I am here to update my review now that I've experienced the City Dog 1 and the Nature Dog 1 training classes offered by Canis Behavior. You can find all the classes that they offer on their website along with a calendar that shows approximately a month and a half in advance so you can plan around it. I initially wanted to start out with City Dog classes but they were full so I signed Cheska up for the Nature Dog class first. Brent teaches each series and he's very upbeat and makes all the classes fun and packed with knowledge. When I took Nature Dog, I will be honest I was really nervous and didn't believe that Cheska could be trusted on a long line away from me. During the first class we used 15 foot lines to practice and 15 feet felt sooooo far away to me. I'm looking back now laughing because now I'm using 50 feet of line at the park. In Nature dog you learn how to keep your dog within your radius, allowing them to sniff and explore within that radius while perfecting your dog's recall in this class as well as being able to tell them commands from afar and they follow it from farther than right next to your side. I feel like Cheska blossomed in this class and the trust between her and I sky rocketed. When I took City Dog class we met at the Topanga mall area and this is really where you get to train in real life scenarios. At this mall you've got people walking by, you've got little kids running at you from all directions, you've got other people with their dogs who are just hanging out in the area, and more. So many good learning experiences all in one place. Brent really does go through every possible scenario of what you should do if you run into these types of things as well as how to position your dog while in public. To top it all off, you will also learn using stairs, elevators and escalators with your dog! Seeing all our dogs going up one by one on the escalators is the cutest thing I've ever seen Lol. In the end, Nature Dog was my very favorite class and I believe Cheska excels in this. Being in Nature is what animals were made for. I am already signed up for Nature Dog 2 and can't wait. As soon as more City Dog series come out I will take those as well. With these classes Cheska is becoming well rounded and she isn't confused, she seems to understand the difference of scenarios when we go out. The goal has always been to be able to take her everywhere with me, and through the help of Brent, Hunter, and everyone else at Canis, this dream has come true! read more

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I cannot recommend Canis enough! After getting my new puppy Romeo last November, I realized it had been over 15 years since I last had a puppy and I had no idea where to begin training. I made an appointment and met with Brent and Kaitlyn and after an hour with them, I could tell it was the right fit. Romeo completed and graduated the 4 week day training program and just 6 months old! I appreciate everyone who works at Canis who we encountered every day, but I specifically want to give a HUGE shout out Romeo's trainer, Kaitlyn. I loved getting the text updates with pictures and just keeping me informed on how he's doing. If I noticed any bad habits at home, I would let Kaitlyn know and she instantly would work on it with him, as well as tell me how to continue the training process at home. We even discussed bringing Romeo back when he's a little older to complete 2 more weeks of training, which I will happily sign him up. He's also in the process of doing privates and the City Dog class to continue his training process. I also boarded Romeo for 4 nights during his training and everyone made it an easy and safe place to leave him while I was out of town. Overall, I would highly recommend Canis to anyone who is looking for dog training. Thank you to the entire Canis team! read more

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We have been huge fans of CANIS for a long time including their training and boarding services. Unfortunately, while we were away for a week long vacation, we received a call on our last night that said that during the evening feeding time our precious Chow Chow was attacked. This has made us feel hurt and shocked. Why did this happen at a place that prides itself on top protection? Worse, the dog who attacked our Chow Chow went through a 6 week training course at CANIS that cost thousands of dollars! What is the use of paying for a service of protection when the service doesn't do what it promises to do? In the future, we will have to rethink using CANIS for our precious fur babies. We trusted CANIS deeply. Winter was trained here, and we believed our dogs would be handled with professional safeguards. What hurt us most wasn't only the incident, but the lack of proactive communication and ownership when we picked them up. Seeing Easter injured without explanation broke our trust. read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Our chow chow with a puncture wound in her face - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

Kaitlin and the team at CANIS completely exceeded my expectations. I enrolled my 2-year-old Miniature Schnauzer in their 6-week Board & Train program after struggling with significant reactivity toward both people and other dogs. To be honest, I had reached a point where I wasn't sure how much progress was even possible. I can confidently say I was wrong. From the very beginning, Kaitlin was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and patient. She was always responsive whenever I had questions and did an excellent job keeping me updated throughout the program. I really appreciated the regular videos and report cards, which allowed me to see my dog's progress week by week and understand exactly what he was working on. It was clear that a tremendous amount of thought and care went into his training. Most importantly, the results were real. My dog is now calm, obedient, and far more confident in situations that used to be overwhelming for him. Before training, taking him out in public was stressful because I never knew how he would react. Now I'm able to bring him to grocery stores, coffee shops, and other public places, even in his carrying case, without worrying that he'll be barking, lunging, or becoming a nuisance. The difference is remarkable. What impressed me most is that the training wasn't about suppressing his personality. He's still the same happy, playful dog, but now he has the structure and obedience to navigate the world successfully. The team also made sure I understood how to reinforce everything once he came home, which has made maintaining his progress much easier. If you're on the fence about investing in training, especially for a reactive dog that seems like a lost cause, I can't recommend Kaitlin and CANIS enough. The professionalism, communication, and quality of the training were outstanding, and the transformation in my dog has genuinely improved both his quality of life and mine. It was one of the best investments I've made for him. read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

