Happy Paws Dog Training LA

Private In-Home Dog Training · Los Angeles

Private In-Home Dog Training in Los Angeles

Private dog training in Los Angeles, delivered to your door. Raquel works with your dog at home and teaches everyone who lives with it.

Ask About Private In-Home Dog Training

Tell Raquel about your dog and what is going wrong. She will call you back to talk it through.

Your details stay private. Prefer to talk now? (323) 629-3767

Video testimonials

Watch Real Client Stories

Harrison & Rocky, Happy Paws client video testimonial
Harrison & RockyAn 80 lb bully mix, transformed
Erica & Luna, Happy Paws client video testimonial
Erica & LunaSevere anxiety and biting
Jana & Frankie, Happy Paws client video testimonial
Jana & FrankieA happier dog at home
Aussie pups, Happy Paws client video testimonial
Aussie pupsTwo Australian Shepherd puppies

Private In-Home Dog Training

In-Home Dog Training in Los Angeles That Starts at Your Front Door

With Raquel, in-home dog training in Los Angeles brings a private dog trainer to your house. She meets your dog on its own turf and works on the problems you actually live with. There is no classroom and no kennel stay. Your dog learns in the rooms, hallways and sidewalks where its habits formed.

Happy Paws has one trainer, Raquel herself, and she has offered dog training in Los Angeles since 2011. Sessions are always one-on-one, and everyone who handles your dog gets coached, so the new routine lasts after she leaves. Her Master Class is built to resolve most behavioral issues in a single intensive session, and it often achieves in 3 to 5 hours what typically takes other trainers months.

Why Lessons Learned at Home Tend to Stick

Dogs learn in context. A dog that sits nicely in a training room may still charge the door when your own bell rings, because everything around it has changed. In-home dog training closes that gap by teaching new habits in the exact place your dog needs them.

According to the American Kennel Club (2024), dogs do not generalize well, so a skill learned in one setting may not carry over to another. For most LA households, the trouble spots sit close to home:

One Set of Rules for the Whole Household

When one person allows the couch and another scolds, the dog learns that rules depend on who is home. Raquel calls this The Way of Dogs. In practice, that means noticing what your dog is signaling, setting a steady routine with clear structure and reshaping the people habits that keep problems alive. She trains the trainer, so everyone handles the dog the same way. In her words, 80 percent of training is about the human. There are no treats used as bribes, no punishment and no pain, only clear, calm guidance your dog can read.

What Happens During the One-Day In-Home Master Class

The One-Day In-Home Master Class is Raquel’s signature first visit, a 3 to 5 hour session at your place with your dog and every person who cares for it. She observes, explains your dog’s signals, shows you what to change and coaches each person until the new routine feels natural. The evaluation happens on the day, and the visit is charged by the visit, not the hour.

It is intensive dog training in Los Angeles that keeps your dog at home, and it usually moves through four stages.

Reading Your Dog at Home

How does your dog greet a visitor, and what happens when someone reaches for the leash? Body language shows Raquel what the dog feels before training begins.

Finding the Root Cause

Jumping, barking and pulling are symptoms. Raquel looks for what keeps them going, such as a loose routine or mixed signals. If anything points to pain or illness, she suggests a vet check first.

A Plan That Fits Your Breed and Schedule

Your plan reflects your dog’s breed, age and tendencies, plus your real week: office days, school runs, a third-floor walk-up. Each explanation comes with a demonstration on your own dog.

Coaching Every Handler

Then it is your turn. Each person practices the cues, timing and calm leadership your dog responds to, while Raquel fine-tunes the details. You leave knowing exactly what to practice this week. Regardless of how long your dog has had a problem, Raquel can greatly improve, if not completely fix, it in this one session.

Terrier mix waiting calmly at the doorway

Questions About Private In-Home Dog Training?

Talk it through with Raquel before you book.

