WuFF Dog Training believes training should be fun & rewarding for both you & your dog! Reward-based training is scientifically proven to be effective in teaching new skills & addressing unwanted behaviors. We create a positive experience at the human end of the leash by empowering you to teach & reward desired behaviors, rather than punishing “bad” behavior without offering a solution. Because your dog’s well-being & relationship with you are our priority, we use only positive, evidence-based training methods & adhere to the LIMA code of ethics (link). We never use aversive tools such as e-collars, prong collars, pinch collars, choke chains, or slip leads.

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior supports positive, reward-based training:

“Evidence supports the use of reward based methods for all canine training. AVSAB promotes interactions with animals based on compassion, respect, and scientific evidence. Based on these factors, reward-based learning offers the most advantages and least harm to the learner’s welfare. Research supports the efficacy of reward-based training to address unwanted and challenging behaviors. There is no evidence that aversive training is necessary for dog training or behavior modification.”

— AVSAB Humane Dog Training Position Statement (link to PDF)

Click here to schedule a free phone consultation to learn more, or see our list of services & pricing available in the Los Angeles area or virtually. If you need help finding a certified positive reinforcement trainer or behavior specialist outside of our service area in Los Angeles, we may be able to refer you to a trainer near you.

As soon as you get a dog! Positive training is a great way to bond with your dog & help them build confidence. Dogs of all ages enjoy reward-based learning. Whether you have a new puppy, a senior dog, or any age in between, positive training empowers your dog to live their best life.

Puppies should begin safe socialization as young as 8 weeks (click here to see the AVSAB position statement on early puppy socialization). At WuFF Dog Training, we focus on socialization, basic puppy manners such as potty training & bite inhibition, confidence building & simple obedience cues at home for young puppies still completing their vaccination schedule.

Basic obedience training is a great way to foster communication with adult dogs. Dogs who have already learned the basics can benefit from more advanced, real-world training with distance, duration & distraction.

For dogs experiencing behavioral challenges, including fear, reactivity, aggression, or separation anxiety, force-free training can help build their confidence & provide predictable structure to calm their emotional reactions.

Click here to see our list of services & pricing available in the Los Angeles area or virtually.

Group training classes can be a great, budget-friendly option for learning basic commands. A group environment is perfect for proofing cues with real-world distractions.

However, for dogs who feel nervous, fearful, or apprehensive about other dogs or people, group classes can be overwhelming. For reactive dogs, group environments can be triggering & send them over threshold. 1-on-1 private sessions in your home provide a safe, comfortable environment for these dogs to learn. You & your dog receive undivided attention, 1-on-1 coaching & a custom training plan based on your individual needs & training goals.

For dogs who already know the basics of sit, down, come, etc. 1-on-1 sessions allow them to work at an accelerated pace & focus only on the areas they need. Private sessions can be in your home or yard, or at a park, store, or other dog-friendly location. We also offer private training for AKC Canine Good Citizen or Trick Dog, including evaluation for AKC titles.

For young puppies, private in-home sessions offer a head start on training & socialization before they’re fully vaccinated. Private sessions also allow us to tailor solutions for problems specific to your home environment, such as potty training, chewing, pen or crate training, leash walking in your neighborhood & introducing puppy to other pets or family members.

Click here to see all private training options in Los Angeles.

A little & often. Consistency is key when it comes to dog training. Work a few minutes of training into your daily routine rather than striving for long, formal training sessions, especially for puppies & adolescent dogs with short attention spans. Training throughout your day can be as simple as asking for a “sit” before walking through doors or crossing the street to practice impulse control, or turning mealtimes into a huge training reward by calling your dog to “come” as you set down his food bowl. We are big advocates of learning through play, as well. Training should be fun for both dog & human!

Click here to see all private training options in Los Angeles.

Your pet insurance policy may reimburse for behavioral training! Pet insurance policies often include coverage for behavioral training & therapy, especially when the training is deemed medically necessary by a veterinarian. If your dog is struggling with behavioral issues such as anxiety, aggression, reactivity, fear, or destructive habits, some pet insurance plans may help offset the cost of working with a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT). The sessions may fall under behavioral therapy or alternative care, depending on the insurer’s policy terms. It's important to review your specific policy details, including any exclusions, coverage limits & requirements for using certified professionals.

If your pet insurance policy covers behavioral training, WuFF Dog Training can provide you with letters outlining proof of certification, your dog’s behavior modification plan & any updates as needed.

Click here to see all private training options in Los Angeles.

Yes! Many WuFF clients have successfully transitioned off prongs, e-collars, slip leads & chain martingales. If you have tried balanced training & found it was not for you, we can create a custom training plan to transition off of aversive tools, using purely positive methods that feel right for you & your dog. This humane, science-backed approach not only motivates learning but also builds confidence & supports your dog’s emotional well-being, making it a more effective choice for long-term behavioral success.

Click here to see our list of services & pricing available in the Los Angeles area or virtually.

Positive training offers an effective & compassionate approach for working with aggressive dogs by addressing both their behavior & emotional well-being. It focuses on changing the underlying emotions that drive behavior — often fear, anxiety, or frustration — by using rewards to create positive associations & build trust. Rather than punishing the aggression, which may suppress the behavior temporarily without addressing its cause, positive training helps dogs feel safer, reducing the need to react aggressively. In contrast, balanced training techniques that use corrections or aversive tools can increase stress & fear, potentially intensifying aggression or causing a dog to shut down. This kind of fallout can make the behavior less predictable & harder to manage. While positive training may take time, you can be assured that you are creating lasting change through safety, confidence & connection with your dog.

Click here to see our list of services & pricing available in the Los Angeles area or virtually.