Why Choose Sandy Paws
for My Dog Training Needs?
The dog training industry is unfortunately unregulated, which means anyone can claim to be a “dog trainer” without having any formal qualifications. That’s why it’s so important to choose someone with the right combination of education, certifications, and hands-on experience. I'm incredibly grateful that dog training is not just my profession, but my true passion - and I’m committed to honoring that by continuously investing in my own education and growth as a trainer. While the industry may lack regulation, I hold myself to the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and ongoing learning. I approach every dog as an individual, using humane, science-based methods that prioritize trust, clarity, and respect. My goal is not only to train dogs, but to empower owners with the tools and confidence they need for long-term success.
Certification
Certified Professional Dog Trainer Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA)
by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers
Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer (ABC-DT)
by Animal Behavior College
Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
Education
Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy
Minor in Occupational Science
from the University of Southern California
Commitment to Continuing Education by attending Seminars and Conferences, taking Online Courses, and keeping up with Dog Training Literature
FDSA BH150 Management For Reactive Dogs
FDSA Dogs with Big Feelings Conference 2022
The Aggression in Dogs Conference 2022
The Association of Professional Dog Trainers Conference 2024
Karen Pryor Clicker Expo 2025
FDSA The Barkey Lungey Dog Conference 2025
Professional Experience
Extensive Animal Experience
Veterinary Assistant Experience
Volunteer Experience
Dog Training Internships, Mentorships, & Schooling
Thousands of Hours Professionally Training Dogs
Methodology
Positive Reinforcement R+ Based Training
Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive (LIMA)
Relationship & Science Based
Humane Hierarchy
Fear Free
Affiliations
Association for Professional Dog Training International
International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants
The Carson Animal Shelter
Personal Experience
Dog Owner of 20+ Years
Owner Trained Psychiatric Service Dog
(PSD)
Achieved 6 American Kennel Club (AKC) Titles
Click Here to see my own pup Freddie demonstrate!
Check out some of my other Testimonials!
To learn even more, please visit Meet SPSB Owner Serena
Still Need Convincing?
Hear It From Just A Few Happy Owners!
"Serena is a great trainer! She helped us raising our puppy into a teenager and building a solid foundation for him to become a great dog and also taught us to be a better humans for our pup. I honestly don't know if we would have such a good relationship with our golden if not for the course we went through together. Can't recommend Serena enough!"
Iaroslav K.
"We had a wonderful experience working with Serena on our 14 months old Havanese puppy's reactivity (because of excitement) to other dogs. She listened to us, observed our puppy's behavior around other dogs and created a tailored training plan. Thanks to her, our dog's behavior has improved significantly. Additionally, the booking and meeting process were very convenient, and she was very flexible scheduling weekly sessions according to our availability. We highly recommend Serena to anyone needing professional dog training."
"Serena is a super pro dog / puppy trainer. Her training technique focus is positive reinforcement. She clearly understands and puts into practice that each dog is an individual. With this in mind she implements a variety of training techniques and tools that pinpoint what your dog best responds to while always keeping the training focus positive. Myself and Poppy, my Wheaten Terrier have grown and learned so much from Serena. During the course of our training with Serena, Poppy has gained confidence and independence as well as the skills of manners, commands ie: sit, stay, lay, come, drop it. Poppy recently passed her AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy Class - a proud accomplishment! I highly recommend Serena/Sandy Paws South Bay for your dog training."
Robin V.
Ekin T.
"I would highly recommend working with Serena. She has tremendous knowledge and a wide range of training on behavioral issues. She helped me to understand why my pup Bentley was reacting on a leash and provided insight and tools to help both my pup and I to feel more confident and relaxed on our walks. Serena is very caring, professional and just wonderful to work with. Thank you Serena for your guidance and for sharing your gift."
"Our family has been extremely pleased with the training sessions we've had with Serena. She has a very calm demeanor with our energetic puppy and has guided us in the training rather than taken over herself. She has watched our interactions with the dog and corrected us which gives us the confidence to continue when she's not here."
Noreen D.
Anne K.
"We recently rescued our beautiful puppy, Willow and set out to find some general obedience training and advice on her care. We connected with Serena at Sandy Paws South Bay, and are so extremely happy we found her. Serena was so knowledgeable and so caring and just had an uncanny way of connecting with Willow. In just a few sessions, she had our girl running through bug nets, jumping in kiddy pools full of obstacles, etc. Willow gained so much confidence under Serena. I highly recommend her and Sandy Paws S. Bay for any dog training needs."
Joshua R.
"Serena was so amazing with my reactive pitbull rescue. She really took the time to figure out the deeper causes of her reactivity and made sure we moved at my dog’s pace. My dog, Millie, made so much progress in just a few months!"
