Dog Training

Find a dog trainer near West Hollywood, CA

Find a dog trainer near West Hollywood, CA

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Top 10 Dog Trainers near West Hollywood, CA

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Q & A

Answers to commonly asked questions from the experts on Thumbtack.

How much does dog training typically cost?

The average cost of dog training ranges from $60 to $155 per hour. But, your dog’s training might cost more or less depending on a number of different factors. For example, you might pay less if you schedule group classes instead of private instruction. The type of training (aggressive behavior, basic obedience, off-leash training, etc.) could have different prices as well. 

Get an exact cost estimate by contacting several dog trainers near you

Learn more about dog training cost factors.

Is dog training worth the money?

Dog training can be a highly rewarding investment for most dog owners. With dog training, you can establish a better, healthier relationship with your dog, who will learn to understand your commands and wishes. Your frustration levels may decrease, and you might be able to resume activities you’ve put off, such as having people over or taking your dog to public places (though, this is hard to guarantee because each dog is unique). 

Just remember that no amount of dog training will pay off if you don’t practice and follow the directions the dog trainer gives you. Consistency is the most important factor.

Is it ever too late to start training a dog?

It’s never too late to train your dog — “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” is a myth. Whether you adopt an older dog from the shelter or simply want to have a better relationship with your elderly dog, hiring a dog trainer can be a good investment.

What do professional dog trainers do?

Dog trainers can perform a range of activities, ranging from training law enforcement dogs to working with therapy dogs or search-and-rescue dogs. However, most people hire dog trainers for obedience training. This is largely a process of training the human — much of how a dog interprets our behaviors, commands, tone and body language is counterintuitive at first. The trainer will typically come to your home to observe your relationship with your dog, teach you how to train a command and give you guidance for reinforcing it.

Do dog trainers offer remote or virtual services?

Although dog training is traditionally performed in person, the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused some professional dog trainers to move to remote training and virtual services. You can contact dog trainers near you to ask about the possibility of remote or virtual services. Also, ask whether all aspects of the process can be digital, including payment.

How old should a puppy be for training?

Dog training shouldn’t wait until you’re having behavior problems. If you get a new puppy, start from the beginning with professional training to give both you and your puppy the tools you need for a healthy relationship. Dog training is as much about teaching the owner how to interact with their new dog as it is about the dog learning to behave. Puppy training can start as early as eight weeks old. Trainers who offer puppy training programs may works specifically with dogs between the ages of 8 and 18 weeks old. Trainers can teach owners about potty training and how to deal with accidents, working with separation anxiety, and training your pooch out of destructive behaviors like chewing, biting and demand barking. Puppies will start to learn to walk on-leash and other basic skills.

In addition to behavior training, socializing your puppy is an important part of dog training. Socializing your dog means they become comfortable and confident in a variety of settings and have a great foundation for becoming a well-adjusted adult dog. After your puppy has had the proper vaccinations, you can start to introduce it to a variety of different dogs and people in safe settings.

What is a dog boot camp?

A dog boot camp is basically a board and train program that focuses on training your dog or puppy. The trainers will work with your dog to curb unwanted behavior, teach them basic skills and show them how to walk on a leash.

Dog boot camps and training programs might differ when it comes to their services, so it’s always a good idea to do your research and ask them to explain exactly what they offer — and how much they charge.

How long does it take to train a puppy?

Dog training depends on the dog and how much homework the dog owner is willing to put in. Puppy training is similar to dog training in that the onus of the work depends on the owner learning new ways to interact with their dog. For a quick crash course, you can opt for a single, two hour smart-start puppy training consultation to teach you the ins and outs of being a new dog parent. You can learn how to manage potty training and what to do if the puppy experiences separation anxiety. As long as you’re willing to work on dog training a little bit each day, your puppy will quickly learn these new behaviors. If you’re not confident about training your puppy yourself, you can enroll in a 6- to 8-week puppy training course, with weekly lessons touching on everything from bite control to obedience. Puppies usually need to be at least three months old for group training classes. If you want more intensive one-on-one work, you can opt for private lessons. Some behavior problems can be resolved in one session if the dog owner learns and can implement new skills. In the case of more serious issues, 3 to 10 private sessions can typically correct challenges.

Which dog training method is best?