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As someone who was extremely nervous and skeptical of board and training--I can truly say it was the best investment. But what made the experience first class was our trainer Kaitlyn Prisk. Kaitlyn is the type of person who takes pride in her craft and will love your fur child like her own. Her patience, communication, and genuine care were evident from day one. She took the time to understand Nellie's personality, walked us through the process every step of the way, and made sure we felt confident and prepared to continue the training at home. What stood out most was how personalized the experience felt. Kaitlyn tailored her approach to Nellie specifically, and the results speak for themselves. Nellie came home happier, more confident, and so much better behaved than I ever expected. read more

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Thank you CANIS for always making my dog reactive dog feel welcome. He happily went to school at CANIS every day for the whole month of your structured "City Dog" training. I had him wear a muzzle daily for everyone's protection even though he doesn't have a bite history. However, the prong collar that was used on him to accelerate his learning for behavior improvement only made him more reactive, something that will take many hours of practice to undo. Reactive dogs are sensitive dogs who need firm love and regular training tools, not blunt prongs digging into their neck when they react. Hero's mom read more

We agree with all the 5 STAR reviews. Cosmo loves coming to hang out at day club. We feel so confident that he is in the best care! We've done day training, board and train, nature and city dog classes and private consults. Everyone who works there CARES! Thank you CANIS staff! read more

Kaitlyn and the entire Canis team are truly exceptional, but Kaitlyn deserves special recognition. From the very beginning, it was clear how patient, loving, and genuinely invested she is in the dogs she works with. She does not just train dogs, she truly cares for them, and that was especially evident in the way she connected with Kobe. Kobe absolutely loved being at Canis, and even more so, he adored Kaitlyn. Knowing he was with someone who treated him with so much kindness, consistency, and respect gave me complete peace of mind. Kaitlyn took the time to understand Kobe's personality, his quirks, and what motivates him, and she tailored her approach to meet him exactly where he was. After completing the board and train program, Kobe came home like a completely different dog in the best way possible. His behavior, focus, and responsiveness improved tremendously, yet he is still the same goofy, lovable, incredibly friendly pup we adore. The transformation felt balanced and thoughtful, never forced, and that speaks volumes about Kaitlyn's skill and philosophy as a trainer. The Canis staff as a whole are professional, supportive, and clearly passionate about what they do, but Kaitlyn's warmth and dedication truly set this experience apart. I cannot recommend Kaitlyn and Canis enough to anyone looking for high quality training paired with genuine care and love for their dog. Kobe gained so much from this experience, and so did we. THANK YOU KAITLYN!!!! read more

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My experience with CANIS was great. You CAN (IS) teach an old dog new tricks! They were professional and friendly, and most importantly, effective. Lady came home after 4 weeks of board and train with new confidence and skills. I'm so happy with the progress she has made and I'm happy with the continued support I'm receiving with CANIS. Thanks Jennifer and CANIS team. See you at a group class soon. read more

We've been working with Brent, the owner, and Candice now for a year and we're very grateful to them for helping us with our foster dog who is 3 1/2 years old and a Belgian Malinois, Shepherd mix. Excellent boarding excellent staff. Just be really clear with what you need and want so they can help you exceptional training classes! Absolutely worth the investment for your dog and a lifetime of obedience and love. read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Our boy, Bear. Still sad he hasn't found his permanent home -but living like a little prince until he does! - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

Kaitlyn is seriously amazing! Our Aussie, Wren, loves her so much, and we do too. She has such a deep understanding of Australian Shepherds and really took the time to tailor the training to our specific needs as a family. She even made sure our teenage daughters were involved and confident, which was so important to us. We've learned so much about how to properly train and communicate with Wren, and the results have been incredible. She can now go out to restaurants with us and handle all kinds of environments so well. Watching her progress with off-leash training has been so exciting! We're beyond grateful for Kaitlyn and would recommend her to anyone. read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Wren staying all the way on the other side of the pool! Good girl - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

Training our pup with Kaitlyn at Canis has been the best experience!! We are so glad we did overnight training and would definitely recommend to everyone and anyone. We can now take him on hikes and to the beach with no worries. Very happy! read more

We enrolled our one-year-old Golden Retriever, Simba, in Hunter's 6-week board & train program and I truly cannot recommend him enough! He has done absolute miracles with our dog. Before the program, Simba was extremely hyperactive, reactive, stubborn, and struggled significantly with listening to even the most basic commands. We were also dealing with serious resource guarding issues; to the point where something as small as a napkin could trigger him and he had actually bitten us because of it. He didn't know how to settle, how to rest, or how to be calm, and walks were stressful instead of enjoyable. Today, Simba is literally a completely different dog. All of his previous behavioral issues are gone. There is no biting whatsoever, no resource guarding, and he immediately leaves or drops anything the moment he's told to. He listens to commands consistently and confidently, and most importantly; he now understands how to relax and be calm, which is something he never knew how to do before. Walking him has become an absolute dream. He now walks perfectly right next to your side, adjusts his pace with yours, and maintains full attention on you throughout the walk. I could have never imagined that training Simba would make our daily life this much easier. This program was truly worth every penny. A very special thank you as well to Bobi, the owner, who was incredibly kind, patient, and supportive throughout the entire process. He took so much time to guide us from the very beginning and made everything smooth and reassuring. We are beyond grateful. read more

