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Meet Ellen

Thank you so much for checking out my website
and inquiring about my services.

 

I am an expert in dog behavior with 15 years of experience in helping dog families just like yours.

Whether we are working together in our training sessions, or I am working one-on-one with your dog, each encounter is rooted in science and delivered with skill, compassion and love. 

We also have a whole lot of fun!

Ellen Naumann

The Importance of Science in Dog Behavior

Learning the science behind dog behavior modification and training is the source of my education as a dog trainer. 

My skill is developed at seminars, workshops and through a network of professional trainers from around the world who continue to educate and inspire me to do the best job that I can for your dog. 

My compassion and love for dog training comes from the heart.

Dog Behavior and Training
Certifications

I am a Certified Behavior Adjustment Training Instructor (CBATI-KSA ) and held certification with Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CPDT-KA) from 2011 – 2022.  My role with Behavior Adjustment Training began in 2013 assisting, developing and overseeing certification in BAT, worldwide.  I also had the privilege of teaching BAT Certification Courses to the international professional training community. 

Collaborating with other professionals is key to growth as a trainer. I was honored to be the 2017 and 2018 co-facilitator of the Southern California Dog Trainers Forum where trainers from all over Southern CA attend our monthly presentations, and informative discussion.

Dog Training and Behavior Experience

I began my career in dog training by volunteering at the Los Angeles County Animal Shelter in Agoura Hills. It was here that I experienced first hand the tremendous variety of breeds, dispositions, and behavior issues. I also realized how just a little bit of training could have a huge impact on the dog and their future families. 

Inspired by the transformations at the shelter – and most importantly from my own dog Beatrix –  I soon began devoting my time to working with dogs on a professional level. I left the music industry after 20+ years and haven’t looked back. I’ve had the sincere honor of working with families all around the country; too many to count but each with a special memory. Many have written about their experience so be sure to check out my 50+ Five Star Google Reviews scrolling down below, or testimonials here or on Facebook. As a full-time resident on the Central Coast, I am so excited to serve the community that I love so dearly. 

Shelters/Humane Societies remain close to my heart and I enjoy consulting them when needed. A highlight was teaching a BAT course at the legendary Best Friends Animal Society in Utah. During 2021, I was a lead presenter with an organization offering free training webinars to thousands of trainers across the globe. During that time, I co-created the Reframing Reactivity Toolbox for professionals. It is a tremendous resource and if we work together, you too will benefit from the videos, ebooks and handouts specializing in reducing or resolving reactivity.  

I enjoy the Central Coast with my dog, Skittles!  Skittles came into my life 11 years ago as a foster dog who needed to learn how to walk. His care was funded by Healthcare For Homeless Animals and his miraculous story is featured in a short video for HHA.

Thank you for inquiring about my services.
There’s a quote about having “your heart in your business and
your business in your heart” and that describes me very much as a professional dog trainer.
I hope we get the chance to connect!

Dog Training and Behavior Certifications

  • Exec Director of The Official Behavior Adjustment Training School (2018 – 2021)
  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed (CDPT-KA) (2011 – 2022)
  • Reduce Reactivity Group Class Instructor at spcaLA  
  • Co-Facilitator Southern CA Dog Trainer’s Alliance
  • Volunteer, KA, Trainer Humane Society of Sedona 
  • Volunteer Los Angeles County Animal Shelter 
Facebook Instagram Yelp 
 
 
 
  Excellent  
    
 Based on 55 reviews 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Rita Flores 
 
 
 Rita Flores 
 
2024-01-23
 
 
  
I was searching for a local trainer for our puppy and luckily found Ellen. The package of puppy lessons is the best money I spent thus far on our little buddy.  He loves Ellen and she has great insight on how to adjust our human thoughts to be more in touch with our dog, Bernie.  Her lessons have helped us earn trust with him and are shaping him into a very loving part of our family. Thank you Ellen!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 patricia stirling 
 
 
 patricia stirling 
 
2024-01-12
 
 
  
Ellen is simply outstanding!  She has made an enormous difference in the lives of our two great pyrenees and helped us to understand their unique needs and challenges.  Her use of positive reinforcement makes each training session great fun for both the dogs and for us.    We cannot thank her enough and recommend her wholeheartedly
patricia and richard stirling
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Fred Poole 
 
 
 Fred Poole 
 
2024-01-03
 
 
  
Ellen provided us with great advise for our very reactive dog. She provided us with the tools to help our senior rescue dog adjust to a new home and owners. This included suggesting other local professionals, appropriate supplies, and obviously the proper technique to help our dog adjust to a new environment.
Her knowledge of all things regarding dealing with a pet was amazing. Her insights proved to always be on target.

Ellen's personality makes training a comforting experience and she builds confidence in both the dog and the owner.  I willingly recommend her services to anyone seeking assistance with their dog.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Julie Galloway 
 
 
 Julie Galloway 
 
2024-01-03
 
 
  
Ellen was fantastic!! She made me understand that training our dog was as much as a training for him as well as for me!! When you really think about that it opens up so many more possibilities for a healthy and happy dog that will want to please you the owner.
She made me understand all the different signs our dog was giving me that I never saw before.  She provided me with the tools to have a non-aggressive dog on our walks. They are so much for enjoyable for the both of us now!!
I honestly tell everyone about Ellen because she  is so easy to work with and very caring.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Paul Miller 
 
 
 Paul Miller 
 
2024-01-02
 
 
  
Ellen was amazing teaching us how to train our dog jameson,she also was so patient and loving towards him. He had anxiety issues and wasn't well trained. In about a month we could leave him home alone and he is getting better on walks with other dogs. USE ELLEN,YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.
PAUL
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Karen Ziegler 
 
 
 Karen Ziegler 
 
2023-12-29
 
 
  
I researched extensively before hiring Ellen. She was outstanding and with her guidance we solved our dog's issues in 5 sessions. I  recommend her without reservation.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Sean Coulter 
 
 
 Sean Coulter 
 
2023-12-29
 
 
  
At least five stars!
Ellen showed not only a
perfect understanding
of the Doggie mind!
But also of the Human mind!
And how to mesh the two!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Taya Foy 
 
 
 Taya Foy 
 
2023-12-08
 
 
  
Ellen is extremely kind & patient. She is hard working & educated in her field. I highly recommend going to Ellen!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Janet Bocciardi 
 
 
 Janet Bocciardi 
 
2023-08-23
 
 
  
Our springer spaniel was showing signs of resource guarding and reactiveness at age 15 mo.  I immediately searched for a trainer and found Ellen.  Ellen has a wide breadth of knowledge in dog training as well as a warm calm demeanor.  We saw improvement in our dog very quickly.  I learned to read my dog's triggers and how to redirect him.  I highly recommend Ellen if you're in need of basic training or behavioral training for your dog.  I will not hesitate to call her and work with her again if needed.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Sarah Sandstrom 
 
 
 Sarah Sandstrom 
 
2023-08-01
 
 
  
Ellen helped us manage our two young dogs’ unique behavioral issues. She gave us techniques to help each of them develop greater confidence and help us have a calmer home environment through a 5 week reactivity bundle. We still have work to do, but we are grateful for the tools that Ellen suggested, enabling us to help them in a constructive manner.

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