FirstBarkWe took the basic obedience class with Wendy and it was great. We wanted to be able to have our son come with us so he could learn to train the puppy and she would listen to him. Wendy was so fantastic in helping my family train our young cattle dog. We look forward to taking some advanced and agility classes with our pup Oreo soon!
Truly Force Free Animal Training
Ventura, California
About Truly Force Free Animal Training
Truly Force Free Animal Training provides science-based, positive reinforcement training for dogs and their owners. Founded by Shannon Riley, BA-Zoology, Registered Veterinary Technician, CPDT-KA, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, IAABC associate and Fear Free Professional. The program focuses on humane, effective methods to build strong relationships between pets and their families. Offering online and in-person courses, private coaching, and educational resources, Truly Force Free Animal Training helps pet owners train with kindness, patience, empathy, compassion and understanding. Learn more about creating a stress-free training experience today!
Training & services
Training goals
- Obedience training Customer-reported
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- Puppy training
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Behavior support
- Reactivity training
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- Separation anxiety
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How training happens
- Private training
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Dog age
- Puppies
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Assistance and working dogs
- Therapy dog training
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Dog sports
- Agility
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- Rally obedience
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- Scent work
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Training approach
- Force-free training
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- Positive reinforcement
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Other listed services
View 8 additional details
- Animal Behavior Consultants
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- Animal Trainer
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- Animal Training
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- Behavior Course
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- In-Person Classes
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Held in Ventura, CA, these classes cover topics such as agility training, positive puppy kindergarten, nose work, rally, and freestyle, providing hands-on learning experiences for dogs and their owners.
- Online Courses
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These include the Animal Trainer Academy for aspiring trainers, a Good Manners Course for teaching basic dog behaviors, and a Reactive Dog Rehabilitation Program designed to assist owners in managing and improving their dogs' reactive behaviors.
- Podcasts and Quizzes
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Resources such as podcasts and quizzes are provided to enhance knowledge and engagement in animal training and behavior.
- Webinars
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Educational sessions are available on subjects like understanding canine body language, preventing separation anxiety, and principles of positive training, offering valuable insights into animal behavior and training techniques.
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Business-stated qualifications
Qualifications stated by the business, not independently verified.
- Registered Veterinary Technician
- CPDT-KA
- Registered Veterinary Technician
- KPA CTP
Questions & answers
From GoogleWhat people have asked about this business.
How long will it take to train my dog?
Training timelines vary depending on the dog, the behavior being addressed, and consistency in practice. Some behaviors improve quickly, while others may take weeks or months. Regular sessions and reinforcement at home are essential for lasting results.
Community answer · Truly Force Free Animal Training · 2025-09-21
How do I stop my dog from barking and jumping on the door when someone knocks?
This behavior is often driven by excitement or anxiety. To address it, start by desensitizing your dog to the sound of knocking. Practice controlled knocking sessions and reward your dog for remaining calm. Teaching an alternative behavior, such as going to a designated spot when the doorbell rings, can also be effective. Consistent training and positive reinforcement are key to modifying this behavior.
Community answer · Truly Force Free Animal Training · 2025-09-21
Can you train an aggressive dog using positive reinforcement?
Yes, positive reinforcement can be very effective for aggressive dogs. By identifying triggers and reinforcing calm behavior, we can help dogs build new, more appropriate responses. It's important to work with a professional who understands canine body language and behavior.
Community answer · Truly Force Free Animal Training · 2025-09-21
Why does my dog become aggressive when we take things away from her?
This is known as resource guarding, a common behavior where a dog becomes defensive over possessions. It's important to approach this issue with care. Begin by teaching your dog the "drop it" or "leave it" command using positive reinforcement. Gradually practice trading items with your dog, offering something of equal or greater value in exchange. Avoid punishing your dog, as this can exacerbate the behavior. If the aggression persists, consulting a professional trainer experienced in positive reinforcement techniques is recommended.
Community answer · Truly Force Free Animal Training · 2025-09-21
Can I expect to make a living doing animal massage therapy in Ventura county?
Hi Albert, we would recommend contacting https://ojaischoolofmassage.com/ as they may have the best answer for you! We hope this helps and happy training!
Community answer · Truly Force Free Animal Training · 2021-09-21
Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.
Customer reviews
Google listing4.8
63 Google reviews
Mentioned in reviews
- agility classes 16
- confidence building 9
- new skills 5
- puppy class 5
- basic obedience 2
- customized training 2
All 10 topics
- informative classes 2
- knowledgeable instructor 2
- reactive dog 2
- separation anxiety training 2
Google review topics, not confirmed services.
I hired Shannon 3 different times for private service dog training. Shannon is professional, kind and competent. Shannon helped my dog overcome many struggles. My Shepherd is now a confident service dog. Shannon will taylor your training program to meet your needs. I recommend Truly Force Free!
Signed up for a Dog CPR & First Aid class with Shannon which was AMAZING! She is very knowledgeable in many different areas when it comes to dogs. I highly recommend taking a class with her or looking into her other services.
I may add further commentary to address specific issues later, but for now I will say that Shannon Riley (fka Shannon Riley-Coyner) of Truly Force Free Animal Training raised her voice and then yelled at me in my home in front of my 2 reactive dogs, who had come to trust her over…Read full reviewClose full review
I may add further commentary to address specific issues later, but for now I will say that Shannon Riley (fka Shannon Riley-Coyner) of Truly Force Free Animal Training raised her voice and then yelled at me in my home in front of my 2 reactive dogs, who had come to trust her over the course of 18 weeks. She did not listen to my concerns, she did not allow me to complete a sentence. She did not allow me to ask the very specific question that I had been attempting to ask her regarding their physical safety for 2 weeks. Instead, she initiated a fight with me in my home with my dogs at our feet. She hurled personal accusations & insults at me and my dogs. I was wrong to trust this person, I was wrong to allow her near my animals.
I’ve taken 2 of our dogs here…. agility, tricks, and dance classes. The dogs are happy here as it is truly force free. Shannon takes the time with any dog who needs more help and has the ability to “read” the dogs if they become overwhelmed or anxious. My pup Eli gets so exc…Read full reviewClose full review
I’ve taken 2 of our dogs here…. agility, tricks, and dance classes. The dogs are happy here as it is truly force free. Shannon takes the time with any dog who needs more help and has the ability to “read” the dogs if they become overwhelmed or anxious. My pup Eli gets so excited when he enters the building and then sleeps all the way home. I would recommend Truly Force Free Dog Training to anyone who wants to enhance their relationship with their dog while having fun and learning to train.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.