Dog training in West Hollywood, CA

Dog Training in West Hollywood for City-Smart Dogs

Calm on Santa Monica Boulevard, quiet in the condo and polite on the patio.

West Hollywood is one of the most walkable, dog-friendly cities in LA, which also makes it one of the busiest for dogs. Raquel brings dog training in West Hollywood to your home, then teaches your dog to handle crowded sidewalks, patios and late-night noise.

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Tell Raquel about your dog and your West Hollywood home. She will call you back to talk it through.

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Dog gallery

Meet Some of Raquel's Happy Students

Real Los Angeles dogs, photographed by their families after training with Raquel.

Dog training in West Hollywood

Dog Training in West Hollywood, Built for a Walkable City

West Hollywood is a small, dense city where many people walk their dogs several times a day past restaurants, bars, salons and shops. Patios welcome dogs, neighbors stop to say hello, and the sidewalks rarely empty. For a dog without good manners, that is a lot of temptation and a lot of noise.

Raquel’s dog training in West Hollywood starts in your condo or apartment, where she sets calm routines for the door, the hallway and time alone. Then she takes your dog onto your real route so loose-leash walking, patio settling and polite greetings are practiced where they matter.

Dog Problems Raquel Sees in West Hollywood

West Hollywood clients usually call about pulling and lunging on busy sidewalks, barking in condos, overexcited greetings with every passerby and dogs who struggle with late-night noise from the street.

At home

Out on walks

For dogs who lunge at other dogs or scooters, Raquel begins with leash reactive dog training. For dogs who greet everyone at full speed, she builds calm, polite manners through dog obedience training that works with real crowds.

West Hollywood Moments and Where Raquel Starts

Moment	What usually happens	Where Raquel starts
Patio dining	Whining, begging, barking at passing dogs	Settling under the table on a mat
Busy sidewalk	Pulling toward people and smells	Loose-leash walking with real distractions
Meeting strangers	Jumping on everyone who stops	Four paws on the floor, greeting on cue
Late-night noise	Barking at voices from the street	A calm evening routine and settle spot

Typical West Hollywood situations; your plan is tailored after the first visit.

WeHo Walks Getting Stressful?

Raquel will tell you where she would start with your dog.

West Hollywood at a glance

What shapes training in West Hollywood

City dog parkWest Hollywood Park

Park layoutSeparate small and large dog areas

Dog park address647 N. San Vicente Blvd

Typical homeCondo or apartment

Main challengeCrowded sidewalks

First visitYour home, then your route

What WeHo owners ask for

Where Raquel Trains in West Hollywood

Each session starts at home, then moves to your normal walk, usually some mix of quiet residential streets and busy commercial blocks. West Hollywood Park on San Vicente Boulevard has two gated off-leash areas on either side of the basketball courts, a smaller space for small dogs and a larger one for big dogs. Raquel uses them to practice calm arrivals once your dog is ready.

Patios are some of the best training spots in the city. Raquel will often finish a session at a dog-friendly café so your dog learns to settle while people, food and other dogs pass by.

Programs That Fit West Hollywood Dogs

Most West Hollywood clients start with private in-home dog training to set home and walk routines in one visit. Owners of anxious dogs who bark or cry when left alone in a condo often add separation anxiety training.

West Hollywood and nearby

West Hollywood Neighborhoods Raquel Covers

Raquel trains in homes across the whole city, from the Sunset Strip to the Eastside of WeHo.

Sunset Strip
Norma Triangle
West Hollywood West
The Design District
Rancho Park area of WeHo
Eastside WeHo
Melrose edge

Nearby areas: dog training in Bird Streets, dog training in Beverly Grove and dog training in Hollywood Hills.

Google reviews

What Dog Owners Say About Raquel

Read more client reviews →

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 64 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Yaesh P 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christina Fontana 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christine Woertink 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   shannon ialongo 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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. ❤️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   2missbrooklyn 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alexus Payton Leach 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Harla Levitt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Paige Froelke 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Author Mary Ting 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   JoshChristman87 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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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Free phone consult

Talk Through Your Daily Route

Describe your walks, your building and your dog’s triggers. Raquel will suggest a first step.

Phone(323) 629-3767

VisitsWest Hollywood homes

First session3 to 5 hours

West Hollywood questions

Dog Training in West Hollywood: FAQs

Do you offer dog training in West Hollywood condos?

Yes. Raquel trains at condos, apartments and houses across West Hollywood. She starts with the routines inside your building, then works your walking route.

Where can my dog play off leash in West Hollywood?

West Hollywood Park on San Vicente Boulevard has two gated off-leash areas, one for small dogs and one for large dogs. Raquel can help you make visits calm and safe.

How do I get my dog to settle on a restaurant patio?

Practice settling on a mat at home first, then try short patio visits at quiet times. Raquel shows you how to reward calm and leave before your dog gets overwhelmed.

How do you say no in dog language?

Dogs respond to calm body language and timing more than words. Raquel teaches you to interrupt calmly and then show your dog what to do instead, so “no” always has a clear next step.

Is it worth paying a dog trainer in a dog-friendly city?

Yes for many owners, because dog-friendly places only stay enjoyable when dogs behave. Training lets you take your dog to patios and shops without stress.

How long is the first session?

The One-Day In-Home Master Class runs 3 to 5 hours, including time on your walking route and often a patio visit.

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

Ready to Enjoy West Hollywood With Your Dog?

Raquel will meet you at home and help your dog stay calm on the boulevard, on patios and in your building.