Costa Mesa California’s Best
Dog Training & Pet Care
Welcome to OC Pup Pals
We believe dog training and care should be about connection, not control — helping owners understand their dogs on a deeper level and creating routines that support both of your lifestyles.
Our Services
What we can help with
We don’t just “train dogs.” We help humans understand them.
Our approach is simple: clear communication, balanced training, and genuine care.
We’re not here to judge or overcomplicate things — just to help you and your dog live better, calmer, and more connected lives together.
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Start your pup off right with structure, confidence, and clear communication. We’ll help you navigate the early stages of puppyhood so your dog grows into a calm, well-mannered companion.
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From jumping and pulling to reactivity and anxiety, we’ll uncover the “why” behind your dog’s behavior and teach you how to bring calm and consistency back into your daily routine.
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Build solid foundations that make life easier — things like leash walking, place, recall, and polite greetings. Training that fits your real life, not a perfect command list.
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For nervous, insecure, or overexcited dogs, we focus on creating balance — helping them feel safe, capable, and relaxed in any environment through clear guidance and trust.
Hi, I’m Mary — founder of OC Pup Pals and lifelong dog lover turned trainer.
After years in the corporate world, I wanted a life that felt more meaningful, so I followed my passion for dogs and never looked back. What started as a small walking service has grown into a business built on trust, compassion, and helping people truly understand their dogs.
I’ve raised, fostered, and trained dogs of all kinds, and I know how hard — and rewarding — it can be.
My goal is simple: to help you and your dog live calmer, happier lives together.
What Our Clients Say
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We absolutely loved the training program that OC Pup Pals provided. Our 2 year old lab, Rex, was reactive to not only other dogs but to people as well. Mary was so patient, kind and reassuring that Rex would get better. Mary taught us how to set more boundaries in and out of our household which helped a lot with Rex's anxiety (and mine, too!) We learned it's okay to be persnickety with structure. Not only did we learn SO much, we have changed our household dynamic of how we handle having a dog now. We can comfortably take Rex on walks to locations we've never been before with knowledge of handling his excitement correctly and still enjoying being with him without our limbs being pulled. Thank you, Mary and Myrlene for your knowledge, patience, grace and help! We love OC Pup Pals! <3
- Ellie & David J.
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Mary and Myrlene are absolute gems! My staffy Maverick gets all the wiggles when they come to get him for his daily walks! I been through three different dog walking services trying to find the one that truly takes care of my pup as I would! My Mav had double elbow surgery recently and needed very specific car when walking and the ladies couldn’t be more accommodating! I trust them completely and am so lucky to have found them!
-Melanie W.
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Our 2 year old American Bulldog, Pappy, has been working with OC Pup Pals for a year and he is THRIVING! His socialization, engagement and manners while walking have given us, and Pappy, so much confidence in the home and in public. We feel so supported by OC Pup Pals. They do more than just walk and check-in on Pappy. They have built a bond of trust through consistency and clear communication in all areas. They send the best reports with pictures and details of Pappy's experiences on trail walks, check-ins, or walks. We recently started training sessions to take Pappy's experiences to the next level, and we are so pleased with the knowledge and progress that is being made. We are so thankful to have found OC Pup Pals, and we look forward to seeing Pappy's continued growth.
- Monique S.
Let’s Get Started
Whether your pup needs structure, exercise, or training, we’ll meet you where you are and guide you every step of the way.