WiggleWag
Training · Daycare · Boarding · Pasadena
Cynthia & Nestor Escobar — founders
In loving memory of a good run
For more than fifteen years, a small family business in Pasadena cared for thousands of dogs across the San Gabriel Valley — one leash, one family, one wagging tail at a time. This page is a thank-you, and a fond farewell, to WiggleWag.
The story
Creating balance through action
WiggleWag Training & Dog Care Services was founded in 2010 by Cynthia and Nestor Escobar. From the very beginning it was a family-run business built on a simple mission: to improve the lives of dogs — and the people who love them — through education, understanding, and hands-on care.
Their approach was different. It wasn't only about exercise and supervision, but about structure, balance, and the relationship between a dog and its owner. Together, Cynthia and Nestor built WiggleWag on a holistic philosophy — considering a dog's environment, health, and psychology, and teaching owners as much as the dogs themselves. Both were dedicated trainers; both were members of the professional canine-care community; and both gave the business its heart.
Being small was the point. Cynthia and Nestor dealt with every dog personally, keeping close contact and open communication with every family they served. Clients often noticed a difference in their dog after just a few sessions — but the real work was teaching the owners too, so that the results would last a lifetime.
From 2010 to 2026, from their home base in Pasadena, WiggleWag cared for dogs across Pasadena, Altadena, South Pasadena, San Marino, Sierra Madre, La Cañada, Monrovia and beyond — training, daycare, boarding, and walking — and became, in the words of one family, "a true Pasadena treasure."
The people behind it
Cynthia & Nestor Escobar
Two founders who built WiggleWag together and ran it themselves, hands-on, for its entire life.
Cynthia Escobar
Co-Founder · Canine Trainer
Co-founder and trainer, Cynthia was the heart of WiggleWag's day-to-day — hands-on with every dog and every family who came through its doors. She built the close, personal relationships that turned first-time clients into a decade and a half of loyal families, and helped countless owners and their dogs find balance and trust.
Nestor Escobar
Co-Founder · Canine Behaviorist & Master Trainer
Co-founder and trainer, Nestor brought a lifetime of study in canine behavior, psychology, and rehabilitation to WiggleWag. A member of the International Association of Canine Professionals, he helped thousands of owners and their dogs find an easier, more balanced relationship — always treating each dog as an individual.
A highly personal service
Every dog, known by name
Close communication with clients. An individual relationship with every pet. WiggleWag was built so that each dog's needs — and each family's — were met every single time. That's what turned first-time clients into years of loyal families, and what made Pasadena's dogs excited every time they arrived at their home away from home.
The pack
The faces of WiggleWag
Thousands of dogs. One devoted little company.
In their families' words
Loved by the neighborhood
Wiggle Wag is a special place for dogs. The owners care about every dog and create a completely calm, cohesive and fun environment for the dogs that go there. My dogs always come home happy and better-behaved!
WW has been our greatest find when we moved to this area. I have absolute confidence that my dog gets the best care possible when he is with Nes and Cynthia. Nes is always available to explain his program and answer any questions you might have!
We (dog and cat included!) LOVE Wiggle Wag. My dog is kind of nutso and had a phobia of walking beyond our block. Cynthia worked with him when we went on vacation and got him to walk several blocks away. A miracle!
Wigglewag is the BEST dog walking & sitting service around the San Gabriel Valley. Our 3 dogs are like our kids, so having great caretakers for them is very important to us. They understand dog behavior and we feel confident about taking our canine babies to them.
I am impressed by their professionalism and unique philosophy and views on training that you don't always get to see elsewhere. And it's evident in how many dogs the Escobars have been able to change! I am sad they will be closing.
Immaculately clean environment, skilled and caring staff — this place is a gem for doggie daycare, boarding and training alike.
The final chapter
Thank you, Pasadena.
After sixteen years — from 2010 to 2026 — WiggleWag's doors are closing. To every family who trusted us with their dog, and to every dog who trotted through our gate: thank you. It was the honor of a lifetime.
The care doesn't have to end here.
Dog Ownership Made Easy.
For families still looking for the same hands-on, relationship-first care WiggleWag was built on, Whitaker Dog is proud to welcome the WiggleWag family and continue the tradition — right here in the community we both call home.
LA's pickup & drop-off dog day camp, boarding & training. We come to you.
Visit whitakerdog.com →