Lily Ray Dog Training — Dog Training in Richmond, CA

Lily, the owner and head trainer, came to dog training through animal rescue work, where she developed skills in defensive handling and reading body language in fearful or reactive dogs. According to her site, she continues to assist rescues with dog evaluations while competing in AKC obedience, scent work, and barn hunt with her Belgian Malinois. She holds CGC, CGCA, and CGCU titles and is a certified Trick Dog evaluator.

The Richmond-based business offers board-and-train programs, private lessons, and group classes. Their board-and-train structure stands out for its owner involvement: they require one-on-one lesson before any boarding stay so the dog arrives already familiar with the training approach, and they include scheduled sessions with the owner during and after the program. Post-stay follow-up lessons come at no additional charge. For puppies five to eight months old, they offer a split program, three weeks of boarding, follow-up lessons, then a two-week return stay focused on proofing skills around distractions.

Lily Ray Dog Training describes their philosophy as prioritizing safety and working at each dog's pace rather than pushing through reactive moments. Their group classes are reserved for existing clients, positioned as opportunities to test obedience skills in challenging environments rather than introductory training. Tea, an assistant trainer with roughly a decade of rescue and veterinary experience, rounds out the team.