Dog training FAQs
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Rated by Los Angeles Dog Owners on Yelp
After just a couple of hours of training, I learned so much about how to better understand and communicate with my dog, Orion. The difference was honestly amazing--by the end of our session, he was walking so much better and no longer constantly pulling on the leash. Raquel was patient, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain not only what to do, but why certain techniques work.
What I appreciated most was that she gave me more confidence as an owner and showed me how to continue reinforcing everything we learned at home. I already feel much less anxious taking Orion on walks and feel like I finally have the right tools to manage his behavior and reactivity. You can tell Raquel genuinely cares about the dogs she works with and wants both the dog and owner to succeed. I'm so grateful she was able to help us on such short notice, and I'm excited to continue working with her. I highly recommend her, especially to anyone feeling overwhelmed with a reactive or newly rescued dog.
Thank you, Raquel! I wish we could keep you on speed dial forever
Common Questions
Dog Training FAQs for Los Angeles Dog Owners
What is the best way to reach Raquel?
Calling (323) 629-3767 is the quickest way to reach Raquel. She runs Happy Paws on her own and is often in sessions, so leave a short message with your name, your dog’s main problem and a call-back number if she does not pick up. You can also send a message through the contact page.
What information should I have ready when I call?
Have your dog’s breed, age, weight and main behavior problem ready, plus the neighborhood you live in. These are the first details Raquel asks for, because they shape both the training plan and the quote. Knowing when the problem started also helps.
How do I get a quote for dog training?
Call Raquel and describe your dog. After a short conversation about age, size, behavior and location, she gives you a quote over the phone for the plan she recommends. Each plan is built around one dog, so there is no single price list that fits everyone.
Can Raquel help on short notice?
Sometimes. Raquel trains every dog herself, so her calendar fills up, but reviewers mention her stepping in when they reached out at the last minute. If your situation is urgent, such as a bite or a new dog who is struggling badly, say so at the start of the call.
Can I talk to Raquel before deciding to book?
Yes. The first phone call is your chance to describe your dog, ask questions and hear how Raquel would approach the problem before you commit to anything. Many owners find the call alone clears up what kind of help their dog needs. Read about Happy Paws before you call.
Does Raquel train dogs outside the city of Los Angeles?
Happy Paws serves Los Angeles and nearby areas. If you live in a neighboring city, share your address on the call and Raquel will confirm whether she can travel to you. Training happens at your home, so location matters more than city lines.
Can I talk to a trainer before I adopt a dog?
Yes, and it is a smart move. A call before adoption helps you think through what a dog’s energy, size and history will mean in your home, and how to plan the first weeks. Once your dog arrives, rescue dog training can help it settle in.
Who should be on the first phone call?
Ideally, the person who spends the most time with the dog, plus anyone who makes decisions about it. Raquel’s plans involve everyone who lives with the dog, so it helps when the main people in the household hear the plan at the same time.
My dog has bitten someone. Can I still call?
Yes, and please call soon. Tell Raquel about the bite on the first call: who was bitten, how badly and what happened just before. That information shapes a safe plan. Ask your vet to rule out pain first, and read about help for aggressive dogs.
How long is a typical Happy Paws session?
It depends on the session type. The first in-home Master Class runs about 3 to 5 hours, park follow-up sessions usually take 1 to 2 hours, and a second in-home puppy visit often runs 2 to 4 hours. Raquel does not rush a session to fit a fixed clock.
Why are follow-up sessions held in parks?
Parks add the distractions your dog meets in real life: other dogs, joggers, bikes, kids and new smells. Practicing there tests whether skills learned at home hold up, and shows you how to stay calm when something surprising happens. It is also part of socialization and park training.
Should I exercise my dog before a training session?
A short walk helps, but do not wear your dog out. A dog that has burned off a little energy can focus better, while an exhausted dog struggles to learn. Skip intense play or a long hike right before the session starts.
Should my dog be hungry before training?
A little hungry, not starving. Skip a big meal right before the session so food rewards feel more valuable, but feed a smaller meal earlier in the day. A dog that is too hungry gets frantic, which makes learning harder.
What is the best time of day to train a dog?
The best time is when your dog is alert but not wound up, and when you can practice without rushing. For many Los Angeles households that means mornings or early evenings, which also avoids the hottest pavement of the day.
How long should practice sessions at home be?
Keep home practice short: about 5 to 15 minutes at a time, a few times a day. Short sessions end before your dog gets bored or frustrated, and spreading them through the day builds habits faster than one long session.
