Reviews

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Cynthia Perez

A Heartfelt Tribute to Anita's Loving Pet Services

We're forever grateful for Anita's expertise and compassion! Our rescue beagles, Lily and Kai, struggled with anxiety and reactivity despite working with two trainers and a behaviorist. Simple walks became impossible due to Lily's fear of dogs and people, while Kai's reactivity led to biting and relentless pacing.

Anita joined our journey when the pups were 18 months old. Her spot-on assessment and tailored approach instilled trust from day one. With her guidance, patience, and effective methods, we witnessed remarkable progress.

Today, Lily and Kai thrive! They enjoy leisurely walks, socialize with other dogs, and delight our neighborhood with their charming presence. We're eager to travel with them, and our home is filled with harmony.

Anita, your gift is truly divine. God designed you for this purpose!

Thank you for transforming our lives and the lives of our beloved pets.

Blessings and love always,
Cynthia Perez

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Ruben Perez

Want to share a fantastic dog trainer recommendation with you all - Anita's Loving Pet Service. My wife and I rescued two beagles from the 'Beagle Freedom Project,' an organization that saves beagles from testing facilities. Our pups are super lovable but struggle with aggression and separation anxiety. After trying other trainers and a behavioralist with no luck, we found Anita's Loving Pet Service. Her expertise showed immediate results during the evaluation, and we've been seeing continuous improvements. Anita's approach of firmness paired with praise and treats has been incredibly effective. She's truly amazing at what she does!

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Allison Hunn

We have been training our English Springer Spaniel puppy with Anita for close to a month. I cant even begin to explain just how much her services have helped to enrich our relationship with our Hazel. Anita did an amazing in home assessment and fully understood our needs and wants as well as our unique challenges. Each session we have learned new skills and refined previous ones. Today we took Hazel to breakfast with us and she had fun with greeting new friends (human and dog) while also being polite and obedient. Anita is really great at balancing fun with obedience and ultimately I feel that our choice in trainer was as important or more important than our choice in breeder! Can’t say enough good about Anita! We just love her and are so glad we found her!

James Arthur Smith

Anita cared for our Belgian Malinois as if he were her own dog. From when she started working with him to now, he has become much calmer, more relaxed, more responsive and more attentive. Truly grateful for Anita's support during a very busy chapter in our lives that required loving support and structure for a high energy driven dog - its truly appreciated and evident in his demeanor, we enjoys his time with her and comes back a better dog every time!

Laurie G

Anita was recommended by a friend who had worked with her for years. I needed help with a 1.5 year old rescued beagle who was becoming increasingly dog reactive. Our walks were so stressful, worrying about encountering neighborhood dogs. Since starting training with Anita, Dorie has improved tremendously. Walks in the neighborhood are no longer stressful. And Dorie gets excited when she realizes we are going to training where she gets to hang out with all her new dog friends. Anita is so invested in her clients and genuinely wants to help them. Her techniques are positive, reward based, and Dorie loves it. I highly recommend Anita!

Deborah Wyscarver

I have two high energy young boxers who needed more training than I could do myself (I had tried over the years!). Anita worked with us over a three month period and changed our lives for the better. Her methods are very positive and she has love and respect for dogs and people. I am a senior, and can now walk both dogs together without fear of being pulled over. They greet people and dogs politely now, stay for long periods of time, come when called, let go of balls willingly. They are calmer and happier, as am I! A friend of mine who saw us recently at the dog park said, “Wow! You three are a whole new family now.” People at the park see my dogs’s behavior and ask for Anita’s phone number. I am very grateful and recommend Anita to anyone!

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Carolina Brown

Anita is truly a dog whisperer, she has trained our dog Sage from a puppy until now where she takes her on extended hikes and play outings. We are so lucky yo have met her.

