Dog pulling on the leash?
Off to a rough start with your pup? Don't worry, we're here to help!
Serving all of Ventura County, for every breed, age and behavior.
Does any of this sound like you?
- My dog pulls so hard that walks aren't fun anymore.
- My puppy nips, chews and has accidents in the house.
- My dog barks or lunges at other dogs and people.
- My dog ignores me when I call.
- Guests get jumped on the moment they walk in.
- I just adopted a dog and don't know where to start.
What our clients say
Rated 4.7 stars from 12 Google reviews and 5 stars on Yelp.
“Ruff Start Training Co is the best! Gyspea and Alex are extremely knowledgeable, patient, and dedicated. They helped us so much with our dog, and we’ve seen amazing results. You can tell they truly care about the dogs they work with. Highly recommend!”
“My dog is super reactive to other dogs and we were having a hard time getting control of her. We did the 6 week training and we managed to get her to barely even react to dogs within just a few feet of each other. She is super hard to train considering she doesn’t take treats outside the house and is not interested in toys at all. They managed to still work around that and we worked on corrections and how and when to praise her. 10/10 service super happy with the results”
“I hired Ruff Start for puppy training and have been extremely happy with service. Gypsea and Alex are knowledgeable, friendly, and have been very accommodating when it comes to scheduling. I’d happily recommend them to anyone looking for dog training.”
You're not alone!
Lots of great dogs get off to a rough start. With patience, the right plan and a little coaching for you, too, your dog can become the calm, happy companion you've been hoping for.
Why Ruff Start?
Certified expertise
Led by a CCPDT-certified professional dog trainer and behavior consultant.
Proudly local
Based in Port Hueneme and Ventura, serving all of Ventura County. Call or text to schedule.
Every dog is welcome
All breeds, all ages and all behaviors, from puppies 16 weeks and up to dogs who need extra help.
Puppy classes & one-on-one
Group puppy classes and private sessions, including our AKC STAR Puppy program.
Our Programs
Six programs, each built around your dog and your goals.
Consultation & Temperament Testing
Every great plan starts with getting to know your dog.
Learn more →Basic Puppy Training
A 6-week course for puppies 16 weeks to 1 year, following the AKC STAR Puppy Program.
Learn more →Protection & Bite Work Training
For experienced owners looking for a protection dog, a sport dog, or a bite work outlet.
Learn more →Service Dog Training
A customized, step-by-step approach for young dogs or dogs already in training.
Learn more →See the training in action
Real sessions, real progress. Here's a peek at the focus, heel and position work we practice with every dog, from playful puppies to high-drive working breeds.
Explore our programsReady to get off to a better start?
Call, text or email to schedule a consultation or ask about pricing.