Is it okay to take a break if my dog gets stressed mid-session?
Yes. Learning stops when a dog is overwhelmed, so a pause, a sniff walk or a drink of water is part of good training, not lost time. Raquel watches your dog’s body language and adjusts the pace when it needs a break.
What if my dog behaves perfectly when the trainer arrives?
That is very common. Many dogs are on their best behavior with a new person in the house. Raquel works with what she sees and asks you to describe the rest. A short phone video of the problem, filmed before the session, helps a lot.
What equipment do I need for training?
Start with a well-fitting flat collar or harness, a standard leash about 6 feet long and small, soft treats your dog loves. Skip retractable leashes, which make clear communication harder. Raquel may suggest other gear once she has met your dog.
Should I use a harness or a collar for training?
Either can work. A well-fitted harness spreads pressure across the chest and suits dogs that pull or have neck or breathing issues, such as flat-faced breeds. A flat collar holds ID tags. Leash training covers fit and handling.
What treats work best for training?
Use small, soft, smelly treats your dog really wants, cut to about the size of a pea. Soft treats are eaten fast, so practice keeps moving. Save the very best ones, like chicken or cheese, for hard moments such as distractions on a walk.
How do I get my whole family to train the same way?
Agree on the same cue words, rules and rewards, write them down and stick the list on the fridge. Mixed messages, like one person allowing the couch and another not, slow training down. Raquel coaches everyone together for this reason.
Can children help with training?
Yes, with adult supervision. Kids can practice simple cues like sit and touch, which teaches the dog to listen to them too. Keep their sessions short, never leave young children alone with a dog in training, and tell Raquel the children’s ages.
How do I prepare my dog for a new baby?
Start months before the baby arrives. Practice calm greetings, settling on a mat and walking nicely on leash, set up baby gates and play baby sounds at low volume. After the birth, keep first meetings short, calm and supervised.
How can I help my dog and cat live together?
Go slowly. Give the cat high escape routes and a dog-free room, keep the dog leashed during early meetings and reward calm glances away from the cat. Some pairs settle in weeks and others take months. Get help early if your dog stalks or fixates.
What house rules should I set for a new dog?
Decide a few clear rules before the dog arrives: where it sleeps, whether furniture is allowed, where it eats and where it goes to the bathroom. Consistent rules from day one are easier than fixing habits later.
Should I use baby gates or pens during training?
Yes. Gates and pens stop your dog from practicing problem behaviors, like rushing the door or chewing shoes, while you teach better ones. Think of them as training wheels you remove as skills improve.
My partner and I disagree on how to train. What now?
Agree on the goal first, such as calm walks or no jumping on guests, then let Raquel explain the reason behind each step. Understanding the “why” usually settles disagreements about methods. Consistency matters more than doing everything perfectly.
Do I need a fenced yard to train my dog?
No. Most training happens indoors and on leash, and it works well in apartments and condos. A yard is nice for play, but it does not replace walks, practice around distractions or time spent working with you.
Will my dog only listen when I have treats?
Not if rewards are faded the right way. Treats are used often while a behavior is new, then less often and mixed with other rewards. The goal is a dog that responds because the cue predicts something good, not because it can see food.
What are the signs of a bad dog trainer?
Be careful if a trainer promises a quick fix or certain results, will not explain their methods, blames the dog, or uses pain or fear to stop behavior. A good trainer involves you, explains each step and adjusts when your dog struggles.
Why does my dog listen to the trainer but not to me?
Usually it comes down to timing, clear signals and consistency. Trainers give one clear cue, reward right away and stay calm. Raquel teaches you those same habits, so your dog responds to you after she leaves.
Is it okay to tell my dog "no"?
Yes, a calm “no” or “uh-uh” can interrupt a behavior, but it does not teach what to do instead. Follow it with a cue your dog knows, like sit or come, and reward that. Shouting “no” over and over usually stops working.
What words do dogs love to hear the most?
Dogs respond most to words linked to good things, such as their name, “walk”, “treat” or “good”. The word itself matters less than what follows it, which is why everyone in the house should use the same cue words the same way.
What is a marker word or clicker?
A marker is a sound that tells your dog the exact moment it did the right thing, followed by a reward. Many trainers use a clicker or a short word like “yes”. Markers speed up learning because the timing becomes precise.
How quickly will I notice a difference?
Many families notice small changes within days, such as calmer greetings or a looser leash, once the household starts following the plan. Lasting change depends on the problem and on daily practice. Fear and aggression usually take longer than manners.
