Pleasanton, CA
Pleasanton, CA
Dog training is about so much more than teaching commands—it’s about creating a happy, healthy life for both dogs and the people who love them. I’m Carleen Hitchman, owner and head trainer at Love and Boundaries Dog Training, and helping dogs and their families thrive is truly my passion.
With over 10 years of experience in canine health, training, and nutrition, my journey has been shaped by both professional work and my own personal experiences with dogs. Those experiences led me full circle to what I do today: supporting pups and their humans with guidance that’s compassionate, clear, and effective.
I specialize in behavior modification and truly enjoy helping families work through challenges in a way that strengthens trust and deepens their bond. I believe the best results come from honest communication, thoughtful training, and realistic solutions that fit into everyday life. Together, we’ll create a plan that makes sense for you, supports your dog’s well-being, and sets everyone up for long-term success.
Show ‘Em the Love and Boundaries with Effective In-Home Dog Training
Dog training should feel supportive, practical, and tailored to your real life—not overwhelming or one‑size‑fits‑all. At Love and Boundaries Dog Training, I work with dogs of all ages and breeds, meeting you right where you are with clear, effective, in‑home training.
Based in Pleasanton, California, Love and Boundaries was built on a genuine love for dogs and a deep respect for what they need to thrive. As a behavior-focused trainer, I help families navigate challenges like excessive barking, anxiety, and disobedience by looking at the whole picture—not just the symptoms. Every dog is unique, and training should be too.
My approach blends structure with compassion. I focus on honest communication, thoughtful techniques, and realistic expectations that make sense for everyday life. The goal isn’t quick fixes—it’s lasting change, stronger trust, and a better relationship between you and your dog.
Where in the Bay Area do you offer your services?
We are proud to service the East Bay cities of: Danville, Alamo, Concord, Walnut Creek, Orinda, Moraga, Pleasanton, San Ramon, Livermore, Castro Valley, San Leandro, and Oakland currently.
Do you offer a concierge service to pick up pets?
Yes! For select services like boarding and bootcamps, I offer a concierge-style pickup where I personally travel to my clients’ homes to “fetch” their four‑legged family members. Throughout their stay, I keep pet parents informed with regular updates on progress and any behaviors that may need continued support.
Clear, honest communication is a foundational part of how I work with every family. I’m always available as a resource in between training sessions, helping you feel confident, supported, and informed every step of the way.
We offer a variety of training options to support different dogs, learning styles, and owner goals. Private, semi-private, and group training options as well as bootcamps are available.
Does your pup need a day of play?? Every Tuesday bring your dog to socialize and exert some energy. Your dog isn’t social yet? Not to worry, call and find out how to help your dog join our play pack.
A free consultation call to figure out the right option for you and your dog.
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I cannot recommend Carleen enough. When I first started working with her, I was at my breaking point. I was grieving the loss of my previous dog to a brain tumor while trying to manage Toffee, a working line West German Shepherd with severe reactivity to both people and dogs. I felt like I was in over my head and was honestly terrified I might have to surrender her. We couldn’t even leave our backyard without having some kind of incident.
Carleen changed everything. Unlike the ‘cookie-cutter’ training you find at corporate pet stores, Carleen’s approach is deeply tailored. She has an incredible range of knowledge and uses a variety of tools and strategies, going far beyond simple positive reinforcement to find what actually works for a high-drive dog like Toffee.
She introduced incremental and systematic challenges that built Toffee’s confidence without overwhelming her. Today, we aren’t confined to the backyard anymore; we go on enjoyable walks and public adventures. Most importantly, Carleen truly cares. Toffee is always so excited to see her, which gives me such peace of mind. If you feel like your dog is ‘too much’ or you’re losing hope, call Carleen
Carleen has been hands down the best trainer I’ve ever worked with. We have a very nervous border collie and since I’ve started working with her his confidence has grown exponentially. But more importantly she helps teach me as a dog owner the skills I need to help my nervous boy enjoy his life! I will forever be grateful for working with Carleen and we continue to go to group classes every Saturday to continue working on his confidence! She is extremely kind, caring and knowledgeable when it comes to anything dog and is always willing to go out of her way for her clients.
Carleen’s expertise as a dog trainer is exceptional, and we have complete confidence in the care she has provided for our pup, Gunner. It is evident that he trusts her implicitly, and it brings us great peace of mind to know how much he enjoys staying at her facility while we are away. We are thankful for her dedicated work and for the excellent care she consistently provides. We truly appreciate everything she does for Gunner.
