Tully's Training

CPDT-KA, CSAP-BC, CSAT, FDM, ABCDT, FFCP, EATM, CBCC-KA

At Tully's Training, we believe the best training doesn't just change your dog. It changes your whole life together. Since 2013, we've been helping LA dogs and their people build the kind of relationship they've always dreamed of, using positive reinforcement and a whole lot of heart. Every private training program is totally customized. No cookie-cutter plans here! We start by getting to know you, your dog, and your real life, then build a plan around what actually matters to you. That might be basic cues like sit, stay, and come, loose leash walking, potty training, polite greetings, or keeping it together around distractions. And because training only works if it works for the humans too, we check in after every session to make sure the training, scheduling, homework, and anything else is working for everyone involved. We take care of our people just as much as our pups. For puppies, training starts at home with private sessions that set up good habits from day one, then flows out into the world at our Puppy Social Clubs, where pups practice their new skills with puppy friends in a safe, structured setting. For dogs who find the world a little overwhelming, our reactivity program walks with you every step of the way. We start with private sessions to build skills and confidence, then move into real-world practice with the Spicy Dogs Club, small groups that meet across LA so your dog can put those skills to work out in the world, with support from trainers who truly get it. We also offer group classes and workshops at Healthy Spot in Santa Monica, Studio City, and Pasadena, plus pack hikes and adventures through our Adventure Club. But the best part about working with us? You don't just get a trainer. You get a whole cohesive team of dog nerds who eat, sleep, and breathe this stuff, with backgrounds in zoos and aquariums, service dog work, agility, and shelter training. We're obsessed with helping you build that relationship with your dog you've always dreamed of having, and we'll be cheering you on the whole way there.

We work with the whole spectrum, from everyday frustrations to the big stuff that keeps you up at night. On the everyday side, that looks like jumping on guests, pulling on the leash, barking, puppy nipping and mouthing, potty accidents, counter surfing, door dashing, chewing, and a recall that disappears the second something more interesting shows up. These might seem small, but they add up, and we love helping families finally get some peace back at home. We also specialize in the harder stuff. Reactivity is a big one for us, whether your dog barks and lunges at other dogs, people, bikes, or skateboards. We also work with fear and anxiety, noise sensitivity, separation-related struggles, resource guarding, and aggression toward people or other dogs. These dogs aren't bad dogs. They're having a hard time, and our job is to figure out why and help them feel safe and confident in their world. No matter what you're dealing with, we never use fear, force, or pain. We focus on understanding what's driving the behavior, then teach your dog what to do instead, while giving you the tools and support to feel confident too. And you're never doing it alone. Our whole team is right there with you.

Everything we do is rooted in positive reinforcement and the science of how animals actually learn. Our founder discovered the power of this approach working with animals in zoos and aquariums, and it's been the heart of Tully's ever since. We never use fear, force, or pain. Instead, we focus on rewarding the behaviors we love, understanding what's driving the ones we don't, and making learning fun for dogs and their people. It all starts with a free consultation. We want to hear about your dog, your home, your schedule, and what you're hoping for, so we can understand the whole picture before we make any recommendations. From there, we build a training plan that's totally customized to you, with in-person, virtual, and hybrid options so it fits your real life. During sessions, your trainer works hands-on with you and your dog, coaching you through each skill so you leave feeling confident, not confused. Between sessions, you'll get homework that's realistic and doable, because we know life is busy! After every session, we check in to make sure the training, scheduling, homework, and anything else is working for everyone. If something isn't clicking, we adjust. The plan grows and changes right along with your dog. As skills get stronger, we take them out into the real world. Many of our families move into our small group classes, social clubs, and pack hikes, where dogs practice around real distractions with a trainer right there to support them. And because you're working with a whole team, you'll always have dog nerds in your corner, from your first consultation to long after your last session.

To help dogs and their people understand each other, and to prove that kindness and science work better than force.

Our favorite part is the lightbulb moment. You know, when a client watches their dog figure something out all on their own, no pushing, pulling, or physical corrections needed, and they realize their dog is SO much smarter than they ever knew. Suddenly they see that real communication with their dog is totally possible, and that their dog WANTS to learn! We think dogs are absolutely amazing, and getting to point that out to our clients and watch their minds get blown is the best part of the job. Every single time.

Our number one tip is to flip the script on problem behaviors. It's SO easy to get stuck on what you want your dog to stop doing: stop jumping, stop pulling, stop barking. But dogs can't learn from a "stop." Instead, ask yourself what you'd like them to do instead. "Stop jumping" becomes "keep all four paws on the floor." "Stop pulling" becomes "walk next to me." Once you know what you want, you can teach it, reward it, and watch it grow. It's a small shift that changes everything!