Who trains your dog, and how

Meet the Off Leash K9 Training Team in Sarasota

Rated 4.9 on Google by 142 Sarasota dog owners.

Cristian Pena, Certified Off Leash K9 Trainer, with a German Shepherd at a Sarasota park

Cristian

Cristian's passion for dog training began when he enrolled his own dog in obedience classes, reigniting a childhood dream of working professionally with dogs. Inspired by that experience, he pursued his passion and became a certified dog trainer. With a strong background in customer service and team management, Cristian brings excellent communication, leadership, and instructional skills to help clients build confidence and develop stronger relationships with their dogs. As the proud owner of three Huskies, he understands firsthand the importance of consistency, patience, and effective training in everyday life.

Named in more than 130 of our 142 Google reviews. Read the case studies.

Lindsay of Off Leash K9 Training Sarasota FL with two dogs sitting on command

Lindsay

Lindsay joined Off Leash K9 Training 10 years ago to merge her communications expertise with a lifelong passion for dogs. She earned her Public Relations degree from ODU and continued her education at FGCU and NDSU. Working behind the scenes, she is the engine that keeps everything moving—overseeing social media, coordinating schedules, managing continuing education, and ensuring every client is thoughtfully placed in the program that best fits their goals. Known for her precision and problem-solving mindset, Lindsay plays a key role in delivering a seamless, elevated experience from first contact through completion. She is committed to providing clear communication, personalized guidance, and a level of care that reflects the standard of excellence our clients expect. At her core, Lindsay is driven by a simple mission: to keep dogs with the families who love them while helping each one reach their highest potential.

How we train, in plain terms

  1. Real places, real distractions

    Lessons are held at public parks around Sarasota and Bradenton.

  2. E-collar, introduced correctly

    If using tools - they are paired with commands the dog already knows, and your trainer shows you before you use it alone. Puppies under 6 months train with positive reinforcement only.

  3. You are trained too

    Private lessons need about 45 minutes of daily practice; board & train ends with a 2–3 hour one-on-one handoff. Owners in our reviews say the same thing: the trainer trains the person as much as the dog.

  4. Daily video report cards

    During a board & train you receive a video every day, so you see the progress rather than take our word for it.

  5. Honest fit

    The free phone consultation is where we say whether a program fits your dog, and which one.

What 142 Google reviews say about the team

★★★★★

He always kept us informed of Bentley's progress and would either text us with an update or shared a short video. It made it very easy to follow Bentley's progress over the two weeks.

John M. · Google review · 2022-09
★★★★★

After 4 lessons with Cristian, Teddy is like a whole new dog! We can now walk him with ease, not only in the neighborhood but in the park, shopping plazas, Home Depot etc. It's amazing, he just walks right next to us and ignores all the distractions.

Brianne E. · Google review · 2022-10
★★★★★

Christian doesn't just train your dog—he trains you too, which makes all the difference.

Angela R. · Google review · 2026-02

16 documented case studies, quoted word for word

Where we train

Off Leash K9 Training Sarasota serves Sarasota and Manatee counties. Lessons happen at public parks near you; board & train pickup is arranged at the consultation.

  • Bradenton
  • Lakewood Ranch
  • Venice
  • North Port
  • Englewood
  • Parrish
  • Palmetto
  • Ellenton
  • Siesta Key
  • Longboat Key
  • Osprey
  • Nokomis

Sarasota neighborhoods: Bird Key, Lido Key, St. Armands, Palmer Ranch, Gulf Gate, Bee Ridge, Fruitville, The Meadows, Kensington Park, Southgate, Sarasota Springs, Vamo, University Park, Bayshore Gardens, Palma Sola.

Talk to a Sarasota trainer today

Free phone consultation. Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM · Sat–Sun 12 PM–7 PM.

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