Off-Leash & Advanced Obedience · Los Angeles

Off-Leash & Advanced Dog Training in Los Angeles

Recall that holds when a squirrel bolts, stays that work across a lawn, and clear judgment about where off-leash belongs.

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

Amanda & Brad, Happy Paws client video testimonial — **Amanda & Brad**Helping their adopted dog settle

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

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

Off-Leash & Advanced Obedience

Off-Leash Dog Training for Real Los Angeles Life

Off-leash dog training in Los Angeles comes down to one moment: you call, and your dog turns away from something exciting and comes straight back. Raquel builds that reliability in stages, first at home, then in the parks and streets your dog knows best.

The goal is not a dog that roams wherever it likes. It is a dog you can trust where off-leash time is allowed, and one that stays tuned in to you on leash everywhere else.

Raquel has coached LA dogs and owners since 2011, and off-leash work is where every earlier lesson in dog training in Los Angeles gets tested, with joggers, skateboards and other dogs competing for attention.

Is Your Dog Ready for Off-Leash Training?

Most dogs are ready to begin off-leash work once they answer basic cues at home and on walks without being asked twice. Readiness depends less on age than on habits: how often your dog checks in with you, and how quickly it settles after excitement or a scare.

Raquel assesses this on the first visit. Here is what she looks for, and what usually means groundwork comes first:

If the basics are shaky, dog obedience training lays the foundation, and loose-leash walking lessons sort out pulling. Raquel will tell you plainly which stage your dog is at.

Dog Recall Training That Holds Up Around Distractions

A reliable recall means your dog comes back the first time you call, in the kitchen or at a crowded dog park. Most recall problems are not about the word you use. They come from the gap between a quiet house and a world full of squirrels, food wrappers and other dogs.

Recall dog training with Raquel closes that gap one level at a time, raising the difficulty only after your dog succeeds. She coaches your tone and timing, and adds an emergency stop for moments when a recall is too slow.

Honesty matters here. Veterinary behavior experts at VCA Animal Hospitals note that even a well-trained dog can give in to a tempting distraction, which is why off-leash time belongs in safe, legal spaces.

Why Recall Falls Apart in the Teenage Months

Many owners watch a puppy’s perfect recall vanish around four months old. VCA explains that puppies explore much more from about 14 to 16 weeks, and most dogs are not fully mature until two to three years old. Raquel plans dog recall training around this stage, so a teenage slump is expected, not a failure.

Questions About Off-Leash & Advanced Obedience?

Talk it through with Raquel before you book.

What the program covers

Off-leash skills, built in stages your dog can pass

Best forDogs with solid basic manners

Core skillsRecall, distance stays, place

Starting pointMaster Class in your home

Practice groundLA parks and neighborhoods

Ongoing helpFree advice while you proof

Where she worksLA parks within 50 miles

Skills on the Road to Off-Leash

Distance Commands, Place and Impulse Control

Advanced obedience gives your dog jobs it can do away from your side. Distance commands let you stop or drop your dog from across a field. Place and impulse control teach it to wait calmly when every instinct says run. Together, these skills make off-leash time safer for your dog and calmer for everyone nearby.

Distance down: a drop that works across a lawn, so your dog can be stopped before it reaches a jogger, a child or a path.
Place: your dog goes to a bench, blanket or bed and stays there, handy at sidewalk cafes and Griffith Park picnics.
Leave it: turns your dog away from dropped food, trash and wildlife.
Check-ins: your dog glances back at you without being asked, the quiet habit underneath every other skill.

Raquel teaches these skills to the whole household, not only the person holding the leash. Advanced
dog training in Los Angeles works only when your dog hears the same cues from everyone it lives with.

How Dog Off-Leash Training With Raquel Is Structured

Dog off-leash training with Raquel moves through clear stages, and your dog earns each one. It opens with a One-Day In-Home Master Class, continues with park and neighborhood sessions, and comes with free advice for as long as you need it. Raquel runs every session herself, from assessment to finish.

Stage	Where it happens	What your dog shows before moving on
1. Foundation	Your home, during the 3 to 5 hour Master Class	Fast responses to name, recall and stay with the family around
2. Mild distractions	Your street, yard or a quiet corner of a park	Comes back while people pass and smells pull at it
3. Real-world pressure	1 to 2 hour sessions in LA parks and busier neighborhoods	Holds a stay and returns with dogs, bikes and joggers nearby
4. Off-leash freedom	Legal, fenced areas such as City of LA dog parks	Steady check-ins, a dependable recall and an emergency stop

Stages Raquel uses with Los Angeles dogs; each dog moves on only when it is ready. Dog park locations: LA Recreation and Parks.

If you searched for off-leash dog training near me anywhere in Los Angeles, or within 50 miles of it, Raquel comes to you. The Master Class is charged by the visit, not the hour. Private in-home dog training explains the first visit in more detail.

