Group Dog Behavior & Training Classes

UPCOMING CLASSES

Basic Obedience I

Beginner’s Class

SPRING DEAL!

Classes starting Saturday April 20!

5 Classes for $185 ($230)

Limited to 8 dogs

Prerequisites
✓ Dogs 6 months and up

✓ Proof of vaccinations, & fulfill health and behavior requirements

Duration
60 minutes

This class covers basic obedience skills and an basic loose leash as it relates to common basic manners and basic loose leash walking.

Weekend Classes

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Behavior, Obedience, Enrichment I

Intermediate

SPRING DEAL!

Classes starting Saturday April 20!

5 Classes for $185 ($230)

Limited to 8 dogs

Prerequisites
✓ Dogs 6 months and up

✓ Proof of vaccinations, & fulfill health and behavior requirements

✓ Dogs must have basic obedience proficiency & be ready for intermediate training

Duration
60 minutes

This class covers intermediate obedience, manners and loose leash skills with distractions, introduction to learning theory following the structure of the AKC Canine Good Citizen test items, and beginners agility as related to enrichment (not show training).

This is class is a must if your are considering the AKC Canine Good Citizen test!

Weekend Classes

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Community Dog Training

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

Limited to 10 dogs

Prerequisites
✓ Dogs 6 months and up

✓ Proof of vaccinations, & fulfill health and behavior requirements

Duration
60 minutes

Hosted by our charitable giving program, the Love At First Sit® Initiative, our Community Dog Training Classes are a drop-in format class that cover basic obedience topics. Class proceeds are donated to various charities for people and animals, animal shelters and rescues.

Ongoing on Saturdays

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About our Program

Like people, dogs require love, support, skills, socialization, and coping mechanisms to remain well adjusted and to thrive in the real world. However, like us, dogs are not born with the knowledge to achieve this. As a result, dogs also require their own education.

We offer a wide variety of group dog behavior and training classes from puppy to advanced behavior and obedience training, classes geared towards AKC Canine Good Citizen preparation, specialty classes and workshops, and community dog training classes.

Please note: Our group training classes are focused on creating a foundation for your dog’s basic behavior, manners, and obedience. Our classes do not address problem behaviors and temperament issues that require behavior modification. These behaviors include and are not limited to: housebreaking, aggression disorders, separation disorders, anxiety disorder, fearfulness, barking, biting, nipping, reactivity. We offer behavior modification treatment and training through our private dog behavior and training program.

❯ Private Dog Behavior & Training

Our Approach

Our classes are for dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. Based in science, our program utilizes an ethical and force-free method known as the Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA) approach, with rewards and positive reinforcement.

To maintain the effectiveness of our approach, we continue to evolve our program as the studies and research of dog behavior evolves. Our goal is not only teach your dog to skills to help them thrive with you and in the real world, but to guide you to the tools and insight to build and maintain your dog’s training so that it is sustainable over time. Ultimately, we strive to empower you to be the dog trainer so that you may continue dog’s training far beyond your time with us.

Class Requirements & Information

Class Placement

Registration is open for all classes! However, if upon joining classes the instructor determines that your dog's training level is not yet ready for the level of training in the class that your dog is registered for, to maximize your dog’s potential, and for the efficiency and safety of our classes, you will be required to re-register your dog to another class level that meets your dog’s training level. If you are unsure what class level is appropriate for your dog, contact us!

Vaccinations, Health, & Behavior

Health: Must be fit and healthy.

Proof of Vaccinations for all of the following:

DHLPP, Bordetella, Lepto, and Rabies

Female Dogs: Cannot be in heat.

Behavior Exclusions: Dogs who are aggressive, hyperactive, or have behaviors that are disruptive, or jeopardizes the safety of others, are not permitted in our classes. If at any time, your dogs exhibits these behaviors, we reserve the right to dismiss your dog from class.

Class Location

Virginia Avenue Park

2200 Virginia Ave

Santa Monica, CA 90404

Classes & Workshops

Space is limited!

