Dog Training in Monterey, CA

Clear Communication. Calm Dogs. Confident Owners.

At Little Puppies the Long Way, training is about more than teaching commands. We focus on building clear communication between dogs and their humans so everyday life becomes easier, calmer, and more enjoyable for all of you.

Our training is built around positive reinforcement, real-life practicality, and thoughtful structure. We do not use prong collars, e-collars, or harsh training tools. Instead, we guide dogs toward good choices using rewards, engagement, and clear expectations.

Whether you’re raising a puppy or working through behavior challenges, our goal is simple:

Building a better relationship with you and your dog.

Our Training Philosophy

Dogs thrive when communication is clear.

At Little Puppies the Long Way, we focus on teaching dogs how to succeed in real life, not just how to perform commands during a lesson.

Our training emphasizes:

• Positive reinforcement
• Clear structure and boundaries
• Real-world training environments
• Emotional regulation and calm behavior
• Teaching owners how to communicate effectively with their dogs

Training should feel practical, natural, and sustainable for everyday life.

Training Programs

Every dog learns differently, and every household has different needs. We offer several training options so you can choose what works best for you and your dog.

DescriOur most immersive program.
Your dog stays with us and receives daily structured training focused on manners, communication, and real-world skills.
This program is ideal for:
• Puppies needing a strong foundation
• Busy owners
• Dogs who benefit from consistent structure
• Families who want a jump-start on training
Each board and train includes a go-home lesson and follow-up support so you can confidently continue the training at home.
Personalized training sessions in your home environment.
This option is perfect for addressing behaviors where they actually happen and for owners who want hands-on guidance.
Common goals include:
• Puppy foundations
• Household manners
• Jumping or barking
• Door and gate boundaries
• Attention and engagement training
These sessions focus just as much on teaching the human as they do the dog.
Some dogs need help learning how to stay calm in busy environments.
Public sessions take place in parks, sidewalks, and other real-world locations where dogs can practice skills around distractions.
Great for:
• Leash training
• Confidence building
• Distraction work
• Calm behavior around people and dogs
Small group sessions help dogs learn how to stay focused and calm around other dogs.
Group classes are designed to build:
• Attention around distractions
• Calm social exposure
• Reliable obedience in stimulating environments
Button Communication Training
We also offer training to introduce dogs to button-based communication systems.
One of our favorite things to explore with dogs is button-based communication.
Using simple sound buttons, dogs can learn to express words like outside, play, food, scratches, and more. While it may look like a fun novelty at first, many owners discover that it opens the door to a deeper level of communication with their dog.
Dogs are already excellent communicators — they constantly use body language, routines, and learned cues to tell us what they need. Button training simply gives them another tool to make those needs clearer.
What makes this work especially fascinating is that it doesn’t just teach the dog something new — it changes how humans listen.
When you start choosing words for your dog, you naturally begin paying closer attention to what matters to them. What do they ask for most often? What activities do they love? What needs are they trying to communicate?
The process encourages owners to slow down, observe their dog more closely, and build a shared language together.
Button training can be introduced during private lessons or incorporated into a board and train program for dogs who show interest in communication work.
For many families, it becomes one of the most fascinating and rewarding parts of living with their dog.
Video coaching allows us to work together even if you are not located nearby or cannot attend in-person sessions.
During a video session we can:
• Observe your dog in their normal environment
• Walk through training exercises together
• Troubleshoot challenges in real time
• Adjust your training plan as needed
Video sessions are also a great option for long-distance clients or owners looking for a more budget-friendly way to receive professional guidance.
Not every family needs a full training program to get started. For owners who prefer a more flexible or budget-friendly option, we offer written training guides and recorded video guides that you can follow at home.
These resources are designed to give you clear instruction, practical exercises, and a structured approach to training without requiring scheduled sessions.
They’re especially helpful for:
• Owners outside the Monterey area
• Busy schedules that make regular lessons difficult
• Budget-friendly training options
• Owners who prefer learning at their own pace
Written Training Guides
Our written guides provide clear, step-by-step instruction for common training goals. They focus on helping owners understand how to communicate effectively with their dog while building simple daily routines that support good behavior.
Each guide is designed to be something you can reference again and again as your dog grows and learns.
Recorded Video Guides
Sometimes it’s easier to see training in action.
Our recorded video guides walk you through training exercises step-by-step so you can watch how each skill is taught and practice with your dog at home.
These videos break training down into clear, practical steps and demonstrate the same positive reinforcement methods we use in our programs.
They allow you to learn at your own pace, rewatch exercises, and work with your dog whenever it fits your schedule.
Learn in a Way That Works for You
These guides are designed to make training accessible, flexible, and easy to revisit whenever you need a refresher.
For owners who want additional guidance, these resources can also pair well with consultations or in-person training sessions.