Welcome to Elite Pup Training
Strengthening the bond between you and your dog, we offer personalized, professional behavior training that you can count on.
Check out our Day Training and Board & Train Programs
We have a day training program for the parents who want to be more involved in the training and three board & train programs to choose from.
New Kennels at EPT
We are constantly improving at the ranch and have recently replaced and added new kennels to our facility.
Our redesigned barn space includes 12 uniquely designed kennels for our canine guests with special needs. We've replaced older kennels with top-of-the-line kennels to make our accommodations like no other.
Our kennels provide a safe, exclusive space insulated from the hot and cold weather where they enjoy their meals and downtime. They enjoy our secured areas with other canine pals or on pack walks when they are not in their kennels.
About Us
Google Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Every aspect of the training program was exceptional—truly a perfect 10. As the leader of a large customer service organization, I pay close attention to details and interactions, and I was thoroughly impressed at every step. From the initial consultation to the thoughtful training follow-ups with Ricky, the daily email updates on her progress, and the photos you sent along the way—it was clear she was in great hands. More than that, it showed just how much you genuinely care for every dog you train and board.
-Dana B.
04/10/25
Google Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
At first, I was reluctant to bring my dog to EPT, because of the cost. It was so worth it! Ricky and the gang go above and beyond with the dogs. They love them and genuinely want what is best for your dog. The E-collar training worked for my dog who was fearful of and aggressive to other dogs. My dog, Charlie wasn't totally trained at the end of the sessions. I feel confident that I can continue training him to make him feel protected and not fearful using the EPT methods.
-Pam G
8/5/2023
Google Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Absolutely cannot say enough good things about EPT. We do boarding frequently and did the 3-week boot camp ("EPT Hybrid Training"). Ricky, Vanessa, and the whole staff are pros. They're incredibly attentive and knowledgeable about what they are doing. Super responsive to questions and requests too, with ultimate flexibility. I would trust them with any dog in any situation. The facility is also world class with perfect upkeep - it's a dog's paradise vs some other places that are just small turf squares with a few dog toys on them (and actually charge you more $). Our dog got attacked at the beach by other dogs. Training and post-attack re-socialization for our dog were life changingly positive. She is now well-behaved enough to go off leash anywhere with perfect recall and heel trainings thanks to EPT. It's materially improved our lives and hers. This place is worth every penny. They should arguably be charging double for the quality of service and facility they offer - it's the steal of the century that boarding here is cheaper than some downtown SB places. You better reserve now before they realize and start charging what they deserve! me!!!!
-David B
6/27/2023
Yelp Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
EPT is the best! When my new puppy was proving to be too much for me I started working with Ricky and Vanessa and their team. Rugby is now such a pleasure and so well behaved you would not believe he is just over a year old. We did the 5 week program and now I have a dog the I can trust and enjoy. His fear aggression is under control and so well mannered. He also goes to EPT for boarding overnight now and then and comes home happy and exhausted from all the good times. 5 stars from me!!!!
-Lane K.
4/19/2023
Yelp Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
In all honesty I almost gave up on my dog, Kenna. She had a hard start in life and had many fears. It had been difficult to work with her everyday all alone. Her strong will and fears and puppiness (if that's a word) were wearing me down. She wouldn't accept any people but me. Ricky and staff are very professional and they have bridged gap to people. Their sequential building blocks used in their training have kept my dog happy while teaching her boundaries she needs in order to navigate life. My dog Kenna did the 5 wk board and train and I visited in between. I will continue to work with Ricky as my dog transitions through adolescence into adulthood. I wasted time on other dog training, so if you're wondering if this is good training and a safe place for your dog you can trust me it is. Vanessa will answer any questions you have and is very informative. The ongoing communication is great! So happy I did this! Carol in Camarillo
-Carol in Camarillo
4/10/2023
Yelp Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
They take such great care of our Border Collie! He hated car rides before he came here. Afterward, he can't wait to get in the car - we think he's hopeful that we're returning back to Elite every time he gets back in the car!
-Kevin B.Santa
Barbara, CA
1/14/2023
Yelp Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Ricky, Vanessa, Kylie, and all of the trainers are professionals who genuinely care about their clients and of course, the dogs. The location is serene and beautiful, like a sleepaway camp for the pups. The fact that they typically have between 10-30 dogs on site but when you arrive it's very quiet speaks volumes to how happy and well looked after the dogs are. They keep them occupied and engaged in mind and body. Our girl Tilly returned from a ten-day stay happy and healthy, well-exercised, and with a lot of new friends.
-Anthony B.
Brooklyn, NY
12/30/2022
Yelp Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Where do we begin, His program changed our relationship with our 2 year old Border collie/Aussie mix rescue dog for the better! Our dog is less anxious, more relaxed and obedient which makes us more relaxed. We have a new language with our dog. Ricky's smart techniques and training helped us to enjoy our outdoor lifestyle with more fun and ease. Our dog is very active, ball focused, had random controlling issues with guarding his food, snappy at other dogs from time to time, chasing bikes and joggers, very hard to recall on the beach. Hendry now has the confidence he needed. He listens and comes when we call him and we are in control. Life is good and everyone is happier. Ricky and his team are super nice, friendly, humble, caring and dedicated to the success of your fur baby. We highly recommend Ricky and his team at Elite pup training. Be committed and you could also have success with whatever your challenge might be. He is awesome!!!"
- With Gratitude, Elise, Alex & H
Google Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Just after my 150lb Newf Angus turned 2, while we were on a walk, he pulled me over chasing a cat. This incident plus a couple of other concerns made me seek out Ricky for help. Ricky and his staff are amazing. I now feel confident walking him both on and off leash. While before Gus could get rough playing with other dogs because of his size, he is now much better socialized. Last year Gus would get spooked by Halloween decorations and now, thanks to his training, he walks by even the most outrageous yard displays without a care. Helping guarantee his and my safety as well as that of other dogs and humans was well worth the investment of time and money."
