Certified:
Abby is CPDT-KA Certified and a member of APDT.
All Positive Reinforcement Training
Serving:
Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and certain areas of Miami, Florida.
"Dogs adore playful energy, and they absolutely love it when there's a party in your voice! And yes, clapping for dogs is a great reward!"
0
Years Training
//About Abby//
Abby Elliott
Dog Trainer & Behavioralist
Abby’s deep connection with animals began when she was just five years old. With an extensive background in veterinary medicine, she spent years honing her clinical knowledge and developing a profound understanding of canine health and behavior.
Although initially taught traditional leash “corrections,” Abby quickly realized that jerking the leash felt inherently wrong. Trusting her intuition, she adopted positive reinforcement methods, from food rewards to clicker training. The results were undeniable: dogs did not just learn; they loved the process.
From Rock Stars to Therapy Stars
This force-free philosophy was put into practice during Abby’s time as a dog nanny for Ozzy Osbourne’s many dogs. The Osbournes kindly allowed Abby to adopt one of their Chihuahuas, Boris, whom she trained to become a certified Pet Partners therapy dog.
Abby and Boris volunteered for more than a decade at a major Los Angeles hospital’s cancer center, as well as in assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
A Trauma-Informed Evolution
Today, Abby’s work has evolved even further. Through her journey with her current rescue dog, Twinkie, she has embraced a trauma-informed approach to training fearful dogs.
Abby recognizes that dogs who have experienced trauma require more than basic commands such as “sit” and “down.” They need specialized confidence-building exercises to help them feel safe and secure in the world.
Specializations & Credentials
Abby is CCPDT-KA certified, a member of AAPT, and a Canine Good Citizen evaluator. Based in Miami, she provides expert training in:
- Trauma-informed care for fearful and anxious dogs
- Puppy training, which is most effective when started immediately
- Therapy dog preparation for non-service dogs
- Canine Good Citizen preparation
- Behavioral issues
Flexible Lessons
Abby offers both in-home private lessons and convenient virtual sessions.
Ready to Build a Better Bond with Your Dog?
Abby proudly serves Miami and the surrounding areas.
To book a lesson:
Call or text:
(310) 994-1114
Veterinarian Endorsements
Dr. Kelly, D.V.M, DABVP
www.inhomevet.comI have had the pleasure of knowing Abby for years. She is a professional and well-respected by her peers. Abby has helped me with the training of two of my dogs. I have the utmost respect and confidence for Abby and I recommend her to all my clients. The feedback from my clients is very positive. Abby has a natural gift with dogs.
Dr. Lisa, D.V.M
Malibu Coast Animal HopsitalOver the last few years, I have been using Abby as a dog trainer. Her skills and adeptness are quite evident as a trainer. The dogs are comfortable and enjoy their time with her. She uses positive reinforcement and rewards as motivation. I highly recommend her as a trainer.
Dr. May, D.V.M
www.veganvet.netI have known Abby for several years now and have referred numerous clients to her for various dog behavior issues. She has an ethic of compassion for all animals which shines through her work. Her insights into dog behavior have helped strengthen the human-animal bond for many dogs and their people. Abby’s ability to work well with dogs and people is exemplary and makes her an excellent choice as a dog trainer.
Dr. Emily S. Talwar, D.V.M
Los Feliz Small Animal HospitalI could not recommend Abby more! She’s so patient and truly understands dogs! She helped train my fearful little dog to become a confident, well-behaved certified therapy dog who now loves everyone. She tailors her sessions to each dog to meet their specific needs and strictly uses positive reinforcement to ensure each pet is as comfortable as possible. I refer her to all my patients at my clinic. I had used other trainers in the past and was disappointed with all of them until I found Abby!
//Abby's Blog//
Dear Abby For Dogs
March 1, 2007
Dogs are Dogs Wherever You Go
Being a recent transplant to the island and being a dog trainer as well, I wondered if perhaps I would ...
July 1, 2007
Don’t be a Bully to your Dog
Being somewhat new to the island, and a dog trainer as well, I have sought out obedience training classes to ...
Client Endorsements
Mahogany G.
Los Angeles, CAAbby is a wonderful trainer who has helped me and my newly adopted rescue immensely in the past six weeks. My dog is insecure and would bark and squeal throughout his walks at everything that moved. Since working with Abby, he has improved more than tenfold. She focuses on positive reinforcement and also has given recommendations on what lead to use, how to work on separation anxiety, and how to demonstrate more confidence so that my dog will be more confident in me and therefore more confident in himself. She is truly a wonderful trainer!
Kristy M.
Los Angeles, CAOur puppy had an immediate connection to Abby. He completely adores her and we humans enjoyed our time with her as well. It was critical to us that Abby only uses positive reinforcement. Abby taught us some important techniques and commands that have changed our experience with our dog for the better. For example, we used to have no emergency command to get him to obey during critical moments. Abby also has extensive experience with therapy dogs which is an interest of ours as well.
Michael A.
Los Angeles, CAAbby is an amazing dog trainer who helped our family with our puppy Arrow. She took the time to answer all of our questions with ease and taught us the tricks to being good dog parents while we established a great connection with our puppy. Would highly recommend hiring Abby for her services!
Tami G.
Burbank, CAAbby is a wonderful dog and doggy parent trainer. She has so much enthusiasm matched with the patience of a saint. I had watched so many videos on how to train my puppy and could only get so far. Abby was able to help me see what I needed to do to bring out the best in my beautiful puppy. I highly recommend getting your doggies trained by Abby. She’s the best!!!
Valerie B.
Woodland Hills, CAAbby was so great with us and Walnut. It isn’t just about teaching dogs but giving us, the furparents, tools to use and continue with.
Jessica H.
Los Angeles, CAAbby is such a great dog trainer and really helped me with my chihuahua, Rosie. She is easy to communicate with and really loves what she does. If you’re looking for a dog trainer, Abby is a great choice!
What kind of dog training education and experience do you have?
I have had dogs since I was five. I have worked in animal hospitals for over twenty years. I was a dog nanny to Ozzy Osbourne and served as the caretaker for the late director Tony Scott’s dogs. I followed a professional dog trainer to lessons for two years, and I was also a Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Additionally, I had a dog that served as a therapy dog, and I taught guardians how to prepare their dogs for the therapy dog test. Please note that this training is for a Therapy Dog, not a Service Dog.
What training methods and philosophy do you use?
I am strictly a positive reinforcement trainer! I don’t believe in ever using anything harsh or mean on a dog. It’s not okay to be mean to dogs or any animals. They have no voice, and dogs do so much better with a kind, positive, and fun trainer! Sometimes, dogs want to follow me home!
Is there an initial consultation?
Yes, there is always an initial consultation, especially for behavior modification issues. During that same session, I also begin working with your dog.
How much does training a dog cost?
The cost varies depending on your specific needs. Are we looking to address basic manners or tackle a fear-related issue? Once we connect and identify your requirements, I’ll gladly provide details on the three different packages I offer, along with their respective prices.
What professional certifications or memberships do you have?
I am CCPDT-KA certified, and I am also a member of the AAPDT.
Are there certain dog breeds that you specialize in?
I know a little more than most about Chihuahuas because I’ve had two! However, I have worked with Goldens, Doodles, Wheatens, and mutts. While certain breeds have specific characteristics, they all respond positively to kindness.
Do you make learning fun for my animal?
Absolutely! It’s a fun and rewarding experience for everyone!
Do you have references?
Certainly, please refer to my veterinary referral section above.
//Contact Abby//
I look forward to assisting you
