The Inquisitive Canine - In-Home and Online Training - Santa Barbara, CA
Hello, inquisitive pet parents! My name is Joan Hunter Mayer and I am the founder and owner of The Inquisitive Canine. In 2005, with the mission of enhancing the human-canine bond by providing humane, proven, customized services for dogs and those who love them, I founded my Santa Barbara-based dog training business, The Inquisitive Canine. My goal, as a certified dog trainer and professional canine behavior consultant, has been to create a business model where, in addition to training dogs, I spend time with my clients exploring their needs, their dogs’ needs, and their overall goals.
Working as a team with pet guardians in this way, I realized early on that this profession is more than training dogs — dogs don’t call me, their people do! Since then, I have affectionately referred to myself as a human-canine relationship coach.
Inspired by my nursing background and love of learning, I have found that rather than telling people what to do, it’s being inquisitive, brainstorming and problem-solving together that paves the way for lasting behavior change. This dynamic also fosters resilience for when challenges arise.
Cultivating these communication and motivational skills to be a better dog trainer and human-canine relationship coach led me to explore personal and professional coaching for people. Curiosity and enthusiasm drove me to pursue coaching credentials and certifications.
While training dogs is still super fun, today, as a certified coach with both the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC), I am excited to have the opportunity to also partner with people to help them achieve their own personal and professional aspirations.
Please contact and book me on Petworks. Thank You!
- Licensed
- Certified
- Insured
- Online Sessions
Pricing Packages
Virtual training packages are designed and customized to meet the needs and goals of you and your inquisitive canine.
Each training package includes:
4, 1 hour virtual training sessions (must be used within 8 weeks of signing up)
Customized 100% force-free dog training plans
Follow-up supplemental handouts
Training and coaching resources
Email support* (See below for details.)
*Email support included in packages is available during business hours (excluding holidays and weekends) for reviewing or clarifying previously covered information. If questions require a more in-depth response and/or there are new topics, an additional session will need to be arranged.
This one hour power session includes training, coaching, and consulting as we go over your needs and goals for living a harmonious life together.
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Private Dog Training
- Dog Behaviorist
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- Front-clip Harness
- Leash
- Long Line
- Muzzle
- Praise/Affection
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Obedience Training
- Dog Therapy Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Dogs
What licensing do you have?
- Business License
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- APLB Certificate of Counselor Training
- Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)
- Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC)
- Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA)
- Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
- Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)
- David Kessler Certified Grief Educator
- Family Paws Parent Educator
- Fear Free Certified Professional
- Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT)
Proud member of...
- Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?
• Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled service will not receive a refund.
Education
MBA, FNP, CBCC-KA, CPDT, KA, CSAT, CNWI, PLGS
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Online training via remote consultations on Petworks, and locally including Santa Barbara County, Oxnard, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Goleta, Simi Valley, Montecito, Port Hueneme California
What year did you begin serving pets?
2005
How did you hone your craft?
Years of education, continuing education, completion of certifications, and working with countless dogs and their parents, and community organizations.
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
Trust your dog!
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
In addition to teaching your dog, I will provide you with the skills to teach and maintain the behaviors you want.
SERVICE AREA: Any distance, including Online training via remote consultations on Petworks, and locally including Santa Barbara County, Oxnard, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Goleta, Simi Valley, Montecito, Port Hueneme California
Distinction
Customer Reviews
Something that trainers lack these days is an affinity with the animals they train. Joan is not only an exemplary trainer, she enjoys working with the animals AND the owners, with a great sense of humor, and genuine friendliness. She knows her stuff, and animals love her. Joan has deep experience combined with an intelligence that makes me continue to use her services and recommend her to others.
- Christine DJoan is a great trainer and a great human. She's highly knowledgeable and sets you up to make training as approachable and clear as possible. What I appreciate most is her genuine respect for dogs and her intentionality behind using training as a way to enhance quality of life on both ends of the leash. It's clear that Joan prioritizes cultivating compassion in owners towards their dogs, not attempting to punish dogs for having big feelings, but rather helping owners understand and develop methods to work their dog through them and create harmony. If you're seeking a trainer that's both kind and understanding toward your dog but also means business, Joan is the way to go.
- Julia BThis is a compassionate lovely gentle extremely competent person. She is results oriented and gets it done. Our puppies loved her and we accomplished so much in her care. We highly recommend Inquisitive Canine.
- Sandy MHow do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
- Private Dog Training
- Dog Behaviorist
What training tools do you use?
- Back-clip Harness
- Barriers
- Clicker
- Front-clip Harness
- Leash
- Long Line
- Muzzle
- Praise/Affection
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Obedience Training
- Dog Therapy Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Dogs
What licensing do you have?
- Business License
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- APLB Certificate of Counselor Training
- Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)
- Certificate in Training and Counseling (CTC)
- Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA)
- Certified Nose Work Instructor (CNWI)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
- Certified Separation Anxiety Trainer (CSAT)
- David Kessler Certified Grief Educator
- Family Paws Parent Educator
- Fear Free Certified Professional
- Pat Miller Certified Trainer (PMCT)
Proud member of...
- Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)
- Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT)
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?
• Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the scheduled service will not receive a refund.
