How We Work Together

What is it like?

Do you have

I’ve got you covered for all your training needs.
My education is generalized as a professional.
My services are customized specifically to meet your needs.

Consultation

A consultation is a one hour in-home or video conference where we cover the behavior, the environment and your training objectives. This experience is the foundation towards progress. All training begins with a consultation.

In Person Dog Training & Behavior Modification

I work one on one with you where your dog’s behavior is happening. Is it in the home? Out on the walk? At the office? After our consultation, we will work together in sessions that are usually an hour long. In our time together, we work towards not only solving problem behavior(s) but building mutual trust. You will learn to Speak Dog! You will learn why your dog does what they do. You will learn simple solutions that will last a lifetime.

All clients receive a personalized Google Classroom complete with professionally produced videos that support our work together.

I serve the Central Coast of California including San Luis Obispo, Morro Bay, Cayucos, Cambria, Atascadero and surrounding areas.

I'd highly recommend working with Ellen. She has a tremendous depth of knowledge…and teaches so much more than just sit and stay. Starting our puppy at 9 weeks for one-on-one training at our home was very beneficial. I am glad we did not miss valuable training time waiting for all his vaccines to be completed!

K & Barley

Virtual Online Training

Advances in technology, along with my experience in working with trainers and pet families around the United States, gives me the unique skills to offer training/behavior services using video phone/computer conferencing. I’m still here to help you, just with the use of today’s technology! Video conferencing is convenient and can still be highly effective.

I was skeptical that Ellen could help me from a distance. I was thrilled to find out that her remote training was just as easy to follow and her step by step instructions on how to desensitize Raine from her fears have worked wonders. Ellen taught me how to recognize behaviors so that I could react properly, led me through exercises that gained Raine’s trust and gave me specific strategies to handle her skittishness and fears. Raine is now is a happy well adjusted pup who is beautifully behaved!

Karen & Raine

Private Coaching for Dog Trainers

As a veteran CBATI and former head of certification in BAT, I am uniquely qualified to coach trainers, both new and experienced, on issues related to reactivity. My experience includes teaching in-person workshops, webinars, consultations to shelters/humane societies and virtual coaching one-on-one for individual trainers.

Dog training is evolving and Ellen is ahead of the curve with her welfare first approach. She has a way of connecting with people that accelerates their ability to connect with their dogs. With that said, she is not afraid to take the wheel and show a pet parent what's possible with their dog. I am professional trainer myself. I have sought out Ellen as a mentor and have learned so much from her. Everything she does seems effortless which speaks volumes of her comfort in working with a variety of people and dogs. I highly recommend her to everyone who has a dog.

Building Bonds, Dog Training Tucson, AZ

Excellent

Based on 55 reviews

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2023-12-08

Ellen is extremely kind & patient. She is hard working & educated in her field. I highly recommend going to Ellen!

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

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.