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Tina Hara

Anita is truly a lifesaver for me and my family. I called her out of desperation a few months ago after trying two different local trainers. We have a 2 and a half year old wire fox terrier (Poppi) and had just brought a new puppy (Rosie)into the family. I didn’t realize that two female dogs could be a problem as far as them getting along. Poppi turned out to be quite jealous of the puppy and would attack Rosie when I tried to leash her for walks. Soon Rosie learned to lunge back at Poppi and I had a dog fight on my hands. It was becoming too much for me to handle by myself and I was becoming convinced that we might need to rehome one of the dogs. I couldn’t see doing this to Poppi since she has been with us for over two years already. But my husband and kids were falling in love with sweet Rosie too. I seriously didn’t know if we would be able to keep the two dogs. Thankfully I found Anita. She really gave me hope again by showing me a variety of ways to train my dogs and understand how to best handle their reactivity issues. I am so thankful for her patience and perseverance in helping me overcome my many fears. I also love the fact that she is a Christian and believes in Jesus Christ, as I do!

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marianne hunter

Great results for our rescue pup. Anita provided written and video information along with in person training.
Very focused, patient and kind with dogs & people!

Charmayne Mayer - Geier

Wow, just wow...I have been using Anita and her husband Mike to take care of all my cats and guinea pigs and a bird for a little over 12 years. They are licensed, insured and bonded which always made me very happy. Mike does a fantastic job in the past taking care of my guinea pigs, cats, and a bird. Now, all cats, guinea pigs and bird have gone to the rainbow bridge... a new kitten recently showed up! He has done a fantastic job trying to interact with my new cat that was feral for approx a year and a half before he was domesticated (only had him for a couple of weeks before I went away on business).
Anita and Mike have a love for animals. Mike even puts food and fresh water down for the stray cat in the backyard.
Pricing is fair. I enjoy the updates and piece of mind he gives me when I am out of town with a friendly text from my cat. You cannot go wrong using them. Again, their communication is excellent.

Lisa Gladstone

Wow! I have a 6 yr old pup trained by Anita, and a 1 year old pup who was not! Big mistake! I thought i knew enough to train her myself with an occasional lesson by a “behavioral “ trainer.
After many months of starts and stops i got tired of getting my shoulders pulled out of the sockets, dealing with her jumping on guests and no boundaries. I begged Anita to take us back into her busy schedule and frankly expensive lessons. Now she can sit/ stay in the middle of other dogs running past her. She responds to Come even in the midst of high distraction. It is worth every penny! 2 lessons later we have made huge improvements, have a clear path to follow and all 3 of us are much happier!

serena young

Anita & Mike are outstanding people who you can trust with your pets and home. I have been using their services for 10 years. It has been such a privilege to have them train my 2 pups then ( a German Shepard and Husky). I know that I am in good hands with them taking care of our pets when we are out of town. They are truly loving people with the highest integrity.

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Mike Sinigaglia

Anita and Mike are wonderful. Reliable, honest and a pleasure. I recommend to anyone who needs pet sitting.

A dog wearing a birthday hat sitting on the beach.

Sarah’s Puppy Training Review For Anita’s Loving Pet Services

Trainer: Anita

If you have a dog or are thinking of getting a dog and you are near the Palos Verdes peninsula, do you and your dog a favor and contact Anita. Anita is an excellent trainer, and she really knows her stuff when it comes to K9’s. My wife and I contacted Anita when we decided to add a Rottweiler puppy to our family. We started working with Anita shortly after we got our puppy at 8 weeks and we couldn’t be happier with our experience. After 14 lessons and guidance from Anita our pup is obedient, potty-trained, has good manners and is an absolute joy to take on a walk. Anita is a great communicator and can answer any questions when you run into a training issue. She responds promptly and is always on time for training with a positive attitude and great energy. She listens to your concerns and is also always asking questions to better guide you on your training journey. Our dog is now four months old and has such a solid foundation for us to continue to build on and we are really excited about our future together. We believe a trained dog makes an obedient dog and an obedient dog makes for a happy owner. When both owner and dog are happy your dog ownership experience becomes truly enriching. We are excited to have a well behaved puppy that we can take places and it’s all thanks to Anita. She is knowledgeable, patient, attentive, fun, and we truly can’t recommend her enough.

