Customized Private Dog Training - Santa Rosa, CA
With over a decade of experience in professional pet training, I proudly offer customized private lessons designed to transform your pet into a well-behaved family member. As an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC) and a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI), I bring certified expertise to each session, whether at my facility, your home, or online. My commitment is to provide clear and fair communication with your pet, ensuring there’s no confusion and fostering a positive learning environment.
Is your dog pulling on the leash or barking excessively during walks? I specialize in impulse control and behavior modification to ensure peaceful and enjoyable outings for both you and your pet. Utilizing tools such as leashes, collars, and positive reinforcement like toys and treats, I tailor each lesson to meet your dog's individual needs, regardless of size, from under 20 lbs to over 80 lbs. My flexible approach, including a mobile service option, ensures that your convenience and your dog's well-being are top priorities.
For pet parents short on time, my Board and Train program offers an efficient solution to quickly address and modify unwanted behaviors. Following the training, I provide follow-up lessons to equip you with the skills to maintain effective communication with your dog. Fully insured and with a flexible cancellation policy, I am dedicated to making a positive impact on your pet's behavior. Ready to get started? Book me through Petworks today!
- Insured
Pricing Packages
3 private lessons for working on 1 or 2 modification of dog behavior
5 Lessons to work on a solid recall. Additional investment of $250 for equipment that you purchase directly from vendor.
Board and Train - Your dog lives with me for continuous training throughout the week. The scope of the work will need to be discussed to determine how many weeks will be needed to accomplish the behaviors desired.
Stop the Madness! Is your dog pulling and barking at dogs, cats and people? In 3 lessons we can change this behavior and allow you to have a safe and enjoyable walk with your dog.
Private lesson to evaluate concerns and set up a plan of action
How do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Animal Behaviorist
- Pet First Aid Training
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
What training tools do you use?
- Barriers
- Choke Collar
- E-Collar
- Leash
- Long Line
- Martingale Collar
- Muzzle
- Praise/Affection
- Prong Collar
- Slip Lead
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Agility Training
- Dog Obedience Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
- Service Dog Training
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Dogs
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
- Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Education
I use the tools that are appropriate for what the behavior is neede, size of the dog and it temperment.
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Sonoma County, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Cotati, Windsor, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Cloverdale, Guerneville, Forestville, Kenwood, Fulton California
What year did you begin serving pets?
2004
How did you hone your craft?
20 years of dog obedience competition
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
Food is like a paycheck for a dog. When we are teaching a behavior I use food most time to get what I want by not free feeding, but by making them earn their paycheck by doing what I ask.
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
I absolutley love what I do working with people and animals to mold the behaviors we want.
SERVICE AREA: Within 75 miles, including Sonoma County, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Cotati, Windsor, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Cloverdale, Guerneville, Forestville, Kenwood, Fulton California
Distinction
Customer Reviews
Marie is amazing! In 3 lessons we went from experiencing regular frustration when walking our 7 year old collie mix to pleasant walks and solid recall. A huge difference thanks to Marie's clear and specific instructions. - Santa Rosa, CA - November 2025
- Daniel BMarie is a treasure! She met with a group of us every week and helped us become better dog parents. We were all at different stages with our dogs - who ranged from puppy to senior - but Marie took the challenge in her stride and was patient, skilled, flexible and very kind. We all feel that we have learned so much that we plan to continue with monthly sessions. Now for the fun part - Marie is helping us to teach our dogs tricks. Thank you, Marie, you have made such a difference. - Oakland, California - September 2025
- Ann CThere's so many wonderful things to say about her. Just start off with she's very punctual, she solved every problem I had pet related, she was direct but also kind. She really knows her stuff when it has to do with dog training. She has a lovely personality and it's very clear that she loves what she does. I will definitely be recommending her to anyone I know who needs a dog trainer and I will be reaching out to her for a few more sessions in the future. - San Francisco, CA
- Ally PHow do you serve precious pets?
- Dog Trainer
- Animal Behaviorist
- Pet First Aid Training
- Puppy Trainer
- Dog Obedience Training
What training tools do you use?
- Barriers
- Choke Collar
- E-Collar
- Leash
- Long Line
- Martingale Collar
- Muzzle
- Praise/Affection
- Prong Collar
- Slip Lead
- Toys
- Treats
Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?
- Dog Agility Training
- Dog Obedience Training
- Pet Behavior Modification
- Service Dog Training
What part of the animal kingdom do you serve?
- Dogs
On a scale of snail to elephant, what size animals do you work with?
- 20-39 lbs
- 40-79 lbs
- 80+ lbs
- under 20 lbs
Pet Certifications
- American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC)
- Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI)
Do you offer mobile services?
- Yes
Education
I use the tools that are appropriate for what the behavior is neede, size of the dog and it temperment.
Which part of the country do you serve pets?
Sonoma County, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Cotati, Windsor, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, Cloverdale, Guerneville, Forestville, Kenwood, Fulton California
What year did you begin serving pets?
2004
How did you hone your craft?
20 years of dog obedience competition
What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?
