Dog Quest has been owned and operated by Anne Platt since 2001. All of the agility classes for Dog Quest are taught at one location in Escondido, California which is North San Diego County. In 2021 Anne welcomed a few new instructors to her training facility to teach the beginning agility classes. Most people starting their dogs in agility have no idea what they are getting into aside from having a good time with their dog. Our goal is to prepare each student for competition. We will make sure each student understands the basic rules and have the skills needed to run a complete agility course.
Services
Aside from receiving top level instruction - ask around - Dog Quest is by far the cleanest, safest and most beautiful training facility in Southern California, quite possibly in the whole state! The Masters ring size is huge, 115' X 190' = 21,850 square feet. Plenty of room to set up a full competition Standard and Jumpers course at the same time.
The training field is located directly across the street from Bernardo Elementary school on Bernardo Avenue. Look for the slightly elevated, white horse-style fencing around a large ring on Bernardo Ave. There is a crosswalk and stop sign for the school. Be patient; don't turn too soon. Turn onto the paved drive that has a bright yellow fire hydrant on the corner.
In 2021 we developed a new agility training ring for our Beginners. The new Beginner ring is much smaller and better suited for dogs just learning to go off leash. The ring, which is approximately 3,600 square feet, is completely fenced in. The majority of your agility class time will be listening to instruction, and watching others while waiting for your turn.
Reviews (4)
Valerie T.
Jun 30, 2016
All the instructors are great. I love the idea of having multiple trainers in a class and them all being available for questions and feedback. Fantastic experience with lot's of practical topics. I've done basic training at a big box store but learned so much more at Dog Quest. It's a much more natural setting compared to being confined to the inside of a store so the dogs benefit a lot more.
They also offer drop-in topics once a week to former students. I definitely plan to take advantage. I am shocked that anybody would give them a poor review unless they are in denial about their poor handling skills and don't take professional advise well.
They also offer drop-in topics once a week to former students. I definitely plan to take advantage. I am shocked that anybody would give them a poor review unless they are in denial about their poor handling skills and don't take professional advise well.
Patty B.
Feb 18, 2016
Anne is very helpful and seems to know how to suggest ways to helping the dogs learn these fun tasks. Our dog has fun there and the other dogs in the class are so well behaved. Who knew that 5 or 6 dogs could be so calm with their owners while waiting their turn to practice something. We come early and watch the advanced class. Wow. Maybe our dog will be able to have all that fun some day; jumping thru a hoop, weaving, going on a teater, and through a tub. and being so happy to do so.
Brenda B.
Dec 15, 2015
I think I found the best place to train my dog! I've been taking my dog Maggie to class at Dog Quest for over a month now. We both really enjoy it. The teacher, Ann is the owner of Dog Quest. She gives everyone individual attention which I really like. I like watching the people who are really good in class but it is also nice how welcoming everyone is to the brand new people too.
I really didn't know how Maggie would do or what to expect. I'm really glad I gave it a try, it is so good for Maggie. Going to class at Dog Quest is the highlight of my week.
I really didn't know how Maggie would do or what to expect. I'm really glad I gave it a try, it is so good for Maggie. Going to class at Dog Quest is the highlight of my week.
Gwyneth B.
Nov 11, 2013
**ONLY IF LIKE BEING ABUSED** I cannot express how disappointed I have been in the training offered at this facility. The trainer is downright disrespectful to paying clients. I tried to stick it out for 6 months and that was about 5 months too many! The verbal abuse included admonitions for being tardy (not me), allowing your dog to pee in the ring (for which Anne tried to throw water in my dog's face), talking during class, etc.
I understand and respect ground rules, but I also expect not to be spoken to like a child or have others embarrassed in front of the group. Anne does not "teach". Your "learning" will come from trying and failing. There is no definition of common terms or any strategies provided. The classes move very slowly. In each one hour session, we would commonly only complete two "stations" - either weave poles or a-frame plus a jumping sequence.
My dog can complete ALL of the agility obstacles, but was only able to train on very limited objects. The insistence to nail the "two on, two off" is archaic. There are many ways to train contacts and that technique can even be detrimental to the dog's long-term health. The final straw for me was being in the same "Fast-track" class for six months.
It is not fair for us to have been in the same class for so long and have new owners who have never (ever) tried agility before join in each week. Had I been offered some proper training and some encouragement to continue to work on my dog's focus and drive, I believe we could have progressed much quicker. I honestly do not feel like Anne takes pride in her students doing well.
While you may have to face competition in the ring one day, you shouldn't have to face it on your home training field. I made several attempts to approach Anne at local competitions hoping to learn more and feel included. Unfortunately, she lacks enough social skills to have made that possible. I think the biggest disappointment though is that my dog was treated like a nuisance when in fact, she is a wonderful and energetic puppy who once again LOVES agility.
I understand and respect ground rules, but I also expect not to be spoken to like a child or have others embarrassed in front of the group. Anne does not "teach". Your "learning" will come from trying and failing. There is no definition of common terms or any strategies provided. The classes move very slowly. In each one hour session, we would commonly only complete two "stations" - either weave poles or a-frame plus a jumping sequence.
My dog can complete ALL of the agility obstacles, but was only able to train on very limited objects. The insistence to nail the "two on, two off" is archaic. There are many ways to train contacts and that technique can even be detrimental to the dog's long-term health. The final straw for me was being in the same "Fast-track" class for six months.
It is not fair for us to have been in the same class for so long and have new owners who have never (ever) tried agility before join in each week. Had I been offered some proper training and some encouragement to continue to work on my dog's focus and drive, I believe we could have progressed much quicker. I honestly do not feel like Anne takes pride in her students doing well.
While you may have to face competition in the ring one day, you shouldn't have to face it on your home training field. I made several attempts to approach Anne at local competitions hoping to learn more and feel included. Unfortunately, she lacks enough social skills to have made that possible. I think the biggest disappointment though is that my dog was treated like a nuisance when in fact, she is a wonderful and energetic puppy who once again LOVES agility.