A group of dogs sitting in the grass.

Portugeese Bend Group

Pup Parents

                                                                                                                                                  July 6, 2020

Hello Pup Parents,

We are writing to you today as a group of Portuguese Bend neighbors, friends, and dog owners who have, or are currently being helped by  Anita Anderson’s services.  Each of us consider the work that Anita performs here to be a service to the Portugugese Bend community, our families, and our pets. 

Neighbors often see Anita in Portuguese Bend with our pups  and are incredulous of one woman’s ability to  safely orchestrate such a joyful gathering.  They see dogs having a wonderful time,  and  on command, the dogs respond to whatever Anita asks of them as a group, and as individuals. Observers are amazed  at her extraordinary control. 

While it may look like magic, it’s actually the result of  a strenuous and challenging series of training that these Portuguese Bend dogs and their owners have been through in order to qualify to participate with  the Bend Group (as it is nicknamed).

First, the dog owner and her pet meet with Anita for an interview and assessment.   If  Anita sees potential,  the dog and the owner begin a series of one-on-one and group training  to prepare for eventual participation in the Bend Group sessions.  Anita may work with a pair for weeks or many months, depending upon the dog’s progress.  Anita is somewhat famous for her ability to turn difficult and unruly dogs around. There are a number of Portuguese Bend dogs who previously could not safely be taken out for walks, interact with other dogs, socialize with non-family members or respond to owner commands that Anita’s training has completely transformed. 

Once the training process has progressed to a certain point, Anita may invite the dog owner and pet to observe a Bend Group play session. She carefully introduces the group dogs to the new dog, and then, over a period of weeks, the owner and dog attend together.  The dog slowly develops within the group, improving social skills, command response,  and becoming fully trustworthy. All newly accepted dogs progress to a longer leash, which is one of several safety training tools used to teach a safe, extended recall.  Not until a dog has progressed through all levels of Anita’s program is he permitted to participate in the Bend Group. Our pups absolutely love the Bend Group, and participating in this group has been  foundational to helping us raise  well balanced,  obedient and contented pups.

Anita also practices a leave-no-trace policy, cleaning up after every dog and leaving nothing behind. 

Anita and her socialized, obedient, and trustworthy dogs are a benefit to Portuguese Bend, but there are other positive repercussions….

  • Neighbors in the training program begin to establish connections with each other, and new introductions to other neighbors naturally begin to occur, further expanding bonds within the community
  • Dog owners who have been through Anita’s program walk their dogs often, increasing the number of resident eyes and ears keeping an eye on things in Portuguese Bend. 
  • Well trained dogs are safer  for drivers and walkers, less likely to interact with coyotes, and less likely to present a danger to other dogs and cats

Portuguese Bend residents who can speak to  Anita’s excellent training programs and safety protocols are many, and that is just in this area.  Anita also trains throughout RPV, Rolling Hills Estates, PVE,  San Pedro, as well as other areas. 

We hope that this letter gives you confidence that Anita’s program is a safe and positive one for those fortunate enough to train with her. 

Thank you,

Portuguese Bend Pet Parents

Kaushal Tamboli

PVE PET PARENT

3 months ago

Wow, Anita has done an incredible job training our rescue pup who was initially very fearful and reactive to other dogs. She was understanding and attentive to our needs and those of our pup.What is incredible is that she was able to bring her old clients with their pups to train him. We truly can’t recommend her enough.
 
 
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Carolina Brown

Designation

8/1/2018

Anita and her method of training is loving, compassionate, and kind.  Our new puppy can't wait to see her when she comes to train. Anita has taught us how to train with consistency and patience.  We are so happy with the results, we have a well mannered, social and most importantly a safe dog who will come, sit, stay, heel and wait. And now our Sage gets to go twice weekly with other pups on their fun social outings were Anita is the chauffeur!

