We partner with Pokie & Friends Dog Rescue, a 501c3 nonprofit that rescues dogs from Tijuana, Mexico, which is about 45 minutes south of us in North County, San Diego. We like to focus our efforts on Tijuana as our team leader has family there and frequently finds strays while visiting. We find these dogs are in desperate need of food, water, vet care, and shelter, so they become our priority.

Currently, yes. While we love big dogs (and have one of our own), for now, we are limited on space. Plus little dogs are fun because they can be carried around in a sling, allowing for them to come everywhere - giving them more chances for socialization and more opportunities to snuggle :)

If you'd like to train the dog yourself, our dogs are probably not the best fit for you. Our puppy training caters to those who want the puppy experience but don't have the time, energy, or knowledge to fully train a puppy.

We're still happy to help though if you want to adopt & train a pup yourself - We'd love to help matchmake you with your next dog through the 501c3 nonprofit rescue we partner with, called Pokie & Friends Dog Rescue. Just send an email to alyssa@alyssablackwell.com. Pokie & Friend's adoption fee is $500, and the dog you adopt will come up to date on vaccinations. And then you can come back to us for individual training sessions if you'd like some extra support

We charge $3,500 for her adoption and training fee.

You're getting a steal of a deal! Most trainers charge $3,000-5,000 (some as high as $12k) just for 2 to 4 weeks of training, not including the adoption or the vetting. This is 8 weeks of training, vetting & unlimited lifetime training.

This price covers:

• 12 weeks of training - For around $35/day, you'll get round-the-clock training, so that she's ready. to go when you're ready to take her home. We train our puppies using a comprehensive 55-point checklist that covers essential areas such as potty training, sleeping through the night, leash walking, using. the stairs, and socialization with dogs, cats, and children. Additionally, we ensure they become comfortable with activities like nail clipping, baths, and car rides through desensitization exercises. The duration of training varies based on how efficiently the puppy completes our 55-point checklist, but its typically around 8 weeks.

• The adoption fee - $500 is immediately donated to the rescue that we partner with, to save more dogs

• Cleared by a vet, confirmed to be healthy

• Up to date on vaccinations

• A book all about your puppy - We make a special book all about your pup - their origin story, training journey, cutest moments, favorite things, routine, report card on their progress, and an instruction manual. Our adopters always treasure this book for years to come.

• 2 follow up visits from the trainer Alyssa - to help ensure you and your puppy have the support you need during their most formative months

• Unlimited Lifetime Training - In the event that the puppy needs extra training or support, just reach out and we will personally train her in whatever you are needing, for her entire lifetime.

Funds primarily focus on four areas: saving for a dog sanctuary, helping more dogs, paying trainers, and covering puppy expenses. A significant portion is donated, supporting the dog rescue with a $500 contribution. The remaining funds are saved for establishing a sanctuary in North County San Diego, providing a safe haven for stray puppies from Tijuana. Additionally, funds cover essential items, such as beds and food, and compensate trainers for their dedicated round-the-clock care.

Great! We love to see great families added to our waitlist. Please use the link to submit more about the pup you're looking for and we will do our best to find one for you when the time is right! Spend 5 to 10 minutes filling this out and we will be in touch --> Click here,

Great question! We are very well-versed in dog training. Here's a few key things to know about Alyssa, the lead trainer:

-I trained under a dog trainer when I was 18, for multiple years

-I've been training dogs for over 23 years, starting with my childhood dog. It's been a bit of a lifelong obsession

-We've fostered 35 dogs ranging from 8 weeks old to 6 years old, majority of them have been young puppies, so we have at least the 10,000 hours it takes to be an expert in a topic.

-I've been studying puppy behavior and training since I was very young. My 10th birthday gift was "Raising puppies for dummies" and I read that book over and over, I still have it.

-I found a puppy walking in the gutter when I was 16, and she became my first foster dog. I've fostered dogs every year since

-I've been obsessed with dogs since I was little - I recently found all my dog books and puppy drawings from childhood, it's clear the Universe was leading me down this path

-I love to give back, so I volunteer with other organizations that train & educate around dogs

Yes! While we primarily train one dog at a time via fostering, Alyssa does offer individual sessions in your home to train both your pup & your family (who usually need more training than the puppy!). The emphasis of our training is getting the dog to be calm, gentle, and well behaved.

The sessions are $150/session if you buy a 4 pack ($175 if purchased individually), and last 90 minutes. You can see the options for training below. And please email alyssa@alyssablackwell.com to connect further.

*a portion of all proceeds go to helping dogs in need