My husband and I were first-time dog owners when we rescued Ziggy, a…read morehigh-energy Australian Cattle Dog with a lot of love and personality. We feel incredibly lucky that we found Brian. We were well-intentioned, but we didn't fully understand how to best meet Ziggy's needs or channel his energy. Brian's guidance was invaluable in teaching us how to raise a confident, well-adjusted dog and how to better understand what Ziggy was communicating to us. He helped us learn how to socialize Ziggy thoughtfully with other dogs, people, bikes, vehicles, animals, and all the stimulation that comes with everyday life. He also taught us how to recognize what was driving certain behaviors and how to respond in a way that helped Ziggy learn, build confidence, and develop good habits. Ziggy is now nine months old, and people constantly comment on how calm, social, and well-behaved he is--especially for such a young, high-energy dog. We credit so much of that to what Brian taught us. What makes Brian's program so unique is that he doesn't just train your dog--he teaches you how to understand and raise your dog. I genuinely believe our experience as first-time dog owners would have been very different without his guidance. We now have an incredibly happy, confident dog who plays well with others and fits beautifully into our lives. I could not recommend Brian more highly. Thank you, Brian, for everything.

TL;DR: The Way of the Dog is, quite literally, the best dog training experience in Los Angeles…read more Brian Lee is a pillar of the South Bay dog community. Across Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes, and beyond, a surprising number of dog owners I've met have trained with him at some point -- and without exception, they speak highly of the experience. That reputation alone says a lot. What you get is not a typical obedience class. The program consists of five focused, no-nonsense behaviorist sessions grounded in a deep understanding of dog psychology, plus ongoing, supervised pack-socialization events (think structured dog parties, not chaotic dog parks). The emphasis is on how dogs think, not on rote commands. The training style is dense, unconventional, and unapologetically dogmatic -- in a good way. Brian does not start with commands. Instead, he teaches you to understand your dog as a born hunter with physical, mental, and social needs. Once you understand that framework, behaviors fall into place naturally. Watching him settle a dog mid-zoomie without a single command honestly looks like magic. If your goal is to teach tricks or formal commands, I'd recommend pairing this additionally with a balanced-method obedience school. I would not recommend "positive-reinforcement-only" programs like Zoom Room. In my experience -- and based on what I've seen firsthand -- that approach often fails in real-world situations. Many of the worst-behaved dogs I've encountered came out of those programs, including ours. So why listen to Brian? He has over 40 years of experience and has worked with more than 40,000 dogs. And in a time when "positive reinforcement only" has become the fashionable -- and often misleading -- default, The Way of the Dog is one of the few remaining programs that actually produces calm, stable, well-behaved dogs. We ended up here because Zoom Room training failed us badly. Our puppy was biting us so severely that I seriously considered rehoming her. This program changed everything. We learned how to be kind and strong leaders, how to meet our dog's core needs, and how to train both her and ourselves consistently -- especially through the very real chaos of the "teenage dog" phase. This business deserves five-star reviews across the board. If you look at the rare one-star reviews, they simply don't add up -- and Brian has already addressed them directly. Complaints about "teaching commands" are fake; and complaints about "fear-based training" miss the entire point of the program. Brian is direct, honest, and doesn't sugarcoat reality -- which is exactly what many people need, even if they don't want to hear it. In short, based on both my own experience and consistent feedback from other dog owners, our dog now behaves 10x better than most dogs we encounter -- calmer, more disciplined, and far less reactive. And yes, I'm officially a dog snob now. I have zero tolerance for poorly trained dogs at parks -- especially humping, biting humans, or owners who excuse bad behavior. Once you've seen what good training actually looks like, there's no going back.

At the last minute I had to find a pet sitter and found Fancy Tails thru social media. After…read moretalking with Tracy I realized she is a true pet lover:) because my Bruno is a Service Dog I knew she would take good care of him, and he'd be safe and happy. After I spoke with Tracy I told my friend that I was going to the event with and he said "I know Tracy, she is highly recommended and has a stellar reputation with taking care of our furry friends. While I was at my event she sent lots of pictures while he was on his walk and hanging happy with his new puppy friends, it gave me peace of mind. She even offered to pet taxi him back to me when I returned home. 5 stars to Tracy & Fancy Tails

Tracy watched Princess Buttercup while I was having surgery. As the name says, she is a Princess…read moreand requires such treatment. My dog is super picky who she chooses to like and be nice to, and Tracy took her in with open arms to help me out during my time of need. She's local which I love and had so many great reviews online. This is also her only and full time job which was also very important to me when searching for the right pet sitter. I used a Vet Tech once, but I preferred Tracy over the VT because she has all the time in the world to spend cuddling with Buttercup (and she has vet tech skills)! I will be using her again. Grateful to have found Fancy Tails.

