Surfside Dog Academy

12/30/2025

Starting this January! Join us for 4 hours of structured, trainer-led socialization and behavior program, not daycare and not chaotic group play.

Dogs are picked up, carefully matched, and worked with directly by an experienced trainer in a controlled environment.

Who this is for;
This program is ideal for dogs who: Get anxious, overstimulated, reactive, or aggressive around other dogs. Are friendly but socially inappropriate• Struggle in traditional daycare settings• Need confidence-building and impulse control• Benefit from calm exposure rather than free-for-all play

What we focus on
• Controlled dog-to-dog interactions• Nervous system regulation and decompression, Reading and responding to canine body language. Clear boundaries and leadership. Teaching neutrality - not forced play, Structured play and enrichment when appropriate

How this is different
• No owners present - dogs respond more clearly to structure• Small, carefully matched groups, Individual pacing based on each dog• Safety-first protocols at all times• Training integrated into social experiences

Important notes
• All dogs are evaluated prior to participation• Not all dogs will play - calm coexistence is success• Aggression is addressed progressively and safely• This is a program, not a one-time drop-in

Call to action
📩 Message to apply or to schedule an evaluation

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12/18/2024

Every day, countless dogs find themselves in new homes, and some of these dogs carry deep emotional scars from past traumas. They may display behaviors that seem protective, reactive, or even aggressive, which can create a tense environment for their owners. Living in fear of your dog can lead to a cycle of anxiety and stress that only exacerbates their behavior.These dogs need love and understanding, but how can you show them that love when you’re scared? This is where the journey begins: understanding that they have been shaped by their experiences and that they can heal.It’s essential to seek out a knowledgeable dog trainer who not only understands canine behavior but also has the compassion and skills to guide both you and dog. A good trainer will teach your dog new, positive behaviors while also helping you learn how to express love in a way that fosters trust and safety. This might involve setting clear boundaries and limits, and recognizing that your dog may not ever be comfortable around other dogs or strangers. That’s okay; what matters is that they feel loved just as they are.Teaching your dog to manage their fear, reactivity, and aggression is a process that takes time and effort. You might consider a board-and-train program, where your dog can receive intensive, focused training for a few months. It’s a commitment, but it’s one that can truly transform your dog’s life.Remember, every dog deserves a chance at happiness. Their “love” might look different from what you expect; it may be a tough love that includes boundaries rather than complete freedom. Before you consider surrendering your dog to a shelter or worse, please take a moment to reflect on their potential. Many of these dogs were once loving companions before they experienced trauma or were unintentionally reinforced for undesirable behaviors.They deserve your patience, effort, and above all, your love. By investing in training, you’re not just changing your dog’s behavior; you’re giving them a second chance at a joyful life. Let’s work together to show them the love they truly need. 🐶🙏❤️

12/17/2024

Holiday time is such a great time for you to practice putting your dog in the place command! Do you use the place command? Comment below? 👇

Send a message to learn more

12/04/2024

Levi and Ollie in place command while family eats dinner!!

The "place" command is an important training tool for dog owners for several reasons:

1. Establishes Boundaries: The "place" command helps dogs understand where they should be and where they shouldn't. This can be particularly useful in managing their behavior in various situations, such as during meals, when guests arrive, or when the owner is busy.

2. Promotes Calmness: Teaching a dog to go to a specific place, such as a mat or bed, encourages them to settle down and relax. This can help reduce anxiety and hyperactivity, leading to a calmer environment.

3. Enhances Focus: By using the "place" command, dogs can learn to focus on a designated area rather than getting distracted by what's happening around them. This can be particularly helpful in busy or chaotic situations.

4. Improves Impulse Control: The "place" command requires dogs to hold a position until released. This helps them develop better impulse control, as they learn to wait patiently rather than jumping up or rushing toward distractions.

5. Facilitates Training: Teaching the "place" command can be a stepping stone for more advanced training. It helps reinforce the concept of following commands and can be integrated into other training exercises.

6. Safety: Having a dog go to their "place" can keep them safe in situations where they might otherwise be at risk, such as when there are visitors, during meal preparation, or when there are young children around.

7. Encourages Good Behavior: By providing a designated spot for the dog to relax, owners can help prevent unwanted behaviors, such as barking, jumping, or stealing food, which can occur when dogs are not given clear guidance on where to be.

Overall, the "place" command can enhance the relationship between dogs and their owners by promoting structure, discipline, and a sense of security for the dog.

11/04/2024

New Trainer Alert!!! Check out a quick summary of Rudy’s experience.

My life path is marked by my passion for dogs and the desire to overcome challenges. Since I was young, I have always had a special connection with animals, and this love led me to choose a path that intertwines with this natural layer. That was how, in 2010, I joined the Brazilian Air Force, where I began my career as a dog trainer. During this period, I had the opportunity to train war and scent dogs, developing skills in handling and training military working dogs for complex and vital missions.
After completing my time in the Air Force, I decide to continue improving my skills as a trainer at a renowned school in Florianópolis. There, I not only trained protection, obedience and scent dogs (both explosives and narcotics), but I also became an instructor. This role helped me share my knowledge with many people, helping to develop connection and control over their dogs, as well as providing guidance in groups and advanced training. Working with different dogs and owners over eight years was enriching and solidifying
In search of new challenges and knowledge, I made the decision to move to Portugal, where I lived for a year. This period gave me an even richer experience in training ring dogs, mondioring, protection and obedience, as well as allowing me to get to know several European breeds. Living in Portugal was an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth, helping me expand my skills and find new solutions to problems.

To celebrate this arrival, we’re offering a free session.
I know some of you might still have problems with certain behaviors and because of this I want to bring in his experience to see how we can help.
Rudy will give you a detailed analysis of your dog's behavior.
We’ll also give you personalized tips that can be applied in everyday life;
And if interested we can also put together a training plan designed to achieve visible and lasting results if you decide to do more sessions. This promotion is for a limited time!
Text to book your spot! (949) 872-7277

12/05/2023

Hi friends!! I’m doing a limited time only Christmas promotion!🤗🙏🏼🐶

I’m selling a $25 gift card for 1 free dog training session valued at $150 to one of your friends for Christmas!!

The catch is you can only buy 2 max and can’t be used for yourself!

Help your friends & family and their pups learn to be obedient by gifting them with this exclusive dog training promo! Thank you! DM or text me at (949) 872-7277
Surfsidedogacademy.com
🐶🙏🏼🤗

Send a message to learn more

05/03/2023

Hi everyone, my name is Cougar and I’m the newest pup at obedience school with Surfsidedogacademy!!
Stay tuned for my progress!
🐶🙏🏼🤗

04/27/2023

Nothing beats a friend who is always there for you no matter what, but to know that it's YOUR dog who acts as that support system. - PRICELESS.

01/16/2023

Hey everyone! I’m so excited for some collaborations coming up soon with dog trainer !! If anyone is interested in becoming a trainer send me a DM!
🐶🙏🏼💛

01/08/2023

Does you dog take off at the front door?? Very important to train door boundaries!!
Could save its life!
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