Holistic Dog Training

Holistic Dog Training Training with us goes way beyond obedience as we are passionate about dogs and people!

With over 15 years of experience and positive reinforcement trainer accreditation, we provide clients with integrative dog training and behavior modification services.

Communication is a fundamental part of positive reinforcement, and to build a harmonious relationship with our dogs, we ...
08/30/2026

Communication is a fundamental part of positive reinforcement, and to build a harmonious relationship with our dogs, we also need to learn to speak their language.

Sometimes, we humans try to express affection to dogs in the same way we would with another person, but that isn’t always the best way for them. Likewise, it’s important to learn to recognize what our dogs are communicating to us through their body language and signals.

About 15 years ago, I adopted Quetzal, a dog who had survived abuse and life on the streets. He was extremely reactive, ...
08/22/2026

About 15 years ago, I adopted Quetzal, a dog who had survived abuse and life on the streets. He was extremely reactive, and I honestly had no idea how far we would get.

I started by doing something very simple: I respected him.

I gave him space, I didn't force him, I learned to listen to him.

Over time, something changed—not just in him, but in me.

I learned to trust him, He learned to trust me.

And once that bond was strong enough, everything else started to fall into place: He became more relaxed, more tolerant, and eventually we were able to walk together in places I once thought were impossible.

Quetzal taught me something I carry with me in every behavior modification case I work with today:

Before asking a dog to change their behavior, build a relationship where they feel safe enough to trust you.

Because the bond isn't just part of the process, the bond is the foundation. ❤️🐾

08/17/2026

Hazel is a fearful dog who experienced trauma as a young puppy, yet within minutes of her first introduction to the crate shown in this video, she was stepping in with both front legs, exploring, and happily eating treats inside.

Small steps, big progress.

07/31/2026

Daily report: zero gophers, zero chasing and lots of sniffing. 🐶

We are proud to be accredited dog trainers through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)....
07/26/2026

We are proud to be accredited dog trainers through the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC).

During the last 14 years, we have served over 1500 families in private and group classes, assisting them with training and behavioral problems based on force-free methods

We provide you with proven positive reinforcement strategies and techniques that foster trust, cooperation, and mutual understanding.

Follow us and learn how to build a bond that lasts for a lifetime!

07/20/2026

In this exercise, Nathan investigates objects he's never encountered before, many carrying the scent of other dogs. This allows him to experience those scents at his own pace, without pressure or threat, helping him create positive associations before interacting with dogs face-to-face.

Healing starts with feeling safe. 💙🐾

07/12/2026

Sometimes people worry that responding when a dog asks for our attention means we're reinforcing "bad behavior." But if we know they're communicating a basic need, why would we ignore it?

Meeting a real need doesn't create bad habits. It means responding appropriately to clear communication. Hunger, thirst, needing to go outside, wanting to rest, or seeking comfort when they need it aren't attention-seeking behaviors—they're basic needs.

Learning to tell the difference between a genuine need and other attention-seeking behaviors helps us make better decisions and build a relationship based on trust.

🧠🐾 Dog Behavior Challenge! We want your opinion! Our trainers have a question about one of our own dogs, and we're curio...
07/04/2026

🧠🐾 Dog Behavior Challenge! We want your opinion!

Our trainers have a question about one of our own dogs, and we're curious to hear your theories.

Meet Ari, our 13-year-old Lab mix. ❤️

As a younger dog, Ari was crate trained and used his crate several times a week—sometimes because we asked him to, and sometimes because he chose to. Then, for about five years, he barely used it at all.

But over the last few months, something has changed.

Now Ari heads into his crate almost every day, completely on his own, and sometimes stays there for hours. 🤔

So here's the challenge:

Why do you think Ari has suddenly started choosing his crate again after so many years?

💬 Share your best explanation in the comments! Whether it's based on canine behavior, aging, comfort, routine, or something else entirely—we want to hear your reasoning.

🏆 The response we find most convincing will win a FREE 30-minute Zoom behavior consultation with one of our trainers!

We'll announce the winner after we've had a chance to read everyone's thoughtful responses.

Ready... go! 👇🐶

The workshop last weekend was so successful that we are repeating it this SUNDAY, JUNE 14!!Come join us for some learnin...
06/11/2026

The workshop last weekend was so successful that we are repeating it this SUNDAY, JUNE 14!!

Come join us for some learning, good energy and to connect with other dog-lovers! 🐶

➡ Click the link to Sign-Up!: https://forms.gle/DNRcDhdqVBDHrxay9

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Richmond, CA

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