The Well-Heeled Dog - Certified Pro Dog Trainer - West Hollywood, CA

Verified Member since Dec 2021 Verified checkmark

I'm a CPDT Certified Pro Dog Trainer. Let us turn your four-legged troublemaker into a well-mannered companion that’s safe around your family and friends. We offer private in-home dog training, behavior modification, puppy training and socialization, family dog training, and kids & dogs safety talks.

Susan Isaacs is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA); a graduate of the Balu Academy for Dog Trainers; a member of the Dog Trainers’ Alliance of Southern CA (DTASC); an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator; a licensed presenter for Family Paws Parent Education and Doggone Safe; and she volunteered for 3 years as lead trainer for the LA chapter of Pets for Vets.

Susan has been training dogs for over 18 years and continues to add to her knowledge and technical skills by attending workshops with leaders in the behavior and training field. She has studied under such experts as Dr. Ian Dunbar, Karen Pryor, John Rogerson, Sue Sternberg, Pam Reid, Trish King, Pia Silvani, Ray Coppinger, Jim Barry, Nicole Wilde and many others.

The Well-Heeled Dog won the 2004 Small Business Award from the West Hollywood, CA Chamber of Commerce.

Please contact and book my private dog training services on Petworks. Thank You.


  • Licensed
  • Certified
  • Insured
  • Online Sessions

Pricing Packages

Initial consult
$ 250.00 Per 90 minutes book

Beyond the initial consult ($250 for 90 minutes), if you would like to continue working with The Well-Heeled Dog, we offer packages only. The smallest package is $400 for 3 one-hour sessions. Sessions must be used within 2 weeks of one another to encourage you to practice.

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • K9 Training

What training tools do you use?

  • Front-clip Harness
  • Head Collar
  • Leash
  • Long Line
  • Praise/Affection
  • Toys
  • Treats

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification

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 Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)

Do you offer mobile services?

  • No

Education

Balu Academy for Dog Trainers; MS in Human Resources Management

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Santa Clarita, Garden Grove, Torrance, West Hollywood CA

What year did you begin serving pets?

2003

How did you hone your craft?

I went to dog training school; volunteered with the spca/LA for 2 years; acquired a mentor; attend the latest seminars, webinars and conferences on a regular basis; confer with fellow trainers/behavior consultants on case studies.

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

Your dog is constantly trying to read your body language to figure out what you want of them. Offering clear signals -- both physical and verbal -- teaches your dog what you expect. Please respect your dog for being a dog, not a human.

What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!

I want you and your dog to have fun with training. If you aren't having fun, learning will happen either slowly or not the way you expect.

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susan isaacs

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BASED IN: West Hollywood, CA
SERVICE AREA: Within 25 miles, including Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Santa Clarita, Garden Grove, Torrance, West Hollywood CA

Distinction

Pw without hitch Pw eager beaver circle CPDT-KA American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Approved Evaluator (AKC CGC) Family Paws Parent Educator Petworks Best of 2024 Petworks Best of 2025

Customer Reviews

We found Susan to be very knowledgeable, friendly and adaptable. She is good with people and with dogs. We would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a high-quality dog trainer.

- Steven S
Pet Pro's Response:

It was a pleasure working with you and darling Sadie!

- Susan Isaacs

Susan has been wonderful to work with our (now 3 mo old) puppy couldn't love her enough! being able to speak with Susan between our sessions is a unique perk I've never heard of other trainers offering, being able to check with her about how to handle new behaviors our puppy shows is beyond helpful and ensures we continue to guide our pup in the right direction and don't let bad habits stick before our next scheduled in person session.
Her method of positive - not exclusively food driven - reinforcement is something we wanted and she does not falter on this either.

- Christine L

Susan is a terrific trainer. She has been working with our 11 week old collie puppy and he has benefited greatly. She is both excellent with pups and adults alike. Her private sessions are very informative and she follows up with emails reviewing the activities introduced during the training sessions. In addition she is a great resource for dog toys, dog food etc. We highly recommend her.

- Andrea R

"Gus" our 80 pound chocolate lab was a nightmare to walk, pulling and uncontrollable. Susan returned my call in less than 10 mins and we were able to schedule an evaluation.
Susan was on time, detail oriented and straight forward.
After a short conversation and answering some questions about Gus' we got straight to work.

I'll spare you the specifics but I'm not exaggerating when I say later that evening we were walking a different dog.

I cannot recommend Susan enough and we are so excited to enjoy walking our dog again.

- Mark A

Susan is absolutely wonderful. She helped me build a language with which I could use to help train my sweet shih tzu. Susan is always easy to schedule with, and was very respectful with COVID guidelines. I cannot recommend her enough with training a puppy. She uses positive reinforcement and helps ensure that the owner (me) stays consistent with training!

- Sophie B

Susan is great - can't recommend her enough. My boyfriend and I had a "foster failure" situation with a German Shepherd puppy, and we really wanted her to be well-trained (especially because we have a cat, and I didn't have any prior experience training a puppy).

