FirstBarkLearning so much. Great training and positive experience.
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
- Puppy training
Behavior support
- Reactivity training
- Separation anxiety
How training happens
- Private training
Dog age
- Puppies
Assistance and working dogs
- Therapy dog training
Dog sports
- Agility
- Rally obedience
- Scent work
Training approach
- Force-free training
- Positive reinforcement
Other listed services
View 8 additional details
- Animal Behavior Consultants
- Animal Trainer
- Animal Training
- Behavior Course
- In-Person Classes
Program details
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
Program details
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
Program details
Resources such as podcasts and quizzes are provided to enhance knowledge and engagement in animal training and behavior.
- Webinars
Program details
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.
Shannon is the best. We were working with a highly dog-reactive dog and meeting with Shannon was incredibly informative and educational. Shannon is experienced, personable, and we could truly see how much she cared for our dog and helping us make it work. When she met our dog and…Read full reviewClose full review
Shannon is the best. We were working with a highly dog-reactive dog and meeting with Shannon was incredibly informative and educational. Shannon is experienced, personable, and we could truly see how much she cared for our dog and helping us make it work. When she met our dog and we all sat down to talk about the challenges, we immediately felt at ease - she knew exactly what we were going through and the steps we needed to move forward. Dealing with dog reactivity is a feat for sure and we’re so thankful to have met Shannon. We will definitely be back to see Shannon for any other training needs that arise with our dogs. We also can't wait to take one her agility classes!
Shannon is a dog whisper. She just watched my dog on a private training session and could read him better then I do a book! Can't wait to take more classes with her and her staff!! Thanks again Shannon, can't wait to spend more time with you!
I have deep respect for Shannon Coyner, the owner of Truly Force Free Animal Training. She is a person of high integrity and kindness. Shannon is a truly gifted and intuitive animal educator. I would trust any of my four legged friends to her care. You will be really grateful, if you engage her services, to support your animals- this is a wonderful resource!
We have been doing agility with Shannon for many years and it's always the highlight of our week! My dog loves going to agility because Shannon approaches learning with positive reinforcement and always has the dog's best interest in mind. She knows each and every dog's comfort l…Read full reviewClose full review
We have been doing agility with Shannon for many years and it's always the highlight of our week! My dog loves going to agility because Shannon approaches learning with positive reinforcement and always has the dog's best interest in mind. She knows each and every dog's comfort level and knows exactly how to teach them so they feel confident in their abilities. Every class, all the dogs go bounding in excitedly because they love Shannon! This is the first dog I have ever owned, so starting agility when he was young helped me learn how to communicate clearly with him and to learn basic obedience commands. Over the years, I have seen great improvement in my dog's ability to concentrate and I love how the exercises increases his endurance and gives him opportunities to learn and solve problems. Ventura Pet Wellness and Dog Training Center is the best and I can't recommend Shannon's services enough! Thank you Shannon for all you teach our fur babies and for teaching us how to be the best owners for our dogs!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.