About Your Local Dog Trainer
My story
Hi! My name is Hilly, also known as Hillary, and I use they/them pronouns. I am Lamorinda born-and raised, and incredibly grateful to have built a business in my hometown so I can serve my wonderful community. Like many dog trainers and dog lovers, my history with dogs started in childhood. I grew up with two family pet dogs, and enjoyed going to group puppy training classes with my mom. During my undergraduate at UC Davis, I acquired a pit bull-mix, Kiyah, who led me to the world of dog sports and advanced obedience training. I later acquired a Belgian Malinois, Bogie, so I could continue to train in dog sports. I have enjoyed training in dock diving, IGP/Schutzhund, French Ring, and Nosework. I love training with working and sporting breeds, helping to give them outlets for their genetics, and teaching owners how to utilize their dogs' instincts to enhance their training, while also allowing their dog to express their instincts and have their needs satisfied.
You might be wondering where I learned how to train dogs professionally? After college, I had the unique opportunity to attend the Michael Ellis School for Dog Trainers intensive Immersion Program in Santa Rosa on a scholarship, where I learned from one of the top trainers in the country, and world-renowned dog trainer, Michael Ellis. I continued at the school after my Immersion Program, to assist in class as a staff trainer, where I demonstrated training techniques and helped guide other students in their skill development. After about a year and a half of training, I returned home to start my business, and am now settled in Concord, thrilled to be helping my community have safer, easier and more enjoyable relationships with their dogs.
Dog Training Philosophy
Faster is not always better. Too often, dog trainers use only one type of training method for every dog, aiming to produce the quickest results. Yet, there is no cookie-cutter method for dog training. Dogs and their humans are unique, and training should be approached with this in mind. This is why I have decided to start a business that uses flexible training methods that are specific to each family and dog, and teaches owners a variety of humane and safe skills to maintain an obedient dog, and prevent, manage, and/or eliminate unwanted behaviors.
Education is everything. Many dog trainers focus on the dog, and forget or are unable to properly educate and communicate with the owner. This leaves owners feeling less informed and less in control. Teaching has always been a part of my professional and personal life, and I am passionate and dedicated to teaching my clients so they can be happier and more successful pet owners.
People often say, "I want my dog well-trained, but I don't want them to be a robot," or "I don't need my dog to be perfectly well trained." My usual reply is this: the more training your dog has, the more freedom your dog can have, and the more experiences you can enjoy with your dog! My dogs are frequently off-leash outdoors, travel with me often, and express their unique personalities every day. I don't know about you, but I find extreme joy in watching my dogs be free, knowing that they are responsive and safe! While there is no shame in training the bare minimums, life with a completely trained dog is much more rewarding and relaxing.
Finally, at the core of my training approach is love. I got into dog training because I love dogs for who they are. I feel love for every dog who comes into my care, and I am committed to learning about each individual dog and helping them thrive with their own unique personality. My clients know when they drop their dog off with me, that their dog will not be treated like an object or simply part of my job, but will be treated like a member of my house, and given the care that I give to my own personal dogs.
If you want to know more about me or my training approach, please email, call, or get in touch to set up a free consultation!
- Hilly Bressler (they/them)
“On a scale of one to ten, Hilly gets an eleven! Hilly has a true affinity for working with dogs and a real affection for them. And Posey loves them!””
“Prior to training, our dog was scared of everything. From typical things like garbage trucks to more unusual things like her own big floppy ears flapping in the wind, our pup navigated life riddled with anxiety. Our dog now exudes happiness and joy! She’s still a lovable goofball, but with Hilly’s training and guidance, she can now focus on being a goofy pup obsessed with her hooman siblings instead of anxiety!”
Anna H.