DogsAreGenius

Training sessions are 1 hour long and focus on building structure and communication between dog and owner. Programs are customized based on the dog’s needs, including leash pulling, reactivity, jumping, barking, separation anxiety, and recall. Training is offered as individual sessions or in packages of four. No board-and-train programs are offered; owners are actively involved in every session to reinforce learning at home.

Pricing Summary

Training: $120 per hour or $400 for a pack of 4 sessions. Hikes: $35 for one dog, $15 additional per dog. Walks: $25 for 30 minutes, $35 for 1 hour, $15 additional per dog. Boarding: $85 per night (7pm–7am), includes walk and feeding; $30 extra per additional dog. Cat visits: $25 for 30 minutes. Injections: $15. A $5 surcharge may apply for leash-reactive dogs on walks.

Policies

Boarding and pet-sitting services are restricted to established clients. No cancellation or rescheduling policies are explicitly stated.

DogsAreGenius is a dog training business founded in 2015 by Barbara, a former vet technician and certified pack leader who believes dogs are brilliant creatures deserving of active, healthy, and joyful lives. She offers balanced training that combines reward-based methods with gentle corrective techniques, tailored to each dog’s breed, age, health, temperament, and life experience. Barbara emphasizes teaching owners to become effective leaders, so dogs respond to their humans—not just her. In addition to training, she provides daily group hikes, individual and group walks, and limited pet-sitting and boarding services exclusively for established clients. Her services are focused on the neighborhoods of Silver Lake, Los Feliz, Hollywood, Hancock Park, Larchmont Village, and West Hollywood. She does not offer board-and-train programs, preferring to train owners alongside their dogs.

Barbara holds CPR and First Aid certification and is licensed and insured. Her background includes studying under experienced trainer Linda Greco, and she brings a unique perspective as a former academic, composer, and filmmaker, which informs her thoughtful, individualized approach to dog behavior and human-dog communication.

Accomplishments

Barbara is a former veterinary technician with training under experienced lead trainer Linda Greco. She is CPR and First Aid certified, licensed, and insured. She holds a background in academia as a musicologist and composer, bringing a thoughtful, analytical approach to dog behavior.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients are encouraged to contact Barbara directly to discuss their dog’s needs and determine service availability. Training is tailored individually, and new clients must be within the service area to begin.