Meet our Oakland Dog Trainer & the Founder of The Dog Squad 

    Les Sloane – Owner/Head Trainer

    “Dogs are my oxygen.”

    That’s how Les Sloane feels about man’s best friend. She’s been helping friends and neighbors train their dogs in an unofficial capacity for nearly thirty years. When she walks the streets with her own three dogs, she’s often asked if she is a dog trainer.

    It only made sense that she would eventually decide to become a certified, professional dog trainer. What better organization to choose for her credentials than Canine Trade Group?

    Canine Trade Group requires a lot of energy and commitment from their trainers, and that’s what makes them the best certification program for canine behaviorists. After hundreds of hours of rigorous book education and hands-on learning, trainers move to the next level of supervised in-home training. After they prove themselves in that capacity, they get to use their knowledge to help dog owners in their community.

    Les Sloane was a professional chef before taking the leap and turning her passion for dogs into her career. She boarded dogs, walked dogs, owned dogs, and helped others with their dogs—but now she’s finally able to do what she loves for a living. Nothing makes her happier than seeing a well-adjusted dog out in the world with their person.

    Get in touch with Les Sloane at The Dog Squad today. There is no better choice for in-home dog training in the Bay Area. Reach out by e-mail via our contact form or give her a call at 510.646.9657.

    Mark Peña- Professional Dog Trainer

    Through expert knowledge and genuine compassion, Mark strives to help families and their dogs find harmony in the home. He does so by teaching balanced, science-based training methods that improve both behavior and communication between canines and their humans. Mark offers a full range of companion dog training from beginning puppy essentials, and fundamental obedience, to resolving a majority of behavioral issues including anxiety, aggression, and poor manners in mature dogs of any age, and any breed.

    Mark grew up surrounded by dogs and has always shared a natural affinity with them. He was enthralled as he watched his father train their family dogs to hunt, flush out, and retrieve pheasant. Mark was also inspired by his brother’s ability to train his own dog and used that inspiration to train one of her pups to be a companion dog for his grandparents. It was a labor of love he never imagined would someday turn into his own independent business, but that’s just what happened after Mark met up with renown dog trainer John Van Olden, founder of the Canine Trade Group (CTG).

    Mark earned his CTG certification as a professional dog trainer, and behavior specialist through rigorous study and training under John’s guidance. He is proud to be a part of the CTG network of trainers dedicated to the highest standards of conduct, knowledge, training, and service that sets them apart from other dog trainers. Mark has been utilizing his CTG education since 2018 when he solidified his training through the sage tutelage of Tom Porier, CTG member, and owner of Camelot Dog Training. Tom helped Mark turn that expert knowledge into practical application which he used to serve the New York City and Tri-State area. Mark also received vital Play Group training for canines from nationally recognized trainer Aimee Sadler, and her Dogs Playing For Life program.

    Supported by over 40 other professional dog trainers within the Canine Trade Group, there is no issue too difficult for Mark to tackle. If you’d like to contact him, Mark will be glad to conduct an in-home consultation, and assessment of your dog’s behavior. As a commitment-based trainer, rest assured Mark will work with you and your dog until all of your training goals are fulfilled.

     Steve Bettcher – The Dog Squad Founder

    Steve is retired and no longer trains dogs.

    Oakland based dog and puppy trainer Steve Bettcher is a Certified Dog Trainer from IACP and has been helping East Bay Area dog owners train their puppies and dogs for over 20 years. Steve has worked with all types of dogs and puppy/dog training problems. No dog or puppy obedience problem is too difficult or challenging for him to handle. Over 45 Veterinarians from the Oakland, Berkeley, Alameda and Contra Costa County have recommended the Dog Squad as their Bay Area Dog Trainer of choice.

    What makes a good dog trainer? Steve, a native of Oakland, has had animals all his life and enjoys the special bond that training a dog creates. He is knowledgeable about how dogs and puppies learn and about how they communicate. Steve is proficient in using various dog training methodologies.

    He believes that the real key to his success is in human communication… in teaching dog owners to understand their pets and learn the proper skills that make dog ownership so enjoyable. What would the world be like without the a dog’s grace, loyalty and dignity? Dog and puppy training are more than a job to Steve Bettcher. He is committed to making each dog’s life a better one and to helping each owner enjoy the responsibility of dog ownership to its fullest.

    Steve Bettcher, IACP CDT: Professional Bay Area Dog Trainer

    Steve, born in Oakland and raised in the East Bay, has over 20 years of Bay Area Dog Trainer experience in both obedience and agility. He is a Certified Dog Trainer by IACP. Two of his own dogs have won three National Agility Championships and were awarded The NADAC Agility Trail Championship.

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