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I truly recommend Canis Behavior Training! My dog Blu was not the friendliest both with people and other dogs - my family and I have a hard time walking him as he gets reactive to basically anything so we had booked him into a board and train program. Couple of weeks later and we're able to enjoy him outdoors! Kaitlyn is the best!!! Blu really loves her, and she was just so patient with him. I love that we're able to go on walks at any time of the day! read more

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We cannot say enough great things about CANIS Dog Behavior & Training in Tarzana, especially Hunter, Brent, and the entire training team. From start to finish, our experience was exceptional. Our dog Mamba completed the 4-week City Program, which included boarding with 24-hour care, and we felt confident and at ease every single day knowing he was in such capable, loving hands. The level of professionalism, structure, and genuine care they provide is unmatched. One of our favorite parts of the program was being able to visit and train with Mamba every Sunday. Those sessions were incredibly valuable--not only did we see Mamba's progress in real time, but Hunter and the trainers took the time to teach us how to properly handle, communicate with, and continue reinforcing his training at home. They were patient, encouraging, and extremely knowledgeable. Brent, the owner, is incredibly hands-on and always present, making sure everything runs smoothly while actively helping with training and educating pawrents along the way. His involvement truly sets the tone for the entire program and shows how much he cares about both the dogs and their families. What truly sets CANIS apart is their alumni portal, which provides ongoing resources even after graduating from the program. We get to stay connected with the team and other pawrents (lol), ask questions, and continue learning--this level of long-term support is such a game changer and shows how invested they are in lasting success. Since completing the program, Mamba has been incredibly independent and well-balanced. He no longer does the things he used to before training--no barking at animals on the TV, no pulling on walks, and he consistently follows commands. One of our favorite changes is that he now goes to his crate on his own when he wants his own space, which speaks volumes about his confidence and comfort. Mamba came home more confident, calm, and responsive, and the transformation has been truly amazing. It's clear that Hunter, Brent, and the entire CANIS team are passionate about what they do and genuinely care about each dog as an individual--not just a number. If you're considering professional training and want a team that treats your dog like family while delivering real, lasting results, CANIS Dog Behavior & Training is absolutely worth it. We are beyond grateful for everything they've done for Mamba and for us. Highly, highly recommend! read more

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We brought our LA rescue, Blitz, to CANIS because Brent did an excellent job training a previous dog. I knew he was the one to train our new dog. During our initial evaluation, I was impressed with all the different training options. We opted for the 4 week train and board which included weekly group lessons. Each week, I learned so much and had the opportunity to work with my dog and see the progress he was making. Our trainer, Kaitlyn, has done an exceptional job training Blitz and he loves her. (which reveals the relationship she built with him.) Knowing he was with someone who treated him with so much kindness and affection made it easier to leave him. Kaitlyn tailored her training to fill some of the holes in Blitz's expereinces. She helped him learn how to socialize with other dogs and even took him on field trips. She has gone above and beyond helping us integrate this sweet dog into our family, training each member. Thank you, Kaitlyn!! Also, a BIG thank you to Bobby and Brent! We greatly appreciate the extra time & effort you put in to help us with Blitz. read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

LOVE LOVE LOVE Canis. I own a husky and honestly, I've tried one other training class before Canis and I thought there was no hope for Kida. She is unruly, disobedient, and a professional escape artist, but after doing 7 classes with Canis, she became a completely different dog. I met Brent and Carter at the restaurant where I work, saw their dog training uniform, and asked if my dog could be "saved". All they said was, "It's because she hasn't been at Canis"... They were right. They taught me all about patience, effective leash corrections, and showed me the correct equipment needed to help train your dog. Kida went from a massive puller to a dog who can walk side by side and still enjoy her walk. She also learned how not to beg when her humans are eating dinner. All the classes I've taken have been extremely helpful and I cannot wait to sign up for more future classes. Even though she has changed a lot, there is ALWAYS room for improvement! If you're looking for a great training class, Canis is the way to go. Also wanted to mention how all the staff were INCREDIBLY friendly. A huge shoutout to Christiana and Kaitlyn for being extremely helpful and so loving to my pup, Kida. I HIGHLY recommend! read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Kida during her group class training - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

