
David Essex
Founder/Trainer
Positive-Based Training


I have been fortunate enough over the past ten years training dogs, to have worked with dogs such as Ray, that have made me uniquely qualified to work with a wide range of animals. I’ve also been fortunate enough to work with several professional trainers, such as world renowned dog trainer, Jaime Goodrich. I take great pride in working with rescue animals, as well as therapy dogs. Ray, a blind Pitbull/Rottweiler mix (a.k.a. Ray Wonder), has been the source of my inspiration and our reason to help rescue animals and our Veterans!



There's No Place
Like Home.


It's a very simple yet powerful system of communication that just about anyone can master and is never harsh. If your dog understands what you want, she will WANT to make you happy and follow your rules. It's just that easy.
Scheduled evaluation are free with purchase of any package or session, but require a $50.oo deposit.
Disclaimer



Training Services
In-Home Training
Lessons and instruction for general obedience training, or to address specific behavior problems and issues.
Day Training
Certified Professional Dog Trainer will train your dog for you.
New Dog Training
Instruction specifically targeted to help with newly adopted adult dogs, or puppies.
Disclaimer: All appointments are requests and are not scheduled until it has been confirmed by a Ray's Hope representative.


How Hope
Begins
How Hope Begins
THE EVALUATION is the first step toward reaching your training goals. During the evaluation, which takes place in your home and lasts 45-60 minutes, we observe how you and your dog lives and discuss what you want to accomplish. Once the evaluation is done, we will provide you with a written plan based on what we observed during the time with you and your family. This plan will address your short-term and long-term goals, as necessary, and how to obtain them.
Ray-sing the Bar: Your training sessions
One Session
$100 each
If you have already been through a training program, but you want to revisit one specific issue or make sure you are on the right track, this might be all you need. Perfect for you if your dog seems to have forgotten some of the basics and just needs a quick refresher course.
4 to 8 Training Sessions
4 Sessions-$370
8 Sessions-$730
Have a new puppy or rescue? It usually takes a minimum of four and up to eight training for your new friend to properly learn his lessons. How many sessions you need depends on the dog, your family, and your goals. We will assess your pup's progress after week four and determine if more training is required.
More Than 8 Sessions
ask trainer
More than eight sessions are reserved for more advanced training or if you have encountered a serious behavioral issue (ie anxiety, aggression, fear, counter surfing, running out the door, or leash walking struggles).
Donate For A Service
All prices are suggested donations.
Available to LA Area ONLY.
Disclaimer: All appointments are requests and are not scheduled until it has been confirmed by a Ray's Hope representative.
More Than 8 Sessions
Please note that all training will require owner participation.
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- Onnie
- Sam
No individual info.
No individual info.
Their Story
Onnie and her dog, Sam, both had challenges. Onnie has severe anxiety and could barely leave the house while her companion, Sam, had a bad case of fear aggression. After several months of patience and training, Sam conquered his fear and became Onnie's rock, allowing her to also live a life without anxiety. Watching the duo work together and help each other through their fears had meant more to Dave than anything.


- Sean Ellis
- Bailey
Sean Ellis is an Army Veteran who served from Aug 2008 to July 2014. He attained the rank of Private First Class (PFC), while serving as a Construction Equipment Repairer (MOS 91L). Sean served in Iraq from Nov 2009 to July 2010.
Bailey is a Ridgeback Lab Mix, who was rescued by Ray's Hope in May 2019. Bailey loves providing comfort to her companions as well as riding in the car and playing.
Their Story
Sean reached out to Ray’s Hope on May 2019 looking for an emotional support dog to help
him combat loneliness and PTSD. After talking to Sean and assessing his needs, we set out
looking for his companion.
At about the same time, a dog owner contacted us. He had a Ridgeback-Labrador mix
named Bailey that he was no longer able to care for. Rather than taking him to a shelter, he
reached out to Dave Essex and Ray’s Hope. Dave immediately went to meet this pup and
conduct some temperament testing. That day, Dave felt that Bailey was a good match for
Sean.
A few days later, the pair met and it was love at first sight. They are virtually inseparable and,
with Dave’s help, Bailey is on his way to becoming Sean’s permanent service dog. Dave and Sean are training Bailey to perform the specific tasks Sean needs to overcome his post-
traumatic stress.