Way of the Dog Home Page image
Way of the Dog Home Page image
Gold seal with star Award for winning Best Dog Behaviorist in Los Angeles
Dog trainer Brian Lee wins Los Angeles Times Best
Way of the Dog  Behavior ProgramPuppy Training and Socialization ProgramDog Behaviorist, Brian LeeTestimonialsDog Behavior and Puppy Training ResourcesFAQsRequest InformationClient FormDog Behaviorist, Brian LeeFollowing his passion and calling to transform the way humans understand dogs.Meet Brian Lee
For over 40 years, Brian Lee has served as a trusted behavioral counselor and dog trainer in the Los Angeles area, working with more than 12,000 dogs and their families. His experience spans virtually every behavior issue imaginable, and his consistent, relationship-based results have led many clients to return with second- and third-generation dogs.
While Brian’s specialty is the ‘family dog, his expertise also extends beyond the household. He has trained search and rescue dogs, worked with guide dogs to troubleshoot behavioral issues, and provided guidance for agility competitors and therapy animals. His program has been used by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team, the California Rescue Dog Association, and the FBI Evidence Response Team-one of which, Nikko, was deployed to the Pentagon after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
Brian has also shared his knowledge as a recurring guest speaker for the Registered Veterinary Technician program at Pierce College, the Southern California Regional Occupational Center, and the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office Crisis Response Team. He has overseen training programs for organizations such as The Kennel Club and Torrance Memorial Hospital and continues to advise veterinary hospitals and dog care facilities throughout Southern California on behavior and training practices.
The Beginning
Brian began his dog training career in 1985 at Matthew Margolis’ National Institute of Dog Training, graduating at the top of his class. At the time, training methods were rooted in traditional, military-style correction-based techniques. While effective for law enforcement dogs, Brian quickly realized this approach was often too harsh—and even harmful—for the average family dog.
A Shift in Perspective
As Brian gained experience, he saw that dog training needed to be more than just teaching commands. He was drawn to the work of veterinarian and animal behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar, who emphasized early socialization and positive reinforcement. Inspired, Brian began incorporating “Puppy Parties” into his work—and has now hosted these social opportunities for over 30 years.
Beyond Treats and Commands
Brian embraced many elements of positive training, including the use of treats to shape behavior. But he also saw how over-reliance on treats could backfire—turning owners into treat dispensers rather than leaders. He believed a deeper relationship, built on mutual regard and respect with clear communication, was far more powerful than bribery or force.
An Organic Approach
Brian’s philosophy matured into an organic, relationship-based style of training. During this time, he also made several television appearances and connected with Cesar Millan. He resonated with Cesar’s focus on leadership and the emotional needs of dogs. While both emphasize the importance of leadership, Brian took it a step further—focusing not just on the dog, but on training the owners to be their dog’s lifelong mentor.
A Holistic Philosophy
Over four decades, Brian has woven together the best of what he’s learned—from early socialization and respectful leadership to avoiding extremes in methodology. His holistic approach centers on creating mentally healthy dogs through calm, confident, and consistent guidance from their owners.
Brian’s work has helped thousands of families build stronger, healthier relationships with their dogs. By teaching owners how to lead with clarity and compassion, he continues to transform lives—one dog, one family at a time.
TV & Radio

Animal Planet
Brian appeared on multiple television shows for Animal Planet, including “Untamed & Uncut,” “Beverly Hills Vet,” and “Eukanuba Tournament of Champions.”
A&E’s America’s Top Dog
He helped create “America’s Top Dog”, serving as the show’s lead dog behaviorist while working with Cesar Milan and others who appeared as judges for the show.
NBC’s Providence
He was called to the set of NBC’s “Providence” to assist in resolving training challenges.
CBS’s Greatest American Dog
Brian appeared on CBS’s “Greatest American Dog” reality show and provided training advice to the contestants.
CBC’s The Nature of Things
Brian was a consultant and featured expert in Season 64, Episode 1 of The Nature of Things, the longest-running science and environmental documentary series in history.
Radio Talkshows and Podcasts
Brian hosted a weekly local radio show on KFOX, answering live calls regarding dog behavior and appeared on BBC radio, providing expert opinion regarding a pilot program for people-pet connections. He was also featured on the podcast Starting Point with Casey Jennings, My Doggie Says radio talk show on KFNX 1100 in Phoenix, AZ, and Eminem’s Shade 45 on SiriusXM.

