Veronica (Ronnie) Lapone
Ronnie Lapone is a dog trainer who has several years of experience volunteering for Santa Monica Animal Shelter, Los Angeles Animal Services, and as a canine foster “parent” for Best Friends Los Angeles. She received her ABCDT after a year+ in the Dog Obedience Program at Animal Behavior College. In 2020, she completed a Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior (UW-AAB) from the University of Washington and also became a Fear Free Certified Professional.
Training Philosophy
Ronnie Lapone's dog training program uses the least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) approach possible, to get the required results in any case. Management and reward-based training is the most powerful and painless approach to teaching your dog.
Services
Ronnie Lapone offers a variety of services, including:
- Basic Manners Private Lessons: Personalized and tailored training plans for dogs of all ages. Includes foundational skills like sit, down, stay, come, loose leash walking, and more.
- Behavior Modification: Help for fearful, anxious, or stressed dogs. Includes addressing issues like leash reactivity, general anxiety, sound phobias, fear of people/strangers/objects/new things/environments, social anxiety, and fear of medical and/or grooming procedures.
- Pre-Dog (and Puppy!) Consultations: Professional guidance before bringing home a new dog. Includes advice on new home acclimation, puppy pen setup, housetraining, crate training, socialization, puppy-proofing, enrichment ideas, and basic manners training for the future.
Certifications
Ronnie Lapone is a Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT) and holds a Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior (UW-AAB) from the University of Washington. She is also a Fear Free Certified Professional.
Specializations
Ronnie Lapone specializes in fear and anxiety cases. She is also experienced in basic manners training, puppy training, and behavior modification.
Training Methods
Ronnie Lapone uses a least intrusive, minimally aversive (LIMA) approach, focusing on management and reward-based training.
Customer Reviews
Myra R.: I scoured Yelp for a positive reinforcement training program since it worked with our current dog. I came across Ronnie’s listing and contacted her immediately. She was very personable and knowledgeable on our phone consult. I signed for the 4 lesson package deal. We learned the basic commands of sit and down, as well as, leash control. In between lessons, Ronnie was always available via email if I had any questions. We have completed our lessons and I have seen a huge difference in my dog’s disposition. He went from an aggressive dog to a dog that wants to be loved on and apt to learning.
Melissa G.: We absolutely loved training our puppy with Veronica!!! She’s amazing and our pup responded so well to her and her training methods! We really appreciate all she did for us. I would recommend her services!!
Galit I.: Ronnie is amazing, patient and so quick to identify what exactly was going on. With scheduling and a strict regiment my dog is well adjusted and amazing. There is really no one other than Ronnie at a bark away from home that I would trust with my dog baby. Thank you for everything.
Social Media Links
Media Appearances
We've got the answers for your questions
Seriously, if you have any questions about training your dog, we have the answers.
We have created a directory of licensed dog trainers specializing in positive reinforcement methods. These trainers are not affiliated with Dogo, and all information is gathered from publicly available sources. Each profile provides a brief overview of the trainer's experience and expertise.
Start by evaluating your dog's needs and identifying your training objectives. Each trainer's profile provides insights into their areas of expertise. Match these with your dog's character and your goals to find the ideal fit.
All trainers listed here are certified professionals with extensive knowledge of positive reinforcement techniques.
Positive reinforcement centers on rewarding preferred behaviors, ensuring a pleasant learning journey for your dog. This humane approach is scientifically proven to be the most effective long-term training method, strengthening the bond between you and your pet. By consistently rewarding good behavior, your dog learns to associate actions with positive outcomes, leading to lasting improvements and a happier companion.
Yes, they are. Trainers are adept in basic obedience or intricate behavioral challenges. Browse their profiles to identify a trainer who specializes in the particular issues you wish to address.
Simply click on the preferred trainer's profile to access their contact details. From there, you can get in touch to discuss your requirements and set up training appointments.
Group sessions offer a communal setting where your dog learns general obedience alongside other dogs. In contrast, private sessions grant focused attention, making them perfect for targeted behavior modifications or individualized training agendas.
All trainers are committed to positive reinforcement techniques and steer clear of any harsh or punitive methods. Their primary goal is to make training a joyous journey for you and your dog.
Results depend on factors like your dog's nature, the specific behaviors in question, and your training consistency. While many clients observe improvements in just a few sessions, it's crucial to be patient and persistent.
Reach out to the trainer you're interested in to discuss possibly attending a session. It's a great way to get a feel for their approach and see if it aligns with your expectations.
