The Educated Dog Learning Center LLC

Betsy is highly-knowledgeable and non-judgmental. She tailors her training sessions to each individual dog's/owner's needs - and really helps to educate owners so they can work with their dogs. Her insights and observations of dog behavior are extremely helpful in assisting owners to understand how to motivate and guide their dog's behavior. I would highly recommend Betsy for any dog-related training need."

Dolores G. and Arrow, Manhattan Beach CA

"Working with Betsy and our 75 lb German Shepherd mix puppy, Meriah, has completely solidified my faith in positive reinforcement training!  As a 34-year veteran teacher of students with challenging emotional and behavioral needs, I have relied on positive behavioral support techniques to help students (as well as their parents and teachers). Though this approach can require additional patience and some delay of gratification, Betsy has proved its clear superiority to correction-based training in developing a happier, less anxious dog, who internalizes more desirable behaviors and independently sustains them for a longer period of time.

Meriah has loved working with Betsy, and has grown into a happy, well adjusted dog. Betsy has also helped us enjoy a great deal of fun and reward in the training process, and taught us some useful things about ourselves. We couldn’t have gotten through this without her!"

Leslie G. and Meriah, Manhattan Beach CA

 
"I've had dogs all of my life and never had trouble teaching them the basics - even some good little tricks.  After nearly a year with our mini-pinscher chihuahua mix who was rescued from the street in downtown LA though, we hadn't made any progress in getting her to even come to us.  She was far too timid and while she had warmed up to us and often happily wagged her tail, she was still easily petrified at the slightest move directed towards her.  Think fainting sheep.

Betsy not only got Pixie on her side in the first session with kindness and gentle persuasion (and plenty of progress oriented treats), she was also able to easily convey methods for us to use with Pixie that worked from day one.
 
Pixie is so much happier and chill now that Betsy has unlocked her 'thinking' potential with her soft pitch methodology. Betsy has a way about her and her teaching that instilled confidence in our terribly shy little dog and the ideas she has given us have helped Pixie to continue to grow and improve.
 
We're extremely pleased with what Betsy has been able to accomplish and teach both us and Pixie in a very short time."

Renee, Doug and Pixie, El Segundo CA

"I'm one lucky dog trainer.  I have colleagues who support me when I need help with a particularly difficult client behavior issue...sometimes it's the dog's behavior, sometimes it's the human's!  Great trainers are always learning, don'tcha know?

Betsy is one of those colleagues. Generous with her time and knowledge, she helped me work with my very own new rescue -- a smart, responsive, affectionate but leash-reactive Pit bull mix. In just minutes, Betsy shared a technique that helped Layla focus on me rather than "that dog over there."  It was a brilliant technique that allowed Layla to decide, on her own, to orient toward me. That's powerful stuff!

I'm enormously grateful for Betsy's help and encouragement. We have lots of work to do, Layla and I, but now I have a beautiful new tool in my toolbox with which to help both my pooch and those of my clients."

Susan I. and Layla, West Hollywood CA

I grew up with two 90-pound German Shepherds, and I just can't imagine raising kids without a dog to love. I remember our dogs being the most obedient in the neighborhood, but I also remember being afraid when our father went out to "work" with them. It usually went with a lot of yelling, and some hitting to go along with it. 

Twenty years later, when we decided to rescue Mia, I did some research, and just as positive discipline has been achieving tremendous results with raising children, it also works with dogs! Betsy came highly recommended by just about all of our neighborhood friends who have dogs. She helped me set up the infrastructure to help our puppy succeed. This includes an exercise pen that leads directly to the dog run through a dog door. Genius! Mia has never had an accident in the house, has never eaten slippers, or torn up the couch.

Betsy’s philosophy has been incredibly effective. We have learned how to use body language and hand signals in a way that I never raise my voice above a whisper. The kids are learning to treat her with kindness, and also to reward her with belly rubs, hugs and pats when she plays gently with them. I have lofty goals for Mia, and so far she is meeting them. Positive training methods work very well! 

Robin B. and Mia, Manhattan Beach CA