Dog Tired San Diego

This review is long overdue, but I truly can’t say enough amazing things about Sara and Dog Tired. Last June, we were completely at our wits end with our 7 month old puppy, Kuma, who had been showing serious resource guarding behaviors since we got him at 11 weeks old. We had already worked with another trainer for months with little progress, and I was pregnant and very worried about bringing a baby into a home with a dog who was aggressive around food and treats. Rehoming him felt like a real possibility at that time which was so hard to imagine. After endless research of dog trainers in San Diego who could handle this type of issue, a friend at our dog park recommended Dog Tired, and Sara. From our very first call, Sara was confident, knowledgeable, and reassuring…she clearly had experience with dogs like ours. We made the difficult decision to send Kuma to Sara for an in-home board and train, and it was the best decision we could have made. Sara is super structured and has the dogs she trains in her home with her own dogs and children, which gave Kuma invaluable real-life exposure - something you don’t get at a typical training facility. When we picked him up, he was truly night and day. He was calmer, more responsive, and had a much better understanding of commands, especially “out,” which has been crucial in managing his guarding behavior. Sara also spent multiple sessions working with us in our home to ensure a smooth transition, and that support made all the difference. Even now, she is always just a call or text away and always more than willing to offer advice or help in any situation. Sara (and other trainers) have told us that resource guarding never completely goes away, but Sara gave us the tools we need to ensure we prevent it and how to address it when it does appear . She truly saved our dog and our family. Almost a year later, Kuma now goes on Pack walks 3x a week with Craig (who is also wonderful!) at Fiesta Island. kuma absolutely loves it and comes home happily tired every time. We are endlessly grateful to Sara, Craig, and the entire Dog Tired team. If you’re struggling with your dog and don’t know where to turn, this is the company you want. Trust me. 🙏🐾

Sara worked magic with my reactive dog, Loki. I have experience training dogs but had never had a reactive dog. I couldn't get Loki where he needed to be to enjoy life out and about in the world. After spending time with Sara in Dog Tired's board and train program, Loki is a new dog. We can be around people and dogs without an issue. Loki has been the best boy even in difficult circumstances like other dogs getting in his space while on a walk. If you're having a behavioral issue with your dog, I highly recommend a consult with Sara to determine how she can help your dog and you. Sara even provides follow up training for YOU so you can be the best partner for your dog.

We adopted our first rescue bull terrier and needed some guidance. We were referred to Sara by a work colleague. So incredibly grateful for the referral as Sara is amazing. Everything is positive, positive, positive. Her methods are current, and she is so encouraging not only to the dog but to us as well. She really helped Millie gain her confidence. We would recommend Sara and Dog Tired to anyone needing some help with their fur baby. It really was a great experience.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ We feel so lucky to have found DTSD! Our dog absolutely adores them—tail wags nonstop when he arrives. He stayed at his house for two weeks while we were away, and we came home to a happy, well-cared-for pup. On top of that, he takes our dog on weekly beach outings, and he always comes back tired, content, and clearly loved. It’s such a relief knowing he’s in the best hands.

We have had an incredible experience with Sara and the team at Dog Tired. We've done walk and trains and board and trains, and our dog has responded so well! Because of Sara's help, we are able to walk our dog without her reacting as much to other dogs, can take her places more often and are feeling much more confident in ourselves and training abilities as well. We are so grateful for Sara and this team so much and look forward to working with her again!

My 11 month old pitbull/husky/german shepherd mutt of puppy just finished almost 4 weeks of board and train with Sara. Rocky is a good dog but has boundless energy he isn’t sure what to do with despite the endless exercise we have. He would pull my other (much smaller) dogs leash, jump on me and play bite. He is super friendly and would pull towards every dog and person he saw. He likes to “scream bark” when he wants something and couldn’t be in public without causing a scene. At home he is a shoplifter and always finding items to rip up. My other dog is much older and he doesn’t understand when she is “done”. He always means well but was just lacking any manners. The difference in Rocky after training with Sara has been amazing. He has only been home one week, and he’s still a silly, energetic puppy but his ability to listen and understand is all new. No more leash biting. He walks at my heels, passes dogs and people without pulling and when I say leave it, he leaves it. When I tell him to go to “place” he goes to his bed. Even when he would prefer to bother his sister. Certainly depending on the stimulus I might have to say it more than once! He stays while I pick up poop, take off my sweatshirt or pause a walk. Today in a store someone complimented how well behaved he was while he walked at my side and patiently waited for me to pay. He is young and we have lots of practice to do but now we both have the skills for him to become an exceptionally well behaved dog. I missed him so much but Dog Tired sent me daily updates, photos and videos that prepped me for what I would need to do at home. I used the videos to match my tone to Sara’s which has helped continue the training at home seamlessly. I could tell he was having a great time, working hard and was being loved which made it easier. It was worth every dollar spent, myself and my dogs are all happier for it. I will continue to use Sara for boarding when I’m out of town. I’ll be happy he’s with his training family when I’m away. If you need help with bad behaviors this is the most trustworthy, dog loving place you could get it!! I am forever grateful and cannot recommend them enough. Update: Rocky has been going twice a week on pack walks to the beach with Grete, sometimes Craig. The pick up, drop off (and hose off!) is so easy. I work from home but even if I’m in a meeting or on the phone Grete sneaks him in and out. He loves it so much. I get the best photos from his day! It’s great to have a few days someone else can tire out my wild buddy.