Guides

Dog training guides

Practical guidance on your dog’s behavior, daily routines, and training questions.

Where can I find reliable dog training advice from a real trainer?

The Dog Savant publishes 24 free guides written by Brett Endes, a Los Angeles trainer with 30 years of experience and more than 20,000 dogs trained. They cover aggression and reactivity, separation anxiety, leash pulling, treat dependence, adopting a shelter dog, and practical ways to build structure and communication.

Does Brett Endes offer board and train in Los Angeles?

No. There is no board and train program at any of Brett's locations. Training happens in your own home with you present, because the owner is half of what gets trained, or remotely by Zoom and telephone. See the Rates and Services page for current fees and program options.

Dog Barking or Lunging in an Apartment Hallway? Start Before the Door Opens

Leash reactivity in Los Angeles · 4 min read

Dog Barking or Lunging in an Apartment Hallway? Start Before the Door Opens

Narrow hallways leave little room for mistakes. Prepare the exit, choose manageable practice and avoid turning every encounter into a test.

Five Tips for Excessive Dog Barking

Practical dog training · 4 min read

Five Tips for Excessive Dog Barking

Five practical starting points for barking: identify triggers, manage the setting, teach a clear routine and choose help that fits your dog.

Introducing a Dog to a Treadmill

Practical dog training · 4 min read

Introducing a Dog to a Treadmill

A cautious introduction to dog treadmill training: suitability, voluntary familiarity, close supervision and why it supplements outdoor activity.

Five Los Angeles Parks to Consider With Your Dog

Practical dog training · 4 min read

Five Los Angeles Parks to Consider With Your Dog

Five LA County parks to consider for leashed outings, with practical training preparation and links to current official rules.

Teaching Your Dog to Come When Called

Practical dog training · 4 min read

Teaching Your Dog to Come When Called

A practical recall foundation from Brett Endes: clear cues, short successful repetitions, long-line practice and gradual distractions.

Choosing Dog Training Equipment

Practical dog training · 4 min read

Choosing Dog Training Equipment

How Brett Endes approaches leashes, training lines, place beds and crates, with fit, handling and your individual dog guiding equipment choices.

Helping Your Dog Learn to Settle

Practical dog training · 4 min read

Helping Your Dog Learn to Settle

Brett Endes explains dog meditation as practical settle training: predictable routines, a clear place cue and manageable practice around daily activity.

Dog Park Etiquette and Training Tips

Practical dog training · 4 min read

Dog Park Etiquette and Training Tips

Practical dog park guidance from Brett Endes: assessing readiness, avoiding crowded entrances and choosing structured alternatives when needed.

Private Dog Training or Group Classes?

Practical dog training · 4 min read

Private Dog Training or Group Classes?

Compare private dog training and group classes: individual behavior assessment, household routines, distractions and when each setting may help.

Building Your Dog’s Social Skills

Practical dog training · 4 min read

Building Your Dog’s Social Skills

Brett Endes explains practical dog social skills: calm observation, controlled distance, selective greetings and clear handling around people and dogs.

Leash Reactivity: What to Practice Before the Walk

Everyday training · 3 min read

Leash Reactivity: What to Practice Before the Walk

If your dog is already barking and pulling before you reach the sidewalk, start with the routine that comes before the walk.

Twelve Steps Toward Listening Without a Visible Treat

Training Guide · 3 min read

Twelve Steps Toward Listening Without a Visible Treat

Practical steps for fading food prompts, building clear cues and practicing with rewards beyond a visible treat.

How to Work on Leash Pulling

Training Guide · 3 min read

How to Work on Leash Pulling

Teach clearer leash skills with a manageable starting point, consistent handling and gradual practice on your actual walking route.

Understanding Separation Anxiety and Time Apart

Training Guide · 3 min read

Understanding Separation Anxiety and Time Apart

Practical guidance on observing distress, building manageable routines and planning individual help for a dog that struggles when left alone.

Dog Aggression Training in Los Angeles

Training Guide · 3 min read

Dog Aggression Training in Los Angeles

What to consider when arranging help for lunging, guarding, snapping or a bite history: assessment, immediate management and realistic training goals.

Working on Leash Reactivity in Los Angeles

Training Guide · 3 min read

Working on Leash Reactivity in Los Angeles

Understand the pattern behind barking and lunging, create workable distance and teach clearer responses on everyday walks.

In-Home Training and Board-and-Train: What to Consider

Training Guide · 3 min read

In-Home Training and Board-and-Train: What to Consider

Questions to ask when comparing training formats, with owner participation, transfer lessons and everyday practice at the center.

Your Puppy’s First Year in Los Angeles

Training Guide · 3 min read

Your Puppy’s First Year in Los Angeles

Build puppy routines around house training, rest, careful social exposure and clear communication, with health precautions guided by your veterinarian.

Pit Bull Training in Los Angeles

Breed Guide · 3 min read

Pit Bull Training in Los Angeles

Individual training for pit bull-type dogs: comfortable handling, clear routines, leash skills and carefully planned social situations.

Rottweiler and Doberman Training in Los Angeles

Breed Guide · 3 min read

Rottweiler and Doberman Training in Los Angeles

Private training for Rottweilers and Dobermans, with clear routines, leash handling and individual assessment of guarding or reactivity concerns.

Doodle Training in Los Angeles

Breed Guide · 3 min read

Doodle Training in Los Angeles

Training for doodle owners facing jumping, pulling, difficulty settling or time-apart concerns, with an individual household plan.

German Shepherd Training in Los Angeles

Breed Guide · 3 min read

German Shepherd Training in Los Angeles

Practical German Shepherd training for leash skills, visitors, settling and reactivity, based on your dog’s individual needs.

How Live Online Dog Training Works

Online Training · 3 min read

How Live Online Dog Training Works

What live online dog training can offer, how owner coaching works and when hands-on help may be more appropriate.

Helping a Newly Adopted Dog Settle In

New Adopter Guide · 3 min read

Helping a Newly Adopted Dog Settle In

Practical guidance for a newly adopted dog: predictable routines, gentle introductions, appropriate training and knowing when to ask for help.

Ready to Start

Let’s talk about what your dog needs

Tell Brett what happens at home or on walks and what you want to change. A free phone evaluation is a chance to discuss your goals and the next step. Private in-home training serves Greater Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Live online coaching is also available.

Request a Free Phone Evaluation Call Now

Call (310) 227 1424 Text Brett

Serving Greater Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley · Sherman Oaks, CA · Open 7 days, 8am to 8pm