Professional Dog Training in Southern California

Certified Dog Trainer Ralf Weber

My name is Ralf Weber, and I’m a certified professional dog trainer. My training style is play-based and highly engaging. This is different from the still more common food-based approach in several ways. The most important distinction is that the dogs I train are having a great time during the training sessions and truly enjoy working with me. As a result, the outcomes are more reliable, don’t require constant bribing, and create highly motivated dogs. Everything we do is firmly rooted in proper learning science, ethology, and evolutionary psychology. I encourage you to watch my training videos below or any other training video on our YouTube channel. See the difference for yourself.

So far, in my eighteen-year career, I have worked with over 1,500 dogs. I am a Training without Conflict™ certified professional dog trainer (TWC-CPDT) and also a member of, and hold an advanced certification by, the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP-CDT, CDTA). Further, I earned multiple other certifications in a wide range of dog training disciplines. My team and I offer board-and-train programs, in-person training, virtual lessons, as well as coaching, workshops, and lectures. Whatever challenges you face, contact us today. We can help you. Certifications

Certifications
and
Memberships
TWC Certified Professional Dog Trainer
IACP Advanced Dog Trainer Certification
AKC CGC Evaluator
GRC Dog Sports
Certifications and Memberships
TWC Certified Professional Dog Trainer
IACP Advanced Dog Trainer Certification
AKC CGC Evaluator
GRC Dog Sports

How We Train & Dog Training Examples

An Introduction to How We Train YouTube Play Hover Icon
Dog Training Demo Video YouTube Play Hover Icon
Dog Training Demo Video YouTube Play Hover Icon
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Featured Posts

Play is the Way
Play-Based Dog Training
Play-based dog training is the most effective form of dog training there is. Because it speaks to the nature…
Build Your Dog Up
Build Your Dog Up
To build your dog up means teaching your dog what you need him to know. You are a team. Be your dog’s…
Stress in Dogs
Stress in Dogs
Stress in dogs is a fact of life. We all experience stress daily and must learn to develop resilience…
Canine Enrichment
Canine Enrichment
Enrichment is important for most species. We all have experienced boredom. It’s the birthplace of…
Positive Dog Training
Positive Training
Find out what actual, peer-reviewed learning science has to say on the best way to train your dog…
Clarity in Dog Training
Clarity in Dog Training
Enrichment is important for most species. We all have experienced boredom. It’s the birthplace of…
Dog Misbehavior
Dog Misbehavior
Much of what is called dog misbehavior is rooted in genetic frustration. Most dog misbehavior…
Saying Goodbye
Saying Goodbye to Your Dog
Dogs are amazing. Our wonderful companions bring us endless joy and happiness. We play together…
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Not all Dog Training is Equal

The dogs we work with are happy and enjoy their training. We encourage you to watch our training videos. They speak for themselves. As such, with each dog, we spend the time necessary to become their friend first. We only move forward once your dog is in the right emotional state and has the right motivation. Subsequently, the rest of the training becomes much easier and the outcomes far more reliable. In the beginning, we spend time building trust and the right relationship. That may take a bit longer than in other training programs, but it pays off big-time. As a result, your dog enjoys their time with us and is in a great state of mind each time you visit and when he/she goes home. Obviously, this approach is great for every dog but with aggressive and fearful dogs especially rewarding.

In Safe Hands

You can follow your dog’s training progress with regular video updates. Typically, we also ask you to come and visit your dog several times during training. Knowing how your dog is doing and seeing their progress can put your mind at ease. Also, you can feel part of the process and have some great memories to look back on. Your training videos will remain on your private YouTube playlist. And if you prefer in-person training over Board & Train, we offer that as well. Our training is different from what you see elsewhere. Contact us today to make your dog the best version of itself.

Certified Dog Trainer Ralf Weber
Ralf Weber is a TWC-certified professional dog trainer. He is specialized in obedience, behavioral, and service dog training. Ralf has over 18 years of dog training experience and personally trained over 1500 dogs. Further, Ralf is the author of the canine behavioral book “If Your Dog Could Talk” (5th Edition).
Certified Dog Trainer Sarah Gill
Sarah Gill is a certified professional trainer specializing in service dogs and behavioral training. Sarah has over a decade of experience training highly reliable service dogs. In addition, she has worked with hundreds of obedience and behavioral cases and taught hundreds of students at a well-known school for dog trainers.

