Pro Train Innovative Dog Training

I cannot thank Mark and the gang enough for the great work they did with my Shiba Inu, Penny. When I first called Pro-​train I was at my wits end, my dog was breaking out of the yard, attacking my neighbor’s dogs, treeing the neighborhood cats and barking her head off all day while I was at work. I was having weekly conversations with Animal Control. My girl had always been spunky but her behavior was becoming a liability and no matter how many episodes of The Dog Whisperer I watched nothing I did was working.
Three weeks after I dropped off my 6year old, 28lb terror on 4 legs I returned to a happy, healthy and (most importantly) WELL BEHAVED pup. The dog aggression was gone, she no longer pulled on the leash and while she retained her original spunk, she was happy to let me be in charge. It’s been almost 2 years and Penny is still that spunky, yet obedient dog. She still pushes from time to time but I am able to correct her with the skills and techniques I learned at Pro-​train. My only regret is that I waited so long to call!

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.

My wife’s service dog, a three year old female German Shepherd had been trained by Mark for another party with different service need than my wife’s. When we originally obtained her she was not responding to basic commands. Little did we realize that in addition to her training the handler needed training. We took her back to Pro Train and we were given our training by Mark.
After that we waited almost a year to enroll her in Pro Train’s multi week immersion training to learn how she could provide basic services for my wife.
When we picked her up we were totally amazed at the results of the training. She is truly a working dog when work is needed but she in still our loving pet when we goof off with her in the evenings.
Our only regret is that we did not send her back to school sooner. Mark you and your team are the greatest!

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.

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 Unilocal 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!

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.

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**

I am not rating this training dog place even one star. I have been watching them come in their trucks with their red shirts on. They frequent Albertson’s in Vista lot. This is not the first time I have written either. I have even called personally on the phone and received a very nasty response. This time I watched two girls with very young German Shepherds at their side. They were standing at the front of the store. Two girls with one dog each. As the one girl crossed the parking lot with a dog, the other dog began to walk with the other dog. Well the girl with the leash of the black German Shepherd did not want her dog to cross yet so she KICKED him ! I was SHOCKED! I was standing right there. She snapped her head back and forth as to look both ways and then proceeded to cross. How can a dog know to look both ways before crossing. Is that something you train! I doubt that! The other dog was not told to do that. The black dog just went with the other handler and dog as it was standing right next to them. I called out to those two girls. Yelling that I did not think that was good training. A lot of other people heard me but the girls ignored me. So the person with the young black German Shepherd I feel sorry for you. You think he is getting good training and he comes home not able to tell you about the kick he got today. Maybe you better start going to their training outings and look for yourself. It seems every time I go I see something not right at all. Last time the dog did not know how to jump up into the back of their camper so they proceeded to yank it up by the collar. When it got half way up it fell down on the grown with the handler on top of it. They all laughed and said good thing he landed on the dog! This place really upsets me. I love animals. I would never take my animals to this place. I know you should not either. Maybe you feel that they can abuse the animals out of your site and your all happy when they come home. I have video now and plan on sending to the Humane Society this time!
Signed, An animal lover.

Just had my 3^rd 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.

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.