Should I hire a trainer or train my dog myself?
Many basic skills can be learned at home with good guidance. A professional helps most when progress stalls, when safety is involved, such as biting, or when you cannot tell what is causing a behavior. Either way, you do most of the daily practice. See how private in-home training works.
What does "management" mean in dog training?
Management means arranging your dog’s surroundings so it cannot rehearse a problem, such as closing blinds for a window barker or using a gate by the front door. It is not a cure on its own, but it makes behavior modification work faster.
Can training change my dog's energy level?
Training will not change your dog’s natural energy, but it changes what your dog does with it. Pairing exercise with brain work, like sniffing games and short training sessions, helps high-energy dogs settle more easily at home.
Do I need to use a special tone of voice?
No special voice is needed, but a calm, clear tone helps. Use a cheerful voice for praise and recall, a steady voice for cues, and avoid repeating a cue louder and louder. Dogs read your body language as much as your words.
How do I fit training into a busy schedule?
Build practice into things you already do: a sit before meals, a calm wait at the door, a few loose-leash steps on every walk. Three or four 5-minute moments a day add up faster than one long weekend session.
Should I take notes during a session?
Yes. Jot down the cue words, hand signals and rules Raquel sets, or record a short clip with her permission. Notes help everyone in the household stay consistent, especially anyone who missed the session.
When should I book a follow-up session?
Book a follow-up when your dog has the basics at home and you are ready to test them in busier places, or when progress stalls for more than a week or two. Raquel can suggest timing based on how practice is going.
Can I add another training service later?
Yes. Many families start with one problem and come back for another, such as moving from leash manners to reliable recall. Because Raquel already knows your dog, the next plan builds on what you have done.
How do I keep training going while I am away?
Give your sitter or boarding staff a one-page note with your dog’s cues, rules and favorite rewards, and ask them to keep walks and routines the same. Expect a small dip in manners after a trip, then return to short daily practice.
How do I know when my dog is fully trained?
A skill is solid when your dog does it the first time you ask, in different places, with distractions, most of the time. Training never fully ends, so keep practicing the skills you rely on, like recall. Obedience training builds that reliability.
Can my dog lose its training after a move?
A move can unsettle even a well-trained dog. Keep routines the same, go back to easier steps for a week or two and reward calm behavior generously. Most dogs settle once the new place feels familiar.
What if a new problem appears months after training?
Call Raquel early, before the new habit sets in. New problems often have a trigger, such as a schedule change, a new pet or a health issue. A short check-in is usually easier than starting over.
Should I keep a training journal?
It helps. A short log of what you practiced, where and how your dog did reveals patterns, like reactivity that is worse at certain times of day. It also gives Raquel useful details for follow-up sessions.
How do I reward my dog without overfeeding?
Use part of your dog’s daily food as rewards, cut treats into tiny pieces and reduce meal size on heavy training days. Ask your vet about your dog’s ideal weight if you are unsure how much to cut back.
Does my dog need to be vaccinated before training?
Yes. Make sure your dog’s rabies and other core vaccines are current before training starts, especially before park sessions. California requires dogs to be vaccinated against rabies, and Los Angeles requires a rabies certificate to license a dog.
What should I do if my dog bites someone in California?
Make sure the person gets medical care, share your contact and vaccine details and keep your dog away from others. Bites are reported to local animal control, and the dog is usually quarantined for at least 10 days, often at home. Then get professional help with the behavior.
Am I liable if my dog bites someone in California?
Usually, yes. California Civil Code 3342 makes owners responsible for bites that happen in public or when the person is lawfully on private property, even if the dog never bit before. For your specific situation, talk to a lawyer. Training and careful management lower the risk.
How do I help my dog stay calm at the vet?
Practice short handling at home: touch paws, ears and mouth for a second, then reward. When you can, stop by the clinic just for treats and a hello. Ask your vet about lower-stress handling if your dog is very fearful.
Can training help with grooming and nail trims?
Yes. The same slow handling practice that helps at the vet helps with nail trims, brushing and baths. Short, positive sessions teach your dog that being touched predicts something good, instead of something scary.
What are signs my dog is stressed during training?
Watch for yawning, lip licking, turning away, a tucked tail, pacing or refusing treats. These signs mean your dog needs a break or an easier step. Pushing through stress slows learning and can make fear worse.
Should I spay or neuter my dog before training?
Training does not need to wait. Los Angeles generally requires dogs to be spayed or neutered, with some exemptions, so ask your vet about timing. Hormones can affect some behaviors, but training is needed either way.
