Orange County Dog Training
Why Steel Paws?
Personalized In-Home Training
I offer convenient, distraction-free training sessions right in your home. Working in your dog’s own environment allows me to tailor each session to your real-life routines and challenges, making learning clearer, calmer, and more effective. It’s personalized training that meets you and your pup exactly where you are. Once we build some foundation, we'll hit the real world to put our training to work!
Specialized Water Training
With experience helping pups take their first splash, I know how to make the water feel fun, safe, and exciting. I guide dogs through gentle introductions, watch their comfort levels closely, and use solid safety techniques to keep every swim session a positive experience. Whether they’re building confidence, getting exercise, or just learning to love the water, I make sure each dog paddles at their own happy pace.
Veterinary Knowledge Advantage
With 5 previous years in veterinary medicine, I bring a deeper understanding of canine health, behavior, and body language to every training session. This allows me to recognize subtle signs of stress or discomfort, adjust training methods safely, and support dogs with medical or behavioral challenges. Vets don't specialize in behavior, but being in a stressful environment like such, I've seen firsthand how proper and improper handling can make all the difference.
Ongoing Education & Expertise
Attending workshops, seminars, and ongoing mentorship to keep my skills sharp- I’m committed to growing right alongside the dogs I train. Continued education means I’m bringing fresh knowledge, proven techniques, and the latest in dog-training best practices to every session—so you and your pup get the very best support possible.
Pick your program
Find the right path for you and your dog. From managing puppy blues, supporting newly adopted rescue dogs, and to our core obedience program, each program is designed to meet your dog where they are. Our training programs typically run 5–8 private sessions, depending on your dog’s needs and goals; while our immersive board and train offers an accelerated training experience.
We are AFFORDABLE and offer payment plan options so you can start your dog's training TODAY.
Reach out for price listing and payment options!
Private 1:1 Lessons
Personalized training with you and your dog, 1:1 with the trainer. We start in your home to build reliable behaviors, then take training into real-world settings with people, dogs, and everyday distractions. Choose a 5 or 8 session program based on your goals. perfect for owners who want to be hands on with their dog's training.
Day Trains
Your trainer picks up your dog for a 2 hour outing focusing on leash skills, obedience, and safe, controlled socialization. The trainer will send videos from the session so you can see exactly what was worked on. Currently available to existing Steel Paws training clients only.
Board and Train
A meticulous, thorough 3-5 week training program in Marissa's home, focusing on Personalized training such as obedience, leash skills, appropriate behavior around dogs + people, and addressing unwanted behaviors. only 3 board and trains at a time, ever.
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Group Class
Group classes are available to Steel paws clients who have completed a training program and are ready to build reliability around other dogs, people, and real-world distractions.
Our Services
Every dog is unique, and their training should be too. Our personalized training programs are designed to meet your dog’s specific needs, whether it's building confidence, improving obedience, or addressing behavioral challenges. With expert guidance and proven techniques, we help strengthen the bond between you and your dog, ensuring lasting success both at home and in real-world situations.
Start today
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Private 1-on-1 Sessions
Tailored training sessions in the comfort of your home, designed to build obedience and improve behavior with minimal distractions. Each program is customized based on your dog’s needs, covering puppy training, basic commands, and behavioral modifications.
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Board & Train
A unique, very scrupulous training experience where your dog stays with a professional trainer for hands-on daily training. This program builds strong obedience, corrects unwanted behaviors, and teaches real-world skills for lasting success. I only take 3 board and trains at a time MAX, allowing me to completely put everything into the dogs in my care. NO loud facilities, NO constant "crate and rotate" schedule.
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Group Classes
Twice-monthly community-focused classes help reinforce obedience, improve socialization, and strengthen training in a controlled environment. Perfect for Steel Paws students looking to build confidence and work around distractions.
Structured Boarding
Boarding at my home in Orange is available for Steel Paws training graduates only. We keep things routined, structured, and safe so all dogs are relaxed when away from home. We upkeep training, take the dogs on outings, and have a safe, controlled "sleepover" with the pack. There are regular updates daily with photos and videos sent to owners for peace of mind.
Group Sessions Info
Join our community-focused group sessions designed to strengthen obedience, improve socialization, and build confidence in a structured environment. Hosted twice a month at various Orange County parks, these sessions provide real-world training alongside other dedicated owners. Led by the head trainer, you’ll practice neutrality around other dogs, refine obedience skills with distractions, and gain valuable coaching in a supportive setting. Group sessions are open to Steel Paws board and train graduates and dogs that have completed the 5-week in-home program (trainer approval required). Reach out to receive session details and location.
Upcoming Group SEssions
- Sep 27
10:30am-11:30am
- oct 11
10:30am-11:30am
- Oct 25
10:30am-11:30am
- nov 8
10:30am-11:30am
Meet Your Pet's Coach
Steel Paws k9 Founder
MaRissa
Guiding dogs with a little heart… and a little Steel.
With years of hands-on experience in veterinary clinics, shelters, and daycare + boarding facilities, I've worked with dogs of all breeds, temperaments, and backgrounds. This diverse experience has provided me with a deep understanding of canine behavior, body language, and the key factors that contribute to a dog’s well-being.
I started working with dogs professionally at age 15 in my home state, Wisconsin. My passion for training them, though- began by helping friends and family with their own dogs, and watching the way dogs interact with one another. Dog psychology fascinated me greatly which quickly evolved into a professional career after witnessing the profound impact that effective training has on both dogs and their owners. Beyond teaching obedience, I focus on building confidence and strengthening the human-canine bond. Some behaviors definitely need correcting in dog training. But my first course of action is building a relationship first, with clear verbal communication- before any additional pressure is applied. You absolutely can get on the same communication line as your dog. You just need the formula.
As a dedicated dog trainer and passionate weightlifter, I apply the same principles of repititions, consistency, and motivation to my training approach. Life isn't just about the big intense reps we dream of (coffee shops, playing with other dogs, freedom), it's also about proper fulfillment, good diet, the right conditioning, and recovery. I may be your dog's trainer, but I'm also YOUR coach. Success comes from commitment and coachability, and I empower and motivate owners to put in the work needed to build a strong, trusting relationship with their dogs.
FaQs
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Please chat to our friendly team or write us an email at steelpawsk9@gmail.com
What training programs do you offer?
We offer private 1-on-1 in-home training, day trains, board and train programs, group classes, swim lessons, and boarding. Whether you're looking to improve obedience, modify behavior, or reinforce training in real-world settings, we have a program to fit your dog’s needs.
How do I know which training program is best for my dog?
Every dog is unique, so we start with an evaluation after a consult call to determine the best training approach. If your dog needs foundational obedience, our private in-home sessions are a great start. If they need immersive training, our board and train program is ideal. Reach out, and we’ll guide you to the right program!
Who can join group training sessions?
Group classes are available to Steel Paws board and train graduates and dogs that have completed a 5-8 week private program (trainer approval required). Group classes focus on socialization, obedience with distractions, and building confidence in a structured environment.
Where do training sessions take place?
Our private 1-on-1 sessions take place in your home and local community. Board and train dogs stay with our trainer in a structured environment. Swim lessons are at owner's home or a local SniffSpot with a pool, and group classes are held at various parks in Orange County. Boarding is at my home in Orange, right by Chapman University —contact us for more info!
Contact
Have questions or ready to start training? Whether you're interested in private sessions, board and train programs, or group classes, fill out the form, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
