Pro-Train is an organization of professional dog trainers, dedicated to the training of top quality animals for the purpose of private ownership of properly trained and obedient dogs for individual or family companionship and protection.

The Pro-Train Institute is located in Northern San Diego County in Southern California. Our climate is very temperate, with summer highs in the 80’s and 90’s and winter lows in the 40’s and 50’s. The Institute is located near the town of Bonsall, a hilly rural community about 30 miles north of San Diego. The school is about 15 miles east of the Pacific Ocean. The Bonsall kennel, on 5 acres, serves as our headquarters. Students work here, training and caring for dogs under Michael Luevano’s supervision.

The city of San Diego is a very popular tourist destination. We have miles of beaches, mountains to the east and desert beyond the mountains. There are numerous outdoor activities available year-round, in addition to a variety of cultural and entertainment opportunities. Los Angeles is about a two hour drive to the north and Mexico is less than an hour away. Please let us know if you have any specific questions and we will answer them for you.

The Founder, Mark Castillero, is eminently qualified and has been recognized in his profession as one of the premier Dog Trainers in the world today.

Some of Mr. Castillero’s accomplishments include:

  • The Founder and General Manager of the California Kennel Association.
  • Trained more than 10,500 dogs in his professional career.
  • Rottweiler and German Shepherd Breeder for over 43 years.
  • Member of International Association of Canine Professionals.
  • Awarded Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science in 1976 from the University of California at Davis, with a concentration in animal behavior.
  • Administrator and Instructor for Pro-Train Institute, a vocational dog training school, which has taught many of the current professional trainers.
  • Expert witness for canine cases.
  • Judge for Police Canine competition.
  • California state Licensed Guide Dog Instructor.
  • Licensed by the State of California as Qualified Manager for Pro-Train’s Protection Dog Operators License WQ000045.
  • Implemented State of California Apprenticeship Program for Dog Trainer Certification.
  • Seminar speaker on all aspects of dog training, both in the United States and abroad.
  • Author of Guidelines to Raising and Training Your Dog.
  • Training specialist in behavior modification and protection.
  • Vice President of the International Tosa Ken Association.
  • Formerly active in East Bay Schutzhund Club, Sacramento Schutzhund Club and the Peninsula Canine Corp. and was founder and president of the Companion Schutzhund Club.
  • Supervised and trained students in animal behavior studies at the University’s Primate Center at Davis.
  • Animal behavior specialist, veterinary technician, experienced kennel manager.
  • Training specialist in behavior modification and protection.
  • Gifted Animal Placement Certified Specialist.
  • Member of the Delta Society.
  • Animal Evaluator to certify Therapy Dogs.
  • Former member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers

Mr. Castillero has created his new protege, Michael Luevano, and has become extremely proficient in many of these areas. He will continue to move Pro-Train forward into the next millennium and beyond.