What should I do if my dog eats something it shouldn't on a walk?
Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 right away, even if your dog seems fine. Afterward, teaching a solid “leave it” and “drop it” is one of the most useful safety skills for city dogs.
Can a dog with a disability or health condition be trained?
Yes, with your vet’s input. Deaf dogs learn hand signals, blind dogs learn sound and touch cues, and dogs with joint pain need gentle, low-impact practice. Tell Raquel about any condition before the first session.
Can training help an overweight dog?
Training can support weight loss when walks and games become part of the routine, but food choices and portions matter most. Use low-calorie treats or your dog’s own kibble as rewards, and follow your vet’s weight plan.
Do dogs have to be on a leash in Los Angeles?
Yes. In the City of Los Angeles, a dog off its owner’s property must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under the control of a competent person, unless it is in a designated off-leash dog area (LAMC 53.06.2). Nearby cities have similar rules. Learn more about dog training in Los Angeles with Raquel.
Where can my dog legally be off leash in LA?
Only on your own property or in designated off-leash dog areas, such as city dog parks. Practicing off-leash in an open park breaks city law, so build recall on a long line first. Off-leash training is done in safe, legal spaces.
Do I need a dog license in Los Angeles?
Yes. All dogs over four months old kept in the City of Los Angeles must be licensed through LA Animal Services. The license requires a current rabies vaccination certificate, and dogs must also be spayed or neutered unless an exemption applies.
What happens if my dog isn't licensed?
An unlicensed dog can lead to fines and late fees, and a licensed dog is easier to reunite with you if it gets lost. Check LA Animal Services for current fees, renewal options and exemptions.
Can I bring my dog to restaurant patios in California?
Yes, if the restaurant allows it. California law lets restaurants welcome pet dogs on outdoor patios when the dog is leashed or in a carrier, stays off chairs and benches and enters through a separate outdoor entrance (Health and Safety Code 114259.5). Practice a calm settle first.
How hot is too hot for my dog's paws on LA pavement?
Use the seven-second test: press the back of your hand on the pavement, and if you cannot hold it there for seven seconds, it is too hot for paws, according to Washington State University’s veterinary college. On hot days, walk early or late and stick to grass or shade.
How do I protect my dog from coyotes in Los Angeles?
Walk your dog on a leash 6 feet or shorter, take extra care at dawn and dusk, and never leave small dogs alone in the yard. If a coyote comes close, keep your dog by your side and scare it off by yelling or spraying a hose, as Pasadena Humane advises.
How do I keep my dog calm during Fourth of July fireworks?
Walk your dog before dark, keep it indoors with windows closed, play background noise and set up a quiet den. Check that ID tags and microchip details are current, since frightened dogs often bolt. For strong fear, talk to your vet before the holiday and see help for fearful dogs.
How can my dog be a good apartment neighbor?
Teach a calm settle on a mat, practice quiet behavior near the front door, use rugs to soften noise and give enough daily exercise and sniff time. Barking at hallway sounds is common in LA buildings and usually improves with training and management.
Are dogs allowed on Los Angeles beaches?
Most beaches in Los Angeles County do not allow dogs on the sand, with a few exceptions, such as Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach. Rules change, so check the city’s current regulations before you go, and keep your dog leashed where required.
What should I bring on an LA hike with my dog?
Bring water for both of you, a leash, waste bags and a plan to turn back if your dog slows down. Check trail rules first, since many LA trails require leashes, and watch for rattlesnakes on warm days.
How can I get my dog used to busy LA sidewalks?
Start on quieter streets and build up slowly. Reward your dog for calmly looking at skateboards, scooters and crowds, give extra space when needed and keep early walks short. If your dog lunges or barks, reactive dog training can help.
Should my dog be microchipped?
Yes. A microchip greatly improves the chance your dog gets home if it slips its collar during fireworks, a move or an earthquake. Keep the registration details current whenever your phone number or address changes.
How do I prepare my dog for an earthquake or wildfire evacuation?
Pack a go-bag with food, water, medication, vaccine records, a leash and a recent photo. Practice getting your dog into a crate or car calmly, since stressed dogs often resist in a real emergency. A reliable recall helps too.
What should I do if an off-leash dog runs up to my dog?
Stay calm, keep your dog close and move away at an angle. Tossing a handful of treats away from you can distract the other dog. If off-leash dogs are a repeated problem in your area, report it to LA Animal Services.
What should I do if my dog runs away in Los Angeles?