Thanks to you Anita

A woman walking two dogs down the street.

Mi

Dog Lover!

3/14/2020
We feel very fortunate to have found Anita and Mike for our pups, a 4 year-old yellow lab and a 3 year-old rescue who we adopted a year ago. We initially were just looking for a dog walking service but Anita and Mike's service turned out to be so much more than that. Our rescue dog displayed anxiety and fear which made walking him tough for Mike initially. Anita and Mike kept trying new ways to tackle the challenges and each strategy was more ingenuous than the one before. Persistence and patience really paid off! Our rescue is better adjusted than ever before and no longer displays strange behaviors. My 3-year old also had her own issues with pulling and disobedience, but Anita has helped tremendously by training and socializing. We cannot be happier with Anita and Mike. They truly offer all around, comprehensive services for our pets' needs as well as ours. Thank you, Anita and Mike!!

Monique

Cocoa's Mom:)

6/16/2019
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We absolutely adore and are so grateful for Mrs.Anita . We rescued our dog at about 4 months old, and went thru multiple trainers. Our pup had a lot of behavioral issues and was causing constant chaos in our home. We weren't even able to walk her. I was referred to Anita by a friend. Reluctantly we contacted her since we had already went thru multiple others. It was the best decision we ever made. She has changed our dog, she is calmer, loves walks is extremely calmer in our home. Anita gave us the tools to teach our dog good behavior. Our dog would lose control at the sight of another dog, thanks to Anita our pup now has had play dates with multiple other dogs! She is the best in the business, we would be lost without her!

Roma

Portugeese Bend, RPV

8/9/2019

My dogs and I love Anita! She changed our lives and we are so, so thankful! I have two Aussies and they were quite out of control when she first met us all. Fast forward to a couple months later and they are totally changed for the better. I no longer have to yell at my dogs when: someone comes over, someone comes to the door, something drops on the floor, etc. Anita gave me the tools to properly communicate to my dogs what I expect from them and how to effectively get them to understand and listen.

Before Anita's training my dogs knew basic commands, however, I needed a trainer to come to my house and help me with the day-to-day routine with my pups and show me where I was going wrong. In six short weeks me, my friends, and family are totally blown away by the differences they see in my pups when they visit us at home.

I can now take my dogs places off leash and feel comfortable when I call them back to me. I would have never believed that would be possible before meeting Anita. My pups are also getting very well socialized (so important!) thanks to our group training sessions. Anita really is the best and we couldn't have asked for anything more. Thank you, Anita!

Edward K.

Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA

6/23/2021
I called Anita in tears because we had so much chaos going on at our home. With 10-month-old Pug Puppies (a brother and sister, Ben & Daisy) and my son's new 4-month-old Giant Schnauzer puppy, Ragnar, the chaos and stress of having a huge puppy dog and two tiny pugs had become too much. We had no clue how to handle a big dog with two smaller dogs. As Ragnar was dragging me down the street one day on his daily walk, one of my neighbors said I should give Anita a call as she had trained most of the dogs in our neighborhood. The moment I got home I called her and said HELP and can you come tomorrow??? She was a doll and came the very next day. She has been a gift that keeps on giving. She took control of the out-of-control situation and now the three puppies are so happy and content living together under one roof and they play so sweetly now. Ragnar is the sweetest, but just a huge dog, and didn't realize he was being too rough with Ben and Daisy. He wasn't taking any of their cues to back off. Ben had the alpha dog complex and was constantly lunging at Ragnar if he got near me. Daisy flipped out if another dog came near our fence and got the other two wound up. We got all 3 dogs during Covid, so we weren't going to a dog park for socialization. They just knew us and their yard and that was it. Adding in a 3rd dog escalated the situation. It was just a recipe for daily disasters and Anita stepped in and I CANNOT recommend her enough! We did the large puppy package for all 3 dogs and also joined Anita's doggy playgroup. I'm telling you, the socialization is KEY for them to learn all of the behavior cues, and seeing Anita load 15 dogs into her car, it's just unbelievable. They all listen to her and respect her. She means business! 4 days a week they lay at our front gate waiting for her car to pull up. If you're on the fence about paying for a dog trainer, I'm telling you, she is worth EVERY cent!! Please call her. You'll be so happy you did! She brought peace and harmony back to our home and she has trained us humans on how to properly work with them. In just a very short time I can now walk my 3 dogs together all in harmony - 1 Giant Schnauzer on my left side and 2 Pugs on my right. It's crazy cool! My trail hikes with Ragnar are fun and I have no fear of him dragging me anywhere. He is trained and listens and we have so much fun! Such a great experience working with Anita. So grateful to her and her expertise!

