Truly Force Free Animal Training - Dog Trainer - Ventura, CA

Member since Dec 2021

Shannon Riley-Coyner is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, Registered Veterinary Technician, Wellness Coach, and Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner. Shannon has been a pet lover all her life and a dog trainer for over 20 years. She has spent her life observing, caring for and training animals of all kinds. She has worked in the Bird Department at Marine World Africa USA, and worked as a handler and trainer for an African Serval Cat at Safari West, a private zoo in Santa Rosa, California. She has participated in behavior studies including observations of bald eagles and addax antelope through the San Francisco Zoo and Safari West.

Her education includes a Biology Degree, specializing in Zoology from Sonoma State. She is a Registered Veterinary Technician, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer, a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants. Shannon has also spoken at the Annual APDT (Association of Professional Dog Trainers) conferences the past 2 years and covered topics such as "Compassion Fatigue" and "What Is Your Dog's Currency?"

Shannon's dog training philosophy revolves around force free, positive reinforcement, however, her ultimate goal is for healthy happy relationship between pets and their people. Diet, exercise, environment and training all play significant roles in achieving this goal. Shannon spent many years as the head dog trainer for PAWS for Healing, a pet assisted therapy organization. She performed temperament testing and assisted in the training of therapy dogs who visited hospitals, veteran groups, special educational facilities and convalescent homes. She believes strongly in the benefits of developing the human animal bond and can assist in coaching for pets and their human companions to develop that connection. Shannon can provide assistance with training, weight management, exercise and other behavior modifications for your dog or other pets in the Ventura area.

Shannon's Book "The Evolution of Dog Training" is now available on Amazon or Barnes & Noble !

Please contact and book my training sessions on Petworks. Have a great day!

  • Certified
  • Online Sessions

Pricing Packages

Starting Price
$ 175.00 Per Hour

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Private Dog Training
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Behaviorist

What training tools do you use?

  • Clicker
  • Praise/Affection
  • Treats

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

  • Dog Agility Training
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification

Pet Certifications

  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
  • International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
  • Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Virtual Appointments - Worldwide

What year did you begin serving pets?

1996
Shannon riley coyner

shannon riley

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BASED IN: Ventura, CA
SERVICE AREA: Within 100 miles, including Virtual Appointments - Worldwide

Distinction

CPDT-KA Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP) International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)

How do you serve precious pets?

  • Dog Trainer
  • Private Dog Training
  • Animal Behaviorist
  • Puppy Trainer
  • Dog Behaviorist

What training tools do you use?

  • Clicker
  • Praise/Affection
  • Treats

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

  • Dog Agility Training
  • Dog Obedience Training
  • Pet Behavior Modification

Pet Certifications

  • Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA)
  • International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC)
  • Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner (KPA CTP)
  • Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Cat-astrophes happen! What is your cancellation policy?

PetWorks Cancellation Policy Pet Care Professional's Own Policy If a pet care professional has published their own cancellation or refund policy, that policy governs the refund of the service amount only. Any PetWorks fees, including the Care Coverage Fee and Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee, are governed by this PetWorks Cancellation Policy and not by the pet care professional's policy. Pet Parent Cancels If the pet care professional has not published their own cancellation policy, the service amount is refundable only if the pet parent cancels at least 72 hours before the scheduled start time of the booking. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled start time are non-refundable for the service amount. The Care Coverage Fee is non-refundable when a pet parent cancels, regardless of timing and regardless of whether the pet care professional has their own cancellation policy. Pet Parent No-Show If a pet parent does not show up for a confirmed booking, no refund will be issued for the service amount or the Care Coverage Fee. Pet Care Professional Cancels If a pet care professional cancels a confirmed booking, the pet parent receives a 100% refund of everything they paid, including the Care Coverage Fee. The pet care professional receives no payment for the canceled service and is charged a Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee equal to 10% of the service amount, up to a maximum of $150. PetWorks may collect this fee by deducting it from a future payout through PetWorks or by other means if no future payout is available. Policy in Effect at Booking The cancellation rules that apply to a booking, including any pet care professional cancellation policy on file and the Pet Care Professional Cancellation Fee rate, are those that were in effect when the booking was confirmed.

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Virtual Appointments - Worldwide

What year did you begin serving pets?

1996

đŸ¶ Certified Dog Trainers in Ventura, California


Pet parents in Ventura and the surrounding Ventura County area, including nearby communities such as Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Santa Barbara, Camarillo, Santa Clarita, Malibu, Moorpark, Fillmore, Carpinteria, often look for a certified dog trainer who can help a dog and their people build a calm, trusting relationship. Trainers like Shannon Riley focus on positive, science-based methods that fit real life at home and in public. Whether the goal is leash pulling, anxiety, reactivity, or a well-mannered companion, a good trainer shapes each session around the dog’s personality, history, and learning style, so progress feels natural and sustainable.


❀ Great dog training isn’t just about commands — it’s about connection.


Certified dog trainers work with you as the owner, not only with the dog. They help you read behavior, build clear communication, and set routines that hold up at home and in public. A trainer like Shannon is a coach for both of you.


✅ Training Support for Real-Life Challenges


From everyday manners to more complex behavioral concerns, certified dog trainers in Ventura commonly help 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


Sessions should feel encouraging, practical, and easy to carry into your daily routine. The services listed on this profile show what Shannon offers.


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 Shannon Riley is one way to keep training grounded in science, safety, and compassion. Asking about credentials, and confirming them on the profile, is one of the best ways to make a confident choice.


⭐ Why Pet Parents Book Through PetWorks


Booking through PetWorks gives you more than a list of dog trainers in Ventura. It gives you a clearer way to choose.


A profile like Shannon’s lets you review a local professional, read feedback from other pet parents, and book securely through a trusted platform. Many trainers on PetWorks use force-free, positive reinforcement methods grounded in modern behavioral science. Pet parents often look for that supportive, judgment-free approach when they decide who to hire.


🩔 How Booking Dog Training in Ventura, CA on PetWorks Works


Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On this page you can explore Shannon’s profile, read feedback from pet parents across Ventura County, and either start a booking with "Book Now" or begin a conversation with "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 improve with consistent, professional guidance, and many pet parents notice meaningful progress within a few sessions.


In Ventura and throughout California, demand for experienced, force-free dog trainers often rises in spring and early fall, when routines shift and outdoor activity picks up. Booking a bit ahead can help you get a schedule that works.


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 the services on this profile and choose the option that matches your goals.


All payments are processed securely through PetWorks. Every booking also includes PetWorks Care Coverage, with a dedicated concierge team, added protection, and support throughout your experience. Once you connect, you coordinate scheduling, location, and training goals directly with your trainer.


❓ 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 issues like reactivity or anxiety may take ongoing training and consistency at home.


Do dog trainers offer in-home sessions in Ventura, CA? Many trainers on PetWorks offer in-home sessions, local meetups, or virtual coaching. Check the services on Shannon’s profile, or use Get Custom Quote, to confirm what is available.


Can dog training help with aggressive or reactive behavior? Yes. Positive, science-based training can be very effective for reactivity, fear, and certain forms of aggression. A certified professional helps keep that progress safe and lasting.


đŸŸ Start Building a Better Relationship With Your Dog


Training is an investment in your dog’s happiness, and in your peace of mind.


Explore Shannon’s profile, read reviews from pet parents across Ventura County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog. Availability for trainers in Ventura can change week to week, so booking ahead is a good idea.

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