What booking includes

Private training that starts in your living room

Your trainerRaquel, start to finish
Day one3 to 5 hour Master Class
PricingBy the visit, not the hour
Next stepsPark and neighborhood sessions
AfterwardFree advice, no time limit
CoverageLA plus a 50-mile radius

Homes Raquel Trains In

What Private Dog Training Can Help With

Private dog training suits most everyday problems, because the plan is built for one dog and one household instead of a class syllabus. Families usually call Raquel for one of four reasons:

  • Manners: sit, down, stay and come that hold up when guests arrive, with more depth in dog obedience training.
  • Leash walking: calm walks past joggers, scooters and other dogs on narrow LA sidewalks.
  • Reactivity, anxiety and aggression: barking, lunging, fear and guarding. Dogs who erupt on walks often continue with reactive dog training.
  • Puppy foundations: mouthing, chewing, jumping and first house manners, set before habits harden.

She also works with hyper energy, depression, possessiveness, house breaking, and deaf, blind and disabled dogs. For aggression toward people, Raquel takes dogs under 35 lbs.

Private In-Home Training vs Board and Train vs Group Classes

All three formats can teach new skills. The difference is where your dog learns, who teaches it and how much transfers to you. In-home training gives the most individual attention, group classes add other dogs, and board and train adds time away.

Private in-home training Board and train Group class
Where your dog learns Your home, then nearby parks A trainer's facility, often for two weeks or more A training center, store or park
Who handles your dog Your household, coached by the trainer Mostly the trainer and staff You, with one trainer for the group
Attention One dog, one household Shared with other boarding dogs Shared across the class
Problems at your front door Worked on where they happen Often need practice again once home Talked through, rarely practiced
Who learns the skills Everyone who handles the dog The dog first, owners at handover One or two handlers per dog
Other dogs and distractions Added step by step in park sessions Varies by facility Part of every class
Good fit when Problems start at home, or other dogs are stressful Owners cannot take part A relaxed dog needs basic manners

Based on American Kennel Club articles on board and train programs (2024) and in-home training vs group classes (2018).

Classes do offer practice around other dogs, so Raquel covers that with follow-ups in parks. Maybe you have been comparing board and train in Los Angeles, a dog boot camp or dog boarding and training. The trade-off is simple: those programs train the dog while you are away. Raquel does not run them, so every hour of training includes you.

Support After the Master Class

The Master Class lays the foundation, and follow-up work makes it hold. Next come optional 1 to 2 hour sessions in a park or around your block, with real bikes, joggers and dogs nearby. After that, Raquel gives free advice for as long as you need it, and her work comes with a 100 percent guarantee.

That advice covers moments that will not wait, like a new trigger on the morning walk. Bringing home a pup under 6 months? Start with puppy training

Private Dog Training Across Los Angeles

Raquel works in homes, neighborhoods and local parks across Los Angeles and everything within a 50-mile radius. People searching for in home dog training near me want a mobile dog trainer who comes to them and knows their setting, from a high-rise lobby to a narrow hillside street.

Apartment dogs meet strangers in elevators daily, and beach-area dogs share packed sidewalks with skaters. Take Frenchie, a German Shepherd Raquel worked with: calm walks around Brentwood are now normal for the family. If walks are your main struggle, leash training takes the same groundwork outdoors.

Why Families Choose Raquel as Their Private Dog Trainer

Hiring a private dog trainer in Los Angeles means trusting one person with your dog and your home. Since 2011, Raquel has handled every client herself, from first visit to last check-in. Happy Paws holds an A+ BBB rating, accredited since 2016, and Raquel averages 4.9 stars on Google and Yelp.

She grew up around German Shepherds on a remote Australian farm and later built an American Kennel Club training background. Want a personal dog trainer in Los Angeles who learns your household before changing it? Get to know Raquel or compare her other services.

Yellow Labrador sitting politely in a building hallway

More ways Raquel helps

Related Dog Training Services

Most dogs need a mix of skills. Raquel builds one plan around your dog, so these often fit together with private in-home dog training.

Brindle puppy sitting on a wooden floor during in-home puppy training

Biting, potty routines and first cues for puppies, taught at home from day one.

