Welcome to DOG GYM
DOG GYM is a holistic, inclusive space built with a dog’s breed in mind and open to every dog and person who finds their way to us. We believe learning is an ongoing experience that deepens, expands, and grows alongside the relationship between a dog and their human.
Our coaches understand drive, structure, balance, and fulfillment. They guide each dog's ongoing mental, emotional, and physical development with care and intention, so every dog builds confidence, emotional steadiness, and a sense of purpose. Dogs leave our programs balanced, fulfilled, and more connected to themselves and the humans they love.
We are glad you're here.
DOG GYM acknowledges that Santa Barbara County is the unceded territory of the Chumash and Luiseño peoples. At DOG GYM we are committed to creating a welcome space for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
At DOG GYM we believe that our community is made stronger by our immigrant members, regardless of documentation status.
Mads Cantu
(She/They)
Founder
Mads is a parent, a working breed owner, and believes the relationship between dogs and humans has the power to transform both.
Animals have always been a constant in their life. Through hands-on work with dogs, a Veterinary Assistant certification, volunteering with shelters and rescues across Santa Barbara County, and time spent in Bangladesh helping kittens find safe, loving homes, Mads has built their experience through direct care and observation.
In 2019, while working in a veterinary emergency hospital, Mads experienced a traumatic brain injury that required a full rebuild of their life. In the years that followed, they remained committed to continuing their work with animals in a sustainable way.
Mads later welcomed Anubis, a Belgian Malinois mix from Santa Barbara Humane, into their life. Raising and working with him brought structure, purpose, and a new path forward, and that relationship became the foundation for DOG GYM.
Mads is currently training as a Helper and Decoy in protection work, expanding their understanding of drive, pressure, and communication through hands-on experience.
Mads approaches each dog as an individual. Breed, genetics, history, and environment all matter, and the work supports the physical, mental, social, and emotional development of both dog and human.
DOG GYM reflects this philosophy. It is a space where dogs and humans learn, move, and grow together in the real world, while creating access for people navigating life after brain injury or anyone who doesn’t see themselves reflected in traditional spaces.
The long-term vision includes a nature-based DOG GYM facility that supports both clients and future volunteers, creating opportunities for continued connection, contribution, and growth.
Mads lives up in the woods outside Santa Barbara with Eddie, their elementary-aged child, Anubis, and two cats, Velli and Bhairavi.
Natalia Baker
(Ella/Elle/She/They)
Director of Services
Natalia has spent the past 15 years helping dogs and their families grow, learn, and thrive together. A Southern California native with deep roots in the region, Natalia is bilingual in Spanish and English and brings a lifelong love of animals to the work she does every day.
Her journey into dog training began with Chia, her now 12-year-old Australian Shepherd who changed the course of her life. Chia was born without tarsals in her back right leg. The difference never slowed her down, but the competitive dog world was not always willing to look past it. Despite excelling in training, Chia was barred from competing simply because she did not fit the mold.
Watching a dog that capable be turned away left a lasting mark on Natalia and shaped the kind of trainer and advocate she would become.
Natalia understands how much heart people pour into their dogs, and how isolating it can feel when that dedication is not understood. She never wants another handler to feel that way. That belief is a big part of what drew her to DOG GYM and what excites her most about helping build a strong, welcoming community.
Over the years Natalia has trained across a wide range of disciplines including rally, agility, schutzhund, nosework, family obedience, service dogs, and therapy dogs. No matter the discipline, her focus has always been the same: strengthening the relationship between dogs and the people who love them. She has a special place in her heart for families who feel like they have tried everything.
At home in Santa Barbara, Natalia shares life with her partner, their dogs, and a lively crew of animals. The pack includes Chia’s daughter Ephi, a spirited five-year-old Australian Shepherd, Houdini, her Doberman/Dutch Shepherd mix, and Winnie, a medium size super mix with plenty of personality. The household is rounded out by four cats, Pepita, her Mustang mare, and Valentina, a rescued tarantula who has claimed her own quiet corner.
When she is not working with clients, Natalia can usually be found hiking the trails above Santa Barbara with her dogs and enjoying the unique beach-meets-mountains landscape of the Central Coast.
Frequently Asked Questions
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DOG GYM is for anyone who wants more for their dog and for themselves. First time dog owners finding their footing. Working breed owners who know their dog needs real outlet and real challenge. Families welcoming a new rescue and building trust from the ground up. People with active, intelligent dogs who are ready for something that actually meets them where they are. Come find your place in the pack.
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No, these are experiences that include coachable moments for both dogs and humans. We do not provide individual training but support and reinforce existing behaviors. We won't teach your dog to sit, but if they already know how, we will ensure they stay accountable for it. We offer Dog Gym Social Club as a group obedience training space where our coaches guide and facilitate.
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The short answer is no. The longer answer is that DOG GYM programs focus on the whole dog: their body, mind, emotions, and place in the pack. Your dog will get plenty of exercise and will also be challenged, guided, and truly fulfilled. It's a very different experience from a walk in the park.
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Most likely, yes. Our programs take place in nature, which means they might get wet, muddy, sandy, or some combination of all three. While we towel them off, they will probably arrive home with some evidence of their full day on them. We see this as them having a great day!
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Reactivity means different things for different dogs. Many dogs who seem reactive are simply overstimulated, under-exercised, or socially immature, and those dogs often thrive with intentional pack work. With the right guidance, they learn neutrality, emotional recovery, and how to move through the world with steadiness. The Personal Consultation is where we start, getting to know your dog, understanding where they are, and building a clear picture of how we can help them grow.
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Once a week will get you started and keep your dog connected to the pack, but consistency is where real transformation happens. Dogs who come two or three times a week build on each experience before it fades, developing steadiness, social fluency, and genuine fulfillment at a pace that sticks. We offer a variety of programs so you can mix and match throughout the week in a way that fits your life. The more your dog shows up, the more they grow and the stronger our whole community becomes.
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Definitely the first time. After that, we can discuss hands free pick up and drop off.
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The first day is a lot, in the best possible way. New smells, new dogs, new environments, new guidance. Your dog's nervous system is processing a full day of real stimulation, social engagement, and physical work. What looks like extra energy is often the brain working hard to integrate everything it experienced. The best thing you can do is give them a quiet space to decompress and rest. Most dogs settle into a deeper, calmer tiredness after their first few visits as the pack and the routine become familiar.