Phoebe L.
SPSB Training Carson Shelter Dogs
Why Choose Private In-Person Dog Training?
Personalized Attention
Every dog is different, and so is every owner. We tailor each training plan to your dog’s unique temperament, behavior challenges, and learning style. You won’t get a one-size-fits-all approach, you'll get a custom strategy that works for your dog.
Hands-On Guidance
Training isn’t just for your dog, it’s for you too! Private sessions give you the opportunity to learn with your dog, with immediate feedback and real-time coaching. We’ll show you exactly how to handle situations as they happen, boosting your confidence and your dog’s trust in you.
Fewer Distractions, Better Focus
Group classes can be overstimulating for some dogs, especially those who are reactive or shy. In a private setting, we control the environment to set your dog up for success, gradually introducing challenges as they’re ready.
Flexibility
Private sessions work around your availability and can take place where they’re most effective - your home, a local park, or even a dog-friendly business. No need to rearrange your week or commute to a training facility. We come to you when it works for you.
Real Life Results
We train where the problems happen - in their own environment. That means the training is not just theoretical, it’s practical and lasting. This leads to quicker understanding, clearer communication, and more consistent results.
Long Term Support
Our private training includes follow-ups, ongoing communication, and support even between sessions. You’ll have access to a professional who knows your dog and can help you troubleshoot challenges as they come up, giving you peace of mind and long-term success.
Services We Offer
Evaluations, Single Sessions, Packages
Training Evaluations
Evaluations act as an opportunity for me to observe your dog’s behavior, temperament, obedience level, and social skills to better understand their training needs. We'll discuss your goals, expectations, and any behavioral concerns you may have. I’ll also conduct a hands-on assessment of basic commands and leash manners, while evaluating your dog’s focus, energy, and reactions to people and distractions. Based on these insights, I’ll recommend a personalized training plan tailored to you and your pup.
*Training Evaluations are required for all new clients requesting Training Services. They are not a guarantee of service.*
Single Sessions
1 on 1, Flexible, Customizable
Prepaid Packages
Whether you're starting with the basics or diving into behavior modification, we offer personalized dog training packages to fit your pup's needs and your lifestyle. Each package includes hands-on sessions with clear goals and practical guidance to strengthen your bond and boost your dog’s obedience and confidence. Our custom programs are designed for puppies, adult dogs, or rescues!
For optimal results we recommend that packages are used 1x per week within an around a 12 week period, or shorter.
Focused Foundations
4 Session Package
$570 (5% off)
A great starting point for polishing up basic obedience skills or tackling 1–2 specific mild behavior concerns. This package is ideal for dogs who need a refresher or for pet parents looking to lay down the groundwork with expert guidance.
Balanced Behavior
8 Session Package
$1,080 (10% off)
Designed for more in-depth training and lasting behavior change. With 8 sessions, we can focus on more complex obedience, behavior modification, and deeper communication between you and your dog. Ideal for clients who want a bit more than basic obedience and for adult dogs or adolescent pups with mild to moderate behavioral challenges.
Complete Canine Program
12 Session Package
$1,530 (15% off)
Best Value – Highly Recommended for Puppies! This comprehensive package offers the time, structure, and support needed to transform your dog’s behavior from the ground up. It supports long-term success through structured, consistent training. It’s ideal for new puppy owners, service/therapy dog prospects, or dogs working through behavioral challenges such as reactivity, fear, or anxiety.
All Packages Include:
✅ Customized, flexible training plan
✅ Targeted homework between sessions
✅ Ongoing evaluations & progress tracking
✅ Text support + priority scheduling
✅ Graduation certificate upon completion of program
🐾 Not sure which package is right for you? Schedule a 1-on-1 evaluation session using our Prospective Client Form and Serena will design a custom training plan tailored to your dog’s unique needs and your lifestyle. 🐾
Possible Areas of Focus
Puppy Training, Obedience Training, Behavioral Modification, & Specialty Training
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Sit
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Down
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Leave it / Drop it
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Stay
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Come When Called (Recall)
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Excessive Barking
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Destruction
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Mouthing or Nipping
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Counter Surfing
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Neutral Socialization
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Leash Training
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Place Work
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Door Manners
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Crate Training
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Greeting Rituals
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Potty Training
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Handling and Grooming Cooperation
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Threshold Training
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Jumping Up
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Excessive Barking
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Reactivity Training
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Separation Anxiety
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Fear-based Behaviors
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Confidence Building
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Overstimulation / Distraction
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Basic, Intermediate, Advanced Obedience
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AKC Title & Trick Training
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Public Manners
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Psychiatric Service Dog Training
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Therapy Dog Training