Dog Behaviorist & Behavior Modification · Los Angeles
Dog Behaviorist in Los Angeles
One-on-one help for barking, jumping, chewing and fear, in your home and on your own streets.
Ask About Dog Behaviorist & Behavior Modification
Tell Raquel about your dog and what is going wrong. She will call you back to talk it through.
Your details stay private. Prefer to talk now? (323) 629-3767
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Real Los Angeles dogs, photographed by their families after training with Raquel.
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Dog Behaviorist & Behavior Modification
Dog Behavior Training That Starts With the Cause
That is how Raquel works. She has trained dogs in Los Angeles since 2011, one-on-one, in the homes and neighborhoods where problems actually happen. She coaches everyone who handles your dog, so new habits hold after she leaves. If you are still comparing options for dog training in Los Angeles, this page explains how behavior work is different.
Dog Trainer or Dog Behaviorist
A dog trainer teaches skills like sit, come and loose-leash walking. A behavior specialist works on the fear, frustration or overexcitement behind a problem. A veterinary behaviorist is a veterinarian who can diagnose medical causes and prescribe medication. Most everyday behavior problems fit the middle option, once a vet has ruled out pain or illness.
| Professional | Focus | Credentials | Good fit when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog trainer | Skills and manners: sit, stay, recall, leash walking | No license required; certifications vary | Your dog needs manners but shows no worrying behavior |
| Behavior specialist or consultant | The habits and emotions behind barking, jumping, fear and frustration | No standard title; ask about experience and methods | A problem happens often, causes stress or is getting worse |
| Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist (CAAB) | Complex behavior cases | Certified by the Animal Behavior Society: advanced degree plus years of applied experience | Behavior is intense, sudden or a safety concern |
| Veterinary behaviorist (DACVB) | Medical and behavioral causes; can prescribe medication | Veterinarian board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists | A medical cause is possible or medication may help |
Credential details: VCA Animal Hospitals
Raquel is a dog trainer whose work focuses on behavior problems. She is not a veterinarian and does not diagnose medical conditions. When pain, illness or a sudden change could be involved, she asks for a vet check before training starts. Whoever you hire, even a professional dog behaviorist, ask about their training, experience and methods, because neither title is licensed.
Questions About Dog Behaviorist & Behavior Modification?
Talk it through with Raquel before you book.
Service details
Behavior help built around your dog, your home and your routine
Breeds Raquel Has Worked With
- Pit Bull Mix
- Australian Shepherd Mix
- Havanese
- Maltipoo
- German Shepherd
- Mixed-Breed Rescue
- And Other Dogs As well
Behavior Problems Raquel Works On
Most behavior modification dog training with Raquel starts with problems like these
- Excessive barking at windows, doors or the yard
- Jumping on guests and family
- Chewing furniture, shoes and cords
- Counter-surfing and stealing food
- Mouthing and rough play
- Door dashing and doorbell chaos
- Pulling and lunging on the leash
- Guarding food, toys or furniture
- Fear of noises, people or new places
Some problems need a dedicated plan. If your dog has bitten or come close to it, start with aggressive dog training. For barking and lunging at other dogs on walks, see leash reactive dog training. For panic when left alone, separation anxiety and fearful dog training is the better fit. Not sure which applies? Compare all of Raquel’s training services, or ask her on the first call.
Excessive Barking Dog Training in Los Angeles
Excessive barking almost always means something: an alert, boredom, fear, frustration or a habit that earns attention. A dog trainer for excessive barking should find out which one it is before teaching anything, because the fix for a bored dog is different from the fix for a scared one.
Raquel watches where and when the barking starts: at the window, the door, the yard, the car or the crate. She then teaches your dog a calmer response and shows you when to step in, before the barking builds.
In apartments, duplexes and homes close to the sidewalk, barking quickly turns into a neighbor problem, and repeated complaints can lead to warnings and fines. Working on it early protects your dog and your relationship with the people next door.
How Behavior Modification Works With Raquel
Behavior modification with Raquel follows four steps, and Raquel handles every one herself: a phone conversation, a One-Day In-Home Master Class, follow-up sessions where the problem happens, and phone support between visits.
1. A Phone Call About Your Dog
Describe the behavior, when it started and what you have already tried. Raquel will tell you honestly whether she can help, or whether your dog should see a vet first.
2. The One-Day In-Home Master Class
Body: Raquel spends 3 to 5 hours in your home, watching your dog in its real environment and coaching everyone who handles it. You finish with a clear plan and the skills to follow it. See how private in-home dog training works.
3. Follow-Up Sessions
Body: Park and neighborhood sessions of 1 to 2 hours put the plan to work around real triggers: other dogs, bikes, skateboards, delivery drivers and busy LA sidewalks.