The best type of dog training for both you and your dog depends on the outcomes you hope to achieve. If you want your dog to learn agility training, go to someone who specializes in those techniques. Regardless of whether you want your dog to learn basic behavior or competitive-level tricks, the majority of dog training is actually about training the owner how to communicate with their dog. Most professional dog trainers agree that a model of training based on positive reinforcement breeds a happy, healthy, well-adjusted dog. The alternative to positive reinforcement training is using force or aggression techniques like physical punishment or shock-collar training to get the dog to do (or not do) a behavior. While the dog may learn how to behave as you direct, it is also learning to communicate with force and aggression, and will in turn use those behaviors on other dogs (or people) that are smaller or weaker than it is. Before signing up with a dog trainer, meet with the trainer and ask for references. Watch the trainer interact with your dog, and make sure they treat your dog with patience and firm kindness. Ask them questions about their training methods:

  • What type of training methods do you use?
  • What is your background and training, and how did you become a dog trainer?
  • How long do you expect that we will work together before we achieve the results I’m after?
Reviews for West Hollywood dog trainers
Thumbtack Customer
Karen is amazing - after just one session I can already feel a major difference in the dynamic between my dog and I. As I said to her - I don't really think my dog needs to be trained. I think I need to be trained. And she certainly trained me! She taught me how to communicate with my dog so that he would understand and respect me, so that he would feel safe, calm, and be able to listen. We are doing great and so excited for our next session!
The Bow Wow Method of Dog TrainingThe Bow Wow Method of Dog Training
Thumbtack Customer
I adopted an adult smaller dog who became increasingly aggressive towards people and other dogs. There were noticeable changes in his behavior after our first session. Karen gave me easy to follow and practical advice and training techniques that changed our home environment. My dog is now happier and calmer, and enjoys trips to the dog park to play with dogs of all sizes.
The Bow Wow Method of Dog TrainingThe Bow Wow Method of Dog Training
RICHARD S.
Osama is truly amazing! My 9-yr old Ausi-Pom mix has been biting people, attacking other dogs and reverse-lease1``dragging, After a total of 5 lesson from 2 other trainers I was at my wits end. Then I discovered this dog -training genius. He was very effective in treating our issues and shoed results with in minute. I am very excited to continue our lessons with him. I strongly recommend him to anyone needing this kind of help.
OneStopK9OneStopK9
Marc B.
Calling Karen was a great decision. She obviously loves what she does and is very knowledgeable of dog behavior, health etc. The first appointment was more of a class where she was able to explain the pack mentality -- how and why it was important to establish your place as the leader of your "pack" for everything else to fall into place. I was then able to take all the knowledge and apply it into my daily life with my scared 1 1/2 year old rescue, Maya. The next 2 appointments were out in the world, where the results of the obedience part of the training were almost instant. I'm not freaking out every time I see another dog coming down the street now because Maya doesn't react + she generally has a lot more confidence after our training. I would definitely recommend!
The Bow Wow Method of Dog TrainingThe Bow Wow Method of Dog Training
Thumbtack Customer
I had my new dog (GSD/mix) for about a month. She's lovely but has leash aggression. There are several theories about how best to deal with this issue, however I did not feel comfortable with the methods used. I made it clear up front that I did not want to use aggressive methods, however, Duane insisted that the only way to solve the problem was to pull my dog off her front legs by pulling the leash over her head and making her dangle slightly so she simply could not bark or lunge. I should mention that she's a tripaw, so her sense of balance is precarious. He's big on snapping the leash, too. Duane simply never established rapport with my dog; she viewed him as a threat. It didn't work and in fact she got worse. I am currently working with a different trainer and he was shocked when I explained the technique I was shown by Duane. Perhaps just a difference of opinion, he's a nice guy but not for me.
Your Best CompanionYour Best Companion
Thumbtack Customer
After the sudden loss of our 14 year old Shiba Inu my husband talked me into getting a puppy. I am not wired for puppies and travel for work and work from home when I am in town. Enter TANK. While adorable and sweet he tested me daily. Biting, jumping, pulling on walks, grabbing my shoes while they were on my feet, taking papers off my desk and running wild before eating them. We tried kennel training during the day but he would howl whenever he heard my voice making phone work out of the question. We also have a 15 year old healthy but arthritic pug that was also not ready for Tank. I wasn’t equipped for him and our home was starting to feel too small. After just one session with Duane, Tank became engaged and showed signs of focus. After 2 sessions I became engaged along with him. We had hired another trainer that was treat based which may work well for dogs who are not a Shiba Inu. When we left town for the holidays we didn’t want to have our regular dog sitters come stay with our boys as Tank would just be too out of control and restless so we thought we would try Duane’s overnight “boot camp”. Tank went for 2 weeks and the positive transformation is amazing. He has always been a good boy but now he is an absolute joy. He's playful and joyful but engaged and aware of his "boundaries". Friends of ours 10 year old daughter (Tank’s “Godmother”) even said he is more fun to play with and is a “better” Tank. I cannot explain my sense of relief. I knew I wasn't wired for a puppy but I now am so in love with this little guy and my heart is absolutely full!! Thank you thank you thank you, Duane, for everything you did for us! Wishing you a wonderful New Year!
Your Best CompanionYour Best Companion
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