Small grey dog looking up for its next cue during obedience training

Sit, stay, come and polite greetings, proofed on real Los Angeles sidewalks.

Two dogs lying calmly on leashes during a reactive dog training walk

For dogs who bark and lunge at dogs, bikes, scooters or people on walks.

Google reviews

What Dog Owners Say About Raquel

EXCELLENT
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Based on 64 reviews
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Yaesh P profile picture
Yaesh P
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Raquel is exceptional. My dog Sasha is reactive, and my dog Rocky struggles with anxiety — before working with Raquel, I felt stuck and unsure how to help either of them. She didn’t just give us quick fixes; she taught us “the way of the dog,” a philosophy that helped me actually understand what my dogs were experiencing and why. What stood out most was how many practical tools she gave us. I now know exactly what to do in triggering situations instead of freezing or panicking. That shift has changed our lives — we can go places together now, enjoy ourselves, and I’m not dreading outings anymore. She is also extremely compassionate and deeply committed to helping, and she was always readily available to deal with any road bumps along the way. Raquel is a wonderful trainer and human being, worth every session.
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Christina Fontana profile picture
Christina Fontana
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We couldn't be more grateful for Raquel! Our pup was having issues with stranger danger aggression and anxiety and she completely transformed after a few hours under Raquel's guidance! It was mind blowing. Raquel doesn't just wave a magic wand over your dog. She helps you help your pup. We learned so much and know how to step in and guide when needed. Could not recommend more!
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Christine Woertink profile picture
Christine Woertink
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Raquel doesn’t just train your dog — she teaches you “the way of the dog,” helping you build a genuinely confident and connected relationship rather than relying on quick fix tactics. She was with us every step of the way, checking in and helping our family grow together, and she gets to the root of discipline issues instead of just patching over them. Highly recommend if you want the best relationship with your dog, now and for the years to come!
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shannon ialongo profile picture
shannon ialongo
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Raquel is a true one of a kind behavioralist. After I adopted my 1+ year rescue with no background history and extreme leash reactivity, I was scared it wasn’t going to work as my neighborhood in Venice CA has a dog every 5 feet, it seems. My mutt rescue has ALL the working/over active breeds you could think of! But it didn’t matter. Raquel trained ME! I’ve been working with my dog for just over 2 weeks now and it’s seriously like I have a different animal. I followed her guidelines, and they work. They really truly work. On top of everything else, she is a great human (as you would imagine for someone who knows dogs so well). She is available, inspiring (she’s even helped me breath to relax to help my dog!!!!). I have a whole new relationship with my kid (dog) now. I honestly couldn’t recommend Raquel enough. I have full confidence that if I stick with what she’s taught me, I’m going to have the most amazing life with my dog. I’m not blowing smoke!!! It’s so worth the cost. Skip the rest and just go to Raquel. Honestly, it’s changed my life! 💓💓💓💓💓 Edit 4.14.26 - I have to add. Even further down the road. I have truly stuck to what Raquel has taught me. My pup is now able to do things I never thought was possible when we first started. I said this to Raquel tonight: learning how to give paw is nothing like teaching your dog to not go bananas when on walks. My kid now is able to be around other dogs without having a meltdown. I still have to be vigilant. But it’s on me. We’re team and Raquel taught me that. I’m so over the moon that I worked with her. Honestly, I call her my “dog therapist”. Lol. She’s given me the tools and as long as I implement them… and stick to it. And work with her when it needs tweaking, it’s a game changer. I’m so in love with my dog Watson… and even more now. ❤️
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2missbrooklyn