I had such an amazing experience bringing two puppies to this academy. The trainers are incredibly…read morepatient and really know how to handle even the most energetic dogs. They take you through the whole process bybhand. I would highly recommend this place to anyone looking for help training or learning about how to handle a new puppy.

The Puppy Academy in Hermosa Beach has been crucial in my family's journey in raising a puppy. We…read morehave a Doberman Pinscher puppy who started at the Puppy Academy around almost 3 months old. They built a structured routine for our puppy which set the perfect foundation for good habits and positive behavior. Our puppy learned many things from commands such as sit, stay, proper walking, come here, lay down, place, house. I think the most important thing built though was the potty training and the socialization provided. Puppies NEED early socialization to develop into confident and friendly dogs. We have happy to see our puppy grow (and still growing) into a friendly, brave "teenager" puppy. Friendly play style! A Doberman is a high energy and demanding dog breed. Normally I would train our puppy fully on my own as I did with prior Dobermans I had in the past, but due to demanding work hours and obligations, I am so grateful for the opportunity The Puppy Academy provided during these critical socialization and learning periods. They train and interact with the puppy all day until I pick him up after work. Then I can continue with following their training methods throughout our time at home and on the weekends. It made it so easy! I wish I had the Puppy Academy all along for my prior dogs too. I'm impressed with the friendly staff and how well they did with our puppy! Even though our puppy has completed the program and graduated, we have still seen ease with the teenager/adolescent phase and training on our own again because of all the Puppy Academy set up for us. Thank you!!

We can't say enough good things about A Bark Idea. Frankie is a very shy dog, so finding a boarding…read moreplace where she feels comfortable has been difficult. At other places she comes home anxious and unsettled, but that has never happened here. The staff truly cares about the dogs, and the personalized updates they send are thoughtful and reassuring. We love that they keep the number of dogs small so the environment never feels chaotic or overwhelming. Every update shows Frankie looking relaxed and genuinely happy, and she always comes home healthy, calm, and in a great mood. It's completely worth it for the peace of mind when we travel. And the occasional complimentary surprise bath before pickup is such a nice bonus!

A Bark Idea has a second location in Marina del Rey!!!! The space has been designed beautifully and…read moreis so welcoming for the doggies!!! My Toula has been with A Bark Idea since she was NINE WEEKS old (she'll be 3 years in December!) and it's been such an amazing place for her! She is so well-cared for and EVERY SINGLE PERSON that works there genuinely LOVES your pup!!! Toula went through training when she first started and we still practice at home all the time. She's such a good girl and has very good manners! When I have to board her, I know I am leaving her in the BEST environment and care. I can go on vacation (or have surgery!) without worrying about her. She's not crated and just walked a few times a day. She is playing with her buddies (human and furry friends!) and living her best life! The locations are clean and she has NEVER gotten sick or had an injury. Toula spent the day in MDR; I'm trying to figure out how to get her there (at least once a week!) given I work/live in the South Bay. I think being in a different location is good for her and she'll meet new friends (maybe your fur baby?). :) A Bark Idea is truly Toula's home away from home!

I have a bit of a.... stubborn.... Bulldog (Winston)and Serena and team do a fantastic job at…read moreproviding both walks and pet sittings. Sandy paws is the only service I have tried where Winston is actually super excited when he sees them. Her team is attentive, caring, reliable and extremely professional. They even offer this amazing service where they pop in a few times a day to feed and hang out with him when I am away for long day. I cannot recommend Sandy Paws enough for your pet!

I absolutely love Sandy Paws! My dog waits by the door for his walker to arrive and always comes…read moreback happy and tired (which he definitely needs!). Every walker I've had over the years clearly loves dogs, and they always send a personalized update after each walk along with the most adorable photos. Since we only have one dog, the group walks are also a great way for him to socialize with other dogs in the neighborhood. It's so cute when we're out walking and he spots a buddy from his walks, they immediately gravitate toward each other. I couldn't be happier with the care and attention Sandy Paws provides!

