Gentle Touch Pet Training

Gentle Touch Pet Training is a dog training service in San Luis Obispo, CA, offering group classes for puppies, adult dogs, and dogs with challenging behaviors, as well as specialized programs in agility, tricks, nose work, and therapy dog training. The business also provides private in-home and facility-based training, board and train services, and daycare. Serving the Central Coast for over two decades, it is rooted in clicker training and positive reinforcement, methods used to shape canine behavior with gentle, consistent guidance. With a 4.8-star rating from 173 reviews, the business is recognized for its consistent customer satisfaction and long-standing presence in the community.

Founded in 1999 by Teah Anders, author of *Click ‘n Connect: Training your Dog, A Lifelong Journey*, Gentle Touch Pet Training operates as a nonprofit program under Son Care Foundation, Inc. All profits support two 501(c)(3) nonprofit initiatives: New Life K9s, which provides service dogs to veterans and first responders with PTSD, and Son Care Mentoring, which offers youth mentorship. The training team includes certified instructors such as Lisa Nichols, Denny Pontes-Tull, and Darcy Larkin, who bring extensive experience and ongoing education from leading animal behavior experts. Classes emphasize building strong, lasting bonds between dogs and their owners through science-based, reward-driven methods.

Located on Buckley Road, the business sits about a half-mile from South Higuera Street and a short distance from the East Fork of San Luis Creek and Tank Farm Creek. Nearby landmarks include the Pereira Octagon Barn, the Octagon Barn Center, and Montessori Children's School, all within a half-mile radius.

The business holds a strong local reputation, consistently reflected in its high customer ratings and a large base of verified reviews, underscoring its trusted role in the San Luis Obispo community. Its enduring commitment to humane training and community service has solidified its standing as a leading dog training resource in the region.