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My husband Aaron and I cannot recommend Raquel at Happy Paws Dog Training LA enough. She worked with us and our dog Mako, and what sets her apart is that she doesn't just train the dog—she trains the whole family. Raquel made sure that both Aaron and I understood the techniques so we could work together as a household unit, and it absolutely works. She is kind, courteous, patient, and incredibly respectful, but most importantly, she knows exactly what she's doing. I also loved that she uses a form of psychology and other training methods that most trainers don't use—it really set her apart and honestly, she is like a true dog whisperer. Worth every penny. We highly recommend her.
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Alexus Payton Leach profile picture
Alexus Payton Leach
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Tl:dr. Almost 1 year after our initial session with Raquel and we cannot recommend her enough! Raquel made something we thought was impossible as simple as 1-2-3. Our pup Mia previously was abused and was so fearful of humans and other animals that she refused to walk outside (literally would freeze in terror before getting even 2 steps off the porch). Raquel not only helped us improve Mia's confidence so much so that Mia now craves walks and social hour with other pups, but we felt so well-equipped and educated with the lessons Raquel taught us that we added a second rescue to our household. Also, Raquel helped us teach Mia basic commands and facilitated the potty training process (we were really starting from square 1). ****** Detailed Review: It's now been almost 1 year since Raquel helped train Mia, who at the time, was freshly 1 year's old and completely untrained. We adopted Mia, a pitbull/bully mix from the shelter in January 2025 and immediately knew we would need a patient, kind, and knowledgeable trainer whose methods were firm yet tailored to our specific needs - especially given that Mia refused to take treats when she was scared (which was all the time) and we did not want to train her with any punitive or fear-based tactics. Mia's history involved abuse and when she came into our home from the shelter, she was incredibly anxious and fearful of everything including other animals, humans, loud noises, ruffling bags, you name it. Any attempt to get her to walk outside and she would stand completely still and refuse to move. She was even afraid of stepping on grass. Initially, this was fine for us since we knew we'd be in for a long self-training journey. After about two weeks of us having Mia however, she started to get serious cases of zoomies indoors - which was a huge problem considering she is a 55-pound muscle machine running full speed in a condo. At the time we contacted Raquel, we only cared about getting Mia to walk outside so that we could improve her quality of life. Our only expectation was that Mia would be okay to take even just one stroll around the block. Raquel came into our lives and changed everything! She was able to get Mia to walk calmly and confidently on a leash, helped us teach her basic commands, and even gave us great tips that made the potty training process much smoother! Most importantly, Raquel taught us how to really understand and communicate with Mia in ways that improved her trust of us, and our understanding of what she needs - including things like structure and routine. Raquel isn't your basic trainer, she truly knows how to read a pup's energy and humans, too, which helps facilitate a baseline of respect that makes everyone's lives that much more enjoyable. I learned a lot about myself in the process as well. Long story short, Mia is doing so well now that we added another doggie member to the household because Raquel not only improved Mia's confidence, but Mia also started craving soalization with other pups! Highly recommend investing in training with Raquel because you'll set habits that stick with you, your current pup, and all future pups for life!
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Harla Levitt profile picture
Harla Levitt
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Raquel provides a great balance between information about her philosphy to dog training with practical demonstrations and recommendations that are designed to take into account your dog breed and tendencies. This individualized attention is fantastic. The first in-person visit lasted more than 4 hrs, and it was clear that much of Raquel's approach is to 'train the trainer', changing and challenging our approach to training our dogs. Raquel emphasized that changing human behavior is a lot more challenging than a dog's behavior, and she was spot on. It has taken practice on our part to be consistent so that our new Aussie mix puppy and adult Havanese co-exist in great harmony. Each has had its own challenges, but the Havanese anxiety is so much better and the puppy - well is still a puppy, but Raquel's tutoring of us has produced much improved behavior. They go on fantastic walks without any behavioral challenges, play great together, and both have become very chill when