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Jamie has been an exceptional trainer and an invaluable part of our journey with our dog, Wookiee. When we began, our dog was facing significant behavioral challenges, including difficulty with socialization, pulling and lunging on walks, struggling to meet other dogs in calm manner, and jumping-up on people. Jamie met every challenge with patience, warmth, and deep behavioral expertise, supporting both our dog and us as owners throughout the process. What stood out immediately was the professionalism and expertise of the entire Canis staff (Bobby, Brent, Christiana and others). It was clear that the trainers are highly experienced, knowledgeable in canine behavior and body language, and well-prepared to manage a range of temperaments safely and thoughtfully. While we worked with Jamie, all the trainers knew our dog by his name. Canis training philosophy aligns closely with what we value: clear structure, positive reinforcement, and a focus on practical, real-world manners rather than simply teaching tricks. We also appreciated the thorough screening process for temperament and health, which reinforced our confidence in the safety of both our dog and the others in their care. As a boarding facility that also trains, Canis exceeded every expectation. We genuinely felt safe leaving our dog there. Unlike other boarding facilities, Canis operates as a cohesive, well-coordinated team with clear systems and structure where everyone is aligned and working toward the same goals. We were given a full, guided tour of the entire facility, which provided a level of transparency and trust that we had not experienced elsewhere. During our visits to other places, we were either shown photos or videos, or were told you can't enter this space "for your own safety." The facility itself is clean, well-maintained, and designed with both comfort and safety in mind. Sleeping and play areas were hygienic and thoughtfully arranged, with fresh bedding, clean food and water bowls, good ventilation, and comfortable temperatures. They even have space for dogs who just need a quiet area to chill. The outdoor and play spaces offered ample room to move, explore, and exercise, with appropriate grouping based on size and energy level, secure fencing, and clear protocols in place. We were also impressed by the balance of daily care: structured training sessions, supervised playtime, mental enrichment, doggie treadmills, and adequate rest. Dogs are closely supervised during interactions, and it is clear that staff are attentive to preventing issues before they escalate. Feeding instructions were followed carefully, health was monitored, and our dog received meaningful one-on-one attention rather than being treated as just another boarder. In fact, the hub of their operation looks like a vet center - with a huge monitor displaying each dog, with feeding times, medicine schedules, etc. for all to see. One of the most impactful aspects of the program was the inclusion of group classes during the training cycle. These sessions allowed us to reconnect with our dog, see his progress firsthand, and begin actively working with him while he was still in training. It felt like a truly scaffolded experience where we learned the appropriate commands and corrections alongside our dog as he learned his new behaviors, which made the transition to home smoother and far more successful. Communication and transparency were consistent throughout the experience. Our follow-up 1-to-1 private sessions with Jamie are also great. As we continue to work with our dog, we bring our pinch points to Jamie and she provides thoughtful follow-up consultations and customized training focused on the specific behaviors we were working on at home. Her sessions allowed for real-time trial and error under her supervision, which helps us build confidence. Jamie's positive, affirming, and supportive approach made this experience transformative for our dog and empowering for us. We feel confident, supported, and equipped with the tools to continue building on the progress we have made, and we are incredibly grateful for the care, expertise, and intention this team brought to our family. While Wookiee can't tell you about his experiences, whenever we return to Canis, his whole body goes into a jiggle of excitement as we pull up to the facility. And, when he sees Jamie, he goes crazy!! Never to let an opportunity pass by, Jamie even used that experience as another teaching moment, showing us how to calm him down, and once calm to approach her with control and with his paws on the ground before she greeted him with love and affection. Next up for us, City Dog Training to take Wookiee to the next level. read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Thanks to Jamie our trainer, we can take Wookiee to a restaurant. - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

I can't say enough good things about Canis Behavior and Training. My Lhasa Apso, Ace, is a proud graduate and a regular participant in the Alumni group. Brent and his wonderful team changed my dog from a tough, stubborn, bossy and challenging puppy into a smart, loving and respectful dog, while allowing his funny personality to shine through. Brent and his team are always available to discuss any issues that may arise, plus his podcasts, videos, and classes are the best. Lastly the new Canis facility is awesome. I have boarded Ace there several times and honestly I think he is a little disappointed when it is time to go home. While there, he has his own private quarters with a dog bed, gets plenty of play time with his friends and lots of cuddles from the team, mixed with rest time so he doesn't get doggy crazy. Five stars just isn't enough! read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

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Kaitlyn was our dog's trainer for 6 weeks, and my mom and I couldn't be more grateful. She was not only patient and loving with our 1.6-month-old puppy, but equally patient with us -- always taking the time to answer our calls and texts whenever we had questions. What truly set her apart is that she understands the language of dogs and took the time to understand our puppy's unique personality. She was simply the right fit for him. Her weekly photos, videos, and detailed notes were incredibly informative and helped us understand exactly where our puppy was in his training and what we needed to do once he came home. The Sunday training sessions were also a wonderful touch -- they gave us the chance to work on what our puppy was learning each week, made the time apart a little easier on all of us, and I'm sure he missed us just as much as we missed him! We love that we now have a shared vocabulary to communicate with him -- and he actually understands it! He has become so much calmer and more manageable, and although the real work is just beginning as we put it all into practice, we already see confidence and calm in our dog -- and in myself. Even after the board and train program ended, Kaitlyn has continued to support us through the transition. We are so thankful for her dedication and care. We wholeheartedly commend Kaitlyn, the entire CANIS team, and CANIS itself -- you won't find a better team to trust with your dog! read more

