Leash Training · Los Angeles

Leash Training & Loose-Leash Walking in Los Angeles

Does your dog drag you down the block? Raquel teaches loose-leash walking at your front door, then on the streets you walk every day.

A+ RatedTraining Since 2011 ★★★★★ ExcellentGoogle Reviews ★★★★★ 4.9Yelp Reviews

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Meet Some of Raquel's Happy Students

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

Video testimonials

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Harrison & Rocky, Happy Paws client video testimonial — **Harrison & Rocky**An 80 lb bully mix, transformed

Erica & Luna, Happy Paws client video testimonial — **Erica & Luna**Severe anxiety and biting

Jana & Frankie, Happy Paws client video testimonial — **Jana & Frankie**A happier dog at home

Aussie pups, Happy Paws client video testimonial — **Aussie pups**Two Australian Shepherd puppies

Leash Training

Leash Training in Los Angeles, From Front Door to Corner

Your shoulder aches before you reach the corner. Your dog zigzags across the sidewalk, dives at every smell and hauls you uphill like a sled team. With Raquel, leash training in Los Angeles changes that daily tug-of-war into a walk you both enjoy, on the streets where you actually live.

Raquel has worked with LA families since 2011, one household at a time. Like all of her dog training in Los Angeles, leash work begins at your front door and includes everyone who holds the leash. The payoff is freedom at both ends: your dog explores without straining, and you can finally look up from the pavement.

Why Dogs Pull, and Why the Habit Sticks

Dogs pull because pulling works. Each time your dog leans into the leash and you step forward, it gets closer to the tree, the smell or the dog it wanted. Add a faster natural pace and a city full of distractions, and pulling becomes the default.

Mixed rules keep the habit alive. If you stop when your dog pulls but a partner or dog walker keeps going, your dog learns that pulling sometimes pays off. The American Kennel Club compares this to a slot machine: an occasional win keeps the behavior going (AKC, 2019).

That is why dog training for leash pulling in Los Angeles works best when every handler follows one plan. A dog leash trainer sees the exact moment the leash goes tight. Raquel’s approach, The Way of Dogs, reads what your dog is communicating on the walk and changes the human habits that feed the pulling. There is no yanking, no punishment and no handful of treats used as a lure.

How Raquel's Loose-Leash Walking Training Works

Loose-leash walking training with Raquel starts with the person holding the leash. She watches a normal walk, notes where and why the leash tightens, then teaches you a clear, calm way of walking your dog can follow. You practice until it feels natural in your own hands.

Position, Pace and a Reliable Heel

Raquel shows you where your dog should walk in relation to your leg and how to hold the leash so it stays slack. Changes of pace and direction keep your dog checking in with you. For moments that need precision, such as a crowded crosswalk, she teaches a short heel.

The Master Class, Then Your Own Streets

Training opens with the One-Day In-Home Master Class, which runs 3 to 5 hours and covers leash manners at the door. Many owners feel the difference before that first visit ends. Then come optional 1 to 2 hour follow-ups on your sidewalks and in local parks, and free advice for as long as you need it. Read the details of Raquel’s in-home training format.

One Plan for Everyone Who Walks Your Dog

Partners, teenagers and roommates all learn the same response to a tight leash, so your dog gets one clear message. If your dog also needs help with sit, stay and waiting at the door, leash work fits neatly alongside dog obedience training.

Dog Walking Training for LA Sidewalks, Hills and Beach Paths

Walking a dog in Los Angeles is rarely a quiet loop around the block. Sidewalks buckle over tree roots, hillside streets turn a stroll into a climb, and beach paths fill with bikes and strollers. Dog walking training with Raquel happens in places like these, the real test of dog leash training in Los Angeles.

There is a legal side too. Under Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 53.06.2, a dog off its owner’s property must be controlled by a competent person on a leash no longer than six feet, unless it is in a designated dog exercise area. Leash training makes those six feet feel relaxed instead of tight.

Questions About Leash Training?

Talk it through with Raquel before you book.

What leash training includes

Walks you look forward to, taught on your own streets

SkillLoose-leash walking and heel

Starts atYour home and front door

First visitMaster Class, 3 to 5 hours

ThenPractice walks of 1 to 2 hours

AfterwardFree advice between walks

CoverageLA streets, 50-mile radius

Walk Habits Raquel Helps You Change

Collars, Harnesses and Leads: Gear That Suits Your Dog

No collar, harness or leash teaches a dog to walk nicely by itself. The right gear can make walks safer and more comfortable, but the skill comes from training. Raquel considers your dog’s build, size and walking style, checks how your current gear fits, and talks you through whether anything should change.

In Australia, where Raquel grew up with German Shepherds on a remote farm, owners call this dog lead training. Whatever the name, the goal is the same: a lead that hangs in a soft curve. One LA detail: many retractable leads extend well past the six-foot city limit.

If your dog suddenly starts pulling, lagging, limping or coughing on walks, see your vet first. Pain changes how a dog moves, so Raquel will recommend a vet visit before training if anything medical might be behind it.

Leash Pulling or Leash Reactivity? How to Tell

Pulling and reactivity can both leave you with a sore arm, but the causes are not the same. A puller is eager to get somewhere. A reactive dog barks, lunges or growls at specific triggers, often other dogs, out of fear or frustration. Each needs its own plan, and the table below shows the main differences.