We encourage you to register for classes in advance!

Classes will be canceled during extreme weather conditions and emergencies not limited to rain, storms, wind, heat waves, poor air quality, and health and other emergencies, and those declared by Los Angeles County.

Classes and workshops are not offered on major holidays.

Class Series

Beginner’s Series

Puppy Obedience

Beginner’s

5 Classes for $230

Limited to 8 puppies

Prerequisites
✓ Puppies ages 4 to 6 months

✓ Proof of vaccinations, & fulfill health and behavior requirements

Duration
60 minutes

This class covers an introduction to basic obedience skills and manners as it relates to socializations and manners for puppies.

Basic Obedience I

Beginner’s

5 Classes for $230

Limited to 8 dogs

Prerequisites
✓ Dogs 6 months and up

✓ Proof of vaccinations, & fulfill health and behavior requirements

Duration
60 minutes

This class covers basic obedience skills, and basic loose leash as it relates to common basic socialization manners and basic loose leash walking.

Basic Obedience II

Beginner’s

5 Classes for $230

Limited to 8 dogs

Prerequisites
✓ Dogs 8 months and up

✓ Proof of vaccinations, & fulfill health and behavior requirements

✓ Completion of Basic Behavior & Obedience I (or consent of instructor)

Duration
60 minutes

This class covers the second part series in beginner’s obedience obedience, manners and loose leash skills with and introduction to distractions.

This class is a must for those considering the AKC Canine Good Citizen test.

Intermediate & Advanced Series

Behavior, Obedience, Enrichment I

Intermediate

5 Classes for $230

Limited to 8 dogs

Prerequisites
✓ Dogs 6 months and up

✓ Proof of vaccinations, & fulfill health and behavior requirements

✓ Dogs must have basic obedience proficiency & be ready for intermediate training

Duration
60 minutes

This class covers intermediate obedience, manners and loose leash skills with distractions, introduction to learning theory following the structure of the AKC Canine Good Citizen test items, and beginners agility as related to enrichment (not show training).

This is class is a must if your are considering the AKC Canine Good Citizen test!

Behavior, Obedience, Enrichment II

Intermediate

5 Classes for $230

Limited to 8 dogs

Prerequisites
✓ Dogs 6 months and up

✓ Proof of vaccinations, & fulfill health and behavior requirements

✓ Dogs must have basic obedience proficiency & be ready for intermediate training

Duration
60 minutes

The second part of the Behavior, Obedience, Enrichment series that continues lessons in intermediate obedience, manners and loose leash skills with distractions, introduction to learning theory following the structure of the AKC Canine Good Citizen test items, and basic agility, and tricks as related to enrichment (not show training).

This is class is a must if your are considering the AKC Canine Good Citizen test!

Behavior, Obedience, Enrichment III

Advanced

5 Classes for $230

Limited to 8 dogs

Prerequisites
✓ Dogs 6 months and up

✓ Proof of vaccinations, & fulfill health and behavior requirements

✓ Dogs must have basic obedience proficiency & be ready for intermediate training

Duration
60 minutes

The advanced Behavior, Obedience, Enrichment series that covers an advanced study of obedience, manners and loose leash skills with distractions, introduction to ethology, and principles of behavior modification, basic agility and tricks as related to enrichment (not show training).

This is class is a must if your are considering the AKC Canine Good Citizen, including Community Canine and, and Urban Dog

Intensives

Basic Behavior & Obedience for Puppies & Adults

Beginner’s to Advanced

Our intensive series combines behavior and learning theory, principles of ethology, obedience, manners, an introduction to behavior modification, and enrichment from beginners to advanced in a 4 week format. Limited to 6 dogs, intensives provide the opportunity for more one-on-one instruction, working closely with other students.

4 Classes for $285

Limited to 8 puppies or dogs

Duration
75 minutes

Prerequisites
✓ Age variable depending on class level

✓ Proof of vaccinations, & fulfill health and behavior requirements

✓ Intermediate & Advanced Intensives: Completion of a previous Basic Obedience Class or Training, or consent of instructor.

