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 trainingCustomer-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 ClassesProgram 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 CoursesProgram 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 QuizzesProgram details
Resources such as podcasts and quizzes are provided to enhance knowledge and engagement in animal training and behavior.
WebinarsProgram 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 Google
What 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
5/5Ventura Pet & Wellness Dog Training Center is so Amazing!
All of the trainers love dogs and have their own unique style of training. Each Session builds off of the other.
Shannon is the best and I love doing the Agility with my Malinois. She was so unruly despite her years of tr…Read full reviewClose full review
Ventura Pet & Wellness Dog Training Center is so Amazing!
All of the trainers love dogs and have their own unique style of training. Each Session builds off of the other.
Shannon is the best and I love doing the Agility with my Malinois. She was so unruly despite her years of training, but Agility bonded us in ways I never imagined. The group of dogs & owners we have been in since the start are great is so much fun watch each dog overcome their fear & craziness!
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Kathy Wertheim, CFRE
5/5Such a gift! Everything about working with Shannon Riley (Coyner) has been terrific! It was very easy to schedule her, I was able to do the whole thing by email. She arrived on time and did a great assessment of the situation. She figured out that the dog has anxiety, and worked …Read full reviewClose full review
Such a gift! Everything about working with Shannon Riley (Coyner) has been terrific! It was very easy to schedule her, I was able to do the whole thing by email. She arrived on time and did a great assessment of the situation. She figured out that the dog has anxiety, and worked with the veterinarian to get a medication prescribed. She also worked with the owner - an elderly woman - to discuss barking and peeing issues. I highly recommend Ventura Pet Wellness to anyone!
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Beverly Bigger
5/5I have an Aussie that was fearful of other dogs and people. He was leash aggressive on walks. I went to Shannon after another trainer had me use an E Collar which made his anxiety worse. I was about to give up on taking my dog anywhere. Shannon's method of positive reinforcem…Read full reviewClose full review
I have an Aussie that was fearful of other dogs and people. He was leash aggressive on walks. I went to Shannon after another trainer had me use an E Collar which made his anxiety worse. I was about to give up on taking my dog anywhere. Shannon's method of positive reinforcement is working wonders with my dog. Walks are now a pleasure. With Shannon's guidance we have taken walks at Ventura Harbor and downtown with no problems. When he encounters other dogs he doesn't react aggressively. I recently took him to Harbor Cove restaurant for a pup patty and no negative reactions. I can't thank Shannon enough for what we have accomplished.
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Melissa Johansing (Melissa Jolee)
5/5
Bitsey took the Ultimate Puppy kindergarten Class with Shannon! She is a very anxious and shy puppy but throughout class Shannon helped her come out of her shell and build her confidence while also learning her basic cues. I am so happy to have built a foundation for my puppy with this class!
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Backyard Basil
1/5
First recommendation is medication.
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.
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