About

Our Methods

Based in science, People’s Dog Training™ utilizes an ethical and force-free method known as Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA), with rewards and positive reinforcement.

Meet Carmen, Your Dog Behaviorist & Trainer

Carmen Molinari, founder of Love At First Sit® and visionary of People’s Dog Training™, has been training dogs extensively in obedience, enrichment, and behavior modification for over 13 years.

A University of California, Berkeley alum with double majors, she is a multi-certified dog trainer and behaviorist through Animal Behavior College, Fear Free Animal Trainer, and the American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen™ Program. She maintains affiliations with a variety of organizations including Association of Professional Dog Trainers and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants.

As a trusted authority in her field, Carmen has won a numerous awards, and is a sought after expert news guest for a variety of leading Los Angeles news media outlets, including KCRW Press Play with Madeline Brand, providing commentary on a variety of pet topics. She writes her own news column in Pet of the Week in the Santa Monica Daily Press, and has been featured in Spectrum News 1 Socal as their “Everyday Hero.”

Her Love At First Sit® Initiative engages in charitable endeavors, including volunteering at shelters, collaborating with nonprofit organizations including CAMP, Canine Companions, Beagle Freedom Project, and monetary giving.

“I strive to make an impact in maintaining the welfare of even the most vulnerable animals, and the people who love them.” Carmen Molinari

  • "If you're reading this looking for wonderful dog training, hire Carmen. Not only is she a pro trainer, she is extremely professional, punctual, and organized, as well as funny and kind."

    Veronica, Santa Monica

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Yelp

  • “I cannot tell you how instrumental hiring Carmen for private sessions has been. Carmen's knowledge and experience in training dogs is on another level. She has changed our lives in the best way possible.”

    Roxanne, Santa Monica

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Yelp

  • “I knew just from the consult that Carmen was miles ahead of the others I contacted, and using just a few things she taught us (my dog and me) I'm tapping into what motivates and delights my sweet boy and leaving his fears and old man compulsive habits behind.”

    Deborah, Santa Monica

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Yelp

  • “Meeting with Carmen for the first time felt like a heaven sent. Working with an expert like Carmen WILL make an amazing difference!”

    Blanca, Los Angeles

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Yelp

  • "To say that she goes "above & beyond" is an understatement. Not only does she spend plenty of time addressing every issue you may have (and not only dealing with behavior but the underlying cause of the behavior), but she also follows up with an extensive written summary of what she showed you and more. I could not possibly ask for more."

    Stephanie, Santa Monica

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • "Carmen is so fantastic, she truly hears out our concerns about our dog and offers solutions that are individualized to him and also generalizable/feasible to us. She also is willing to answer any questions with have with patience and truly listens to what we are saying. "

    Kiran, Los Angeles

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Yelp

  • Nothing beats Carmen coming to meet us, our dog, observe our interaction and setup, and offer insight, tips, tools, and coaching. Carmen is also a wonderful person. Compassionate, patient with us, and clearly really knows her stuff--especially with rescues. She's made us feel like we're on a really great path with our pup (who also LOVES her).

    Monica, Los Angeles

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Yelp

  • "Carmen has been the absolute best! She's helped us raise a well trained puppy and we couldn't be happier with her! We would happily recommend her to anyone who was looking for help training their pup!"

    Ali, Los Angeles

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Yelp

  • "Her tips, tricks and nuance tips were invaluable. Her pricing is beyond reasonable and fair as well. Her approach is kind and reinforced with love. "

    Jeremy, Los Angeles

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Yelp

Credentials

  • Bachelor of Arts (with double majors)

    University of California, Berkeley

    Certified Dog Trainer - ABCDT

    Animal Behavior College, Honors Distinction

    Certified CGC® Evaluator

    American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen®

    Certified Animal Trainer

    Fear Free®

    Graduate, Fear Free Shelters™

    Fear Free®

    Certificate, Aggression in Dogs

    Master Course, Michael Shikashio CDBC

    Authorized Mentor Trainer

    Animal Behavior College

    Certified Pet CPR & First Aid

    American Red Cross

  • Pet Expert News Guest

    KCRW Press Play with Madeleine Brand

    Santa Monica Mirror

    YO! Venice

    Brentwood News

    Century City/Westwood News

    Westside Today

    Palisades News

    Watch, Read, Listen: Interviews

    News Features

    Spectrum News 1 Socal Everyday Heroes,

    The Argonaut

    Pet Sitter’s World

    Watch, Read: Features

    Guest Columnist

    Pet of the Week, Column, Santa Monica Daily Press

    Read: Pet of the Week

  • American Kennel Club®

    Association of Professional Dog Trainers

    International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants

    Pet Sitters Associates, LLC

    Professional United Pet Sitters, LLC

    Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce

    Buy Local Santa Monica

  • CAMP (Community Animal Medicine Project)

    501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

    Canine Companions

    501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

    Beagle Freedom Project

    501(c)(3) Nonprofit Animal Rescue Organization

    The People Concern

    501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

    Meals On Wheels West

    501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

    The Farmer’s Dog

    A dog food company with a fresh approach.

  • Santa Monica Animal Shelter (5,000+ Volunteer Hours)

    EZ Heart & Soul Rescue & Sanctuary

    Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation,

    Carmen Molinari, Chairman of the Board, 2020-2021

Awards

2024 CITY OF SANTA MONICA’S MOST LOVED PET SERVICE

4 years in a row!