I'm so glad I found this camp! Melanie and Hilary are responsive, caring and knowledgable. I get updates about how my dog is doing while she's at camp with them and can see what they're working on with her. My dog has become much more calm around other dogs and less reactive overall. I can tell she feels more confident.
They also have done a great job of teaching me along the way so I can better support her at home/outside camp. I'd recommend Wisdom of the Pack to anyone!
Marlowe's Mom
Wisdom of the Pack (Hilary and Melanie) have been amazing for our rescue pup! One of our main goals is for him to enable his OFF switch on his own and to also practice neutrality. I’d say after his first camp visit we already noticed improvements. One example: putting himself to place. It’s also great that Hilary and Melanie are available for questions. They always provide great advice and guidance with thorough instructions and sometimes with video! They’ve been really integral in our dogs success so far. We’ve loved WOTP so much that (at the time of this review) he currently about to start month three! We can’t wait for more growth and wins for him! I would recommend WOTP to anyone even remotely interested in a structured day camp! Hilary and Melanie are awesome and you can tell they truly care for the campers and handlers alike. If I could give more than 5 stars I would!
Mac's Dad
I couldn’t be happier that my dog Milo was able to work with Hilary and Melanie at Wisdom of the Pack day camp. Milo loved going every week and I quickly saw a difference in his reactivity and overall calmness in his day to day activities. Hilary and Melanie were great in providing updates on how he was doing in camp and very open to any questions or advice when asked on how to handle certain reactions. Milo is still a puppy so there were things I wanted to learn to be able to handle situations the best that I could and I learned so much through them!
Milo and I had worked with Hilary previously in different courses and I immediately jumped to the opportunity for him to join their day camp! He joined for only a month due to us moving from San Diego shortly after but he learned so much from just a month in their camp. Hilary and Melanie are just two wonderful people that truly want the best for you and your dog and want your dog to improve and succeed. They went above and beyond to try to help Milo before we moved and even provided some resources that I could look into in the area I was moving to. I could feel how much they cared for me and my fur baby. If I hadn’t moved, Milo would definitely still be in their camp!
I would highly recommend Wisdom of the Pack to anyone that wants to better their relationship and communication with their dog! You are leaving your dog in such good hands!
Milo's Mom
We can’t say enough good things about our experience with Wisdom of the Pack. From the very beginning, they have gone above and beyond for us and our dog. They treat her as if she were their own—with so much care, understanding, and love.
They’re always available to answer our questions, big or small, and they’ve supported us through all the emotions that come with raising and training our dog. Their guidance has been steady and encouraging.
We especially appreciate their intentional approach to safe exposure to other dogs and real-life triggers.They create meaningful, controlled opportunities to practice in ways that have helped our dog build confidence and resilience.
We truly feel like we’re not doing this alone—we have a compassionate, skilled team behind us, and we’re so grateful for everything they do!
Penny's Parents
Wisdom of the Pack
DAY CAMP
reactive dogs
structured day camp for
San Diego’s only structured day camp specifically designed for reactive and sensitive dogs. Have your dog join our small, individualized pack where they’ll learn neutrality around triggers, proper dog introductions, loose leash walking, and how to find calm through structured play, pack walks, treadmill training, and crate and place work. Our goal is to provide a safe, supportive space for structured dog socialization—where your dog can build confidence, learn real-world skills, and become the best version of themselves. We’re here to support you on your journey through relationship-based dog training so you and your dog can live in greater harmony.
Located in Normal Heights
how it works
one
Start by completing the application at the bottom of this page. While we may have a waitlist, this helps us get to know you and your dog and see if we’re the right fit. Since spots are offered based on compatibility, not first-come, first-served, it’s a great way to begin the process and be ready when the right opening becomes available.
two
Once we’ve reviewed your application, we’ll reach out to schedule a 30-minute in-person meet & greet with you and your dog. This gives us a chance to observe your dog’s energy, answer any questions, and make sure the fit feels right for everyone. We offer this at no cost if you’re able to meet us at one of our two designated parks nearby.
three
If you’re new to our community, you’ll start with our online Relationship Building course. This helps lay the foundation for the work we’ll be doing together. While we’re here to support and guide you, your role as your dog’s handler is just as important. What you do outside of day camp matters—and this course gives you the tools to strengthen your connection and show up as a calm, confident leader.
four
Once your application is approved and you’re signed up for the Relationship Building course, your dog is officially ready to start day camp! We enroll dogs for a full month* at a time because consistency is key—especially for our more sensitive or reactive pups. Giving your dog time to settle in and build familiarity with the other campers allows them to find their rhythm, grow in confidence, and experience the calm, structured environment that sets our program apart.
*First time clients must enroll for two months, with at least a 2 day a week commitment the first month.
Our Pack
Welcome to
At Wisdom of the Pack, we’re all about teaching humans how to speak dog so their pups can feel understood, confident, and balanced. Our structured day camp isn’t just about play—it’s about purpose. Rooted in dog psychology, we create a safe, enriching environment where dogs can learn, socialize, and thrive while we guide their humans to become calm, confident leaders. From supporting reactive dogs to helping owners decode dog behavior, we’re here to turn confusion into connection. Because when humans grow in awareness, dogs thrive.
contact us
Have any questions or want more information?
Please reach out!
meet the
trainers
Hilary and Melanie are relationship-based trainers with a foundation based in dog psychology. We know from first-hand experience how difficult it can be to find support when you have a reactive dog. We wanted to create a safe space where owners with reactive, sensitive, nervous, and everything-in-between dogs can feel confident knowing their dog is being cared for and guided in a setting with an individualized plan to set them (and you) up for success in your relationship.