Where Off-Leash Is Legal in Los Angeles

LA Animal Services keeps the rule simple for city residents: your dog stays on leash unless it is in your own fenced yard or a dog park that allows off-leash exercise. Sidewalks, trails and park lawns outside designated dog areas are leash-only, however good your dog’s recall is.

The Department of Recreation and Parks lists 13 city dog parks, from Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon to Sepulveda Basin and Westwood. Even there, posted rules call for a leash in the parking area under LAMC 53.06.2, and puppies younger than four months cannot go in.

Raquel builds her program around those rules. Recall and distance skills are proofed where your dog stays leashed, and full freedom is saved for legal, fenced spaces. If your dog is unsure around other dogs, dog socialization and park training is a useful first step.

Why Owners Choose Raquel for Off-Leash Goals

Off-leash work depends on consistency, and with Raquel you keep one trainer from first call to last session. She brings an American Kennel Club training background and more than a decade in Los Angeles. Happy Paws has kept a BBB A+ rating since 2016, and Raquel holds 4.9-star ratings on Google and Yelp alike.

The Way of Dogs, Raquel’s method, means listening to your dog’s signals and fixing the owner habits that quietly undo good recall. Recall is never built on bribes or punishment, and her work comes with a 100 percent guarantee (ask for details). Meet Raquel or browse every service Happy Paws offers.

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 off-leash & advanced obedience.

Dog Obedience Training

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

Learn about dog obedience training →

Leash Training

Loose-leash walking from your front door to the busiest blocks in town.

Learn about leash training →

Dog Socialization & Park Training

Calm behavior around dogs and people in real parks and on busy sidewalks.

Learn about dog socialization & park training →

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

Write a Review

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

Off-leash timelines depend on your dog’s age, drive and history, so Raquel quotes once she knows your dog.

First visitMaster Class, 3 to 5 hours

ThenFollow-ups of 1 to 2 hours

AfterwardFree advice as habits settle

RECALL AND OFF-LEASH

Off-Leash Training Questions

Is off-leash training safe?

Yes, when it happens in stages and only where off-leash is legal and fenced. The danger comes from rushing: letting a dog loose before its recall holds around real distractions. Raquel keeps your dog leashed in public until each skill is proven, and tells you honestly if full off-leash is not realistic.

What is advanced obedience?

Advanced obedience means the basics keep working at a distance, around distractions and for longer. Think of a recall from across a park, a down-stay while a jogger passes, or a dog that waits at an open gate. It also covers impulse control and check-ins, the skills that make off-leash time possible.

How long before I can trust my dog off leash?

Expect months rather than weeks. Recall has to hold in your house, then your street, then a busy park, and each step takes practice. Age, breed drive and how consistently your household follows the plan all change the timeline. Raquel tells you where your dog stands after the first session.

At what age can a dog be trained off-leash?

Foundation skills can start in puppyhood, but full off-leash freedom usually comes later. Many puppies lose their recall in adolescence, and VCA notes most dogs are not fully mature until two to three years old. City of LA dog parks also do not admit puppies under four months.

Can a dog with a high prey drive learn to be off leash?

Some can with steady work, and some should stay inside a fence for life. Hounds, terriers, huskies and other chase-driven dogs can ignore any cue once they lock onto a cat or squirrel. Raquel works on focus and impulse control with these dogs, and she is honest about their limits.

Why does my dog come when called at home but not at the park?

The park is a much harder test. Dogs do not transfer skills easily, so a recall learned in the kitchen has to be practiced again around grass, smells and other dogs. Recall also weakens when the cue gets repeated and ignored. Raquel rebuilds it in real places, one distraction level at a time.

Does my dog have to know the basics first?

Yes. Your dog should already respond to its name, sit, lie down and walk without heavy pulling. If those are patchy, Raquel starts there, often within the same plan, so off-leash work rests on cues your dog truly knows. Skipping the basics usually means rebuilding them later.

Can a dog that lunges at other dogs go off leash?

Not until the reactivity is under control. A dog that lunges at other dogs on leash is a safety risk off leash, especially in a dog park. Raquel usually starts with reactive dog training, then adds recall and distance work once your dog stays calm near its triggers.

Which places does Raquel use for off-leash sessions?

Training starts in your home with the Master Class, then moves to parks, quiet streets and busier neighborhoods across Los Angeles, chosen to match your dog’s level. Full off-leash practice happens only in legal, fenced areas such as city dog parks, never near traffic.

How involved does my household need to be?

Very. Short recall and stay sessions should fit into your daily routine, with everyone using the same cues and rules. Raquel leaves the whole household with a clear plan after each visit, plus free advice whenever you need it. Off-leash reliability comes from repetition by the people your dog lives with.

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

Tell Raquel What Your Dog Chases

Describe what sets your dog running, where it tunes you out and how it answers to its name today. I’ll give you an honest read on whether off-leash is realistic and how I would build toward it. Prefer to write it out? Message me here.