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

We took our year and half old pit bull (Tierra) to mark and his staff last monday. She is a good pitbull and has always listened and trained well but being young and living out in vista on a large property we haven’t had the time or ability to socialize her much or do any extensive training (she pulls ahead on a leash, get’s very excited at visitors, ect). We raised her to be a VERY loving dog and therefore she wants to know everyone and every animal. We took her becuase we would like to be able to enjoy lunch in the village with her at our table being calm, and also go on walks without her pulling and wanting to meet everyone and every animal. Pit bulls scare people and even though she is a lover and doesn’t have a mean bone in her body it’s assumed by everyone who see’s her so we are very excited to have calm pit bull that won’t scare people with her excitment.
I was very nervous about leaving her side for 3 weeks as she has always been with me since a puppy, and she is my heart. Mark was very proffessional and calmed my fears by having us try the shock collar on (can barely feel anything), to the reviews that put this down I will say that we have an electic fence at home and the shock on the fence collar is much worse than the ones that he uses. Mark’s collar feels like someone is tapping on your arm. They place the shock collar on the scruff of the neck which is very thick in dogs and therefore I don’t think it causes her any pain at all. I would have taken her home if I thought so, I’m very protective of my baby.
Mark did a wonderful job asking us specifically what we would like to see in her training. They have many options and customize your training based off how you want your dog to be.
I’m still nervous about being away from her as you always worry about leaving your dog in someone else’s care but overall I would say they seem to be knowledgable, friendly, and well liked. I love that we can do refresher training for the rest of her life and that they listen to what you want. I am excited to see her this monday as I miss her VERY much and talk to the staff about what they have seen in her personality and how it’s going. I will update the review with the final result when she is all done and back home next to her mama :)

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!

DON’T GO TO PRO-​TRAIN!!! Here’s a few reasons why:
1.) Forged Rabies Certificate: I called the clinic where my dog supposedly went for a rabies vaccine and not only had they never seen my dog, they hadn’t seen anyone from Pro-​Train in over a year!
2.) Abusive E-​Collars: When used properly an e-​collar can be a great training tool but these guys intimidate and punish their dogs with painful shocks and choke collars. I saw dogs Unilocaling and cowering in fear. They end up aggressive.
3.) No Vet Care: My dog has a painful growing condition that causes him to limp. Mark, who is not a vet, made up a diagnosis for him and never took him to the vet. Mark also «doesn’t believe in pain medication» according to the vet he uses and doesn’t even give pain killers to dogs after a spay/​neuter surgery.
4.) Poor Training: My dog, supposedly a fully trained service dog, had never been exposed to basic household items since he spent his whole life in a kennel. He was scared of TV’s, floor lamps, vacuum cleaners and plastic bags when I brought him home.
Dogs are wonderful companions and training them is very important. Please don’t put your dog in harm’s way by leaving him/​her with Mark.

Got a puppy german shepherd from Dogman, fully trained. She’s a great dog! She listens well and plays well with my kids. I’ve had several dogs over the years that I’ve raised from pups. It’s a lot of work, From now on I’m taking my dogs to Dogman!

We have a 3 ½ 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.

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.

I cannot thank Pro Train enough for giving me the gift of a dog that makes my life better. I have lost my balance completely and most of my hearing due to an auto immune disease and have days when my left side is too weak to walk safely. I lost my independence and confidence until Mark and Pro Train made it possible for me to be myself again.
A Service dog can be a challenge to obtain from the non profit organizations so I turned to Mark and ProTrain.
They trained my Golden Retriever to assist me in walking, let me know when I need to respond to an alarm or the telephone and to be obedient and calm no matter where we go.
They are kind and gentle with the dogs and offer affectionate praise which is not something you find with most trainers. The guys at ProTrain really understand dogs.
Call them and go visit. It will be a life changer.

Mark and Pro– Train have been training our Dobermans for over 15 years. I cannot imagine a better place or people to trust your dog. The training is extensive and effective. The boarding is wonderful. Follow-​on training is provided when needed and has proven to be on point.
We would not take out dogs anywhere else. thank you Mark!

I sent my rescue dog to Pro Train for behavior modification for severe separation anxiety — she jumped through a closed truck window, ate through an airline rated crate, ate through our fence and jumped through our kitchen window, all within a few days. While she was at the Pro Train facility Mark kept me updated on her progress and assured me that the behavior modification was working. When we got her back we were able to leave her home alone and she would be OK and as an added bonus, she was obedience trained.
Mark has always made himself available to answer any questions I have and to schedule refresher training when we get off track.
My dog is happy to see Brian, who worked with her on her obedience training and I can tell he and the other trainers at Pro Train care about the dogs they are working with.
I highly recommend Pro Train!