Life changing experience, extremely grateful to the Canis team! I've had my 5 year old lab, Leon, since he was a puppy and he developed reactivity around other dogs early on. I was unable to walk him during busy times of the day and always had to be on guard. I did a 6 week board and train program, and wow, the results far exceeded my expectations. Our trainer - Jamie, Brent, and the rest of the Canis team did an incredible job of teaching my dog to make better choices. I was provided with a weekly report card with pictures, training sessions each Sunday, and the ability to reach out to Jamie and the team at any time. Every time I went to visit Leon, I could tell how genuinely loved by the staff he was and how happy he was to be there. I have picked him up only a few days ago and I am so happy with the results. He has not reacted yet and I am given the tools and proper training myself on how to deal with it if it happens. He is no longer pulling on our walks and learned how to heel, sit, down, and much more. The training doesn't end with the 6 weeks boarding, they include 2 at home visits post boarding and ongoing graduate classes. They also have a youtube and Brent has a podcast, so many opportunities continue learning and training him. I couldn't recommend Canis more. Thank you so much! read more

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Our lab Rory really benefited from day training, and learning to be around other dogs. He's much less reactive and is leaning to navigate situations where other dogs are present. Jen has been great to work with and she's brought Rory a long way. read more

I brought my dog here before I understood how damaging fear-based training really is, and I regret it deeply. What was presented as teaching was really suppression. Even when they weren't using prong or e-collars, the way they yanked all of the dogs by the lead simply shut them down, not help them feel safe, or learn anything, especially not to be able to truly choose from a confident place. This is exactly why so many dogs who are subjected to this type of training have unexpected outbursts months to years down the line because their symptoms aren't resolved, they're just buried. You can see some dogs here moving into a kind of soul death -- quiet on the outside, but internally distressed. On 2 occasions, I watched trainers encourage owners to jerk their dogs' necks because the dogs were fidgeting or licking themselves. Both times I said, "I think the dog needs to go to the bathroom." And both times, the trainers admitted no one had taken any of the dogs out yet. When they finally brought them outside, those same dogs immediately pooped. Punishing a dog for communicating basic physical needs is dangerous, irresponsible, and cruel. It teaches them that every signal -- whether discomfort, anxiety, or simply needing to relieve themselves -- must be suppressed. Ironically, the trainers here proudly and repeatedly tell their dog parents that they are teaching the dogs to make good "choices," as if the dog is calmly weighing options & choosing the right thing. But a dog can't choose anything when the alternative is pain, intimidation, or force. When a dog learns to move through the world by avoiding punishment rather than feeling safe enough to think, its own inner compass disappears. And that's why the outbursts come later -- not out of nowhere, but from a mind that's been taught to stop thinking and simply brace. No creature - - human or animal - - can choose well from fear. I also understand why it can feel so normal and appealing to think you can just send a new dog -- or even a dog with real behavioral challenges -- somewhere and have them come back "fixed." After all, everyone's doing it. Plus, life is overwhelming, we're all busy and the idea of outsourcing something so hard can feel like relief. But a dog isn't an appliance or a watch you drop off to be repaired. They're living beings with emotions & memories and fears, and they make sense of the world through the people they trust. Healing doesn't happen to them in a back room; it happens with them, in relationship. And no amount of force can replace that. Since Canis, I've found a trainer who is the opposite of all this. Kind, patient, loving, and grounded in real behavioral science. She helped my dog heal through consistency, compassion, & actual understanding. Both of us put in the work, and my dog transformed with her humane approach. There is no substitute for that. Fear may silence a dog in the moment, but love and skill are what actually help them get better. I also want to share something that happened recently that I hope really drives home the danger of these methods: A couple weeks ago, my small dog was just standing with me at the park when a sweet golden retriever that had been playfully frolicking with a couple of other dogs suddenly broke away & attacked my dog with no warning. My dog had part of his ear torn off, and deep punctures on his back & neck before I could pull the dog off. The owner was shocked as the young dog had never been aggressive, but mentioned the dog had been acting "off" ever since coming back from another one of these highly rated board and trains she'd sent it too as a new puppy. That's what suppression creates --destabilizing pressure that eventually erupts. In conclusion, if you are considering training a new puppy or getting behavioral help with one you've just adopted -- no matter how serious the behavioral problems -- I urge you to stay away from any training that uses words like balance, dominance, nature's way, etc., and look for trainers who hold degrees in Animal Behavior (not simply who called themselves behavior "specialists,") and use humane, evidence-based, non-aversive methods. (Non-aversive doesn't mean never saying "no" -- it means not using fear, pain, intimidation, or suppression as tools.) The word "behavior specialist" means nothing legally -- anyone can call themselves that with no degree or oversight. If you want someone truly qualified, look for titles that are regulated or backed by science. The only legally protected role is a Veterinary Behaviorist (DACVB) -- a licensed veterinarian with advanced residency training in behavior. Short of that, reputable credentials include CPDT-KSA, CAAB/ACAAB (Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist), IAABC-certified behavior consultants, KPA graduates, or CCPDT-certified trainers. These are the people who have real education in behavior, learning theory, and humane training -- not just marketing terms. Feel free to reach out with any questions. read more