we leave them - this was a major problem for us. At 8 months of age, our Aussie puppy is still a work in progress, so the extended service after the first in-person visit, to be able to talk through a challenge we are having, with Raquel, is a life- and time-saver. The first in-person check-in at a neutral location just occurred, for over an hour, and it was incredibly helpful and reinforcing that we are making great progress - like a booster shot! Brief calls and emails to Raquel between visits are very helpful as well. There may be many ways to train a dog. In our view, you get what you pay for, and Raquel has really delivered. One improvement would be to have a bit more face time with Raquel at critical junctures when a significant challenge occurs, even just scheduling a 30 minute session in order to have Raquel's great vision to help readjust our approach. Raquel is the real deal.
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Paige Froelke profile picture
Paige Froelke
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It’s hard to put into words just how much Raquel has transformed our dog and family. We adopted our dog Shrimp at 4 months old and quickly learned he had severe anxiety, fears, and struggles from his previous owner. He didn’t know how to walk on a leash, and at just 5 pounds would charge at people so ferociously, barking non stop. After 3 months with Raquel we have a completely different dog. He walks calmly by our side, loves to people watch outside, and is overall a calmer happier pup. Raquel truly changed Shrimp and our lives. Her teachings are incredible and truly deepened our bond with Shrimp. The best part is to see him transform before our eyes, to have the ability to feel proud of himself and enjoy the best of life. If you’re questioning starting with Raquel we hope this review serves as a sign to say yes. Her support was consistent throughout our time. She answered all our questions and sos messages calmly and within minutes, allowing us to come up with a plan for groomers and vet visits, in home visitors, and any new situation that was thrown at us. We truly don’t know where we’d be without Raquel and are so blessed to have found her.
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Author Mary Ting profile picture
Author Mary Ting
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I can’t express enough how much Raquel has helped my little dog-Udon. We couldn’t take him out because he barked at everything. Even car ride was a nightmare, and walks were impossible. I paid a trainer before Raquel and there was no result. I wanted to give up, but thought to try one last time. I can talk Udon out for walks now without him barking at people and dogs. I cried when it first happened. Raquel is our angel and I can’t thank her enough. I highly recommend her!
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JoshChristman87 profile picture
JoshChristman87
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Earlier this year, my partner and I adopted a maltipoo, Cinderella. Only 8 weeks old, she was full of energy and curiosity. We already had another dog, Sylvester, who was rescued 5 years ago, was a bit older, and the not the friendliest with other dogs. Sylvester had already gone through some training, but was due for a refresher. Cinderella was wet clay ready for molding. After doing some research online, we reached out to Raquel, and after one phone call, we knew she was the best person to collaborate with. Raquel brought up a very key point early on in that Cinderella will follow the lead of the head dog already established, so we wanted to make sure she was learning good habits early on in her life. Over the next few months, Raquel has spent time with us in our home and the park as we’ve been learning how to better communicate with our dogs, and with each other with it comes to training them. So much of it is Raquel training us as the owners in as much as it is training the dogs themselves. Raquel is always a text away and within reach, has incredible insight into the minds of dogs, and so very kind and gentle with all of us. It can be very frustrating to re-learn habits from walking our dogs to feeding them to communicating with them when they’re doing something naughty. Raquel is a great teacher who is able to simplify the process, and we’re very happy with the results we’ve seen so far with our dogs. Whether it’s Cinderella growling at everyone the moment she starts eating, or Sylvester going into attack mode when he sees another dog across the street, Raquel has been there every step of the way giving guidance and suggestions, and we’ve seen the progress. My partner and I highly recommend Raquel to anyone looking to become a better parent to their dogs. Because it starts with you.
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Yelp reviews

