Rebecca Frank
Dog Training LLC
Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant CPDT- KA, KPA-CTP
Dog training is a conversation. I'll help translate.
You are delighted by your dog—they are the silliest, sweetest, and smartest! But let’s come right out & say it... their behavior can be overwhelming, frustrating, and confusing sometimes! Together, we can turn those challenges into opportunities for growth, connection, and relief.
Let's do it together.
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Your dedication
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My expertise, education, compassion
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Our shared commitment to your success
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Your dog's eagerness to learn
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Up-to-date, science-based methods
WITH:
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Fear/Intimidation
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Outdated methods
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Dominance
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Prong/Shock collars
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Pain or discomfort
WITHOUT:
Daisy resting on me after a fun training session.
SERVICES
Positive Reinforcement Dog Training and Behavior Consultations in Sonoma, CA
Puppy Support Program
Experiencing the puppy blues?
Behavior Modification
& Training
Struggling to understand your dog?
Cooperative Care
Dreaming of stress free vet visits?
The world is brand new for your puppy—let’s set them up for success and stop unwanted behaviors before they start. I’ll help you navigate the challenges so you can enjoy this wonderful and adorable stage!
It's hard being a dog in a human world and hard being the parent of a dog who's struggling! Whether you are seeking guidance on basic training or with specific behavioral challenges, I will create a personalized plan to tackle your dog’s unique needs, help you understand your dog's behaviors, and help set you up for success in your everyday life.
It can be very stressful for you and your dog when you have to force them into vet/grooming related procedures that clearly make them uncomfortable. This doesn't have to be the norm! Together we can work towards turning everyday handling into opportunities for trust building, deepening bonds and ensuring your dog receives the care they need
without all the stress.
Choose the type of training that works best for your life...
My dog, Ivy, and I were amusing ourselves.
one-on-one Coaching
Ready to make lasting changes in your dog’s behavior? We’ll tackle your pup’s training needs together. I'll guide you every step of the way.
During one-on-one coaching sessions, I work directly with you and your dog in your home, providing tailored guidance and hands-on instruction. This method allows for a deeper understanding of dog behavior and training, real-time feedback, addressing specific challenges you’re facing, and helping you and your dog build new behaviors at a comfortable pace. Whether you’re working on basic manners or more complex behavioral issues, this personalized coaching ensures that you gain the skills and confidence to create lasting, positive change in your dog’s behavior.
Day Training
Struggling to find the time to train your dog? Let me help by laying the groundwork, then I'll teach you how to carry it forward.
During day training sessions, I work one-on-one with your dog, teaching them new behaviors and addressing challenges while you’re at work or accomplishing other life tasks. I visit your home multiple times per week to train directly with your dog. We will meet once a week for a transfer session where we’ll go over what your dog has learned, teach you the necessary skills and give you actionable steps to reinforce the training at home. This approach allows your dog to make progress with a smaller time commitment from you. It’s a great option for busy dog parents who still want consistent training and steady progress.
Doggie sisters, Luna and Cyndee, waiting to taste the contents of my treat pouch.
Rebecca is a godsend! She is an incredibly talented and deeply knowledgeable dog trainer and behavior expert who completely turned things around for my shy and fearful adopted rescue pup and I. Not only are her methods force-free and positive reinforcement based, they are highly effective, and she is also very skilled at supporting dog parents during the really tough moments of working with our pups. I highly, highly recommend Rebecca and am so incredibly grateful that we found her!”
-Ariel's mom
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Meet The Trainer
Hi there! I'm Rebecca, the founder of Rebecca Frank Dog Training LLC.
I’m so thrilled that you’re here and ready to take the first step toward understanding your dog’s behavior!
As a Certified Dog Trainer and Behavior Consultant (CPDT-KA, Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner, Fear Free Certified Professional), I understand how important it is to feel confident in the professional you're working with. I want you to feel supported, informed, and well guided throughout this journey.
The journey I plan to take you on will help you navigate the deeper concepts and ideals that will transform how you understand and relate to your dog. Dogs are trying to navigate in a world made for humans. They feel big emotions but often don’t have the skills to express or manage them in the ways we'd prefer.
When we see a dog’s behavior as a reflection of their internal experience rather than "bad behavior", we open the door to teaching and connection instead of misunderstanding and punishment. Focusing solely on stopping unwanted behaviors addresses only the surface, while true change happens when we address the emotions driving those behaviors. Punishment may suppress symptoms temporarily, but it doesn’t resolve the underlying struggles.
Together, we’ll focus on the root causes and building the skills both you and your dog need to move through life together with confidence, clarity, and a deeper connection.
Connecting With Rebecca
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Fill out the Contact Form
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Schedule the Initial Consultation
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Sign up for the package of your choice
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Begin your journey towards relief!
rebecca.frank.dogs@gmail.com
Contact Form
In this session, we’ll dive into your dog’s history, discuss your training goals, and set clear expectations while making sure we’re a great fit to work together. I’ll assess your dog’s needs and gather the key details needed to design a personalized training plan. From there, we’ll explore the training package that best fits your goals, setting you up with a clear path forward to success.
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What is covered in the Puppy Support Program?The Puppy Support Program is designed to support you through the ups and downs of puppyhood. We’ll focus on real-life skills like polite greetings, leash walking, coming when called, and how to handle nipping, chewing, and all those normal-but-challenging puppy moments. Every pup is different, so we’ll tailor the plan to your needs—and make sure you always know what to work on, when, and how. You’ll get expert coaching and a solid plan, so you can feel confident and connected as your puppy grows.
