1 / 8
Fun Paw Care Dog Training is a dog training business in Los Angeles, California offering board and train and private lessons. They describe their approach as reward-based training, accept aggression and reactivity cases, and list CPDT-KA, IAABC, CCPDT, and AKC CGC Evaluator credentials.
Los Angeles, CA • 4.9 ★ (93 Google reviews)
Last reviewed: Sep 5, 2026
43 / 100
Limited information
How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.
Based on what the business publishes about itself
Russell Hartstein, the founder of Fun Paw Care Dog Training, brings an unusual background to his work. According to his site, he holds certifications including the Certified Dog Behavior Consultant credential through IAABC, a designation he notes is held by fewer than 200 people globally, along with the CPDT-KA and Fear Free Professional certifications. Before focusing on animal behavior, he worked as a hedge fund partner; he describes himself as a vegan and Buddhist whose motivation for starting the business came from concerns about dogs being euthanized for treatable behavior issues.
The Los Angeles operation emphasizes what the site calls science-based, force-free methods following a "Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive" framework. Services include private lessons, puppy training, and a board-and-train program conducted on a five-acre fenced property the business describes as a ranch. According to their materials, Hartstein personally handles boarding rather than delegating to staff, positioning this as a boutique rather than high-volume operation.
The site lists media appearances in outlets including The New York Times, CNN, and The Washington Post, and references work alongside primatologist Jane Goodall on a project involving homeless dogs. They also note Hartstein received a Key to the City from Miami Beach officials for animal welfare work and has served as an expert witness in dog bite cases. The business states it holds A+ accreditation with the Better Business Bureau.
Board and train programs are available for both puppies and adult dogs, with private lessons offered as an alternative. Fun Paw Care Dog Training addresses basic obedience, socialization, and aggression cases across its programs, though specific durations and session lengths aren't published on the site.
Price not published.
This one-on-one boarding program is described as a comprehensive training and behavioral analysis program where the dog's emotional state and behavior are assessed and treated during the stay.
The dog boards with the trainer while receiving one-on-one training and behavioral work.
Best for: Dogs needing extra training and behavior work beyond typical obedience.
Focus: Basic obedience, Aggression, Advanced obedience
Price not published.
A private, one-on-one puppy boot camp using positive reinforcement, held on a fenced ranch property customized to the puppy's needs.
Puppy boards on-site at the described ranch property while receiving one-on-one training.
Best for: Owners who don't have time, skill, or expertise to train their puppy themselves.
Focus: Puppy training, Basic obedience, Socialization
Price not published.
A private luxury boarding service where a certified behaviorist provides personal care and attention while the owner is away.
The dog stays with the trainer/behaviorist for boarding, described as holistic and integrative care.
Focus: Basic obedience
Price not published.
One-on-one training aimed at owners at any experience level, addressing serious behavioral problems as well as general obedience needs.
Trainer works directly with the owner and dog in private sessions.
Best for: New dog owners, first-time parents, or those with dogs showing serious behavioral issues.
Focus: Basic obedience, Aggression
Price not published.
Puppy-focused training that addresses energetic or difficult behavior, covering biting, chewing, barking, leash walking, socializing, and house training.
Best for: Puppies with behavior challenges like excessive energy, biting, or house training issues.
Focus: Puppy training, Socialization, Basic obedience
Fun Paw Care Dog Training does not publish program pricing online. Contact them directly or request a quote through Barklen for current rates.
| Program | Price | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Dog Boarding & Training Boot Camp Los Angeles | Not published | Not stated |
| Puppy Boarding & Training Boot Camp Los Angeles | Not published | Not stated |
| Dog Boarding Los Angeles | Not published | Not stated |
| Program | Price | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Private Dog Training Los Angeles | Not published | Not stated |
| Puppy Training Los Angeles | Not published | Not stated |
The approach is explicitly force-free, and they do accept dogs with aggression issues.
Their public materials mention e-collars, prong collars, and choke chains. Barklen has not verified how or when they are used, so ask the trainer directly.
As described in the business's own materials
According to their site, has over 30 years of experience in applied behavior analysis, dog training, and pet care. Previously worked as a general partner in a hedge fund before shifting to animal behavior work; he is a vegan, Buddhist, and self-described animal advocate.
Credentials listed on their site: Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC) via IAABC, Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed (CPDT-KA) via CCPDT, Certified Fear Free Professional Trainer, AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and STAR Puppy Evaluator, Certified in Applied Behavior Analysis, Utah State University coursework with Susan G. Friedman, CPR & First Aid certified for dogs and cats, and Member of Pet Professionals Guild, Association of Animal Behavior Professionals, Animal Behavior Society. Barklen has not independently verified these.
Fun Paw Care Dog Training is based in Los Angeles, CA, offering board and train stays and private lessons.
Their site says they primarily serves dog and puppy owners in Los Angeles and the greater LA area (Beverly Hills, Pacific Palisades, West Side, South Bay), with claims of also serving clients nationally and internationally; site highlights celebrity, executive, and veterinarian clientele alongside general pet owners.
Boot camp training and boarding takes place on a large fenced property described as a ranch setting.
Training takes place at the Patricia Avenue address in the 90064 zip code. Parking availability and whether sessions happen in-home versus at a facility aren't clarified.
Barklen analysis
Barklen analysis based on 22 published Los Angeles listings (51 with published pricing). These comparisons are computed by Barklen, not claims made by Fun Paw Care Dog Training.
Price: Fun Paw Care Dog Training does not publish pricing for the program types where Los Angeles has enough published prices to compare (board and train and private lessons).
Reviews: 4.9★ from 93 Google reviews, among 22 published Los Angeles programs.
Transparency: 43 out of 100 (limited information), with 0% price transparency and 50% program clarity. 4 of 22 Los Angeles listings show certifications; this business lists CPDT-KA, IAABC, CCPDT, and AKC CGC Evaluator.
| Program type | Fun Paw Care Dog Training | Los Angeles range | Barklen read |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board and Train | Not published | $1,875–$4,620 across 10 Los Angeles programs | No published price to compare |
| Private Lessons | Not published | $80–$220 across 5 Los Angeles programs | No published price to compare |
Generated from what their public materials leave open
3079 Patricia Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Barklen reviewed Fun Paw Care Dog Training against the business's public materials and published this listing. That is not a check of licenses, insurance, or certifications. See our methodology for what a verified listing does and does not mean.
Details the public materials do not address (facility, owner visits during programs, overnight staffing, dogs per trainer, and waitlist) are turned into the questions above rather than filled in.
Last reviewed by Barklen: Sep 5, 2026
Contact Fun Paw Care Dog Training directly by phone or through their website, or request a quote through Barklen and we will pass it along.
Dog Tribe LA
Los Angeles, CA · 5.0 ★ (33)
Board and Train
6 programs
From $750
Balanced
The Ranch Dog Training
Los Angeles, CA · 4.9 ★ (178)
Board and Train · Virtual Training · Private Lessons
6 programs
From $150
Balanced
Smart Paws Dog Training
Los Angeles, CA · 5.0 ★ (20)
Group Classes · In-Home Training
4 programs
From $45
Reward-based
What A Good Dog! LA
Los Angeles, CA · 4.9 ★ (44)
In-Home Training · Private Lessons
3 programs
From $800
Reward-based
Canine School of Behavior
Los Angeles, CA · 5.0 ★ (6)
Board and Train · Private Lessons · In-Home Training
4 programs
From $100
Balanced
SoCal K9 Consulting
Los Angeles, CA · 5.0 ★ (66)
Private Lessons
7 programs
From $250
Method unclear