In today’s busy world, juggling careers, family responsibilities, errands, and a beloved canine companion can feel overwhelming. For pet owners seeking help, Let Us Do The Training offers professional, in-home dog training and walking services in Sonoma and Marin counties. With personalized, positive-reinforcement methods and a reputation for compassionate care, they provide essential support to help dogs integrate smoothly into busy family life. Discover more details on their offerings at Let Us Do The Training website.
Company Background & Credentials
Let Us Do The Training is run by Athena Labberton, a certified professional dog trainer specializing in behavior modification and separation anxiety relief. Functioning since at least 2007–2008 under the dual banner of Let Us Do The Walking and Let Us Do The Training, the business is based in Petaluma, California and serves surrounding areas such as Santa Rosa, Novato, San Rafael, Marin, and Mill Valley Yelp+3Let Us Do The Training+3Alignable+3.
Athena emphasizes science-based, positive reinforcement and humane training methods that respect each dog’s emotional well‑being Alignable. Over the years, she has built a trusted local service centered on professional coaching and hands-on training.
Service Offerings & Program Structure
1. In-Home Dog Training
Their core offering includes structured in-home sessions tailored to address behavior issues like excessive barking, leash pulling, jumping, poor recall, and basic obedience commands. Training begins at the dog’s current ability level and progresses at a rate that works for both pet and owner. Session options include direct training by Athena herself as well as coaching the owner on implementing techniques effectively MapQuestAlignable.
2. Puppy Training
For new puppy owners, they offer early socialization and foundational training. The goal is to guide puppies into becoming well-mannered family members by reinforcing positive behaviors and preventing problematic habits before they form Let Us Do The Training.
3. Separation Anxiety Intervention
Separation anxiety is a specialty—Athena is a certified separation anxiety trainer. Interventions include protocols to train dogs gradually to tolerate being alone, desensitization techniques, and environmental modifications to reduce stress Alignable.
4. Dog Walking Services
Separate from training, they also provide personalized walking services focusing on one-to-one or small group outings (up to three dogs from the same household). Walks are conducted in familiar neighborhoods for exercise and behavior reinforcement MapQuest.
Professional Philosophy & Methodology
Athena emphasizes a science-based, positive reinforcement approach that builds trust and emotional safety. She supports pet owners as collaborators in the training journey, ensuring skills persist after sessions end It’s Your Dog+5Alignable+5Let Us Do The Training+5.
This methodology aligns with best practices in modern animal behavior: reinforcing desired actions (sit, walk calmly) with rewards like treats or play, ignoring or redirecting unwanted behaviors, and avoiding punishment-based methods.
Geography & Policy Area
Primarily serving Petaluma and nearby cities—Santa Rosa, Marin, Novato, San Rafael—Let Us Do The Training draws a client base of commuting professionals, families, and seniors who value in-home convenience and personalized care Alignable+3Let Us Do The Training+3Yelp+3.
Customer Feedback & Reputation
Yelp Reviews
While Yelp lists the favorite sister brand Let Us Do The Walking, it also praises Athena’s training expertise. One 2025 review says:
“Ian is fantastic with my dogs! He has great intuition about my dogs needs and they get so excited when he comes to take them out! 5 plus stars!” Yelp+2MapQuest+2Let Us Do The Training+2
Another from 2011 notes:
“Athena Labberton provides an incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and caring dog walking and training service. She truly loves my dogs.” Alignable+2MapQuest+2Let Us Do The Training+2
Alignable Recommendations
On Alignable, colleagues praise her skill and positive methods:
“Athena is a fantastic dog trainer and person. She has the experience and certified training to help dogs and their people with everything from puppy manners to separation anxiety. Her methods work.” Alignable
High recommendation ratings on local networks reinforce her professionalism and results.
Testimonials on Website
Clients report fast improvements in obedience, leash behavior, and separation anxiety management. One client shared that after just a few sessions, their Rat Terrier began reliably following commands, walking politely on leash, and behaving calmly around chickens AlignableLet Us Do The Training.
Key Strengths & Competitive Advantages
| Strength | Description |
|---|---|
| Expert Trainer | Athena’s certification in separation anxiety and positive reinforcement gives clients confidence. |
| Convenience | In-home services reduce stress on pets and accommodate busy lifestyles. |
| Holistic Solutions | From puppies to complex anxiety, they cover a full range of behavior issues. |
| Local Trust | Longstanding presence and multiple glowing reviews indicate credibility. |
| Tailored & Owner-Supported | Coaching empowers owners for long-term success. |
Areas for Improvement
Online Visibility
Expansion onto platforms like Google Business Profile with FAQs and blog posts would help reach more clients.Pricing Transparency
Clear session packages posted on the website would make decision-making easier.Video Testimonials & Case Studies
Short videos or before/after examples would showcase transformation and build credibility.More Recent Reviews
Actively requesting feedback on Yelp or social platforms ensures a pipeline of fresh endorsements.Educational Content
Adding blogs or tips about training and dog behavior could improve SEO and audience trust.
Ideal Clients
Busy professionals who prefer in-home training
New puppy owners needing early training and socialization
Dogs demonstrating leash issues or mild behavior problems
Pets suffering from separation anxiety
Owners seeking long-term behavioral transformation through coaching
Recommendations & Growth Opportunities
Enhance Digital Presence: Create a Google Business Profile and share regular training tips or posts.
Predefined Packages: Offering bundles (e.g., 5-session obedience plan) with pricing would streamline booking.
Client Showcase: Use video testimonials or written case studies to demonstrate successful outcomes.
Utilize Video: Short Instagram or TikTok clips showing training in action could attract local followers.
Referral Program: Introducing incentives or discounted rates for referrals may expand habitually loyal client base.
Final Verdict
Let Us Do The Training stands out as a compassionate, expert-led service that adapts to today’s busy pet owners. With Athena’s credentials and specialized focus on separation anxiety and obedience, the business delivers high-impact results in the comfort of clients’ homes.
Their strengths lie in empathetic training, custom-tailored solutions, and ease of access. Expanding their online offerings and showcasing more client outcomes would strengthen their local dominance and trust.
For dog owners needing reliable, home-based training support backed by professional expertise, Let Us Do The Training is a top-tier choice. You can explore their service options or get in touch through Let Us Do The Training services.