customized training for your one-of-a-kind dog

1:1 Sessions

The ideal choice if you want personalized attention that is tailored to your dog and your lifestyle.

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Remote Coaching

Remote training via telephone or video app is a convenient way to get training from the comfort of your own home.

Remote training for Obedience

Remote training for Detection

Scent work

Expert training for the Detection K9 Handler, SAR Handler, Sport Nosework competitor, or just for your dog’s enrichment.

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SONJA’S APPROACH

SONJA aims to improve your bond with your dog through effective communication. Her experience with dogs spans not only decades but a multiple of disciplines. She has a treasure trove of training techniques which prioritize trust and obedience to help you and your dog find a balance between your dog's desires and the necessary behaviors your dog needs to be a good canine citizen. Whether you want a well-behaved hiking companion, a polite house dog, or a dog that excels in competition or the working K9 field, SONJA can help you to achieve your training goals.

professional references

  • Steve Stoops

    I have had the honor to know Sonja as a fellow trainer since 1998. Traveling the globe and training with the top military, police and sport trainers in the world, I have learned that there are two types of Dog Trainers, those who are about "procedure" (can only parrot what they have seen or been shown) and those who are about substance (innovative and have an instinctual feel.) Sonja falls in the latter category which is a very small group in our profession. Couple this with her unmatched integrity, you have a bulletproof system for you and your dog.

    Steve Stoops -World renowned Police and Special Operations Military K9 Trainer

  • Sue Chipperton

    I first met Sonja in 1996 when we both joined a Search and Rescue (SAR) group in Los Angeles. Over the years I have watched Sonja excel at every turn when it comes to any of the dog training fields that she has chosen to participate in. She loves her dogs more than anyone I have ever met. Her training practices are very clear and fair to her dogs, with an emphasis on always setting her dogs up to succeed. I highly recommend Sonja for all your dog training needs, she has advised me many times over the years with successful results.

    Sue Chipperton - Studio Animal Trainer / Author "A Famous Dog's Life" about Gidget, the iconic Taco Bell Chihuahua

  • Brian Lee

    I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Sonja since we first met in 1996 at Los Angeles Search Dogs training. I immediately recognized her extreme professionalism and intellect that put her head and shoulders above any other team. Sonja truly lives and breathes dogs 24/7 and her understanding of working dogs is nothing short of phenomenal. She has a wide range of knowledge and experience, ranging from simple obedience for the family dog, complex Nosework and Detection, and expertise in dog sport and obedience arena. Sonja has my highest recommendation as an expert in dog behavior and training.

    Brian Lee – Owner of Way of the Dog. Brian is a premier behavioral counselor and trainer in Los Angeles with over 35 years experience.

Demonstration of impulse control/food refusal and connection

Slo-mo Trained Final Response (TFR) for small odor source

Client’s Nosework “sport-mix” learning to work through distractions and giving TFR

“Sonja is a life changer. I've never met a person with a better understanding of animal behavior. My dog, who doesn't like just anyone, immediately responded to her. She just has that kind of presence and she can teach you her magic if you're willing to work hard…

…Sonja, you have given me hope that if I work hard, our dog will not only be cherished and loved, he will be a safe, reliable and appropriately protective member of our family for the rest of his life.  I can't even tell you how you've changed my life.”

Carrie R. ~ Park City, UT

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