4. Phone Support
Optional phone support for 1 to 3 months lets you ask about a setback the day it happens, instead of waiting for the next session.
The Way of Dogs: Calm Leadership Over Quick Fixes
The Way of Dogs is Raquel’s name for her approach. It means reading what your dog is telling you, giving it structure and routine, and changing the human habits that keep a problem going. Clients often say the biggest change was in how they handle their dog, not only in the dog itself.
That is why sessions include the whole household. A plan only works when everyone gives the same cues, keeps the same rules and responds the same way when the doorbell rings. Read how Raquel started Happy Paws.
Why Los Angeles Owners Trust Raquel With Behavior Problems
- Since 2011: training dogs and coaching families across Los Angeles.
- BBB A+: accredited by the Better Business Bureau since 2016.
- Rated 4.9: on both Google and Yelp.
- One trainer: the person you call is the person who trains you and your dog.
- AKC background: an American Kennel Club training background behind her methods.
Meet Raquel, the trainer behind Happy Paws, before you book
More ways Raquel helps
Related Dog Training Services
Most dogs need a mix of skills. Raquel builds one plan around your dog, so these often fit together with dog behaviorist & behavior modification.
Safety-first help for dogs who guard, growl, snap or fight other dogs.
For dogs who bark and lunge at dogs, bikes, scooters or people on walks.
Help for dogs who panic, bark or chew when they are left alone.
Google reviews
What Dog Owners Say About Raquel
Yelp reviews
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
Pricing
How Pricing Works
Every dog is different, so Raquel gives a quote after a short call about your dog.
Still have questions?
Dog Behaviorist FAQs
When should a dog see a behaviorist?
Get behavior help when a problem happens most days, is getting worse, or puts people or other animals at risk. If an adult dog’s behavior changes suddenly, such as new growling or accidents indoors, see your vet first. Pain and illness often show up as behavior changes.
Do dog behaviorists actually work?
Behavior work can make a real difference when the cause is understood and the household practices the plan every day. Most problems improve step by step rather than overnight. Progress depends on your dog’s history, how long the habit has run and how consistently everyone follows through between sessions.
How do I correct my dog's bad behavior?
Interrupt the behavior calmly, show your dog what to do instead, and reward that choice. Then change what sets it off, for example by blocking a window, clearing the counters or adding exercise. Yelling and punishment tend to add stress and can make fear-based problems worse.
What is the most common behavior problem in dogs?
Barking, jumping on people, chewing, pulling on the leash and trouble being left alone are among the most common reasons owners ask for help. Aggression is one of the most common reasons dogs are referred to specialists, because of the safety risk it carries.
How do I stop my dog from barking at the doorbell?
Teach the doorbell to mean “go to your spot.” Ring it at a quiet moment, send your dog to a mat or bed and reward calm. Practice in short sessions before real guests arrive, and keep a leash on during visits so jumping and door dashing are not rehearsed.
What is the 3 bark rule?
The 3 bark rule is an informal guideline: let your dog bark two or three times to alert you, then calmly cue “quiet” and reward the silence. It respects a dog’s natural alert while stopping one bark from turning into ten minutes of noise.
What happens if a neighbor complains about my dog barking in Los Angeles?
In the City of Los Angeles, LA Animal Services handles barking complaints. In unincorporated areas and some contract cities, LA County Animal Care and Control sends a warning, gives the owner 10 days to reduce the noise, then can issue citations starting at $100. Working on the barking early helps avoid both.
Why does my dog jump all over visitors?
Most dogs jump to greet faces and to get attention, and it keeps working because people look, talk or push back. Ask visitors to ignore the jumping, reward four paws on the floor, and give your dog a job at the door, such as sitting on a mat.
At what age do dogs stop chewing everything?
Teething usually eases once adult teeth are in, at around 6 to 7 months, but many dogs keep chewing for comfort or boredom. Destructive chewing in an adult dog often points to too little exercise, too few safe chews or stress when left alone.
Does pet insurance cover a dog behaviorist?
Sometimes. Some policies cover behavioral therapy when a veterinarian diagnoses a behavior condition, but routine dog training is usually not covered. Deductibles, waiting periods and limits vary, so check your policy and ask your insurer what paperwork it needs before you book.
What is the difference between behavioral dog training and obedience?
Obedience training teaches cues such as sit and stay. Behavioral dog training, Raquel’s focus as a dog behaviorist, looks at why your dog reacts, guards or panics and changes that underlying response.
Didn’t find your question? See the complete Happy Paws FAQ list.
Talk to Raquel About Your Dog's Behavior
Tell me what your dog is doing and where it happens, and I’ll tell you how I would approach it. You will speak with me directly, from the first call to the last follow-up. Prefer to write? Send me a message.
