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My name is Irith (pronounced "Ee-reet") and I'm a certified professional pet and people trainer. My job is to help people create an environment where their pet has lots of good options, and almost always makes the right choices. Pets who are empowered to make their own choices are happier and more relaxed. Pets who make the right choices are a pleasure to live with. I’m an expert in making that happen. I offer online training worldwide (in English, Hebrew, and Japanese), and in-person training in a limited area of Los Angeles's west side. Contact me or check out my website to learn more!

We offer group and private lessons for all ages & breeds. You'll participate in socialization, fun and education. We DO NOT offer punishment-based training including the use of e-collars. Groups classes coach you and your dog on how to work as a team. Topics include Puppy Manners, Adult Manners, Agility, Rally, Tricks, Rally FunGility, AKC FIT DOG, Scentwork, Fetch! and Therapy Dog. Can't attend a regularly scheduled group class? Is your pup too shy or lively to work around other dogs? Private lessons can be scheduled either at our facility or your home. Lessons available for both Puppies and Adult dogs.

Kayla Block, MA, CTC, founded Understanding Dog Training to help people and dogs understand each other better. Kayla is a graduate of the prestigious 2-year program at The Academy for Dog Trainers. Her business is focused on fear and aggression and she has a special heart for fearful dogs and leash reactivity.

Alyssa got her start pet-sitting then moved into working at a boarding and daycare facility managing play groups and taking dogs for off leash hike. She got a taste for dog behavior and never stopped seeking more knowledge. Alyssa has worked within the shelter world for upwards of 5 years, educating the public, the volunteers and the staff on safe animal care, animal welfare and enrichment and basic training principles. She enjoys working with dogs as they transition into new families or work through fear and confidence issues. Alyssa is very familiar with behavior challenges like fear, reactivity and aggression.

Owner/Trainer Shane Stanis, CDBC, CPDT-KSA has been training dogs professionally for over 20 years. As an IAABC certified dog behavior consultant, I work primarily with families struggling with aggression, reactivity, phobias, compulsive behaviors, and my specialty - fear & anxiety. I work with clients in person in Central Contra Costa county, and virtually nationwide (and occasionally internationally). I also run an online group training program for shy and fearful dogs, Confidence Builders Academy.

I have been working with dogs since 2016. In 2017 I started a dog walking and pet sitting business and my passion to help families with their fearful and aggressive dogs grew. In 2018 I attended Karen Pryor Academy for Professional Behavior and Training graduating with distinction. My personal dogs have had training challenges that allows me to be empathetic and help personalize my training plans for my clients. I continue to study, take classes, and collaborate with fellow trainers to make sure my clients get specialized training plans to suit their unique needs.

I specialize in using reward-based techniques to help families with dogs that are considered difficult, whether it is dog-dog aggression, resource guarding, aggression towards humans, reactivity to objects, noises, fearful/shutdown dogs. I also work with dogs that have had a bite history. In addition, I have a SmartPuppy Program that helps you grow puppies into smart, confident dogs and prevent many issues rather than fix them later. I use games, toys and food to train with fun and kindness.

Sage Dog Training was born from over a decade of hands-on rescue work and a deep commitment to advocating for dogs in need. After years of fostering and rehabilitating dogs with behavioral challenges, the work evolved into a certified dog training practice. Today, Sage Dog Training blends experience, empathy, and evidence-based methods to help dogs and their families build lasting, respectful bonds rooted in trust and understanding. www.thesagedogtraining.com for more information including certifications