Our dog, R2, is a 7 year old pit/shepherd mix. He's been through a lot of training over the years because of his reactivity. The previous trainers focused on basics, like sit, stay, down, but that didn't help us with his aggression towards the gardeners and the cats. Recently, he went after our "pool guy," and that really stressed me out. We contacted Canis, and registered R2 with the Private Plus program. I brought him in every Thursday at 9:00 am and I went back to get him at 4:00 pm. I would then get an hour long lesson learning what he'd learned and how to work with him. Our trainer, Brennan was wonderful. He has great energy, loves dogs, and was very creative when figuring out how to work with R2. He's given us homework, and I can see marked improvement already. I highly recommend using Canis. They understand dogs and the challenges that come with training anxious/reactive dogs. read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

I sent my four-year old and sixth-month old German Shepherd/Husky mixes to CANIS for four- and six-week (respectively) board-and-train programs in late 2025. I cannot recommend CANIS and our trainer Kaitlyn highly enough. I must first mention co-founder Brent LaBrada because he is why I came to CANIS and he adds so much in the weekly classes for the dogs' people during the board-and-train program. I met Brent after working with four other trainers to help my first reactive dog, a challenge I was ill-prepared to handle despite having dogs most of my life. (Some of these trainers were excellent at teaching obedience, but we were unable to make much headway on the reactivity.) Brent has an incredible understanding of dogs and how they interpret the world, but (to me) his real genius lies in how well he understands people too. Trainers say dog training is about training the person, not the dog, but that is not what I am referring to: By understanding me as a person, Brent was able to bring me around to what I needed to do to help my dog. Working with him was a series of "a-ha!" moments where he earned my trust with insights and then steered me to training methods that would help my dog (e.g., away from the entirely positive reinforcement techniques I had clung to but that had been ineffective on reactivity and toward negative but humane consequences for these issues). In just a few private lessons, Brent succeeded where several others had been unable to help me help her with her reactivity. Fast forward a couple of years: I decided board-and-train would be the perfect opportunity for both my dog who had already worked with Brent and my puppy to spend a few weeks at CANIS, learning from the best, instead of coping with some temporary chaos at home. Each week my dogs were in the board-and-train program, Brent taught the weekly group classes, where the dogs in the program spend an hour working with their people at the CANIS facility with several of the trainers on hand. One class exemplified what sets Brent and CANIS apart: That week, there was a very reactive dog in the class. Having a (formerly) reactive dog, I know many trainers would banish the dog to private lessons. Not Brent, and not at CANIS: the reactive dog was present for the whole class, handled in a way that was completely safe for the other dogs, and we were all able to benefit from watching the same lessons we were learning for our dogs applied in this even more challenging context. Turning to Kaitlyn, who trained my dogs during (and after) their stays at CANIS: Kaitlyn was so generous with her time in calls and check-ins about the dogs before, during, and after their programs. Like Brent, Kaitlyn really understood both the dogs and me and met all of us where we were in terms of experience and personality. She was especially good with my puppy, who is a sensitive boy. I could tell she put a lot of effort into supporting him emotionally (as well as educationally) during his stay. She diligently sent videos and photos of the dogs and notes about their weekly progress. She was also very flexible, adapting the lessons on the spot based on how the dogs were doing to get the most out of our sessions. Of course, what matters is results, and the results are a compelling testament to Kaitlyn's skill and effort and have made the cost of the program (both in missing the dogs terribly while they were away and the financial investment) worthwhile. The real test came this past week when the dogs saw my parents (both in their mid-70s and not excited about being tackled by 60-pound dogs) for the first time since the dogs came home from CANIS. My parents raved about their good manners and no longer feared being endangered by the dogs' previously overly-exuberant shows of affection. I am so proud of the dogs and all they learned at CANIS. Going into the board-and-train program, I was a bit apprehensive about whether the dogs would learn life skills (e.g., get off the couch if told, don't climb on guests' shoulders) or just formal obedience (e.g., commands, where my four-year old was already pretty advanced and my puppy was making good progress). I had no reason to worry: I have been very pleased at how well the dogs' training has translated into enforcing boundaries in everyday situations within the home. Finally, the entire CANIS family is lovely and Brent, his business partner Bobby, the trainers, and other staff all work so well together. CANIS makes training a team effort and I could tell every time I was up there how much my dogs really benefited from it. Thank you, Kaitlyn, Brent, and everyone at CANIS for everything you have done for us! CANIS is one of a kind. read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

