Science-Backed
Ethical Training

Where Positive 
Relationships Begin

At Clickstart, we’re passionate about helping dogs and their guardians thrive at every stage of life. Based in Orange County, we combine hands-on experience with science-backed, ethical training to create a fun, stress-free environment for you and your pup.

By grounding our curriculum in positive reinforcement, we’re able to strengthen the bond between you and your dog—because happy pups make happy homes!

Science-backed,
Humane training

Expert Team of
Trainers

Dog-centric
Approach

Ongoing
Education

Our Story

Hi, we’re Cassie and Liv -- founders of Clickstart Dog Training Academy. As two of Orange County’s top dog behavior experts, we’ve made it our mission to raise the bar for modern dog training—ethical, effective, and backed by science. As a proud woman and LGBTQ+ owned small business, we’re passionate about helping dogs and their humans thrive at every stage of life with positive reinforcement training that works.

We first crossed paths in 2015 while working for the same training company and quickly bonded over our shared obsession with behavior science and learning theory. In 2019, we launched Clickstart, and since then, we’ve built a team of expert trainers specializing in everything from puppy development to service dogs. In 2023, we opened our first campus in Lake Forest, where we continue to expand our programs and provide top-tier training for dogs of all ages and abilities.

Meet The Team

We pride ourselves in representing the very best of modern dog training: educated, ethical, and effective. Our team holds ourselves to a higher industry standard and make it a point to participate in ongoing education so you and your pup receive the best of the best training.

  • cassie pestana

    Cassie Pestana (she/her)

    #fhtogglels/+/+/eb

    Clickstart’s Co-Founder & Certified Behavior Consultant BA, KPA-CTP, CBCC-KA, PetTech Pro

    Graduated from Brown University with a degree in Biology: Animal Ethology and Evolutionary Science.

    Areas of Expertise: Reactivity & Aggression, Fear & Anxiety, Remedial Socialization, Rescue Dog Acclimation

    Founder

  • Liv Healy (they/them)

    #fhtogglels/+/+/eb

    Clickstart’s Co-Founder & Certified Behavior Consultant
    MA, CBCC-KA, FFCP, Atlas CT

    Areas of Expertise: Service Dogs, Cat/Dog Integration, Advanced Obedience, Puppy Raising

    Founder

  • Alex Dowdell (she/her)

    #fhtogglels/+/+/eb

    Clickstart Trainer since 2022 & Certified Trainer
    BS, ABC-CT, CPDT-KA

    Areas of Expertise: Agility, Advanced Obedience, Trick Training, Puppy Training & Socialization

  • Michael Louria (he/him)

    #fhtogglels/+/+/eb

    Clickstart Trainer since 2018

    Areas of Expertise: Puppy Training & Socialization, Obedience Training, Shy Dogs

  • Amanda Alvarez (she/her)

    #fhtogglels/+/+/eb

    Clickstart Trainer since 2022

    Areas of Expertise: Puppy Training & Socialization, Trick Training, Shelter & Rescue Dog Acclimation

  • Allegra Ringo (she/her)

    #fhtogglels/+/+/eb

    Clickstart Trainer since 2022
    CPDT-KA

    Areas of Expertise: Puppy Training & Socialization, Obedience Training, Small dogs

  • Nick Garcia-Zacher (they/them)

    #fhtogglels/+/+/eb

    Clickstart Trainer since 2023
    CPDT-KA

    Areas of Expertise: Puppy Training & Socialization, Obedience Training

Happy Tails

  • I am in love with Clickstart's positive training philosophy. The keep things light and low stress on everyone (dogs and people). We've done 2 courses so far (High School and College). Baloo just finished college and PASSED his Canine Good Citizenship test on the first try! We are so proud of our boy! Clickstart is a great way improve our relationship with our dog and honestly a good excuse to get out of the house. We'll probably continue to take Clickstart courses until we run out.

    Kimberly J.

  • We enrolled our puppy, Chai, with Clickstart starting at nine weeks old. Since the beginning, all of the staff have been super accommodating and welcoming. They answer every question we have and consistently go out of their way to meet our specific puppy's needs. After puppy kindergarten, we started doing private sessions at home with Michael- who has been the absolute best. Michael is always on time, shows up with a great attitude, and is very patient with us and Chai! Chai LOVES Michael (we're pretty sure he's chai's favorite human.) Michael has taught us so much - how to loose lease walk, teaching chai to settle, and much more. We will be continuing to use Clickstart and work with Michael to set our puppy up for success.

    Raina J.

  • I would highly recommend Clickstart for any new or seasoned dog owners, especially those with reactive dogs. Our journey with our dog started over a year ago with the reactive rover classes lead by Cassie. The online format allows for comfortability practicing at home, and the lessons and homework were excellent reinforcement. After those classes were done, we decided to continue with 4 one-on-one training sessions with Cassie to help further our dog's skills and reactivity, allowing us to become better advocates for him as well. We've seen him come a long way and are so grateful for Cassie's guidance on this journey. We look forward to future classes at Clickstart. The investment is highly worth it and we are thankful to have them as a resource.

    Rei A.