Rated by Los Angeles Dog Owners on Yelp

Review from Yelp
We couldn't be more grateful for Raquel! Our pup was having issues with stranger danger aggression and anxiety and she completely transformed after a few hours under Raquel's guidance! It was mind blowing. Raquel doesn't just wave a magic wand over your dog. She helps you help your pup. We learned so much and know how to step in and guide when needed. Could not recommend more!
Review from Yelp
I was very anxious about my rescue dog because he would constantly pull on walks and was very reactive toward other dogs and people. Raquel truly came to the rescue! I reached out to her very last minute, and after explaining my situation, she was incredibly understanding and was able to accommodate us right away.
After just a couple of hours of training, I learned so much about how to better understand and communicate with my dog, Orion. The difference was honestly amazing--by the end of our session, he was walking so much better and no longer constantly pulling on the leash. Raquel was patient, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain not only what to do, but why certain techniques work.
What I appreciated most was that she gave me more confidence as an owner and showed me how to continue reinforcing everything we learned at home. I already feel much less anxious taking Orion on walks and feel like I finally have the right tools to manage his behavior and reactivity. You can tell Raquel genuinely cares about the dogs she works with and wants both the dog and owner to succeed. I'm so grateful she was able to help us on such short notice, and I'm excited to continue working with her. I highly recommend her, especially to anyone feeling overwhelmed with a reactive or newly rescued dog.
Review from Yelp
Raquel doesn't just train your dog -- she teaches you "the way of the dog," helping you build a genuinely confident and connected relationship rather than relying on quick fix tactics. She was with us every step of the way, checking in and helping our family grow together, and she gets to the root of discipline issues instead of just patching over them. Highly recommend if you want the best relationship with your dog, now and for the years to come!
Review from Yelp
Raquel is amazing! She accomplished in five hours what my family and I, have been trying to do with my pup for a while now. She gave my family the tools we'd been missing, and even though the price is a bit steep, it's absolutely worth it. We're still a work in progress, but I can honestly say my dog feels like a new dog.
Thank you, Raquel! I wish we could keep you on speed dial forever

Pricing

How Pricing Works

Everyone who handles your dog is welcome. Quotes come after a short phone call about your household and what you want to change.

First visitMaster Class, 3 to 5 hours
ThenFollow-ups of 1 to 2 hours
AfterwardFree advice, no time limit

BEFORE YOU BOOK

In-Home Dog Training FAQs

What happens during the Master Class?

Plan on 3 to 5 hours at home with Raquel. The evaluation happens on the day: she observes your dog, explains what its behavior means and works on the root cause. Then she coaches each household member until they can do it themselves.

For most family dogs, yes. Training happens where the problems occur, and the people who live with the dog learn the skills directly. The AKC notes that skills learned at a facility may not carry over to your home without more work.

It can be, if you vet the facility, its methods and its kennel conditions, and keep training afterward. A dog that listens to its trainer will not automatically listen to you. To stay involved from day one, in-home training keeps you in every session.

A trainer comes to your house and works one-on-one on your dog’s real problems in its real environment. The pace, goals and practice plan fit one dog and one household. With Raquel, it begins with a 3 to 5 hour Master Class.

It often is when a problem happens at home, involves fear, or several people handle the dog. Private dog training gives you a plan for your dog, not a general syllabus, and Raquel makes sure every handler knows it.

Yes. Much of the Master Class goes to explaining, demonstrating and coaching the people in the home, while your dog works in short stretches and rests in between. Raquel reads your dog’s energy and adjusts the pace.

Yes. Apartments have built-in practice spots, like the front door, hallway, elevator and lobby, which are often where trouble starts. Raquel works with the layout you have, then takes the training out to your block.

Yes, that is the job of the follow-up sessions. After the Master Class, Raquel can meet you in parks and around your neighborhood for 1 to 2 hour sessions, so your dog practices near bikes, joggers and other dogs. Free advice continues for as long as you need.

Ask who will actually work with your dog, which methods and tools they use, how long they have done this and what support you get between visits. Clear, direct answers are a good sign. Raquel covers each point on the first call.

With day training, a trainer works with your dog while you are out, then shows you the results. Private lessons put you in the session from the start. Raquel works the second way, as an in-home dog trainer who coaches the people as much as the dog.

Raquel is an in-home dog trainer. Every session happens at your home and on your own streets, never at a facility, so your dog learns in the exact places where the problems happen.

An at-home dog trainer works one-on-one with your dog and your family in your own space. Group classes teach general cues in a busy room. Raquel’s in-house sessions focus on your dog’s real problems at the door, on walks and with visitors.

Didn’t find your question? See the complete Happy Paws FAQ list.

Bring the Master Class Home

Walk me through a normal day with your dog, from the morning walk to the doorbell at dinner. I can tell you how your Master Class would look and who in your home should be there. Prefer email? Write to me here.

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