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)

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Virtual Appointments - Worldwide

What year did you begin serving pets?

1996

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)

Which part of the country do you serve pets?

Virtual Appointments - Worldwide

What year did you begin serving pets?

1996

🐶 About Shannon Riley — Certified Dog Trainer in Ventura, California


Shannon Riley is a certified dog trainer serving 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. 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, Shannon 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.


Shannon 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, Shannon 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 Shannon Riley, 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.


Shannon 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 Ventura, CA on PetWorks Works


Finding the right dog trainer starts with trust and fit. On PetWorks, you can explore Shannon’s profile, read real feedback from pet parents across Ventura 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 Ventura 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 Shannon 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 Ventura, CA? Many trainers on PetWorks, including Shannon, 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 Shannon’s profile, read verified reviews from local pet parents across Ventura County, and take the first step toward a calmer, more confident dog today. Availability can vary week to week, so booking ahead is recommended.