Education
MBA, FNP, CBCC-KA, CPDT, KA, CSAT, CNWI, PLGS
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Online training via remote consultations on Petworks, and locally including Santa Barbara County, Oxnard, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Santa Maria, Lompoc, Goleta, Simi Valley, Montecito, Port Hueneme California
What year did you begin serving pets?
2005
How did you hone your craft?
Years of education, continuing education, completion of certifications, and working with countless dogs and their parents, and community organizations.
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
Trust your dog!
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
In addition to teaching your dog, I will provide you with the skills to teach and maintain the behaviors you want.
Customer Reviews
Something that trainers lack these days is an affinity with the animals they train. Joan is not only an exemplary trainer, she enjoys working with the animals AND the owners, with a great sense of humor, and genuine friendliness. She knows her stuff, and animals love her. Joan has deep experience combined with an intelligence that makes me continue to use her services and recommend her to others.
- Christine DJoan is a great trainer and a great human. She's highly knowledgeable and sets you up to make training as approachable and clear as possible. What I appreciate most is her genuine respect for dogs and her intentionality behind using training as a way to enhance quality of life on both ends of the leash. It's clear that Joan prioritizes cultivating compassion in owners towards their dogs, not attempting to punish dogs for having big feelings, but rather helping owners understand and develop methods to work their dog through them and create harmony. If you're seeking a trainer that's both kind and understanding toward your dog but also means business, Joan is the way to go.
- Julia BThis is a compassionate lovely gentle extremely competent person. She is results oriented and gets it done. Our puppies loved her and we accomplished so much in her care. We highly recommend Inquisitive Canine.
- Sandy M🐶 About Joan Hunter Mayer — Certified Dog Trainer in Santa Barbara, California
Joan Hunter Mayer is a certified dog trainer serving Santa Barbara and the surrounding Santa Barbara County area, including nearby communities such as Los Angeles, Oxnard, Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Clarita, Camarillo, San Buenaventura, Moorpark, Fillmore. They specialize in helping dogs and their people build calm, trusting, and lasting relationships through positive, science-based training. Whether you're working through leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or simply want a well-mannered companion, Joan Hunter tailors each session to your dog’s personality, history, and learning style—so progress feels natural and sustainable, not forced.
❤️ Great dog training isn’t just about commands — it’s about connection.
Joan Hunter works closely with you as the owner, helping you understand your dog’s behavior, build clear communication, and create routines that lead to real-world success at home and in public.
✅ Training Support for Real-Life Challenges
From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, Joan Hunter provides practical, results-driven support with:
- Obedience and focus for home and public settings
- Leash training and more relaxed, enjoyable walks
- Reducing anxiety, fear, and reactivity
- Puppy and new dog foundations for long-term success
Recommended Certifications for Dog Trainers
When choosing a dog trainer, professional certifications are a strong indicator of expertise, experience, and commitment to ethical, science-based methods. Widely recognized credentials include the CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which demonstrate mastery of modern training techniques, canine behavior, and learning theory. The KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) highlights trainers skilled in positive reinforcement and clicker training, while the IAABC Certified Dog Trainer credential, recognized internationally, signals advanced knowledge in behavior modification and problem-solving. Membership or certification through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) further reflects ongoing education and adherence to ethical standards. Many trainers also pursue specialty certifications in areas such as aggression management, behavior modification, or puppy development to address specific challenges.
For pet parents, choosing a certified trainer like Joan Hunter Mayer, ensures that your dog’s training is grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about a trainer’s credentials is one of the best ways to make a confident, informed choice.
⭐ Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks
Booking through PetWorks gives you more than access to a qualified trainer — it gives you confidence in your choice.
Joan Hunter is a verified professional who uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents value the supportive, judgment-free approach, along with the ability to read verified reviews and book securely through a trusted platform.
🦔 How Booking Dog Training in Santa Barbara, CA on PetWorks Works
Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On PetWorks, you can explore Joan Hunter ’s profile, read real feedback from pet parents across Santa Barbara County, and either initiate a booking offer by clicking the "Book Now" button, or start with a conversation by clicking 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Send Message'.
Training works best when you begin at the right time. For puppies and newly adopted dogs, early training builds strong habits from the start. For older dogs, challenges like leash pulling, anxiety, or reactivity can absolutely improve with consistent, professional guidance — with many pet parents noticing meaningful progress within just a few sessions.
In Santa Barbara and throughout California, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers can increase during the spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit in advance can help you secure the schedule that works best for you.
Most dog training sessions across the U.S. typically range from $75–$150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and training type. On PetWorks, you can review available services and choose the option that aligns with your goals.
All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you access to a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you’ll coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with Joan Hunter to get the most out of your sessions.
❓ Dog Training FAQs
How many dog training sessions will I need? Every dog is different, but many pet parents begin to see progress within 2–4 sessions. More complex behavior issues like reactivity or anxiety may require ongoing training and consistency at home.
Do you offer in-home dog training in Santa Barbara, CA? Many trainers on PetWorks, including Joan Hunter , offer flexible options such as in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services listed above or use Request Quote to confirm what works best for your situation.
Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective in addressing reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. Early guidance from a certified professional helps ensure safe, lasting progress.
🐾 Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog
Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness — and your peace of mind.
Explore Joan Hunter ’s profile, read verified reviews from local pet parents across Santa Barbara County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog today. Availability can vary week to week, so booking ahead is recommended.