Los Angeles, CA
Russell Barnes
Russell Barnes is an honors graduate of Animal Behavior College, a certified professional dog trainer, and a Fear Free Certified Professional who has worked under the direction of board certified veterinary behaviorist. He has been working with dogs for 20 years, both professionally and as a volunteer. He is also a Pet Partners therapy dog handler, who was voted the San Francisco East Bay's Best Private Trainer in Bay Woof magazine's 2018 Beast of the Bay Awards. He also holds professional memberships with the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, Association of Professional Dog Trainers, Pet Professional Guild and Humane Dog Training Advocates. He also regularly provides mentorships for aspiring trainers through Animal Behavior College and as an international Faculty Advisor for the Victoria Stilwell Academy.
Training Philosophy
Russell Barnes believes in using evidence-based, positive reinforcement training methods, empowering you and your dog to navigate real-world situations without the need for physical force, fear or aversive training tools. He focuses on teaching the "why" behind the "how" of dog training concepts, enabling you to become a better advocate for a valued member of your family.
Services
Russell Barnes offers a variety of services, including private lessons, group classes, workshops and seminars, speaking engagements, and product recommendations. He also offers distance learning for owners who live outside of his in-person service area. His private lessons are fully customized to meet the specific needs of your dog and lifestyle. He also offers behavior modification, problem solving, puppy training, basic manners, specialty training, husbandry training, matchmaking, and group classes. His group classes are currently unavailable due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Certifications
- CPDT-KA
- ABCDT
- FFCP
- Aggression in Dogs Master Course
- Pet First Aid and CPR
- Pet Partners Therapy Dog Handler
- AKC CGC Evaluator
Specializations
Russell Barnes specializes in behavior modification, including leash reactivity, resource guarding, dog-dog aggression, dog-human aggression, and fear of the vet, groomer, objects or noises. He also specializes in puppy training, basic manners, and specialty training, including volunteering as a therapy dog team, teaching tricks for fun, competing in agility competitions and learning how to track scents.
Training Methods
Russell Barnes uses positive reinforcement training methods, which are based on the principles of classical and operant conditioning. He uses a variety of training tools, including food lures, clickers, and verbal cues. He also uses a variety of training techniques, including capturing, luring, and shaping.
Customer Reviews
Maureen, mom to Hubert: "Rusty is a genius at understanding the psychology behind a dog's behavior. He's success oriented and believes in positive reinforcement, and he breaks every action down so it makes sense—why Hubert is reacting a certain way and how I can help him work through it or respond differently. Rusty is that rare find who is so perfectly suited for his profession—he's absolutely phenomenal at what he does."
Media Appearances
Russell Barnes was voted the San Francisco East Bay's Best Private Trainer in Bay Woof magazine's 2018 Beast of the Bay Awards.
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.