Food is like a paycheck for a dog. When we are teaching a behavior I use food most time to get what I want by not free feeding, but by making them earn their paycheck by doing what I ask.
What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!
I absolutley love what I do working with people and animals to mold the behaviors we want.
Customer Reviews
Marie is amazing! In 3 lessons we went from experiencing regular frustration when walking our 7 year old collie mix to pleasant walks and solid recall. A huge difference thanks to Marie's clear and specific instructions. - Santa Rosa, CA - November 2025
- Daniel BMarie is a treasure! She met with a group of us every week and helped us become better dog parents. We were all at different stages with our dogs - who ranged from puppy to senior - but Marie took the challenge in her stride and was patient, skilled, flexible and very kind. We all feel that we have learned so much that we plan to continue with monthly sessions. Now for the fun part - Marie is helping us to teach our dogs tricks. Thank you, Marie, you have made such a difference. - Oakland, California - September 2025
- Ann CThere's so many wonderful things to say about her. Just start off with she's very punctual, she solved every problem I had pet related, she was direct but also kind. She really knows her stuff when it has to do with dog training. She has a lovely personality and it's very clear that she loves what she does. I will definitely be recommending her to anyone I know who needs a dog trainer and I will be reaching out to her for a few more sessions in the future. - San Francisco, CA
- Ally P🐶 About Marie Miller — Certified Dog Trainer in Santa Rosa, California
Marie Miller is a certified dog trainer serving Santa Rosa and the surrounding Sonoma County area, including nearby communities such as Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Windsor, Novato, Sonoma, Healdsburg, Sebastopol, American Canyon, St. Helena, Calistoga. They specialize in helping dogs and their people build calm, trusting, and lasting relationships through positive, science-based training. Whether you're working through leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or simply want a well-mannered companion, Marie tailors each session to your dog’s personality, history, and learning style—so progress feels natural and sustainable, not forced.
❤️ Great dog training isn’t just about commands — it’s about connection.
Marie works closely with you as the owner, helping you understand your dog’s behavior, build clear communication, and create routines that lead to real-world success at home and in public.
✅ Training Support for Real-Life Challenges
From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, Marie provides practical, results-driven support with:
- Obedience and focus for home and public settings
- Leash training and more relaxed, enjoyable walks
- Reducing anxiety, fear, and reactivity
- Puppy and new dog foundations for long-term success
Recommended Certifications for Dog Trainers
When choosing a dog trainer, professional certifications are a strong indicator of expertise, experience, and commitment to ethical, science-based methods. Widely recognized credentials include the CPDT-KA or CPDT-KSA from the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers, which demonstrate mastery of modern training techniques, canine behavior, and learning theory. The KPA-CTP (Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner) highlights trainers skilled in positive reinforcement and clicker training, while the IAABC Certified Dog Trainer credential, recognized internationally, signals advanced knowledge in behavior modification and problem-solving. Membership or certification through the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) further reflects ongoing education and adherence to ethical standards. Many trainers also pursue specialty certifications in areas such as aggression management, behavior modification, or puppy development to address specific challenges.
For pet parents, choosing a certified trainer like Marie Miller, ensures that your dog’s training is grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about a trainer’s credentials is one of the best ways to make a confident, informed choice.
⭐ Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks
Booking through PetWorks gives you more than access to a qualified trainer — it gives you confidence in your choice.
Marie is a verified professional who uses force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents value the supportive, judgment-free approach, along with the ability to read verified reviews and book securely through a trusted platform.
🦔 How Booking Dog Training in Santa Rosa, CA on PetWorks Works
Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On PetWorks, you can explore Marie’s profile, read real feedback from pet parents across Sonoma County, and either initiate a booking offer by clicking the "Book Now" button, or start with a conversation by clicking 'Get Custom Quote' or 'Send Message'.
Training works best when you begin at the right time. For puppies and newly adopted dogs, early training builds strong habits from the start. For older dogs, challenges like leash pulling, anxiety, or reactivity can absolutely improve with consistent, professional guidance — with many pet parents noticing meaningful progress within just a few sessions.
In Santa Rosa and throughout California, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers can increase during the spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit in advance can help you secure the schedule that works best for you.
Most dog training sessions across the U.S. typically range from $75–$150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and training type. On PetWorks, you can review available services and choose the option that aligns with your goals.
All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, giving you access to a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you’ll coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with Marie to get the most out of your sessions.
❓ Dog Training FAQs
How many dog training sessions will I need? Every dog is different, but many pet parents begin to see progress within 2–4 sessions. More complex behavior issues like reactivity or anxiety may require ongoing training and consistency at home.
Do you offer in-home dog training in Santa Rosa, CA? Many trainers on PetWorks, including Marie, offer flexible options such as in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services listed above or use Request Quote to confirm what works best for your situation.
Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective in addressing reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. Early guidance from a certified professional helps ensure safe, lasting progress.
🐾 Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog
Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness — and your peace of mind.
Explore Marie’s profile, read verified reviews from local pet parents across Sonoma County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog today. Availability can vary week to week, so booking ahead is recommended.