Community Training
Regsiter for
Upcoming Community Classes
Our Mission
Second to overcrowding, the leading cause of euthanasia for shelter dogs in the United States is undesirable behavior. While qualified training can ease these circumstances, the high cost often makes it inaccessible.
Through our charitable giving program, the Love At First Sit® Initiative, Community Dog Training Classes address this disparity by offering qualified training for just $5.00, then Pay-What-You-Can after that.
Proceeds from these classes fund additional accessible, qualified services, including Free Virtual Office Hours and other offerings that provide guardians with affordable expert support.
We also maintain partnerships with animal welfare organizations, reflecting our history of donating all proceeds to their missions, and our ongoing commitment to charitable endeavors.
In this way, our our Community Dog Training Classes not only strengthens the human–animal bond and improves quality of life, but also maximizes the opportunity for dogs to remain in their forever homes.
Class Details
Class Cost
1 Class: $5.00, then Pay-What-You-Can after that.
Free to L.A. Wildfire Victims & First Responders. Contact us to register.
Class Methods
Class Level
Beginner's & ongoing practice for all levels + Ages 6 month and older
*Community Class is not a puppy class.
Class Duration
1 Hour
Class Size
8 Dogs
Class Days
Saturdays: Saturday times and dates vary. Check our class registration page for a list of scheduled community classes.
Class Location
Exclusions
Behavior: Our classes do not address problem behaviors such as aggression, anxiety, fear, or reactivity. Visit our In-Person Private and Virtual Training pages for help with these behaviors.
Class Curriculum: Community Dog Training Class is not comparable to a full 6 week dog training class course series. Visit our Group Dog Training Classes page for a full list of our class series.
Prerequisites
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Up-to-date on Vaccines: DHPP, Bordetella, and Rabies
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All dogs must be fit and healthy.
Female dogs Cannot be in heat.
Behavior
ogs who display aggression-based reactivity or high levels of fear, anxiety, or stress are not permitted in our classes. Not sure if this applies to your dog? We’re happy to help—just ask! Contact us!
We improve these behaviors in our one-on-one private in-person and virtual training.
Meet Your Instructors
Meet Carmen
Founder and Certified Dog Trainer & Behaviorist
Private Sessions & Group Dog Training Classes Instructor, American Kennel Club Family Dog Program Evaluator, Judge, and Instructor
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Bachelor of Arts (with double majors)
University of California, Berkeley
Certified Dog Trainer, ABCDT
Animal Behavior College, Honors Distinction
Certified Service Dog Trainer, ABCSDT
Animal Behavior College
Certified Animal Trainer, FFCP
Fear Free®
Approved Evaluator
American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen®
Approved Evaluator
American Kennel Club Temperament Test
Approved Judge
American Kennel Club Fetch
Approved Instructor
American Kennel Club FIT DOG
Graduate, Fear Free Shelters™
Fear Free®
Certificate, Aggression in Dogs
Master Course, Michael Shikashio CDBC
Authorized Mentor Trainer
Animal Behavior College
Certified Pet CPR & First Aid
American Red Cross & Animal Behavior College
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Pet Expert News Guest
KCRW Press Play with Madeleine Brand
Santa Monica Mirror
YO! Venice
Brentwood News
Century City/Westwood News
Westside Today
Palisades News
Watch, Read, Listen: Interviews
News Features
Spectrum News 1 Socal Everyday Heroes,
The Argonaut
Pet Sitter’s World
Guest Columnist
Pet of the Week, Column, Santa Monica Daily Press
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American Kennel Club®
Association of Professional Dog Trainers
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
Pet Sitters Associates, LLC
Professional United Pet Sitters, LLC
Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce
Buy Local Santa Monica
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CAMP (Community Animal Medicine Project)
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Animal Rescue Organization
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
501(c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
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Santa Monica Animal Shelter (5,000+ Volunteer Hours)
EZ Heart & Soul Rescue & Sanctuary
Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation, Chairman of the Board, 2020-2021
Partners & Past Beneficiaries
We are proud to partner with extraordinary animal welfare groups to improve the lives of animals. Class proceeds have been previously donated to our partners:
CAMP (Community Animal Medicine Project), Canine Companions, Beagle Freedom Project, The People Concern: K9 Connection, Pet’s Landing, Sojourn
