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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
My name is Troy and I train dogs. I never take shortcuts or cut corners using treats or food as for positive reinforcement. Food excites the canine mind and treat based training will teach your dog to not respect you unless you have food. I use praise, games, play, and toys as forms of positive reinforcement and train your dog to form a bond with its owner that's based on trust not treats. I spent over a decade working with and around animals at a zoo rescue and apprenticed privately under a master dog trainer. I have trained and handled exotic animals, reptiles, livestock, and yes, you guessed it, DOGS! I use a scientific approach to help your dog function in a human world by conditioning in all basic obedience commands using a method called operant conditioning. When your dog leaves my board and train program it will be able to perform all the skills of a fully trained and respectful dog citizen. I specialize in board & train offerings and train service dogs, physical assist dogs, hunting dogs, puppies, or simply basic obedience. I am available to all clients in the Southern California area and greater Los Angeles county.
Overview
Hired 56 times
Serves Los Angeles, CA
Background checked
1 employee
7 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, PayPal, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2024
2023
2022
2021
Services offered
Dog training package
Dog size
Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs)
Small (16 - 25 lbs)
Medium (26 - 40 lbs)
Large (41 - 70 lbs)
Dog training type
Board and train
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
30 reviews
5
100%
4
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3
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Read reviews that mention:
John H.
Jul 8, 2021
•
Hired on Thumbtack
I was experiencing extreme frustration with my new English Lab puppy Bozo not only from the challenges of house training but with having issues with my two young children (3 and 6 years old.) I considered board and train programs like Troy's well beyond what I could afford but recognized I didn't have the time or patience for doing what needed to be done to solve the immediate puppy problems Bozo was creating in my household. I needed some professional help to cut down the learning curve and get started on the path of having an obedient dog where everybody would be happier and healthier.
After interviewing multiple trainers I went with Troy for a few reasons. Not only did his training technique make sense to me but his professionalism from the start was clear. Troy went way, way above and beyond when it came to my dog's personal care and training. I'll spare the details but the time spent with Troy was well beyond what was promised and the results were far beyond what I expected. Communication throughout the whole process was prompt and efficient and it became apparent throughout the process that the dog's (and families) well being was Troy's first priority and not his own comfort or pocketbook.
At the end of the process, Troy set me up not only with the little details and actual materials of a new and much healthier (as well as cheaper) feeding regime but has given me the tools to have a new relationship with my dog that I never knew existed. Super easy to keep up the tools when the foundation is completely laid and the hard work has already been done. Even within a few days my family and dog are much happier and there is none of the frustration I was experiencing before I gave my dog Bozo up to this exceptional trainer.
I now have a healthier, more obedient and less frustrating and happier dog. Also one of the biggest advantages is that he is CALM. That's an incredible feat considering the insane household that a family with two young children live in.
I'm so excited to know that a financial sacrifice made now is going to provide a lifetime of healthier and happier interaction with our new family member between not only our family, but other people and dogs as well. I'm shouting it from the rooftops......TROY IS THE BEST!!!!
Details: 0 - 6 months old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Board and train at a facility • General obedience training • Leash pulling • House training • Biting • At the pro’s location
Dog Training
Brooke H.
Mar 30, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
I have not worked with Troy yet however I did the free phone call consultation and was very pleased with the conversation. He was very helpful and gave a lot of great advice on things I can’t start working on immediately. He was very honest about how to do things. I at no point felt like he was in this for the money. This is someone who truly is in this job for his passion to help dogs and their owners. I look forward to the private sessions to further train my dog!
Details: 0 - 6 months old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Board and train at a facility • Puppy training • Leash pulling • Digging • Chewing • Biting • Crate training • At the pro’s location
Dog Training
Bettina D.
Feb 1, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Troy is a professional and highly skilled trainer. He gave me a detailed explation of his background knowledge, training techniques, and what to expect from the training.
He took my dod for a month and kept me updated of his progress through videos, texts or phone calls. He always returned my calls quickly if he was not able to answered them when I called.
When I hired Troy Milo was very stubborn, disobedient and destructive. He is a beagle and his howling was driving us crazy. Our lives were turning miserable. After the training Milo is much calmer, his barks have reduced 85 to 90 percent less, and more importantly he understand that no means no.
During the offboarding, Troy spent two days instructing us step by step on how to work with Milo in our home. We keep in contact with him as he continues to coach us.
I will highly recommend him to anyone who is loking for a professional trainer who delivers results.
Details: 6 - 12 months old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Board and train at a facility • General obedience training • Leash pulling • House training • Barking • Digging • Chewing • Destructive behavior • At the pro’s location
Dog Training
Ben g.
Oct 1, 2020
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Hired on Thumbtack
Lets be honest, most of us do not have the time to dedicate to our dogs ilke they need. Troy worked with my dog around the clock and really helped me in so many areas as an owner. So many things I thought I knew about dogs were just completely wrong! Woops lol, Troy not only trained my dog but he made it so my dog pays attention to me all the time and that really helped us to form a stronger bond as dog and owner. I tried some "training" with a friend of mine but it was heavily treat based and the dog was always expecting a treat and it really just wasnt for me. Troy had my dog for 4 weeks and when he came back he was just sooooo much more calm I couldnt believe it.
When I first saw his pricing I was confused because it seemed a bit high, Then I realized why, the guy works 24/7 to get your dog ready for what he calls "the human centered world"
Troy if you are reading this review, THNAK YOU SO MUCH!
Details: 6 - 12 months old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Board and train at a facility • Therapy or service dog training • House training • Crate training • At the pro’s location
Dog Training
Joyce L.
Jul 7, 2022
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Hired on Thumbtack
This is not Zora’s first foray with a trainer but certainly our favorite. Troy’s style and approach is zen, scientific and humane. Zora is extremely stubborn and has been this way since she was a pup. She’s super smart but very stubborn. Troy is patient and diligent, which is exactly what Zora needs. He also has a great bedside demeanor which is helpful for any anxious dog parent. Not every dog is going to come out of there a completely different dog. A lot of Zora’s bad behaviors are gone. It is up to us to keep things up at home. We will also be bringing her back to work on some other higher level commands. We are very grateful to have found Troy. He really put us at ease. You miss your dog when they are gone that long and it helps to know they are in good hands.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Board and train at a facility • Therapy or service dog training • Leash pulling • At the pro’s location
Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check
Troy Miller
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I do 30/60/90 day board and train programs. All board and train comes with private follow up lessons for the lifetime of the dog. 60 days is recommended for all puppies.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First we must establish what the dogs age is and what the dogs needs are. Once this is established we can discuss whether the owner is interested in the services available.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I was raised training dogs and have worked as an apprentice with a master dog trainer before I went out on my own. We still do weekly meetings to always keep learning.
