WE'RE CIVILIZED
We are family owned and operated out of Southern California with over 20 years of experience training and handling dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments.
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Since 2000 For A Civilized Dog has been transforming the homes and hearts of thousands of dogs and their humans across Southern California and is ready to help your dog learn the behaviors and manners necessary to make them a well-behaved member of your pack.
ABOUT US
WE'RE HOUSEBROKEN
CARY PETERSEN
Head Trainer
Cary Started For A Civilized Dog in 2000 with incredible success after studying for years as an apprentice under one of Southern California’s best dog trainers. Close to two decades later he is among the few trainers in the Orange County area willing to take on a dog displaying severe aggressive behavior.
Cary’s love of training, behavior, and problem-solving has led him not only to running a successful training business, but also to high-level hobby competition with his own dogs. As his business and family have grown, he continues to take on new and unique training projects, including the adoption of a shelter dog to master the teaching of complex tricks, and the addition of multiple chickens to expand his knowledge of the learning processes of non-canine species.
Cary wasn’t always sure where life would lead him, but one thing was clear, his passion for a challenge, and his ability to handle all breeds and behaviors with patience and consistency has proven successful time and again making him one of the top dog trainers in Orange County.
DANNIELLE
SEMAN
Trainer
Dannielle joined For a Civilized Dog in early 2018 after spending many years operating her own pet sitting and dog walking business. She also brought with her extensive experience volunteering at various rescues and shelters, as well as experience apprenticing as a service dog trainer.
Dannielle worked with Cary directly for over a year honing her skills doing board & train, consultations, and private instruction before becoming an associate trainer in early 2019. She covers most of our Orange County travel area and especially enjoys teaching foundational puppy programs. Dannielle resides in Orange County with her husband, 2 children, their Australian Shepherds, and their cats.
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JACLYN
PETERSEN
Operations & Scheduling
From 2003-2010 Jaclyn worked in the Veterinary field refining her skills and educating herself on how to manage animals and humans alike. Jaclyn joined For A Civilized Dog in 2010 to become Head of Operations and Logistics for their many clients.
Today she is the voice behind the curtain working diligently to schedule consultations, coordinate training programs, and assist with caring for the dogs during board & train programs. She also enjoys training her own dogs and has participated in AKC Canine Good Citizen testing, Therapy Dog work, dock diving, and agility.
Jaclyn's background and passion for dogs and client relations make her the ideal source for new clients looking to entrust the care of their canine family members.
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