Print & Awards

Brian wrote articles for the Executive VP of programming and development for the Oprah Winfrey Network, Lisa Erspamer’s for her blog, A Letter to my Dog.
Additional print features include: The Los Angeles Times, South Bay Magazine, the San Jose Mercury, Daily Breeze, Voyage and Shoutout LA.
Brian has been voted best trainer in the South Bay for 20 years and winner of Los Angeles Times Best of the Southland.

Veterinarian Endorsements

All Pets Veterinary Hospital
Alondra Animal Hospital
Animal Hospital of Redondo Beach
Animal Hospital of the South Bay
Avian and Exotic Animal Hospital
Bay Animal Hospital
Bay Cities Pet Hospital
Country Hills Animal Clinic
Family Pet Clinic
Harbor Animal Hospital
Lomita Pet Hospital
Manhattan Beach Animal Hospital
Ohana Veterinary Clinic
Peninsula Center Pet Hospital
Plaza Del Amo Animal Hospital
Point Vicente Animal Hospital
PV Village Pet Hospital
Redwood Animal Hospital
Santa Monica Pet Medical Center
South Shores Pet Clinic
Uptown Animal Hospital
VCA Advanced Veterinary Care Center
VCA Clarmar Animal Hospital
VCA Coast Animal Hospital
VCA Hermosa Animal Hospital
Los Angeles County Animal Control

Celebrity Clients

Wallis Annenberg
Beverly Johnson
Landon Donovan
Glenn Hughes
Joe Hahn
Janet Jackson
Bianca Kajlich
Bob Talbot
James Caan
Michael Maloney
Sia
Ryan Philippe
Coco Crisp
Kaya Turski
Howie Long
Ralph Garman
Dustin Brown
Omar Gonzalez
Melissa Villasenor
Reese Witherspoon
Karen Gillan
Liza Minnelli
Sarah Silverman
Antony Starr
Michael Lombardo
Crystal Hunt
Harry and Florence Sloan
Jurgen and Debbie Klinsmann
Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme
Dan Gibson and Keyshia Cole
Chester and Talinda Bennington
Meaghan Rath and Jack Cutmore-Scott
Whitney Cummings

Transform your dogs behavior in 5 sessions
Notifications
Way of the Dog’s Newest Addition: Meet Emerald
Let’s Zoom! Virtual One-On-One Dog Behavior Training with Brian Lee

1 / 7

Way of the Dog — Dog Training in Redondo Beach, CA

Way of the Dog is a dog training business in Redondo Beach, California offering private lessons and virtual training, working from a dedicated training facility. They describe their approach as reward-based training and accept aggression and reactivity cases.

Redondo Beach, CA • Training facility • 5.0 ★ (43 Google reviews)

Verified listing

Last reviewed: Sep 6, 2026

Transparency Score

45 / 100

Limited information

How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.

Price transparency
0%
Method transparency
100%
Program clarity
58%

About Way of the Dog

Based on what the business publishes about itself

Way of the Dog is listed among dog training programs in Redondo Beach. Published program types include private lessons, virtual training. Ask about staffing, methods, and follow-up support before you book.

What dog training programs does Way of the Dog offer?

Private lessons for behavior issues and puppy training run five sessions each, with lifetime support included. They also offer virtual one-on-one session. The behavior program covers aggression, leash reactivity, separation anxiety, and resource guarding, while the puppy program emphasizes early socialization and can start before a puppy even arrives home.

Way of the (5 sessions)

Way of the Dog publishes 2 versions of this program. The table shows how they differ; anything not listed here was not stated in their materials.

Private Lessons options at Way of the Dog
OptionLengthPriceWhat differs
Way of the Dog Behavior Program5 sessionsNot publishedAggression, Leash reactivity, Resource guarding; Suitable for dogs of all breeds and ages, purebred or mixed, rescued or adopted, young or senior.
Way of the Puppy Training Program5 sessionsNot publishedPuppy training, Socialization; No matter the breed, background, or temperament; ideally started before puppy arrives home.

