Me at a Petco Event, 2016
LEZLE STEIN, FOUNDER/DIRECTOR
ABOUT ME
I originally started my journey into the dog world after leaving Billboard magazine in 1998. I decided to intern under Dr. Nancy Scanlon, who specializes in holistic veterinary medicine through acupuncture and herbs. This led me to study in the Animal Behavior and Training Association program, where, upon graduating, I taught at Petco. Being a firm believer in community involvement, I became a volunteer adoption counselor at North Central Los Angeles Animal Shelter. I also assisted in training pit bulls through Tia Torres’ program from The Villalobos Rescue Center and with Best Friends. I was featured in the hit Blue Ray movie "Marley & Me." Past clients include a wide range of dog lovers, from novice dog rescuers to Hollywood executives and music personalities.
My extensive experience includes American Red Cross certification in Pet First Aid and CPR, Paul Owens’ Raise With Praise Program, and Co-President of Hermon Dog Park, L.A. City Council Spay & Neuter Advisory Committee, Director of Animal Welfare for the Arroyo Seco Neighborhood Council & CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) trained. I have also participated in obedience, agility, shepherding training, and scent detection with my dogs. The Whole Dog Journal wrote an article about my dog Jesse & me about our nosework experiences. I presently participate in nose work & agility with my cattle dog, Blau.
I am AKC certified as a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator and a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers as well as a member of the Southern California Dog Trainers Forum. I currently teach group classes& do in-home privates. While in Los Angeles, CA., I worked with many Los Angeles rescue groups, helping rehabilitate dogs after they are adopted, including Downtown Dog Rescue, Dawg Squad, The Brittany Foundation, and Best Friends. I assisted Councilman Jose Huizar with many dog related events in city parks as well.
After Los Angeles, I moved to the mountains outside of Asheville, NC. There, I ran the Swannanoa Women's Correctional Facility's New Leash on Life program for three years. I worked directly with selected inmates and dogs living at the facility to train dogs under their care and prepare them for future adoption.
I volunteered with Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue, training the volunteers and staff on safety and handling protocols. I also taught group Obedience (Beginner's and Advanced), Scent Work, and Canine Good Citizen classes there. I also helped new adopters with training their new puppy or dog.
As of May 2022, I have moved to Montclair NJ, currently offering IN-HOME private AND GROUP CLASSES. I'm also looking forward to new doggie-filled classes SOON! Stay tuned!
My Dog Tyson, 2017
“tim and i just wanted to thank you for all the help you gave us training josie. when we first got her we thought she was a great dog with a kind heart…she just had really bad manners. she used to jump up on us and act like a “cuckoo dog” whenever we fed her. we got the same response when we’d bring out her leash to take her on a walk. speaking of walks, those used to be a nightmare. she’d pull so hard on the leash the we’d end up with sore backs and shoulders!
*****
since the class she’s been much better behaved. when we feed her she sits nicely and waits to be told that she can eat (the ‘ok’ release word). she also sits still when we put the Halti and leash on her for walks. the walks go much smoother now too. you should see her sit down (without being told!) everytime we stop at a corner. and the pulling has diminished quite a bit as well. i think she’s learned that if she just walks nicely we’ll eventually get to that tree (or sign post or bush or …) that she so desperately wants to sniff.”