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Props to the Canis team, but a HUGE thank you to Kaitlyn and Bobby for helping us with our pup. My fiance and I adopted a (suspected) 1 1/2 year old Collie mix from the shelter who came home with some reactivity issues and separation anxiety. With the structure of Canis' board and train program and the patience of his trainers, Bentley thrived! We were able to see major progress with Bentley in such a short amount of time. While no dog is perfect, they most definitely helped our sweet boy get a few steps closer! read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Bentley at training! - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

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My partner and I boarded our dogs at this facility as part of a planned transition to move in together, with the goal of helping our dogs get acclimated to one another in a structured and supportive environment. Unfortunately, our experience was deeply concerning. From the start, the facility lacked transparency. They advertise providing weekly "report cards," but these updates were extremely vague and generic, offering only selective snippets of information with no meaningful insight into our dogs' daily care, behavior, health, or actual training progress. We dropped our dogs off healthy and in great condition. When we picked them up, the situation was completely different. One dog returned with a neck strain injury, ear infections, and a UTI. The other dog contracted an upper respiratory infection. We immediately noticed issues at pickup. Despite the expectation of training, our dogs did not receive any distinguishable training beyond being crated in the same room. Following their return, we spent over three weeks dealing with veterinary exams, treatments, and recovery. When we contacted the facility to ask when symptoms were first noticed and what care was provided, they were unable to give any clear answers. There was no ownership or accountability only vague apologies and questions about what we expected from them, rather than transparency or concern for the dogs' wellbeing. As it stands, we are pursuing an investigation through the appropriate channels. This should stop with us. No other dogs should experience preventable injuries, illness, or inadequate care due to lack of oversight and communication. I'm writing this review to warn prospective pet owners and strongly encourage due diligence for the sake of your pet. There are many reputable facilities that offer full transparency, clear communication, and even live video access so owners can understand their dogs' experience while boarded or in training. Unfortunately, this was not one of them. Happy to give you insights if you want to reach out directly. read more

My three year old pit mix, Oakley, just graduated from his six-week board and train with Kaitlyn. It was a great experience all around. Brent and the whole team were great. Always friendly and super helpful. Kaitlyn sent weekly photos, videos, and report cards, which made it really easy to see Oakley's progress and feel confident he was in great hands. You can tell they genuinely care about the dogs and take their work seriously. What I loved most was how real-life the training was. Oakley wasn't just learning commands in a quiet room, he was out at dog parks, coffee shops, and riding in the car practicing calm behavior in the real world. Kaitlyn also really focused on Oakley's specific needs for issues we had been dealing with. He came home more confident, more relaxed, and way more responsive. The fact that you get unlimited private sessions is huge too to continue the training. Overall, I'm super happy with the experience and incredibly grateful to Kaitlyn(she is awesome). If you're thinking about training your dog, I'd absolutely recommend them. read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

This place has been amazing, we came to them in a desperate call for help. Our two year old Frenchie Ovi had been showing a lot of aggression towards strangers and slowly shifting towards us and our daughter. We were at the point of considering putting him down. Right from the evaluation session, we knew that we were in the right place. Hunter took on Ovi and was very caring not only towards him but also always keeping our worries in mind. We were super nervous about sending Ovi away for the 6 week boarding and training, but Hunter always made sure to reassure us that Ovi was doing good. Honestly, it's the best that could have happened to us. With those six weeks, we have seen so much change in Ovi, and Hunter has taught us so much on how to take care of Ovi in order to get him out of the fixated state of mind that he would get in to. We are at the point when we can finally enjoy evening walks with Ovi, and see that he enjoys them too. read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

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Huge results in just 4 weeks with trainer Kaitlyn, whose years of experience really shows. She trained my naughty 9 month old, high energy puppy went from unfocused and wild to knowing all his basic commands and actually listening. Kaitlyn didn't just train my dog, she trained me. Her knowledge, patience, and structured approach made the process easy to follow, and the progress was obvious week by week. By the end, we were even cleared for advanced training programs, which I didn't expect at all. If you want a trainer who clearly knows what she's doing and gets real results, Kaitlyn delivers. read more

Jen is the best. We did a board and train and Jen was the absolute best! I recommend anyone thinking about getting their Puppy trained do it. Jen is wonderful! read more

These guys are miracle workers! In particular, Kaitlyn, who trained Finn, our 110 Alaskan Malamute, was AMAZING! She's very kind, knowledgeable, patient and persistent in trying to anticipate what Finn might need to learn a particular skill or unlearn an unwanted behavior. You see, Finn, was previously kicked out of day care for being too rowdy. He was very reactive, had no impulse control, would get hyper focused on dogs and wouldn't leave them alone. Places like Zoom Room or Petrock tried their best, but they're not really made to handle over reactive large breeds. CANIS is different. They have A LOT of staff. Group classes have multiple instructors to make sure you get the attention you need. And since they're a board and train facility they have handlers bring out various dogs to help work on the particular issue your dog is experiencing. We boarded Finn for a total of 6 weeks spread across a few months of travel we had to do. Each time they worked on a different issue with him. The last time he stayed with them for 3 weeks total and we came back to a different dog. Finn now sits, lies down, waits, stays, heels, and quietly settles at our feet in coffee shops--even with other dogs nearby. Before his time at CANIS, we never thought this would be possible. This was not possible before CANIS and we really gotta give it to Kaitlyn for her hard work training Finn to become not just a good boy, but the goodest boy. read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Finn smiling - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