Tim, or as my doggies and I like to call him, "Mister Tim," is a lifesaver! His training works,…read moreand he's changed our lives for the better. If your dog's behavior is causing you stress or worry, call Tim today. He's the perfect person to help you. My doggie was found on the street when she was little and had scratches and scars as a puppy from being beaten up by other dogs. She understandably had a lot of fear aggression toward other doggos. When I got her when she was 6 months old, she would bark, lunge, and generally act like the apocalypse was coming every time we saw another doggo on leash. It got to the point where I dreaded walks with her. We found Mister Tim on Yelp, and he started helping us. He was quick to respond, always on time, and easy to schedule appointments with. As a single woman, he always made me feel safe, and was always professional. He came up with techniques to help us that were specific to my dog, not generic stuff that you find on YouTube. He was also so understanding and gentle with my pup. He quickly became one of her favorite humans. We took lessons with Mister Tim on and off for about 5 months. 2 years later, my pup is able to walk, sit, heel, and interact with other dogs on-leash in a calm and safe way. We get compliments from strangers multiple times a day on how well-behaved she is. What she has learned has even transferred to her interactions with other animals, like the cats at her pet sitter's house. What I find most important is that the things Tim taught us continue to be helpful, and my doggie continues to improve over time. At this point, her behavior is way better than anything I ever thought I could expect of her. Thank you, Mister Tim, for helping us!

I cannot recommend Tim enough for your fur baby!…read more Tim worked with our Great Dane/German Shepard mix for puppy training when he was just 4 months old, and again for "boot camp" when our dog was just under 18 months old. Tim taught our puppy the basics of potty training, to more advanced commands. He helped us get rid of our dog's "resource guarding" food habits, and made it so I could take him on walks without being pulled around! Tim's passion and love for dogs shines through in his interactions. He is kind, a clear communicator, and an expert in his field. Let Tim give your doggy the help they need!

Highly recommend Zoom Room Torrance for training your puppy/dog! We've been taking classes there…read moresince Nov 2025, when our pup, Astro, turned 4mo. Astro (as well as my husband and I) have enjoyed and benefitted from all the classes we've taken (Puppy Training, Puppy Agility, Obedience). The training content and methods are logical and effective (especially if you put in extra time outside of the classes). One of the most beneficial aspects is taking the class with other dogs, people, and distractions nearby. The staff is incredibly kind and knowledgable. We also love the flexibility of booking classes around our busy schedule.

Everything! The nicest most efficient methods of training for owners and everyone has a great time!!read more

Meadow absolutely loves everyone at Love Ur K9! The entire family and staff have truly become like…read morea second family to her. She is always so excited to go and I never have to worry because I know she's being loved, cared for, and treated like one of their own. They know her personality so well and genuinely care about her, which means so much to me. Whether it's daycare, training, or boarding, I always feel completely comfortable leaving her with them. I'm so grateful we found a place where Meadow feels so happy and at home. And of course, they always make sure their little diva gets all the love and attention she thinks she deserves We love the entire Love Ur K9 family!

I highly recommend Love Ur K9 for dog training, boarding and daycare! The absolute BEST you will…read morefind! I make the drive from Venice because they are so amazing and I trust the guidance and care they give, and I see and experience the results so I know what they are teaching me works. Toya has an incredible gift for teaching dog owners how to become calm, confident leaders and build a happy, healthy relationship with their dogs--without relying on treats for compliance. The focus is on communication, trust, structure, and understanding your dog's needs. I absolutely love the Saturday am training groups where we take the dogs in group trainings to stimulating environments like walking the beach so we can apply the skills in real time and in real settings. What surprised me most is that the lessons extend far beyond dog training. Toya has taught me valuable lessons about leadership, consistency, patience, and how I show up in life. For that, I'm incredibly grateful. I also appreciate how they understand giant breeds like my 185lb Great Dane, all the way to the tiniest breeds. I have a stronger bond because of this experience, and I'm excited to see Love Ur Canine's new Redondo Beach location and doggy daycare continue to grow. Highly recommend Toya, Kevin, and their skilled team to anyone looking to transform their relationship with their dog.