Community Dog Training Classes

Second to overcrowding, the leading cause of euthanasia in dogs in animals shelters in the United States, is due to undesirable behaviors.

The high cost of dog training is too expensive for many, making it more accessible to the privileged population. On top of this, regardless of a dog’s behavior, many dogs belong to people in need that do not have the resources to provide for them, making it too challenging to keep them.

Hosted by our charitable giving program, the Love At First Sit® Initiative, our Community Dog Training Classes seek to respond to this disparity by making qualified dog training accessible to the community at large at a class cost of just $5.oo, then Pay-What-You-Can after that, while also donating proceeds from the classes to benefit charities that advocate for animals and the people who love them. In this way, our initiative helps to keep dogs with their humans, helping to prevent them from being relinquished — or returned after adoption — to animals shelters. Ultimately making an impact on reducing our nation’s euthanasia rate for dogs.

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Specialty Workshops

Our specialty workshops explore different skills and activities that build upon behavior and manners. Many of our workshops will be taught by visiting training experts who will offer a unique perspective in their training practice specialties.

Sessions will vary in class size & price

Topics Include

Performing and Companion Sports (Coursing, Agility, Rally, Tracking, Urban Herding, Scent Work, Dog Tricks, Therapy dog, Trick Dog, And More...

Check back for updates on upcoming workshops!

Meet The Dog Behavior & Training Team

Carmen Molinari

CEO & Founder
Dog Behaviorist & Trainer
Specialty: Shelter & Rescue Dogs
Private & Group Dog Behavior & Training Classes Instruction
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 & Trainer
American Kennel Club
Certificate, Aggression in Dogs
Master Course, Michael Shikashio CDBC
Authorized Mentor Dog Trainer
Animal Behavior College
Graduate, Fear Free Shelters
Fear Free® Pets
Certified Pet CPR & First Aid
American Red Cross
Pet Expert News Guest:
KCRW Press Play, Santa Monica Daily Press, Santa Monica Mirror, YO! Venice, Brentwood News, Century City/Westwood News, Westside Today, and Palisades News
Guest Columnist & Contributor
Santa Monica Daily Press

Read Bio
Angelina Borodiansky

Dog Training Apprentice & Pet Care Provider
Group Dog Behavior & Training Classes Instructor
Certificate - Dog Behavior Training
Apprenticeship, Love at First Sit®
Certified Pet Sitter (CPPS)
Pet Sitters International
Certified Pet CPR & First Aid
American Red Cross

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Verified Expertise, Recognitions & Partnerships

Credentials and Certifications, Carmen Molinari

Bachelor of Arts (with double majors)

University of California, Berkeley

Dog Behavior Modification & Training Specialty

Specializing in Shelter & Rescue Dogs

Certified Dog Trainer - ABCDT

Animal Behavior College, Honors Distinction

Certified CGC® Trainer & Evaluator

American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen®

Certificate, Aggression in Dogs

Master Course, Michael Shikashio CDBC

Authorized Mentor Trainer

Animal Behavior College

Graduate - Fear Free Shelters

Fear Free®

Certified Pet CPR & First Aid

American Red Cross

Respected Affiliations

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

References & Endorsements

Santa Monica Animal Shelter & Animal Control

EZ Heart & Soul Rescue & Sanctuary

IN THE PRESS

Guest Columnist & Contributor

Santa Monica Daily Press

❯ Read "Pet of the Week"

Pet Expert News Guest

KCRW Press Play, Santa Monica Daily Press, Santa Monica Mirror, YO! Venice, Brentwood News, Century City/Westwood News, Westside Today, and Palisades News

❯ Watch Inteviews

As Seen in the News

KCRW Press Play, Spectrum News 1 Socal, Santa Monica Daily Press, Santa Monica Mirror, YO! Venice, Brentwood News, Century City/Westwood News, Westside Today, and Palisades News, Pet Sitter's World Magazine

❯ Go to our News