Your dog,
finally “understood.”
I teach you to be your dog's trainer. We work wherever real life happens — your home, a park, the mall, even a baseball field — anywhere in South Orange County. Calm dog, confident owner, both of you on the same page.
“Perfecting dogs by correcting people.”
I'm Tommy Stark, The Dog Director. Most trainers hand the dog back and leave; I do the opposite. Your dog already takes cues from someone all day long — my real job is making that someone you. We'll work your dog plenty, but I spend most of our time on your timing, your energy, and the way you read a flick of the ear or a sideways glance. Get that right and the calm sticks around long after my truck pulls away. Two decades and a lot of dogs later — from wiggly puppies to the cases other folks gave up on — it always lands in the same place: coach the person, and the dog follows.
— Tommy Stark
Read the full story →Not your average obedience class.
Orange County has plenty of dog trainers. Here's what actually makes the difference when you train with me.
A behaviorist — not just obedience
I find the root cause — instincts, drive, health, even diet — instead of only drilling commands. We fix the real problem at the source.
20+ years, ~20,000 dogs
Expert witness in CA, GA & FL. AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator since 2006. Champion Rottweiler breeder, handler & producer.
I train you, so it lasts
The dog that listens for me has to listen for you. Most of our time makes you the expert — the results don't leave when I do.
Most need just a session or two
Plenty of owners are dialed in after a single visit. If you'd like a full plan, simple session packages are available.
What's going on with your dog?
Tap what fits. I'll shape it into a starting point — then we dial it in together at your first session.
Training shaped around your dog — and your life.
Private Training (I come to you)
One-on-one with you and your dog, on your turf — right where the behavior actually happens. I show you the how. Any issue, breed, or age.
$250 / session · one flat rateRegister →
Behavior & Aggression
Leash reactivity, fear, aggression, resource guarding. I help you understand the why and lead your dog through it — same rate as any session.
$250 / sessionTalk to me →
Group Classes
Beginner & Intermediate at Dee Dog Park — a 20-year curriculum that builds focus around real distractions.
First class freeSee curriculum →
Also offered: AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluations · service-dog task training · dog sports & show handling · nutrition guidance · help choosing a breeder or the right puppy. Just ask.
Private or group — here's the easy answer.
Almost everyone lands on the same question: private or group? Here's the honest answer for each — and the good news is you can't really pick wrong, because the two feed right into each other.
Private Training
One-on-one, at your home or wherever the trouble shows up. Any issue, any age — puppies to aggression. The fastest, most personalized path, at one flat rate.
Explore Private Training →Group Classes
Best for socialization, manners, and focus around other dogs. A proven 5-week curriculum at Dee Dog Park — a great next step, or a budget-friendly place to begin.
See Group Classes →Still unsure? Use the planner above, or just text me at 949-343-0000 — I'll point you the right way.
A whole world for your dog.
Dee Dog Park
A private park in San Juan Capistrano, named for my mom, Diana “Dee” Stark.
Apply →
The iSpeakDog! App
Training help wherever you and your dog go. On the App Store.
Download →
Real dogs, real places, real progress.
90 seconds with The Dog Director.
Two decades of dogs, packs, and the work behind the calm — in a quick mash-up. Then come see it in person at a pack walk or your first session.
Start your plan →Three steps. No long contracts.
No phone tag and no rigid weekly slot — just an easy rhythm that gets me to you fast.
Register once
One quick form, one time. That's the only paperwork there'll ever be.
Send your availability
Each Saturday my Weekly Woof lands in your inbox — tell me which days work before Sunday at 6.
I come to you
Sunday night a calendar invite shows up, and that week I'm at your door.
Expert witness in canine behavioral cases — GA · FL · CA · Champion Rottweiler producer, breeder & handler · AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
Orange County trusts The Dog Director.
Tommy helped us with our Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy when no one else would! He came to our house at 11 weeks and got us off on the right foot — he trained my husband and me as well as our puppy.
Tommy came for our first private session and it went better than I imagined. He's very relatable, with a unique way of teaching that's enjoyable and actually entertaining.
Tommy not only speaks dog but understands the complex owner relationship as well. We have two Giant Schnauzer rescues — he can help you!
All of South Orange County — I come to you.
From Newport Beach to San Clemente, inland to Irvine and Rancho Santa Margarita.
Good questions, straight answers.
Where do you train?
Right where your dog actually struggles — your living room, the backyard, a busy sidewalk, the pet-store aisle. Anywhere in my South Orange County service area, Newport Beach to San Clemente.
Do you train the dog or the owner?
Both — but you're the focus. Most of our time goes into coaching the human on the other end of the leash, since you're the one with your dog every day. Make you fluent, and the change actually sticks.
How much does dog training cost?
Private sessions are $250 — one flat rate no matter the issue, whether it's a puppy or serious aggression. Multi-session packages are available, and the first group class is always free.
Do you work with aggressive or reactive dogs?
Yes — any age, breed, or issue, from puppy basics to leash reactivity, fear, and aggression. Same flat rate as any session.
How does scheduling work?
Each Saturday I send the Weekly Woof newsletter. Reply with your availability by Sunday 6pm and I'll send a calendar invite for your session that week.
What areas of Orange County do you serve?
All of South Orange County — Newport Beach, Newport Coast, Corona del Mar, Irvine, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Dana Point, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente and more.
10.9K dog people and counting.
Daily training tips, pack-walk highlights, and real client wins. Come say hi.
Ready to actually enjoy your dog again?
Register once, send your availability, and I'll come to you. That's it.