I amount of appreciation and respect I have for Justine is on another level. Not only did she have…read morepatience for my 1 year old (now 2yr old) female German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix (Harley), but she also had patience for me. She was constantly reassuring me that I was doing great. If I did not understand what she was telling me, she would gladly explain it another way. With her, you automatically feel like she is rooting for you to succeed. I spent a lot of time and energy practicing what Justine taught me and it 100% paid off. Harley was a psycho one year old dog that I adopted from the shelter in May 2025; I started Bark Busters in Aug/Sept 2025. Fast forward to July 2026 and Harley is a completely different dog. We trained on leash walking (the most important for me), recall, and various other things. Justine is extremely supportive of the fact that I want Harley to learn more things. If it wasn't for Justine, I have no idea where Harley would be at today. Everyone praises Harley for being a good girl, but I always tell them who helped me with her. Thank you Justine!

We've had a fantastic experience working with Justine from Bark Busters m. She works with both our…read morepuppy and our 4-year-old dog together while still paying close attention to their individual needs and personalities. Her calm, knowledgeable approach makes the training easy to understand and practical to apply in our daily routine. We've already seen great progress with both dogs, and Justine does a great job explaining the "why" behind the training so we can stay consistent between sessions. She's reliable, encouraging, and clearly cares about helping both the dogs and their owners succeed. I highly recommend Justine and the Bark Busters program to anyone looking for thoughtful, effective in-home training.

Took advantage of their Spring Break special, which included a bath, to board my pup for a week…read more(Sat-Sat). It had been almost a year since we last boarded but Ethan helped us get acclimated to the new policies and was super accommodating, even working with me on pick-up when my return flight was delayed. A true life-saver. All the staff are always kind and helpful and they really love on the animals, which I appreciate. They also regularly update with photos and emails to keep you in the loop which is very reassuring. Loki loves it there and is always wiped out when she returns. (She's been napping all day. Very clearly a happy girl ).

A little long but it's been nothing less than eventful with this place. I had hight hopes for this…read moreplace as the hours are so convenient for our family's busy schedules. Unfortunately, this place was a HUGE disappointment and had a huge negative impact on our pup. Long story short -- Everything here is a sales grab. The few girls care for the animals but the "managers" and men there are just there for the commission of your packages. I had a whole conversation about their unethical sales pitching with the employee while picking up my dog lol. It's "how they keep the place open" - the employee's words, not mine. Astounding. Said employee also asked what I did for a living because I questioned their sales pitch tactics -- I'm in sales. Also, If you need their VIP services for your unspayed or neutered pup, please spend your money elsewhere!! Before committing to a membership, we did a trial day and spent hundreds on drop in days, grooming, and overnight boarding to see if it was a good fit for our high energy pup. Our dog is not neutered and we don't plan on getting him neutered so we chose their VIP rooms. His breed is also extremely high energy and they promised they could accommodate. I also inquired about training multiple times and they kept saying the trainer would contact me. Everything went great after those few visits, they seemed caring and said he was a great fit for a membership so we end up signing up. Then everything went downhill. Upon the first day of the membership, our dog all of a sudden had behavior issues and needed to be picked up. In the middle of my work day I call the shift manager, and he states that if we want our dog to stay, he needs training ... (from their same trainer that I've inquired 3x about before committing to a membership, still haven't heard back). I asked why this wasn't communicated ever before committing to a membership and they didn't have an answer. I informed them that I would've paid for training before committing to a membership if they would've let me know that there were any issues. Our dog went a couple of more times until they could finally get me in touch with the trainer, 6 visits later. Actually I had lost complete trust at this facility. To add insult to injury, I was able to speak to one of their actual workers that is with the dogs and she let me know that our dog is only let out for about 10 minutes at a time, maybe 3 to 4 times a day during a 12 hour stay. This is their VIP option. So not only is he left in a room for about 12 hours a day, with dogs barking all around him, he's not being stimulated nor played with just being let out to go to the bathroom. Contradicting everything they say that they offer. Their "trainer" is also a joke. He is supposed to be from the Marines and well-versed in the breed of dog that we have. Upon washing him for 5 minutes, as I was told, he said that our dog needed to be neutered before he could be trained because of his energy. Our dog is a Malinois and is not supposed to be neutered before 2 years of age. We've since went elsewhere to get our dog trained from someone who is actually educated on his breed and he's worked on all of his anxiety and reactivity issues that our pup got because of this place.