Dog Training in Lake Forest, CA

Helping You Build a Better Life With Your Dog

At The Bearded Dog Trainer, I help dog owners across Lake Forest and Orange County solve behavior issues, build obedience, and create calmer homes.

Life with your dog should feel enjoyable, not stressful.

A happy, fluffy, golden-brown dog sitting on a sidewalk next to a grassy yard, with trees and houses in the background.

Many owners reach out when things start to feel overwhelming. Walks become frustrating, guests are difficult to manage, or behavior problems begin affecting everyday life.

The good news is that most of these problems come down to communication.

When your dog understands what is expected and you have the tools to guide them, things begin to change quickly.

At The Bearded Dog Trainer, my goal is simple. Help owners understand their dogs better so they can live calmer, happier lives together.

Dog Training Services in Lake Forest, CA

Every dog and every home is different. That is why training is built around your goals and your dog’s individual needs.

Board and Train
Your dog lives and trains with me for several weeks while we build obedience, structure, and better behavior.

Private Dog Training

One-on-one training sessions where I teach you how to communicate clearly with your dog and improve behavior at home.

Group Dog Training Classes

Structured classes that help dogs practice obedience skills around other dogs and real-world distractions.

A smiling man with glasses and a beard wearing a red hoodie, holding multiple puppies of various colors, inside a fenced area with black and silver walls.

Meet Carlo

Founder of The Bearded Dog Trainer

I started The Bearded Dog Trainer after spending nearly nine years working in rescue.

During that time I worked with over 800 foster dogs, many with serious behavioral challenges. Dogs labeled aggressive, dogs struggling with reactivity, and dogs that owners felt they could not live with anymore.

Working with that many dogs teaches you something important.

Most dogs are not bad dogs. They simply need clear communication, structure, and consistency.

My approach to training is calm, direct, and realistic. I am here to help owners understand their dogs and create a life where both can enjoy each other again.

At home my wife and I live with two pit mixes, two dachshunds, and one cat who runs the entire house.

Why Train with Us

Why Dog Owners Choose The Bearded Dog Trainer

Real Experience
With nearly a decade in rescue and over 800 foster dogs worked with, Carlo has experience with a wide range of behavioral challenges.

Honest and Realistic Guidance

Training is not about promises or shortcuts. You will always get honest advice and clear expectations.

Calm, Structured Training

A calm and consistent approach helps dogs feel more confident and makes training easier for owners to follow.

Training That Fits Your Life

Training plans are built around your schedule and your goals so the results actually last.

What Clients Are Saying

  • "Carlo has been working with Toby for a few years. Toby is a rescue and has anxiety. Through Carlo’s patience and understanding, Toby has gained confidence. He loves me the most, but Carlo is second. What I appreciate about Carlo, is his expertise in not only training Toby, but me as well. There is no one I trust more."

    —Sherri C.

  • "Carlo transformed my dog- she was super reactive and it was almost unbearable to take her out on a walk. After a couple weeks with Carlo we were able to walk in peace. She also finally learned place and how to react more calm when she met new people. Honestly life changing and would 2000% recommend Carlo to anyone who wants a better relationship with their dog!"

    —Sarah O.

  • "I can’t say enough amazing things about Carlo! My dog Stormi absolutely adores him and honestly, so do I. From the very first session, Carlo brought so much patience, knowledge, and positive energy to every interaction. What really impressed me was how Carlo tailored the training specifically to Stormi’s personality. He didn’t take a cookie-cutter approach. He took the time to understand her quirks, explained everything clearly, and made the sessions both fun and effective."

    —Lauren

  • "As an expecting mother with a 1 year old hyper frenchie I was in need of someone to guide me through training before my baby arrives. Carlo has been amazing at giving me the tools to navigate this process, but to see results you definitely need to take this training seriously and put the time in, but it is so worth it! I have spent the last 3 months following Carlo’s guidelines and I have such an amazing bond with my frenchie. He actually listens to me and understands his boundaries. I have seen a complete shift in my dog and I have so much more confidence about having a baby with my puppy in the house. Carlo is very responsive and attentive to any questions or concerns I have at any time. "

    —R P

  • "Carlo is incredible! I’ve had my dog for a few years and I’ve been trying to find every different training program and the personal attention and custom advice given by Carlo have helped me tremendously. My dog was not only very reactive to EVERY dog on the street and did not care to listen to me, through some baby steps he is now freely going to his crate to eat, he has made a lot of progress on walks where my dog is now at least 50% less embarrassing and loud than before and he doesn’t pull on his leash nearly as much and if I keep up with Carlos training I see even more progress. I would recommend Carlo to anyone."

    - Bailei H.

Start Improving Life With Your Dog

You do not have to live with stressful behavior or constant frustration. With the right guidance and a clear plan, things can improve faster than most owners expect. If you are ready to start building a better relationship with your dog, I would love to hear from you.