	Leash pulling	Leash reactivity
What drives it	Excitement and wanting to get there faster	Fear, frustration or overexcitement at a trigger
What it looks like	Steady forward pull, zigzagging, diving at smells	Barking, lunging or growling at dogs, people or bikes
When it happens	Most of the walk, from the front door on	Mainly when a particular trigger appears
Body language	Loose body, nose down, tail relaxed or wagging	Stiff body, hard stare, raised hackles
Where to start	Loose-leash walking training	Reactive dog training, with leash skills built in

Typical patterns Raquel sees on Los Angeles walks; every dog is assessed individually.

If walks fall apart mainly around other dogs, start with leash reactive dog training instead. Raquel will tell you honestly which plan suits your dog.

What Changes After Dog Leash Training With Raquel

The first thing that changes is usually how you handle the leash. You know what to do the moment it tightens, instead of hauling back or giving in. Your dog learns that a slack leash is what gets it moving, and walks start to feel like time together rather than a chore.

Once your dog walks reliably beside you, off-leash and advanced obedience training is a natural next step for extra freedom in safe, legal spaces.

Raquel is the only trainer you will deal with, start to finish. She has trained LA dogs since 2011, Happy Paws holds an A+ BBB rating, and her average rating is 4.9 on Google and Yelp alike. Her work comes with a 100 percent guarantee (ask for details), and she travels anywhere within 50 miles of Los Angeles. Meet Raquel or browse all of her training services.

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 leash training.

Dog Obedience Training

Sit, stay, come and polite greetings, proofed on real Los Angeles sidewalks.

Learn about dog obedience training →

Leash Reactive Dog Training

For dogs who bark and lunge at dogs, bikes, scooters or people on walks.

Learn about leash reactive dog training →

Off-Leash & Advanced Obedience

Reliable recall, distance stays and impulse control, proofed in real parks.

Learn about off-leash & advanced obedience →

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.
  
 
  
  
 
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Yelp reviews

Rated by Los Angeles Dog Owners on Yelp

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Reviews

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Christina F. 3 months ago

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!

Mariah Y. 4 months ago

I was very anxious about my rescue dog because he would constantly pull on walks and was very reactive toward other dogs and people. Raquel truly came to the rescue! I reached out to her very last minute, and after explaining my situation, she was incredibly understanding and was able to accommodate us right away.
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.

C W. 4 months ago

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!

Cindy M. 5 months ago

Raquel is amazing! She accomplished in five hours what my family and I, have been trying to do with my pup for a while now. She gave my family the tools we'd been missing, and even though the price is a bit steep, it's absolutely worth it. We're still a work in progress, but I can honestly say my dog feels like a new dog.
Thank you, Raquel! I wish we could keep you on speed dial forever

Pricing

How Pricing Works

Raquel prices leash training after hearing how your walks go today, so start with a quick call.

First visitMaster Class, 3 to 5 hours

ThenPractice walks of 1 to 2 hours

AfterwardFree advice between walks

WALKING QUESTIONS

Leash Training FAQs

How do I get my dog to stop pulling on the leash?

Make pulling stop paying off and make a slack leash the way forward. That takes a clear walking position, the same handling from every person and practice around real distractions. Raquel teaches it in your home first, then on your own streets, where the habit actually lives.

What is loose-leash walking?

It means your dog walks near you on a slack leash, free to look around and sniff but not pulling. It is more relaxed than a formal heel, which is why it is the everyday goal for most owners on busy LA sidewalks.

How many weeks does it take to stop leash pulling?

You may see less pulling early on, but a reliable loose leash usually takes several weeks of daily practice. Age, energy, the age of the habit and how consistently everyone walks the dog all play a part. Follow-up sessions and Raquel’s free advice keep you moving through slow patches.

What is the difference between heel and loose-leash walking?

Heel is a precise position right beside your leg, matching your pace. Loose-leash walking lets your dog roam within a slack leash. Raquel can teach both: a tidy heel for crosswalks and crowds, and an easy loose leash for the rest of the walk.

Why is my dog calm indoors but a puller outside?

Outside is far more exciting than your hallway, and a skill learned indoors does not carry over by itself. Smells, sounds and other dogs all compete for attention. That is why Raquel moves practice from your home to your sidewalk, then to busier parks and shopping streets.

Can my dog still sniff on walks while it learns?

Yes. Sniffing is how dogs take in the world. The aim is to make sniffing something your dog does on a slack leash or when you give the okay. Raquel helps you build sniff breaks into walks without undoing good manners.

Will sessions happen on my usual walking route?

In most cases, yes. Training starts at your home, often right at the front door, then follow-up sessions move to your neighborhood streets and nearby parks. Your dog learns to walk well on the routes you take every day.

Can my dog walker join the sessions?

Ask Raquel when you call. She trains the whole household, and anyone who walks your dog regularly should handle the leash the way you do. Mixed rules are a common reason pulling creeps back, so a walker on the same plan protects your progress.

Which dogs benefit most from loose-leash walking lessons?

Strong pullers, small dogs that zigzag underfoot, adolescent dogs full of energy and adult rescues who never learned leash manners. If your dog barks or lunges at other dogs, Raquel may suggest reactive dog training instead of, or alongside, leash work.

What will walks look like after working with Raquel?

Expect a dog that understands what a slack leash means and an owner who knows how to respond the moment pulling starts. Results depend on daily practice and vary from dog to dog, but the aim is walks that feel calm and manageable for whoever holds the leash.

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

Ready for a Walk Without the Tug-ofWar?

Tell me where your walks go wrong, whether it is the front gate, the hill on your street or the busy corner by the coffee shop, and I’ll sketch out where I’d begin with your dog. Rather put it in writing? Use the contact form.