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We love CANIS and Kaitlyn!!! 1000/10 Recommend!: I honestly cannot recommend CANIS and trainer Kaitlyn more for the positive impact they have made in me and my boyfriend's life with our fur baby Duke. If I could give more than 5 stars I would Training: I can truly say that after his 10 day training sessions Duke improved SO much. He was so much more attentive and focused on me when on a leash and overall had much better manners. These were the exact things we were looking to achieve when bringing him to CANIS and I was truly amazed by his progress. However, the group classes were just as amazing! CANIS provides knowledge before working on exercises to help us as owners learn how to teach/communicate with our dogs in ways they understand. Customer Service: Everyone is truly so nice at CANIS. We are always warmly greeted and attended to. What was SO important to me when searching for a dog trainer was that they genuinely care and you can truly see that at CANIS. However, I want to specifically highlight Kaitlyn because she truly deserves it! It was her kindness, patience, desire to help, and genuineness throughout the entire process that made our experience SO much better. Seeing Duke so happy to see her fills me with so much joy! I can tell she truly cares for him And that is extremely important to me and my boyfriend. Summary: In short, I HIGHLY recommend CANIS and Kaitlyn to anyone looking for a caring, knowledgeable, and supportive dog trainer. Is it expensive? It can be lol Do I think it's worth it? 1000000% and we have no regrets. In fact, we plan to continue the group classes and look forward to taking Duke here in the future read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Duke in Day Training - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

We are doing 6 puppy classes with Canis. Today was day 1 and our Dotty did great. Thank you to Carter & Christiana. read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - Dotty (GDA) puppy in training working w/ Christiana. - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

I've been bringing my dog, Peppa, to Canis for almost a year now, and it is absolutely my favorite place to take her for day club. I love that their program goes beyond traditional daycare and provides a structured day that includes playtime, agility training, and rest. Peppa always comes home looking like she's had the most amazing day. I truly appreciate the clear and consistent communication from the team--they always make me feel informed and like part of the Canis family. I know many of the staff by name and have developed great rapport with each of them, which says so much about the care and community they create. We also participated in the board-and-train program, and our trainer, Jamie, is absolutely the best. She did an incredible job honing Peppa's obedience skills and, just as importantly, taught us how to maintain her training at home. Even months later, Jamie still checks in to see how Peppa is doing and makes sure we feel confident as handlers. She is always a resource and consistently goes above and beyond. I couldn't recommend Canis enough. read more

I can't say enough about Cainas and the team over there Bobby, Brent, Hunter, Christiana, Jenn and especially Jaime! Daisy was just about to be re-homed because I was concerned that I could not handle such a strong and reactive Dog. I found canis on the internet, called immediately and met with Jaime and Bobby for an evaluation the very same day. There was no more consideration. She was placed in their hands for four weeks. they worked with her daily and I saw her weekly and wow, transformation happens. She was always a good dog, but now she's a great dog and a fantastic part of the family. Money well spent. read more

My Aussie who is 6yrs old went through the 4 week program and Canis. He is doing so well now. Katlin is AMAZING and has taught me how to handle my dog Flash. The entire staff is so welcoming and I felt like I was part of a family. I highly recommend Canis!! read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - This Flash on the left and Cooper on the right going to Canis for their day training. They loved it - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California

We love the training our dogs have received from Brent over the years, and can't speak highly enough of his methods and the staff at Canis. Three of our dogs have done the month-long sleep-away training and are great to take out to restaurants, parks and on month long road trips. We've actually had our dogs invited into stores that say no dogs allowed because they're so well behaved and also particularly cute. read more

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I took my 1 year old West German Show Lines German Shepherd Rip to Canis to solve his reactivity issues. After meeting the owner Brent and the trainer, Kaitlin, I felt very comfortable leaving Rip in a 4-week boarding & train program. I came back once a week to train with Rip and and see how he had progressed. Kaitlyn, the trainer, developed a very strong bond with Rip. She has taught him to have great manners, and give him the confidence that a well train dog should possess. Kaitlin's talents as a dog trainer is very evident and I highly recommend her as a trainer for anyone who is looking for their dog to be properly trained. Her bond with my German Shepherd is undeniable and I will continue my dogs ongoing training with her. Thank you Kaitlin! read more

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If your dog misbehaves or yours can't take it anymore please consider CANIS dog training. They turned a dog that was non-stop action, never responded to any command, used the house as a public bathroom into a well behaved, obedient dog. And I'm not even taking about a lifetime private lessons, should we will need any advise or correction in the future. Christiana was the one who worked with Mimi (my dog) one on one. Christiana, you are the best! Great job! read more

CANIS - Behavior and Training - My dog Mimi with Christiana, the trainer - Pet Training Near Me - Tarzana, California