Our Dog Training Services

Board and Train Obedience
Have the best dog ever! Our comprehensive board and train obedience program teaches your dog all the basics but goes far beyond what pet shops or other companies offer.
Building Confidence
Does your dog feel insecure, look nervous or bark out of fear? Is your dog afraid of loud noises, seeing strangers, or just scared of everything? Does your dog lose it when you leave home? Or…?
Resolving Aggression
Living with an aggressive dog is stressful. Never being certain what will happen on your daily walk, potential injuries, vet bills, legal consequences, and so on. You don’t have to live like this.
Dog Training Shadow Student
As a Shadow Student, you get to spend an entire week with Ralf. You will participate in all client cases and with all board and train dogs. We will talk about dogs and dog training all week.
Virtual Dog Training
Virtual training sessions are great! Discuss and work on your training goals and challenges from the comfort of your home. Especially with fearful dogs, this is a great way to get started.
Book a Dog Lecture
Book one of our engaging and entertaining dog lectures for your next event. To date, our most popular dog seminar is Understanding Dogs, but Ralf can speak on any dog-related topic.
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Our Latest Dog Training Articles

Dominance, Submission, and Aggression
Unfortunately, far too many dog trainers fail to understand the ethological meaning of the terms dominance, submission, and aggression and use them inappropriately. If this topic interests you more, I highly…Dominance Explained
Food Aggression in Dogs
We generally distinguish two types of food aggression in dogs: a genetic predisposition or learned behavior. The former has to be managed. The latter can be resolved.Food Aggression
Leash Aggression
Leash aggression in dogs is one of those phrases we hear regularly. Most dog owners use this term if their dog loses their mind at other dogs, or people, or cars, or bikes, or whatever, when on a leash. Off-leash the dog may even be totally fine…Leash Aggression
Dog Misbehavior
Much of what is called dog misbehavior is rooted in genetic frustration. Most dog misbehavior is not that but simply a normal—and perfectly fine—behavior expressed in an inappropriate context. If a frustrated dog that lives…Misbehavior
Saying Goodbye to Your Dog
Dogs are amazing. Our wonderful companions bring us endless joy and happiness. We play together, hike together, run together, sleep together, eat together and so much more. Our dogs are valued family…Saying Goodbye

Dog Training Testimonials

Testimonial by John & Isa for Rukus
“Rukus is an amazing dog! The training he had at Happy Dog Training was life-changing for the better. He is so loving, and he listens so well. We can’t say enough about Ralf and his magic on our animals.”Review for Rukus
Testimonial by Pat V for Flynn
“Working with Ralf was a pleasure. He built Flynn’s confidence and taught me much about training dogs. Thank you, Ralf!”Review for Flynn

Ralf’s Book: If Your Dog Could Talk

Now in its 5th Edition! Fully Revised and Expanded

If Your Dog Could Talk is a straightforward guide to understanding your dog.

If you ever wonder what your dog is thinking, this book is for you. Dive inside your dog’s mind and read in plain English how your dog sees the world, relates to other animals and people, and what it is trying to tell you.

Understand how dogs learn, how their minds function, how their genetics and emotions affect their behavior, and the foundation of dog training and behavior modifications, including anxiety, fear, and aggression.

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Free Training

People don’t tend to value free things. This could be a costly mistake with these resources. You don’t need to hire a dog trainer to potty train your dog. You simply need the right plan. The free potty training guide is an excerpt from my book. If you’d like to buy it, I’d appreciate it, but I will give you the potty training section for free below.

The same goes for separation anxiety. Definitely try these highly effective strategies yourself first. You can always hire a dog trainer later if you run into challenges.

Separation Anxiety in Dogs
Every dog finds forced isolation unpleasant. No dog enjoys you going to work and leaving them alone for eight to ten hours a day. Dogs are social creatures. While dogs sleep a lot and do need their alone time, most of the time, they would rather be with you than away from you. Some dogs just handle this separation better than others.
Potty Training
Potty training your dog is teaching it not to soil the home. It is often the first challenge dog owners face. Depending on your approach, you either have a good time with your dog during this phase or live through a peeing and pooping nightmare. Potty training a dog is not rocket science, but it does require consistency and commitment.
Learn Leash Handling Skills
Learning how to handle leashes correctly is an essential skill for any dog handler/owner. This is a free training video in basic leash handling and covers grips, thumb and finger locks, stance, line management, pressure/release, and some advanced tips for 6-ft leashes, long-lines, and retractables. This video was originally a paid product in 2015 and is now free.