Best Paw Forward

Private training includes one-hour weekly sessions at the client’s home, parks, or other real-world locations, with customized homework and ongoing trainer support. Group classes are 6 weeks long, held Saturday mornings at Shields Park in West Indio, covering basic and intermediate obedience with emphasis on body language communication. Board-and-train programs place dogs in Valerie’s home for intensive training without crates or kennels. Puppy Kindergarten focuses on early socialization and foundational manners. All programs are tailored to individual goals and include follow-up guidance.

Pricing Summary

Private in-home training is $185 per 1-hour session or $660 for a package of four sessions. Group obedience classes cost $180 for a 6-week program. Board-and-train services are available but pricing is not listed publicly.

Policies

Group classes have no refunds. Private sessions are scheduled weekly with no mention of cancellation or rescheduling policies. Board-and-train and other services do not include policy details on the website.

Best Paw Forward is a dog training business based in the Coachella Valley, founded by certified trainer Valerie Masi in 2003. The business offers private in-home training, group obedience classes, board-and-train programs, and specialized behavior modification for fearful and aggressive dogs. Valerie specializes in helping dogs with reactivity, fear-based behaviors, and resource guarding using a hands-on, personalized approach that emphasizes understanding dog psychology and owner communication. She also provides Puppy Kindergarten, Canine Good Citizen certification, agility training, and service dog preparation. Clients appreciate her no-crates boarding program, where dogs are cared for in her home like family members. Training is tailored to each dog’s needs, with lessons focused on real-world scenarios and owner involvement. Valerie does not rely solely on treat rewards, instead teaching owners to communicate through body language and consistent leadership.

Best Paw Forward serves families across the Coachella Valley with flexible scheduling, including weekend morning classes and in-home sessions. The business has been operating since 1986, with Valerie holding a Master Trainer Certificate from the National K-9 School of Dog Training and an AA in Behavior and Animal Management from Moorpark College.

Additional services include dog boarding, behavior consultations, and ongoing support with no extra charge for post-session questions. Valerie is known for her success with rescue dogs and high-energy breeds, helping owners achieve calm, confident, and well-mannered pets.

The business is active in the local community, offering classes in West Indio at Shields Park and serving multiple desert cities including Palm Springs, La Quinta, Indio, Rancho Mirage, and more.

Accomplishments

Valerie Masi graduated from the National K-9 School of Dog Training in 1991 with a Master Trainer Certificate. She earned an AA in Behavior and Animal Management from Moorpark College in 2000 and is a certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She has been training dogs since 1986 and has successfully rehabilitated hundreds of fearful and aggressive dogs, many from rescue situations.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can contact Best Paw Forward by phone or email to schedule an initial consultation. Private training can begin immediately. Group classes require registration for scheduled sessions in September or November 2025. A consultation is not offered for free, but clients are encouraged to reach out to discuss their dog’s specific needs before enrolling.