Virtual One-On-One Dog Behavior Training

Price not published.

Focus: Basic obedience, Aggression, Fear & anxiety, Separation anxiety

How much does Way of the Dog cost?

Way of the Dog does not publish program pricing online. Contact them directly or request a quote through Barklen for current rates.

Private Lessons pricing

Private Lessons pricing at Way of the Dog in Redondo Beach, CA
ProgramPriceLength
Way of the Dog Behavior ProgramNot published5 sessions
Way of the Puppy Training ProgramNot published5 sessions

Virtual Training pricing

Virtual Training pricing at Way of the Dog in Redondo Beach, CA
ProgramPriceLength
Virtual One-On-One Dog Behavior TrainingNot publishedNot stated

Consultations and evaluations

  • Complimentary Phone Consultation: Free

What training methods does Way of the Dog use?

The site explicitly describes their approach as force-free. They accept dogs with aggression histories.

Their public materials state they do not use e-collars. Which tools they do use is not specified, so ask the trainer directly.

Who runs Way of the Dog?

As described in the business's own materials

Brian Lee, Dog behaviorist and founder

According to their site, started training in 1985 using traditional correction-based methods, then shifted toward early socialization and positive reinforcement after being influenced by Dr. Ian Dunbar, and later incorporated leadership concepts inspired by Cesar Millan into his own holistic, relationship-based style developed over 40+ years.

Credentials listed on their site: Graduated top of class from the National Institute of Dog Training (1985). Barklen has not independently verified these.

Where does Way of the Dog offer dog training?

Way of the Dog operates from a dedicated training facility in Redondo Beach, CA, offering private lessons and virtual sessions online.

Their site says they primarily family dog owners of all breeds, ages, and backgrounds, including rescues and puppies, though the business has also worked with search-and-rescue and service dog organizations and a number of celebrity clients.

In-person sessions are held at Brian Lee's location in Redondo Beach, California.

The Redondo Beach facility sits on South Juanita Avenue. Parking and accessibility details aren't published.

How does Way of the Dog compare with other Redondo Beach dog trainers?

Barklen analysis

Barklen analysis based on 3 published Redondo Beach listings (17 with published pricing). These comparisons are computed by Barklen, not claims made by Way of the Dog.

Price: too few Redondo Beach programs publish pricing in the same categories for a like-for-like comparison yet.

Reviews: 5.0★ from 43 Google reviews, among 3 published Redondo Beach programs.

Transparency: 45 out of 100 (limited information), with 0% price transparency and 58% program clarity. 1 of 3 Redondo Beach listings show certifications; this business does not list any.

What should you ask Way of the Dog before booking?

Generated from what their public materials leave open

  • They don't publish pricing. Ask what a private lesson package costs and exactly what is included.
  • Ask which certifications their trainers hold and who issued them.
  • Ask for proof of liability insurance.
  • Ask which training tools, if any, they use and when.
  • Ask how many dogs each trainer handles at once.
  • Ask for a written outline of daily structure, skills covered, and follow-up support after the program.
  • Ask about current availability and whether there is a waitlist.

Location and hours

527 S Juanita Ave, Redondo Beach, CA

Monday – Wednesday
10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday
Closed
Friday
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

How Barklen reviewed this listing

Barklen reviewed Way of the Dog 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 (owner visits during programs, progress updates, insurance, guarantee, certifications, dogs per trainer, and others) are turned into the questions above rather than filled in.

Last reviewed by Barklen: Sep 6, 2026

What Barklen could verify

Programs listed
3 programs (private lessons, virtual training)
Published pricing
None published
Training method
Reward-based
Aggression and reactivity cases
Accepts aggression cases
Facility
Training facility
Overnight staffing
Not staffed overnight
Years in business
40+ years
Booking
Contact form

Contact Way of the Dog or request a quote

Contact Way of the Dog directly by phone or through their website, or request a quote through Barklen and we will pass it along.

+1 310-543-0375Website

Compare Redondo Beach programs like these

Similar programs nearby

See all trainers in Redondo Beach →