Palo Alto, CA
Alex T. Onitsuka
Alex Onitsuka has spent countless thousands of hours in dog rescue and shelter environments since 2017, observing, studying, practicing, and learning from/with other humans and thousands of wonderful unique personalities of incredible canine teachers (a.k.a. dogs). He was born with a lot of sensitivities and for most of his life he's had various difficulties with his health - as a result, he often wishes and dreams to simply be happy and comfortable in his own skin, to find peace in the present moment - this is something that he does his best to find for himself, and share with others, especially with very special shelter and rescue dogs.
Training Philosophy
Alex believes that dogs are sentient beings full of emotions and unique personalities. He emphasizes getting to know the dog in front of you, for who they are in the present moment, and doing his best to meet their individual needs. He uses Low Stress Handling and Fear Free practices to encourage empowerment, develop good decision-making habits, and ultimately find the path to their best life.
Services
Alex offers a variety of services, including:
- Dog Decompression Board and Train Reset Program: A unique program that takes place in Burson, California on 40 acres of secluded/private grasslands and rolling hills. This program is designed to help dogs who are struggling with fear, anxiety, and stress. It includes training, decompression, and enrichment activities.
- "Quick Fix" Sessions: 30-60 minute sessions via video call or phone to troubleshoot specific dog behavior problems. These sessions include pre-session questions, a Zoom session, and a follow-up report.
- Adoption Support: Alex provides post-adoption support to families who adopt dogs from The Dog Decompression Center.
Certifications
Alex holds the following certifications:
- Certified Behavior Consultant Canine - Knowledge Assessed (CBCC-KA)
- Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
- Low Stress Handling Certified-Silver (LSHC-S)
- Fear Free Certified Trainer (FFCP)
- Certified Animal Reiki Practitioner
- Certified Puppy Behavior Consultant
- Certified Pet Food Nutrition Specialist
- Certified Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist
- Certified Advanced Canine Nutrition Specialist
Specializations
Alex specializes in working with dogs who are struggling with fear, anxiety, stress, and aggression. He also has experience working with shelter and rescue dogs, and dogs with separation anxiety.
Training Methods
Alex uses a variety of training methods, including:
- Positive reinforcement
- Low Stress Handling
- Fear Free practices
- Classical and operant conditioning
- Clicker training
- Food rewards
- Play rewards
- Verbal praise
- Shaping
- Desensitization and counterconditioning
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Our trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All our trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
