Community Training

Our Mission

Second to overcrowding, the leading cause of euthanasia in dogs in animals shelters across the United States, is attributed to undesirable behaviors. While qualified dog training can significantly ease these unfortunate circumstances, the often high cost associated with it makes it inaccessible for many.

Hosted by our charitable giving program, the Love At First Sit® Initiative, our Community Dog Training Classes presents a solution by offering quality training at an affordable price of just $5.oo, then Pay-What-You-Can after that. Class proceeds are generously donated to charities that advocate for animals, and the people who love them. In this way, our initiative helps to keep dogs out of shelters, and provides them with a brighter future in their forever homes.

In The News

Current Beneficiary

CAMP is about community! Their mission is to “substantially reduce animal shelter euthanasia and intake by providing high quality, low-cost veterinary services to underserved communities in the Los Angeles area.”

“We believe that no animal should be surrendered to a shelter to be euthanized because their owner can't afford needed veterinary care.” - CAMP

Past Beneficiaries

  • Up-to-date on Vaccines: DHLPP, Bordetella, and Rabies

    Need Vaccinations?

    Our partner CAMP provides Mobile Vaccine Clinics and Walk-in Clinic Locations that offer low cost cat and dog vaccinations, and other vet services.

  • All dogs must be fit and healthy.

    Female dogs Cannot be in heat.

Prerequisites

Behavior: Dogs who are aggressive, or have behaviors that are disruptive are not permitted in our classes. Have questions? Contact us!

Need help with these behaviors? Explore our one-on-one In-Person Private and Virtual Training program.

Need vaccinations or veterinary care?

Visit our trusted partner, CAMP (Community Animal Medicine Project), for a variety of affordable options that are designed to meet your pet’s healthcare needs!

Class Details

Class Methods

Science based: Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA), Force-Free, Positive Reinforcement

Class Level

Beginners + 6 month and older

Class Size

10 Dogs

Class Duration

1 Hour

Class Days

Saturdays

Class Cost

1 Class: $5.00, then Pay-What-You-Can

Exclusions

Behavior: Our classes do not address problem behaviors such as aggression disorders, separation disorders, and anxiety disorders. Visit our In-Person Private and Virtual Training pages for help with these behaviors.

Class Curriculum: Community Dog Training Class is not comparable to a full 5 week dog training class course series. Visit our Group Dog Training Classes page for a full list of our class series.

Meet Your Instructors

Meet Carmen

Founder and Certified Dog Behaviorist & Trainer

Private Sessions & Group Dog Training Classes Instructor

  • Bachelors of Arts (with double majors)

    University of California, Berkeley

    Certified Dog Trainer with Honors Distinction, ABCDT

    Animal Behavior College

    Certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

    American Kennel Club

    Certified Animal Trainer

    Fear Free®

    Graduate, Fear Free Shelters™

    Fear Free®

    Certificate, Aggression in Dogs

    Master Course, Michael Shikashio CDBC

    Authorized Mentor Dog 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

  • Winner: City of Santa Monica Most Loved Pet Services 20021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and Independent Business 2024,

    Finalist: Los Angeles Times Best of the Southland’s Westside, Downtown, and East LA Dog Trainer 2023

    Runner-up: Santa Monica Mirror Group’s Best of Pet Services Santa Monica 2021

  • 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

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

    EZ Heart & Soul Rescue & Sanctuary

    Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation, Chairman of the Board, 2020-2021

Meet Angelina!

Group Dog Training Classes Volunteer & Love At First Sit® Pet Care Provider

  • Certificate - Dog Obedience Training Instructor

    Apprenticeship, Love at First Sit®

    Certified Pet Sitter (CPPS)

    Pet Sitters International

    Certified Pet CPR & First Aid

    American Red Cross

  • Santa Monica Animal Shelter

  • Meet New Jersey transplant, Angelina Borodiansky! From comedy, writing, to artistry, and teaching ariel yoga, added to her long list of talents is being one of Love at First Sit®'s most seasoned pet care providers!

    Growing up with dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits enabled her to have a natural ability to care for a pets with diverse needs. Certified in Pet CPR and Pet First Aid, she has experience administering medication to pets, and caring for those with special needs. A Certified Professional Pet Sitter® (CPPS) through Pet Sitters International, she was a volunteer dog training class instructor apprentice for our community dog training classes, and a volunteer at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter. Her pet care services include caring for cats, small pets, and walking dogs of all breeds and sizes.