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Certified dog trainer
Tracy James
Tracy James

Santa Monica, CA

Tracy James is a dog and fitness trainer based in Los Angeles, CA. She has been working with dogs for over 13 years and has experience with a variety of breeds and temperaments, from docile puppies to shy, fearful, and reactive dogs. She has been working out for years with her own dog, Berlin, and has experienced first-hand the joy that being active with your dog can bring into your life. With her dog training and fitness instruction certifications, she loves being able to share that joy with others as well through Feet & Paws Fitness. It is such an honor helping people and their dogs be healthy and happy together.


Training Philosophy
Tracy James believes in positive reinforcement training methods. She uses treats, praise, and other positive motivators to teach dogs desired behaviors and eliminate unwanted ones. She also emphasizes the importance of building a strong bond between dogs and their owners.


Services
Tracy James offers a variety of services, including:


  • Private Dog Training: Personalized sessions to fit your goals. Train in your own home at your convenience. Perfect for those new or returning to fitness, as well as those looking to enhance current skills.
  • Dog Training Classes: Small social setting. Improve your dog's social skills, especially if on a budget, while learning how to teach your dog good habits & eliminate unwanted behaviors.
  • Pack Walks: Socialize your dog and meet other dog owners. All breeds welcome. Ask for dog & fitness training advice.
  • Workout With Your Dog Classes: Cardio, strength, and agility for you and your dog. Experience a bond with your dog that is "hugely fulfilling".
  • Canine Only Fitness Classes: Cardio, strength, and agility for your dog. Improve your dog's obedience skills. Intensity levels for all ages and fitness levels.
  • Private Canine Fitness Training: Prepare your dog for competitive sports. Help rehabilitate your dog post-surgery. Improve your senior dog's quality of movement.
  • Private Canine & Human Fitness Training: Get & Stay Fit With The Best Workout Buddy Ever!
  • Private Human Fitness Training: Reach Your Fitness Goals With Convenient, Customized Sessions.


Certifications
Tracy James is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer - Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA®), Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT), Certified Professional Canine Fitness Trainer (CPCFT), National Strength & Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer (NSCA CPT), and American College Of Sports Medicine Certified Group Exercise Instructor (ACSM GEI).


Specializations
Tracy James specializes in dog training, puppy training, canine fitness training, and human fitness training. She also has experience working with reactive dogs and dogs with anxiety.


Training Methods
Tracy James uses positive reinforcement training methods. She believes in rewarding dogs for good behavior and using treats, praise, and other positive motivators to teach them desired behaviors. She also uses a variety of training tools, such as clickers, leashes, and harnesses.


Customer Reviews
Tracy James has received many positive reviews from her clients. Here are a few examples:


  • Daisy R.: "Tracy has been a wonderfully patient, insightful, and inspiring teacher to our family and our newly adopted rescue pup. Our dog loves her and has been eager to learn every session we had with her. Our field trips really expanded our knowledge of how to train in public. Tracy is very attuned with the animals she teaches and we recommend her wholeheartedly!"
  • Teresa G.: "Tracy is the best! My 6 month Australian Shepherd and I first took her group class. It felt like a private instruction. Immediate results. Sit, Stay, Come, Wait, Leave it. Done, done, done, done, done. She's a dog whisperer. She taught us how to properly respect our dog and how to earn respect in return. Our home is a happier place because of her. We followed up with private sessions because of a skateboard and vacuum issue our dog was having and again with Tracy's instruction...problem solved."
  • Tawney B.: "Tracy has been AMAZING to work with. We've done one-on-one training at our home several times as well as participated in the group classes more than once. I highly recommend both! My dog and I have truly loved our time in each setting. Tracy creates a welcoming and warm community for both the humans and the dogs in the classes. She's also incredibly knowledgeable about the ways dogs learn. She is so clear and committed. Most importantly, my dog, who is afraid of a lot of people, sounds, and even the wind, LOVES Tracy too. She gave me hope that I could train him too and get my little guy more confident and happy! I am so grateful to Tracy! My family adopted a puppy during the beginning of the pandemic. We thought it would be nice for our current rescued chihuahua terrier dog to have a buddy. But, adding an additional furry family member posed many challenges, especially during a time when little socialization options were available. Thank you, Tracy!"
  • Olivia E.: "Tracy is a godsend! We adopted our 4-year-old Buddy Boy (a wheaten) from a breeder who kept him outside on a filthy dog run. Once we cleaned him up and got rid of his fleas, we realized he was an escape artist. He jumped over our fences (which are now higher). He even climbed trees to get out (those branches have been pruned). Scariest of all, he was terrible with my grandchildren. I was terrified we'd have to give him back. After working with Tracy, I can safely say he's the sweetest, best dog I've ever had. Not only did Feet & Paws train him, Tracy trained me too! She was gentle (but firm) and patient, and she always left me with a hard copy of that day's lesson; it's also on her website. It was so helpful to Buddy and me to rely on her notes rather than my memory. Six months after our sessions, we had an issue with Buddy on the bed. In one email, she told me how to fix it and sent me backup info. It worked and we're all sleeping soundly again. I can't say enough about Tracy James and Feet&Paws."


Media Appearances
Tracy James has been featured in a number of media outlets, including:


  • Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone: Tracy James was a guest on the podcast to teach Paula Poundstone how to teach a new dog old tricks.
  • Good Morning America: Tracy James was featured on Good Morning America to highlight her workout with your dog classes.
  • L.A. Times: Tracy James was featured in the L.A. Times for her dog-friendly fitness classes and for her volunteer work at the L.A. Animal Services North Central Shelter.
  • Yelp: Tracy James was featured on Yelp for her dog-friendly activities in West Los Angeles.
  • Voyage LA: Tracy James was featured in Voyage LA for her story and her work with Feet & Paws Fitness.
  • This Dog's Life: Tracy James was featured in This Dog's Life for her work with Feet & Paws Fitness.
  • Reebok: Tracy James was featured on Reebok for her tips on how to work out with your dog.

We've got the answers for your questions

Who are the dog trainers listed on this page?

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.

How can I select the right trainer for my dog?

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.

How do I ensure these trainers are competent?

All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.

Why is positive reinforcement emphasized, and what is it?

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.

Are these trainers equipped to address specific behavioral problems?

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.

How do I initiate a training program with a trainer?

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.

How do group sessions differ from private ones?

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.

Which training techniques do these trainers abstain from?

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.

When can I expect to see results using positive reinforcement training?

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.

Can I attend a training session to observe before committing?

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.

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