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How do I stop my puppy from biting and nipping?Puppy nipping is totally normal—it’s how puppies explore the world! But that doesn’t mean you have to live with tiny shark teeth forever. In the Puppy Support Program, I’ll show you how to respond in the moment, how to teach gentle mouths over time, and what to do when it feels like nothing is working. We’ll focus on age-appropriate strategies to reduce biting, build self-regulation, and teach your puppy what to do instead—all without fear or force.
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What’s the best way to socialize my puppy?Socialization is all about helping your puppy learn that the world is a safe, fun place. That means gently introducing them to new people, dogs, sights, and sounds before fear has a chance to take hold. In the Puppy Support Program, I’ll guide you through what good socialization really looks like (hint: it’s not just meeting other dogs at the park!) and help you build positive associations at your puppy’s pace—so they grow into a confident, resilient adult dog.
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How do I teach my puppy to come when called?Teaching a solid recall starts with making “coming to you” the best part of your puppy’s day! In the Puppy Support Program, we use games, movement, and rewards to build a super strong association with your recall cue. You'll learn how to get your puppy running toward you with enthusiasm—because they want to, not because they have to. It’s one of the most important safety skills, and we’ll make it fun to teach and practice.
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How can I prevent my puppy from resource guarding?Puppies are still learning how the world works, and it’s natural for them to feel unsure about sharing. In the Puppy Support Program, you’ll learn simple, proactive ways to build trust and confidence around food, toys, and other high-value items—so your puppy learns there’s no need to guard them. It’s all about helping your puppy trust you, feel safe and supported from the start.
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What are the most important cues to teach a puppy?Foundational cues like “sit,” “down,” “stay,” “drop it,” and “touch” aren’t just helpful in daily life—they’re also stepping stones for teaching more complex behaviors later on. In the Puppy Support Program, we focus on building these essential skills in a way that’s fun and easy for both you and your pup. They set the stage for clear communication and lifelong learning.
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How do I stop my puppy from chewing on everything?Chewing is totally normal for puppies—it’s how they explore the world and soothe teething discomfort. In the Puppy Support Program, we focus on management strategies to prevent unwanted chewing before it happens. That includes setting up your home in a way that limits access to tempting items, offering plenty of appropriate chew options, and teaching you how to redirect your puppy’s attention when needed. You'll also learn how to keep your puppy mentally engaged and meet their chewing needs in a way that supports their development (and protects your stuff!).
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What if my puppy hasn’t finished their vaccinations? Can they still be socialized?Yes! Early socialization is incredibly important—even before your puppy has completed all their vaccinations. In the Puppy Support Program, I guide you through safe and intentional ways to expose your puppy to new people, sounds, surfaces, and experiences during their critical socialization window. You'll learn how to build your pup’s confidence while still protecting their health.
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Why is professional puppy training important?Puppyhood is a crucial time for socialization and habit-building. Being proactive during this period helps set the foundation for a well-adjusted, confident adult dog—and prevents many common behavior problems before they even start. Just like you’d turn to a doctor for health concerns or a plumber for a leak, it makes sense to trust a certified, positive reinforcement-based dog trainer to guide your puppy’s early development. Working with a qualified professional ensures your pup gets the right start, helping you build a strong bond and setting your dog up for lifelong success.
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When should I start potty training my puppy?Potty training should begin as soon as you bring your puppy home! Starting early helps your puppy learn quickly where you want them to go. Success comes from a combination of consistent management and positive reinforcement. The Puppy Support Program will guide you step-by-step to make this process as smooth as possible!
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How much should I feed my puppy?The amount of food depends on your puppy's breed, age, and activity level. Consulting with a veterinarian can help determine the appropriate portion sizes and feeding schedule!
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Don’t I need to be the “alpha” to train my dog effectively?Nope! The idea that you need to be an “alpha” or “pack leader” comes from outdated research on captive wolves—research that has actually been thoroughly debunked. Wolves in the wild live in cooperative family groups, and dogs, thanks to thousands of years of domestication, are quite different behaviorally from wolves. Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement, trust, and clear communication—not intimidation or dominance. If someone tells you that you need to be the “alpha,” they’re relying on old myths rather than science-based methods. Modern training is all about building a strong, trustworthy relationship and teaching your dog what you want with kind and effective techniques.
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How will my puppy know they've done something bad if I don't say "no" or reprimand them?I totally understand why that feels confusing—it’s natural to want to correct your puppy when they do something wrong. The truth is, dogs don’t really see behavior as “good” or “bad” like we do. They learn best through gentle, clear communication and consistent guidance. Instead of saying “no,” I focus on helping you teach your puppy what you do want them to do and setting up their environment so those unwanted behaviors are less likely to happen. It’s all about working together with clear boundaries, consistency and patience to help your puppy succeed.
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Is my puppy trying to dominate me or be the alpha?Nope! Even though it may feel like it, your puppy isn’t trying to dominate you. The idea of dominance comes from outdated research on wolves and doesn’t apply to dogs the way many people think. Puppies are simply learning how to behave and testing boundaries as part of their development. What looks like “dominance” is usually normal puppy behavior like playfulness, curiosity, or seeking attention. Instead of dominance, focus on teaching your puppy clear, consistent boundaries using positive reinforcement. This helps build a trusting relationship and encourages cooperation without fear or confusion.