using modern, evidence-backed learning techniques to help humans and dogs learn to communicate clearly with one
    another, and seeing the strong, positive relationships that grow from that mutual understanding. She is a kind, patient teacher who readily adapts her coaching and communication style to m...


  • Beth Frumkin Photo

    Beth Frumkin

    Former guide dog as assistance dog trainer. Over 20 yrs experience

    Aggressive dog training, In home training, Reactive dog training, Service dog training, Puppy dog training, Off leash dog training

    San Diego County

    Hi . My name is Beth and I am a dog trainer and behaviorist with 22 years experience. I have trained Guide Dogs for the Blind, Asistance Dogs for the Disabled, was the puppy group leader for Guide Dogs of America. I have trained thousands of dogs privately. I have recently published a kindle book chronicling obedience and behavioral training as well as many articles. I work on the train the tra...


Sniffspot’s top-rated list of dog trainers for Aggressive dog training in San Diego, CA is based on rankings from our community of dog owners as well as the general public. For Aggressive dog training, we received 368 total votes, resulting in 5 dog trainers who focus on Aggressive dog training. Our top-ranked dog trainers are listed in order of votes, with the top-ranked trainer for Aggressive dog training listed first.

Dog trainers for Aggressive dog training on this list are certified by CPDT-KA, FDM, or another trusted organization. We're proud to feature Sarah Surritt, who has been voted the top dog trainer for Aggressive dog training in San Diego, CA. Sarah Surritt’s favorite part of their job is: I love teaching people that giving dogs more CHOICES through science-based training leads to success and some really wonderful light bulb moments with owners and their pups- all resulting in a wonderful bond..

At Sniffspot, we prioritize trust and expertise. Sarah Surritt, as well as the other dog trainers on this Aggressive dog training list, ensures they bring the highest standards of care and training to your dog. Sarah Surritt encourages owners with this dog training tip: Teach your dog to WANT to do what you want him to do..

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Frequently Asked Questions About Aggressive Dog Training in San Diego

How can I get in touch with these dog trainers?

Each of the trainer profiles contains a link to their website. You can click through to their website where you can find more contact information.

Are these dog trainers certified professionals?

Each dog trainers certifications are listed in their profile. Dog training is not regulated at the federal or state level, so there is no standard dog training certification. However, many private institutions offer certifications. Some of the top certifications in the dog training industry are CPDT- KA, IAABC, Karen Pryor Academy - KPA certification, Jean Donaldson's Academy - CTC certification and Fear Free Certification.

What methods do these dog trainers teach?

There are many methods for teaching dogs. All of the trainers included on this list are positive reinforcement only, as defined by no force, fear, intimidation, or aversive methods used. You can see more information in each trainer’s profile regarding their training specialties.

How much do these dog trainers cost?

Dog trainers have a wide range of costs for different services. We recommend first picking a trainer that provides the services that you are looking for, then reaching out to them to get up to date pricing.

Is training a dog good for the dog?

Yes! Training has many benefits for dogs. Going through a training process with your dog can improve the bond that you share with them. Also, training can do a lot to improve the confidence of a dog; it gives them more certainty that they understand how the world around them works. And lastly, it’s just fun for the dog and for you. Training can be very stimulating and enriching for a dog.

Can an aggressive dog be trained?

Yes! Any dog behavior can be worked on through training. Aggression is a serious issue, but it is also a term that is used very broadly. Many dogs that are thought to be aggressive are actually reactive, which is a different behavior altogether. If you believe you have an aggressive dog, we recommend reaching out to one of your local top trainers to get their diagnosis and advice.

I am a trainer. How can I get listed here?

We update this list once per year, normally starting in January. Make sure to keep an eye on our social media and sign up for email updates with Sniffspot in order to be in the loop on the next round of nominations.

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David Adams photo

David Adams

Dec 2, 2025

Dog Trainers

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