Our Training Methods & Philosophy

Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer 

ABC Supervising Mentor Trainer 

Certified Petco Dog Trainer

Pet First Aid & CPR Certified

AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Trainer 

AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator

Go to: www.AKC.org for more information

Terri is an Alumni graduate of Syracuse University (New York) and Animal Behavior College (Los Angeles). Her Professional Dog Training experience spans almost a century. 

Terri's undergraduate education from Syracuse University earned her a Bachelor of Science Degree in Recreation Therapy.  Her experience working in the healthcare field providing Animal Assisted Pet Therapy to individuals with physical, mental, and psychological disabilities, overlaps into her Dog Training career today.  

By using Positive Reinforcement Training to incentivize dogs and cats, she facilitates the feline and canine-human bond to help you to have a more trusting relationship with your pets.  

Her past experience includes 14+ years working with dogs in various capacities. She's been getting training from some of the best Dog Behaviorists, World Renown Trainers, and Veterinarians in the Business. 

Terri has been a volunteer team member and Foster Pet Parent for several dog rescues including the ASPCA, SPCA, the Lange Foundation, Best Friends Animal Society, LOEM (League of Extraordinary Mutts), Grey Save Greyhound Rescue, and VanderPump Dog Rescue in Los Angeles.

Terri has been training dogs in all capacities for over 10 years and has completed over 1,000 hours of training.  She has owned a Black Lab, multiple Greyhounds, and currently her fur-baby is an extremely intelligent Malti-poo named Lillyth, aka Lily.

Terri's main priority is: Safety First!

Not only does she provide safe private dog training practices, daycare with training, and puppy training sessions, she also offers multiple training packages to suit your needs. 

Pet Concierge Director

Assistant Mentor Trainer

Pet First Aid and CPR Certified

Brad has his educational background in Business Administration from UCLA. He is the Lead Liaison for Santa Monica Paws Pet Concierge Division.  He manages and oversees all business decisions including scheduling and coordinating our cost for services.  

Brad loves dogs and grew up training German Shepherds.  He is a Balanced Dog Trainer and his expertise is working with challenging dogs that need Behavior Modification Training.  He has been training dogs for 6 years and has completed over 900 hours of training. 

Brad uses Relationship Based Training Methods most often and Model-Mirror Rival Training Methods. He will show you how to apply Leadership Techniques in your style of training with your dog.  Brad is also versed in "transitional training" for dogs & cats who come from a shelter or rescue environment. He often gets asked to help families train cats or dogs who need adjustment training in a home with other pets.  

Over the past 15 years, Brad has volunteered with and fostered animals from several Dog & Cat Rescues in Los Angeles, including LOEM (League of Extraordinary Mutts), The Lange Foundation, Grey Save Greyhound Rescue,  and VanderPump Dog Rescue.  

He truly enjoys helping people and animals and he's ready to help you create a healthy trusting bond and well balanced relationship with your pets. 

His MOTO is: 

Attitude is Everything...Pick a Good One!

Training sessions primarily take place in your home in locations like West Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Playa Vista, Venice, PLaya Vista, Playa Del Rey, Brentwood, Malibu, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, and Manhattan Beach  

Apprentice Dog Trainer

Dog Handler

Certified Pet Sitter

 Vida has been participating in our Mentor Dog Training Program for almost 2 years.  She has always been fearful of dogs since she was a child.  However, since working with our Professional Training Team, her fearfulness of dogs has diminished, and she attributes her positive life changing experience to all the training she's received from Santa Monica Paws.

Nothing makes Vida's heart happier than spending time with pets. Whether it be cats, dogs, birds, or rabbits, she loves all the animals she cares for and they always leave a special place within her heart.  One of Vida's joys of pet sitting and handling different pets has been creating close bonds with your pets.  Her main goal is to help satisfy their needs, making sure they are relaxed and as happy as possible when they are with her.  She sends you video and photo updates while caring for your pets to help keep your mind at ease, knowing that your pet is alive and well.  Vida will do fun activities like going for walks in different neighborhoods, go to recreation parks, or occasionally to dog parks (specific customer's only).  

Additionally, Vida will give lots and lots of cuddle time and play time for cats, birds, rabbits, and dogs.  Some pups and cats prefer a game of fetch, while others like to play chase and/or tug games.  For most puppies and cats,  she will play hide and seek games with food treats and/or leave out interactive puzzle toys during feeding times.  

Overall, Vida is a very easy going, compassionate, attentive care giver with so much empathy for humans and their fur babies.  Your pups are more than welcome to be on her furniture or bed, and they will have her full attention!  They are safe in her home on the West Side. 

 *Contact Santa Monica Paws if you are in need of Pet Sitting Services from Vida.  She is also willing to go to your home to pet sit your pets when needed.