A man and his dog in the yard

Edward K

Lomita, CA

10/18/2020
Anita is a professional, fun, and loving dog trainer. She made enormous improvements in Dory's (and Ed's!!) ability to take calm, fun walks. We now know how to meet other dog's with polite greetings instead of stressful barking. Dory has learned all of her commands including heel, sit, down, stay, come and her favorite..."play time!!" There is nothing more rewarding than seeing one's previously fearful puppy, playing confidently with 10 other dogs... Anita's "Woodstock Festival" as I like to call it.
Thank you Anita!

Sallie R.

Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

3/1/2020
Anita was a lifesaver for us when we brought home our precious 8 week old Yorkshire terrier, Levi. She helped us to understand what he needed and how to create good habits for all of us. One of the biggest issues was potty training and with her guidance we had quick success. I am grateful to her and all her knowledge. Thank you, Anita!

Mi

Rolling Hills Estates

3/14/2020
We feel very fortunate to have found Anita and Mike for our pups, a 4 year-old yellow lab and a 3 year-old rescue who we adopted a year ago. We initially were just looking for a dog walking service but Anita and Mike's service turned out to be so much more than that. Our rescue dog displayed anxiety and fear which made walking him tough for Mike initially. Anita and Mike kept trying new ways to tackle the challenges and each strategy was more ingenuous than the one before. Persistence and patience really paid off! Our rescue is better adjusted than ever before and no longer displays strange behaviors. My 3-year old also had her own issues with pulling and disobedience, but Anita has helped tremendously by training and socializing. We cannot be happier with Anita and Mike. They truly offer all around, comprehensive services for our pets' needs as well as ours. Thank you, Anita and Mike!!

Erin O.

Torrance, CA

3/14/2020
I was looking for a dog walking service for our 2 dogs (terrier mix and Newfoundland/Tibetan Mastiff mix).
• Anita and Mike came to the house to meet our dogs. They watched as my husband and I walked the dogs to see the commands we used and how the dogs behaved on leash. I have a difficult time with our large dog, but Anita gave me tips on how to correct his behavior. They also let us know if something is "different" with the dogs (ie: health issues, change in behavior).
Another bonus: Mike walks both dogs at the same time!! (I usually cannot do this).
The dogs and I think this service is GREAT!!!!! We strongly recommend Anita and Mike to other pet owners.
Erin

Kathryn ChengPeninsula Center

I second Anita’s group! I bring my Yorkie specifically for getting socialization exposure to other dogs. She has come a long way, and loves her weekly outings with other pups, large and small!

Sallie ReevesPortuguese Bend

Anita's Loving Pet Services (and Mike, her husband)...very professional. They do training and walking and play groups and more.

Philip DavisRolling Hills Estates

I just want to write a very positive recommendation for Anita. She worked with our pup Luna and did a great job teaching me how to be a better owner. I would definitely recommend her for her care of all dogs and her knowledge of dog behavior. Thanks Anita!

A group of dogs standing in the grass.