Spotlight Puppy Academy
Training and Support for dedicated guardians and their canine companions in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Feeling Canine Puzzled?
Wether you’re a new puppy guardian, struggle with your adolescent dog's excess energy or call yourself a proud new guardian to a rescue dog - sharing your life with a beloved canine companion is a commitment and can quickly become overwhelming to say the least. Between trying to avoid sharp puppy teeth, socializing, and instilling good manners, the sweet vision of canine guardianship can take a sudden turn from initial bliss to newfound chaos and frustration.
We hear you and we've got your back
It is our mission to see you both happy! We will help you build or restore the connection and trusting relationship with your dog that you long for. And meaningful life skills put the joy and calm back into your life and help your canine companion grow into the confident and amazing dog they are destined to become.
Ready to connect? We've got your back and help training your best friend with reward based, kind and meaningful training solutions!
The 411
on Spotlight Puppy Academy
What we do
Wether you need help with a path to successful puppyhood, teaching your dog life skills or problem solving - we've got you covered with in-person and convenient online solutions.
Who we do it for
Our services are a great fit for newly arrived puppies, teenagers, adopted dogs and any other canine companions and their dedicated guardians, who seek expert support to live together harmoniously.
Why we do it
We created Spotlight Puppy Academy because your canine friend deserves ethical training, and you deserve the peace of mind of getting a great canine companion education.
How your dog benefits
Dogs learn 24/7 and they thrive through mindful socialization, gentle guidance & predictability, and reward-based training - It's never too late to get things started on the right paw - let us show you how!
How you benefit
Find relief and gain know how! From meaningful set-ups in your home to important human skills and reward-based training - understand what drives your canine companion's behavior and learn with us how to best support them.
Where we're located
Our beautiful training location is just outside of Felton, CA in the Santa Cruz Mountains. To make it even easier to work with us, we offer online consults and training too - join no matter where you are!
Outside our area or looking for a DIY approach?
No worries! Like every puppy, we know every puppy parent is different! We also offer our very own online training program for those who have more time and want to get in on the action of training their puppy from the comfort of their home!
1:1 Training solutions & success
start with an Initial Consult
Wether you plan for a joyful puppyhood from the start, need help with teenage-dog troubles or seek support for your shy and sensitive canine companion, in any case we got your back!
During our initial consult we learn from you & your dog first so that we can support you the best way possible! Understanding your needs enables us to provide relief and to tailor training support with your unique canine friend and situation in mind!
Initial Consultation
$145 /90 min Consultation (in-person* or online)
*if your location is within our service area
After our Consult we'll choose the best path forward together
6 week Starter Package
6 Sessions/ $540 include (save $60)
Vital foundations for all dogs and their humans
6 x 60min weekly in person 1:1 Training Sessions
Meeting location is at training location in Felton or out & about, depending on needs
Access to online Puppy Classroom Resource Library, includes training video tutorials as well as handouts
Foundations for your canine companions and their humans
Puppy & Adolescent Dog Classes
COMING SOON!
Learning with joy and at age appropriate levels
Small class sizes for individual attention
At our beautiful training location in Felton, CA
Variety of class ticket options available to support different & individual caregiver needs
Be the first to hear!
The Spotlight Puppy Academy difference
What makes us a great choice for dedicated Santa Cruz County pet-parents?
Fun for both ends of the leash
We will never use force, fear, or pain to train your dog - instead we will only use rewarding and scientifically proven, humane training methods
Certified & experienced
In an unregulated industry, we believe that our own education is the key to success in training your canine companion and earning your trust
Continued education
Learning never ends, not for your pup, not for you and not for us. We will always seek the most up-to-date training information to make us better trainers
Tailored training
Our goal is to help your unique canine companion become the best version of themselves, and for you both to live in harmony as a team.
Individual attention
You and your dog deserve our full attention! We make sure everyone feels seen and heard by keeping even class sizes small & comfortable
Relationships matters
Learning takes place when needs are met and emotional safety is provided - a key element in a rewarding and relationship based training approach
Hi, I'm Simone!
Founder of SPA
I am a certified Family Dog Mediator and professional Dog Trainer certified through the CCPDT. Helping humans and their canine companions connect to live happy, harmonious lives together is my passion, and lifelong continued education my dedication. All with the goal to support you & your canine friend best!
What clients are saying
Outstanding training experience
“Both Paul and I are so grateful that you were our puppy trainer guiding us through so many valuable lessons. Riley and Ellie absolutely love you. Being an educator for over 40 years, I know the definition of a “good educator” and you check all the boxes. You simply made our puppy training experience so outstanding”.
—Kathy and Paul
“Simone is very kind, caring, patient and compassionate. There is no doubt that Simone loves what she does; she is truly passionate about dogs and their relationships with their humans.”
—Joanne C.
“I am so thankful for Simone and her positive training, she breaks it all down so you can understand why you are using every tool.”
—Chenelle B
Ready to get started?
Outside of our area? Prefer to do it yourself?
We've got you covered, too!
Puppy Passion
Online Puppy Training Course - for busy puppy guardians everywhere!
Your canine coach for kind & rewarding dog training
serving Santa Cruz & SC Mountains dog parents
Quick Links
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