Private  Training

In-Person

Why Private In-Person Training

In-person private training allows us to closely assess your dog’s behavior in their everyday environment to craft their unique program. Through this hands-on approach, we identify your dog’s natural talents and uncover the underlying root of their challenges to determine their individual learning style. This face-to-face approach optimizes the learning experience and training retention. The end result is training tailored to your dog’s needs to achieve their full potential, and overcome their difficulties.

Free Virtual Meet-And-Greet

Finding the right fit is paramount to the success of achieving your goals!

We offer a free no-obligation 15 virtual meet-and-greet to explore our program, meet your dog behaviorist and trainer, and get answers to questions about our our approach.

The Curriculum

  • Basic obedience enables dogs to reliably respond to verbal cues, or gestures and specific sounds, to perform specific actions like sit and stay, and walking with a loose leash.

    Basic manners teaches dogs self-control so that they may polite and offer manners in basic encounters, and when excited.

  • Behavior modification is a methodical approach to help dogs change the way they think, feel, and act towards a stimulus that they may struggle with.

  • Puppy training is essential in teaching practical and behavioral skills that are critical for puppies to thrive in real world as they mature into adults. It includes obedience, manners, and socialization.

    It addresses puppy behaviors not limited to housebreaking, puppy nipping, lack of impulse control, alone-time challenges and prevents many common behavioral issues and disorders such as anxiety and aggression.

    Puppy training can start at 8 weeks of age.

  • Socialization is the ability of dogs to remain well-adjusted in encounters and stimuli that exist in the real world. It fosters healthy relationships with people and other species, and can help to avoid behavior disorders.

  • Transition support facilitates a healthy adjustment for newly adopted dogs into their new home while addressing any preexisting behavior challenges.

Rates

Initial Consultation

In-Person

90 Minutes

Starting at $225

+ $60 Each additional dog

This comprehensive one-on-one 90-minute initial consultation takes place conveniently in the comfort of your own home! It includes an in-depth evaluation and assessment, customized resources, and a carefully crafted training and/or treatment plan. It is aimed at empowering you to effectively unleash your dog’s full potential to acquire quality education, and begin the process of helping to transform their struggles into remarkable successes!

Individual Sessions

Available for purchase after initial consultation.

In-Person

1 Hour

Starting at $165

+ $60 Each additional dog

These one-on-one, 60-minute individual sessions are conducted in-person, either in your home or at a designated location. Individual sessions focus on methodically applying your dog’s personalized training and/or treatment plan hands-on, and in encounters in the real world. They aim to enhance your dog’s progress, ignite their talents, conquer their challenges, and achieve your training goals!

Meet the Behaviorist & Trainer

Meet Carmen

Founder and Certified Dog Behaviorist & Trainer

Private Sessions & Group Dog Training Classes Instructor

  • Bachelor of Arts (with double majors)

    University of California, Berkeley

    Certified Dog Trainer - ABCDT

    Animal Behavior College, Honors Distinction

    Certified Animal Trainer

    Fear Free®

    Approved Evaluator

    American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen®

    Approved Evaluator

    American Kennel Club Temperament Test

    Approved Judge

    American Kennel Club Fetch

    Approved Instructor

    American Kennel Club FIT DOG

    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

  • 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