Yelp Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We started our journey with Ricky, Vanessa and the elite staff back in 2020 when we took our oldest dog Barstow into training. He is a rescue and was a very reactive dog. Following the training , walking him and having him in different environments has been drastically changed for the better. Of course when we decided to get another pup we knew we would want them to be trained here. So now Canela has been in their hybrid program. They have gone above in beyond with her training letting us know her improvements and even decided to get a elliptical machine in order to Channel some of her needs. All the staff is well trained and faces different needs in doggos. The ranch is welcoming and professional. We are happy to add another Elite Pup alumni to the list of well behaved doggos.
-Jackie J.
Yelp Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We signed up Stella for EPTs 3 week boarding program and are very happy with the results! We had done other training courses before choosing EPT but we still needed more help to address Stella's reactiveness. In the past we couldn't even take her on a walk without her pulling the whole way or lunging at cars driving by. Thankfully all of that is no longer an issue thanks to EPT. She would also get really worked up with dogs on walks and thanks to the training not only has that improved but we also know how to snap Stella out of it before she gets overworked. Thanks for much to Ricky, Vanessa, and the team! We're looking forward to bringing Stella back for daycare soon.
-Crystal C.
Yelp Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I adopted Levi three years ago when he was about a year old. He had always been this overly loving dog who wanted to just cuddle with you. Granted not always the best behaved, he would jump when he got too excited and pull a bit on the leash, but still very loving. Then, what seemed out of no where, a few months ago he became aggressive towards other dogs. I was at a loss. Luckily, I found EPT on Yelp, read through their website, and was convinced this is where Levi needed to be. I still had a meet and greet appointment and left with no doubt in my mind that Levi could really benefit from the five week training program. Even though I was reluctant to board and train Levi for so long, I knew that he would be safe, very well taken care of, and learn a lot about how to manage his severe anxiety. Now, I have my overly loving dog back, just more composed and in a much better mental state. Ricky and the training team are genuinely passionate, humble, caring human beings who just want to help you and your dog. I honestly was a bit nervous that Levi wouldn't want to come home because they really do treat you and your dog like family. And I know Levi will definitely be looking forward to going back to the ranch. He has already been back over a weekend for boarding. Seriously, he could not jump out of the car fast enough. He was so excited to be back. What I really appreciated about his boarding experience is that they continued to work with Levi on his training and socialization and gave me more tips on how Levi and I can continue to make progress at home. I just do not know how to thank Ricky and his team enough for all they have done for Levi and myself.
-Rebecca M.
10/3/2022
Yelp Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
EPT is absolutely the best dog daycare, training, and boarding provider we have ever used. We have a reactive dog and need to be careful that his interactions are supervised. They are qualified trainers and share videos/texts with updates & training tips while we are away. We have complete peace of mind! In fact, we drive from LA to bring our dog here because it's such a special place. Thank you EPT!
-H.S.
8/21/2022
Yelp Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
We were set to spend the weekend glamping at El Capitan. Upon check in, they informed us we couldn't bring our dog anywhere on property, but recommended boarding at Elite. Frantic on a Sat afternoon, we reached out but anticipated having to drive all the way back home to L.A. We got a call back within an hour from Elite and they were able to take in our little Arri. The girls in the staff were very sweet and friendly. The facility is nestled in a lovely ranch along the coast. Our little Arri was well cared for. Love that there is a Master Dog trainer on site and the dogs are taken on beautiful walks through the ranch. Thanks to all the kind folks at Elite for taking such great care of our little girl, especially with such late notice on a weekend!
-JHaley M.
6/27/2022
Yelp Reviews
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
If you've found yourself on yelp looking for the right dog trainer, look no further. EPT is simply the best! First and foremost the staff is genuinely so kind - at the consultation appointment I left knowing without a doubt we'd start Piper there. She learned so fast it was incredible. I was a little skeptical about pager training but Ricky explained everything so nicely & now I wouldn't want it any other way. It's so nice having the tools at home & confidence that she'll listen. We even took her to dinner with us the other night and she laid next to our table just like we'd hoped but never thought possible. I can't thank everyone at EPT enough! On top of getting amazing training, the dogs really have the best time there. Piper would come home happy & exhausted. On our way to training she's cry out of excitement the entire way. To be honest, we feel bad that her training is over & joke to each other that she probably dreams about pack walks. Luckily they have daycare now!
-Amy S.
Google Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
" Ricky and his team are AMAZING! My 3-year old pup and I worked 1:1 with Ricky for 8 sessions and she also stayed 2 nights for boarding with training and socialization at the ranch. Before working with Elite Pup Training, it was a struggle going on walks with my dog. As a nervous dog... "
-Samantha Serrano
Yelp Review
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Elite Pup Training takes a big picture approach to helping dogs be their best. Ricky was recommended to us as a great trainer with the caution that his services were not cheap. After Ricky designed a hybrid training program with our puppy's specific behavioral needs in mind, I think he did a great job..."
- John J.
We've Teamed Up With Sam's Doggie Dude Ranch
We moved our services to a new spot on the ranch - located on the outskirts of Goleta. We are now offering new services, with have more space, and an opportunity to continue the same high-quality training we've always had!
Exciting News! We’re Now Partnered with PawTree!
We’re thrilled to share that Elite Pup Training is now officially partnered with PawTree, a premium pet Nutrition & wellness company offering customized nutrition, supplements, treats, and more for your pup’s specific needs!