We reached out to a few trainers, and we're so glad we went with Susan - she's a great teacher (both for humans & dogs). Our puppy loves the training sessions. Since working with Susan, I feel so much more comfortable and confident communicating with our dog. Reading and watching videos doesn't compare at all to working with a trainer - she catches things you wouldn't think to google. Susan has also been extremely helpful recommending gear. Highly recommended!

- Allyson M

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • K9 Training

What training tools do you use?

  • Front-clip Harness
  • Head Collar
  • Leash
  • Long Line
  • Praise/Affection
  • Toys
  • Treats

Which training type do you employ to encourage paw-sitive behaviors?

  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification

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 Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)

Do you offer mobile services?

  • No

Education

Balu Academy for Dog Trainers; MS in Human Resources Management

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Los Angeles, Long Beach, Glendale, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Santa Clarita, Garden Grove, Torrance, West Hollywood CA

What year did you begin serving pets?

2003

How did you hone your craft?

I went to dog training school; volunteered with the spca/LA for 2 years; acquired a mentor; attend the latest seminars, webinars and conferences on a regular basis; confer with fellow trainers/behavior consultants on case studies.

What tip would you give pet parents for working with animals that you've learned as a pro?

Your dog is constantly trying to read your body language to figure out what you want of them. Offering clear signals -- both physical and verbal -- teaches your dog what you expect. Please respect your dog for being a dog, not a human.

What is one thing you want pet parents to know about you? It can be whatev-fur you'd like!

I want you and your dog to have fun with training. If you aren't having fun, learning will happen either slowly or not the way you expect.

Customer Reviews

We found Susan to be very knowledgeable, friendly and adaptable. She is good with people and with dogs. We would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a high-quality dog trainer.

- Steven S
Pet Pro Response:

It was a pleasure working with you and darling Sadie!

- Susan Isaacs

Susan has been wonderful to work with our (now 3 mo old) puppy couldn't love her enough! being able to speak with Susan between our sessions is a unique perk I've never heard of other trainers offering, being able to check with her about how to handle new behaviors our puppy shows is beyond helpful and ensures we continue to guide our pup in the right direction and don't let bad habits stick before our next scheduled in person session.
Her method of positive - not exclusively food driven - reinforcement is something we wanted and she does not falter on this either.

- Christine L

Susan is a terrific trainer. She has been working with our 11 week old collie puppy and he has benefited greatly. She is both excellent with pups and adults alike. Her private sessions are very informative and she follows up with emails reviewing the activities introduced during the training sessions. In addition she is a great resource for dog toys, dog food etc. We highly recommend her.

- Andrea R

"Gus" our 80 pound chocolate lab was a nightmare to walk, pulling and uncontrollable. Susan returned my call in less than 10 mins and we were able to schedule an evaluation.
Susan was on time, detail oriented and straight forward.
After a short conversation and answering some questions about Gus' we got straight to work.

I'll spare you the specifics but I'm not exaggerating when I say later that evening we were walking a different dog.

I cannot recommend Susan enough and we are so excited to enjoy walking our dog again.

- Mark A

Susan is absolutely wonderful. She helped me build a language with which I could use to help train my sweet shih tzu. Susan is always easy to schedule with, and was very respectful with COVID guidelines. I cannot recommend her enough with training a puppy. She uses positive reinforcement and helps ensure that the owner (me) stays consistent with training!

- Sophie B

Susan is great - can't recommend her enough. My boyfriend and I had a "foster failure" situation with a German Shepherd puppy, and we really wanted her to be well-trained (especially because we have a cat, and I didn't have any prior experience training a puppy).

We reached out to a few trainers, and we're so glad we went with Susan - she's a great teacher (both for humans & dogs). Our puppy loves the training sessions. Since working with Susan, I feel so much more comfortable and confident communicating with our dog. Reading and watching videos doesn't compare at all to working with a trainer - she catches things you wouldn't think to google. Susan has also been extremely helpful recommending gear. Highly recommended!

- Allyson M

🐶 About Susan Isaacs — Certified Dog Trainer in West Hollywood, California


Susan Isaacs is a certified dog trainer serving West Hollywood and the surrounding Los Angeles County area, including nearby communities such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Riverside, Irvine, Glendale, Huntington Beach, Pasadena, Fontana. 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, Susan 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.


Susan 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, Susan 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

Each session is designed to be encouraging, easy to apply, and tailored to your daily routine.


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 Susan Isaacs, 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.


Susan 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 West Hollywood, CA on PetWorks Works


Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On PetWorks, you can explore Susan’s profile, read real feedback from pet parents across Los Angeles County, and either book a session directly or start with a conversation using Request Quote.


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 West Hollywood 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 Susan 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 West Hollywood, CA? Many trainers on PetWorks, including Susan, 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 Susan’s profile, read verified reviews from local pet parents across Los Angeles County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog today. Availability can vary week to week, so booking ahead is recommended.