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Dorna Sakurai (CPDT-KA) has been around dogs since birth.   She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from UCLA with an emphasis in ecology and animal behavior.  Fascinated with the field of biology and animal behavior, she then went on to UC Berkeley and earned a Master’s Degree in Biology with an emphasis in behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology. During her studies, she studied mammals in both field and captive settings.   She later received a law degree and practiced environmental law and business litigation.

In 1999, Dorna acquired Mitsu, a Shiba Inu puppy that had a number of behavioral problems, including aggression.  Alpha rolls and other aversive methods advocated at the time only made her behavior worse.  She was introduced to positive reinforcement-based methods of training, including clicker training, which improved Mitsu’s behavior and Mitsu went on to graduate from more advanced obedience classes. Her experience with Mitsu motivated her to learn more about science-based methods of dog training.

Dorna later met Paul Owens, the author of “The Dog Whisperer” and “The Puppy Whisperer” and apprenticed under Paul as part of his Teacher Training Program. Under Paul’s tutelage, she learned his methods of non-violent and compassionate dog training, which form the foundation of her training program.

She is certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers and is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. She is also an approved Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Dorna is an adjunct professor at Santa Monica College where she teaches biology.

The foundation of Dorna’s modern and progressive training methodology is based on the science of animal learning and behavior.  Her training technique focuses on positive reinforcement without the use of harsh physical corrections or physical punishment.  She adopts the philosophy of gentle guidance and benevolent when training animals.  Dorna regularly attends seminars to keep up with advances in dog training and behavior.

She is also an aficionado of the Northern breeds, such as the Shiba Inu and Akita, having owned these breeds for more than twenty years. As a result, she has experience with and enjoys working with the more independent breeds.