Mutts Have Fun uses reinforcement-based, force free methods to train dogs and their human guardians. We teach you to observe your dogs closely, so you know what might trigger fear, excitement, or stress; what relaxes your dog; and what is rewarding and fun for your dog. Working with us teaches you how to “fill your dog’s cup” and meet their physical and emotional needs as an integral part of training and behavior modification. “A Dog’s Emotional Cup” poster from Sarah Owings and Lili Chin provides a great visual overview of what dog’s need in order to thrive.

Below is an explanation of the framework that we use with clients that may help you determine if Mutts Have Fun is the right fit for you.

Exit 1 (see diagram below): We explore nutritional and physical wellness as part of our consultation process, since research & experience tell us that behavior is linked to physical wellness (or lack of wellness such as untreated pain or illness).

Exit 2: We help you learn to set up your environment for safety and success, which includes both reducing opportunities to practice unwanted behaviors and training new behaviors under conditions in which you can be successful.

Exit 3: We teach you how to train a variety of new behaviors using positive reinforcement.

Exit 4: For behaviors that are causing problems or disruptions to your relationship or quality of life, we work with you to determine why your dog is performing the undesirable behavior(s). We then develop a plan that seeks to meet both your and your dog’s needs. Sometimes that involves teaching or reinforcing acceptable alternatives to the undesirable behavior(s), sometimes it involves providing opportunities for your dog to get necessary needs met – such as more rest, sniffy time, or social time with you.

We do not recommend or intentionally use punishment procedures to modify behavior. We will not suggest that you withhold affection or resources, or use pain, force, or intimidation with your dog. Big picture, our approach is to help you understand and meet your dog’s needs, as well as your own, in realistic and kind ways. We consider this to be a journey where you are testing, evaluating and adjusting your strategies on an ongoing basis, as you meet some goals and other needs emerge. Reading your dog’s body language, providing your dog with choice and agency, and building strong bonds are key aspects of our approach.

My goal is for you and your pup to have fun during the training process. Even though training is a commitment that takes effort and time, I hope you look forward to our sessions. I seek to foster improved communication, trust and joy in your relationship together.

Services offered include: walk and train (or hike and train), in-home private sessions and day training.

About Anna Wong

Certified Training Professional, Karen Pryor Academy (KPA-CTP #52999)

Certified Control Unleashed Instructor, CCUI

Please see a list of my ongoing professional development coursework here.

I grew up with a fat, sweet cat named Peaches, who was born a month later than me. I’ve always loved animals, but my interest in training began after I adopted my first puppy, Kempie. I was introduced to positive reinforcement training through a puppy kindergarten class at the East Bay SPCA and was hooked. After puppy kindergarten, I took additional courses and hired private trainers to coach me in working with her on behaviors I didn’t know how to respond to.

Everything I learned was so fascinating that I enrolled in Karen Pryor Academy’s Dog Trainer Professional course, where I earned my first professional certification. I also returned to the East Bay SPCA (where my training journey began) to teach group classes. Since then, I’ve earned an additional certification from Leslie McDevitt, as a Certified Control Unleashed Instructor (CCUI). Fast forward many years…We said goodbye to our beloved Kempie in December 2024. Kempie is my inspiration and was my first teacher and training partner. I will forever be grateful for the joy she brought us and all she taught me.

I still love learning and am dedicated to continuously improving my knowledge base and skills through coursework, reading, attending conferences and getting mentored by other experienced trainers. Please see a list of my ongoing professional development if you want to know who I’m learning from.

Outside of my life training dogs, I have advocated for two decades for racial and social justice. My dream is to bring together two passions: working for social justice and well-being for people and working for well-being and humane training for the animals we live with and love.

There are several hundred programs across the country that work with people in prison to train rescued shelter dogs for adoption and service. Check out Paws for Life K9 Rescue in California as one example.

Well-run programs save human and canine lives and improve quality of life for all involved. People inside prison get a chance to develop loving relationships with dogs, learn training skills, and “give back” to society. In this way, they help the public understand that “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done” which is a beautiful quote from Bryan Stevenson.

“Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”

My dream is to make living-wage jobs in the dog training field more accessible to people coming out of prison. I have lots of ideas about how to do this which will continue to evolve over time. If you’re interested in learning more or supporting this dream in some way, let me know…I’d love to chat about it.

In the immediate future, my focus is on training you and your dog through Mutts Have Fun. I look forward to our work together!