Ronnie Lapone, ABCDT, UW-AAB | Morongo Basin & Coachella Valley Dog Trainer | Fear Free Certified Professional

Ronnie Lapone

ABCDT, UW-AAB
Canine Behavior Specialist and Trainer Specializing in Fear and Anxiety Cases

My mission is to help owners and their dogs become a team — building the best relationship possible, through trust and communication. After several years in the music industry, I decided to re-educate myself and become a dog trainer. I grew up with large dogs, share my home with two small dogs of my own, and have 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. After a year+ in the Dog Obedience Program at Animal Behavior College, I received my ABCDT. In 2020, I completed a Certificate in Applied Animal Behavior (UW-AAB) from the University of Washington and also became a Fear Free Certified Professional. I enjoy expanding my knowledge by attending educational events, conferences, seminars and reading. My 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 (and who doesn’t like to work for a paycheck?!).

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.
~ Myra R.

Ronnie Lapone

Certifications and Professional Memberships