Search the area right away and call your dog in a happy voice, since chasing often makes dogs run further. Contact LA Animal Services shelters and your microchip company, and post on local lost-pet groups. Then make recall training a priority.
Are dogs happier with a second dog?
Some dogs enjoy a companion, but a second dog does not fix boredom, anxiety or behavior problems, and can double them. Get your first dog’s training on track before adding another, and look for a dog with a similar energy level.
How long does it take for two dogs to accept each other?
Many dogs settle within a few weeks, while some take a few months. Start with side-by-side walks on neutral ground, manage space at home with gates and feed the dogs separately. Watch for stiff body language and step in early.
How can older owners make training easier?
Use equipment that reduces pulling, like a well-fitted harness, and focus on a few key skills: loose-leash walking, waiting at doors and coming when called. Short, seated practice sessions work well and are easier on joints.
Can I train my dog if I work long hours?
Yes. Short practice before and after work, a dog walker who follows the same rules and puzzle toys during the day keep progress going. Tell Raquel about your schedule so the plan fits your real life.
How do I train a dog that lives in two homes?
Agree on the same cues, rules and rewards in both homes, and share quick notes at each handover. Dogs adapt well to two households when expectations match, and struggle when the rules change from house to house.
How should guests act around my dog during training?
Ask guests to ignore your dog until it is calm, avoid reaching over its head and let the dog approach first. Give guests a treat to toss when your dog sits. Consistent guest behavior speeds up good door manners.
What should I do with my dog during a house party?
Give your dog a quiet room with water, a chew and background noise, especially if it gets nervous or jumpy with crowds. Bring it out briefly on leash if it enjoys people. Good management keeps one busy evening from undoing training.
How do I introduce my dog to a new partner or roommate?
Start with a calm meeting outdoors or on a walk, let the new person hand out treats and keep early contact short. Ask them to follow the same house rules. Most dogs warm up faster when nobody forces interaction.
Why does my dog only listen to one person in the house?
That person is usually the most consistent, with clear cues, quick rewards and the same rules every day. Have each family member run short practice sessions so your dog learns to respond to everyone, not just one favorite.
Does Raquel train the owner as well as the dog?
Yes. Reviewers often say Raquel wants both the dog and the owner to succeed, and much of each session is spent showing you what to do. That way you can guide your dog confidently every day, long after the session ends.
Does Raquel give homework between sessions?
Yes, expect practice between visits. Raquel shows you short exercises to repeat each day, because most progress happens in the days between sessions, not only during them.
Can I contact Raquel between sessions with questions?
Yes. Phone and virtual support between visits is part of how Happy Paws works: optional for adult dog plans and included for 6 months with puppy packages. Use it when something new comes up instead of guessing.
What if training doesn't seem to be working?
Tell Raquel early. Stalled progress usually means a step was too big, practice dropped off or something else is driving the behavior and needs a different approach. Adjusting the plan is a normal part of training.
Should I tip my dog trainer?
Tipping is not expected when the trainer owns the business, as Raquel does. If you are happy with the results, a review on Google or Yelp, or a referral to a friend, is often appreciated more.
Which dog breeds are easiest to train for a family?
Breeds such as Labrador and Golden Retrievers, Poodles and many herding breeds are known for learning quickly, but individual temperament matters more than breed. Meet the dog, ask about its history and match its energy to your household. Puppy training helps any breed start well.
How do I choose the right dog for my lifestyle?
Match energy level, size and grooming needs to your home, schedule and activity level. A high-drive working breed in a small apartment with long work hours is a hard fit. Spend time with the dog before committing, and ask about its history.
Should I leave the TV on for my dog?
Background sound can help some dogs relax when alone by masking hallway and street noise. It does not fix real anxiety on its own. If your dog panics, barks or chews when left alone, that needs a training plan.
Is 9 p.m. too late to walk my dog?
No, an evening walk is fine if the route is safe and well lit. In LA summers, late walks also avoid hot pavement. Use a reflective leash or light-up collar, and keep your dog close in areas where coyotes are active.
What are the signs my dog needs professional training?
Consider a trainer if behavior is getting worse, involves growling or biting, stops you from walking or having guests over, or has not improved after weeks of trying on your own. Getting help early is usually faster than fixing a habit that has set in.
Is it worth hiring a trainer for a well-behaved dog?
It can be. Training builds on good manners with skills like reliable recall, calm city walking and preparing for changes such as a move or a new baby. It also strengthens the bond between you and your dog.
