Man-K9 - San Diego Dog Training

J Muniz
5 Star
I had thoroughly researched and looked for a Belgian Malinois for quite some time. Three years, to be exact. I liked the dark mask darker coat variety and was almost obsessed. They are incredibly high energy, high drive, tremendously intelligent working dogs that require a lot of attention and structure to thrive. Life happens; one thing leads to another, and I ended up rescuing a different dog from the humane society. She is half Doberman and half Australian Cattle Dog and was about four months old. After some behavior concerns, I knew I had to get her in for professional training. After doing a ton of research and weeding out three of their closest competitors (fairly easily), I went with Man-K9. One of the only professional dog trainers to have earned exclusive Police K9 training contracts for Police departments all up and down SoCal, Man-K9 was a no-brainer. I signed our girl up for 6 sessions in obedience. Trainer Ricky (amazing!) had us in for the first session, and immediately after, our walks, which had been uncontrolled and exhausting due to extreme pulling just a day earlier, became an effortless, enjoyable time for me and my pup. How could this be possible? Just one 1-hour session? My mind was BLOWN. I was so unbelievably impressed with this that I wondered what one of Man-K9’s fully-trained dogs would be like. So I inquired with Manager Laurie about the process and asked if they had any trained dogs I could look at. As luck would have it, she says, “I have a Belgian Malinois.” [Me]: “What color?” [Laurie]: “She is completely black.” The stars were aligned, and the universe was setting up something amazing for me. I was introduced to Nera, a 1.5-year-old, fully trained (on and off leash) gorgeous, all-black Belgian Malinois who stole my heart. As training continued with our rescue, we decided to introduce the two pups to see if they would get along and be able to coexist. After feeling each other out for a bit, I knew. This was happening. I worked with Laurie, Alayna and Ed, who were all extremely professional and went out of their way to accommodate me. The whole Man-K9 team seems more like family than coworkers. I even got the opportunity to meet Mr. Manuel Villanueva, the Boss. An extreme privilege for me. Just a quick side note: If you are considering Man-K9, take a look at this video, which features Mr. Villanueva https://youtu.be/5qNQD3QCAIw?si=H5Hovg_UNLHnB38z. I assure you it is worth your time. There is an immense amount of history, foundational knowledge, and hard work behind the Man-K9 organization. Now, back to the review. I had so many questions, and the Man-K9 team went above and beyond to ensure each one was answered thoroughly so I was set up for success. After about a month of waiting to get our girl Nera, the day finally came on 3/19. Lead Trainer Fon (phenomenal!) arrived at my home with our new pup and spent about 2 hours with me, explaining everything and ensuring all of my questions were answered. The level of professionalism and dedication exhibited by Man-K9 is rarely seen nowadays. They have a true passion for what they do, and to say they do it well is a complete understatement. Man-K9 is the best. With obedience training for our first pup now complete and the addition of our newest, fully trained pup, I am over the moon with two incredible, tremendously obedient dogs. I couldn’t be happier with the product and level of customer service I received from Man-K9. I recommend them without question. The passion Man-K9 has for what they do is palpable. Whoever said, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” never heard of Man-K9. They are miracle workers. All the folks on the Fon Jon boarding, daycare, and grooming side are also excellent. I want to thank everyone involved in helping me through this journey and for two amazing, well-balanced, obedient, happy dogs who are now best buds and the light of my eyes! I don’t write reviews often, and I am receiving nothing in return for this, nor was it requested of me. It was quite simply earned and very much merited.
Monday 25th March 2024

Korey Kaczur
5 Star
When I first looked into training for my two puppies (1yr 3mo and 8mo), my dad had mentioned he used this company YEARS ago. He couldn't speak more highly of it, so I had no choice but to reach out for more information. I was considering two companies at this point, but after Alayna so kindly answered all my questions, she quickly gave me so much confidence to choose Man-K9. Boy, am I glad I did! We chose a 4-week course of private lessons (1hr each week), and not to mention it was reasonably priced too! Ricky was assigned as our trainer, and from the get-go he commanded attention from my dogs. I could immediately see a difference in both my pups! Each session worked off the previous one in correcting their leash pulling, recall and reactivity. People always say training is not just for the dogs but also the owners, and it couldn't be more true. I walked into Man-K9 unsure about my training abilities, but Ricky built me up and helped me take control. I felt confident in doing the homework in between sessions, and we could see that hard work paying off. The dogs and I were proud students, and I could tell Ricky was a proud teacher! If I could give Man-K9 and Ricky more than 5 stars, I would! Thank you all for everything! Definitely recommending to anyone and everyone I know.
Thursday 11th April 2024

Angela Grace
5 Star
I can’t say enough good things about Man-K9 Dog Training. I am going to have the best two dogs imaginable after working with the trainer Ricky. One of my dogs is very large, a Cane Corso 7 months old and I knew I would need firm training in order to handle my dog full grown. Ricky's training methods are firm and kind and they worked very quickly especially if you follow thru with training at home. Ricky gave me such great advice even on things like house breaking bad habits, jumping up, and recall.Ricky has a lot training experience and I am beyond happy that I selected Man-K9 and would highly recommended the trainer Ricky.
Sunday 10th December 2023

Shawn Heller
5 Star
I looked at alot of different places for training and I'm really happy I went with Man-K9. I have had dogs my whole life but never had a professional trainer assist me in my training. It was very important to me to have our new dog trained seeing we intended to fly with him and be out with us a lot. Ricky instantly saw signs of what my dog needed and we pretty much had Rocky moving in the right direction after only one session. Training was not only for my dog but also for myself seeing I didn't really know every technique or to see the signs that my dog needed. Ricky made it very easy for our progression through the classes and I'm very happy where my dog is at this point I have finished my first package of classes and will be getting another package set up. I felt pricing was comparable to other trainers out there.
Tuesday 16th April 2024

Ashley Barajas
5 Star
Best dog trainers ever! Sophie (my fur baby) seemed to love everyone at Man-K9. They taught her how to be the best girl. When they came to train me, Fon, was amazing! He is very knowledgeable and explained everything in detail. He made sure I understood everything and was able to answer any questions I had. Definitely recommend! Thank you for everything Man-K9!
Tuesday 29th August 2023