Business Details
Expert Dog Training & Behavior Solutions in Irvine, CA
Companion Dogs by Sue Myles is a premier dog training and behavior consulting service founded on decades of expertise and a deep understanding of canine psychology. With over 40 years of experience in the field, our founder, Dr. Sue Myles, holds a Ph.D. in Animal Behavior and has pioneered the DogThink methodology, a science-based approach that emphasizes empathy, communication, and positive reinforcement. Our mission is to bridge the gap between humans and their canine companions by fostering mutual understanding and respect. We specialize in addressing complex behavioral issues, offering tailored solutions for puppies, adult dogs, and even psychiatric service animals.Our commitment to ethical training practices aligns with California Animal Welfare Laws, ensuring the well-being of every dog we work with. As an expert witness in canine behavior cases, Dr. Myles brings unparalleled authority to our services, combining academic rigor with practical, real-world applications. We pride ourselves on creating a joyful learning environment where both dogs and their owners thrive through innovative techniques like cues and consequences training. Our extensive publications and speaking engagements further solidify our position as thought leaders in the industry, dedicated to advancing humane training standards.
Services
Puppy Training
Behavior Consultations
Service Dog Training
Advanced Off-Leash Training
AKC Certification
Emergency Response Training
Private Lessons
Group Classes
Expert Witness Services
Behavioral Publications
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in canine behavior and training
- Our DogThink method uses scientifically proven, positive reinforcement techniques
- Founder holds a Ph.D. in Animal Behavior with trauma specialization
- Recognized expert witness in dog behavior cases since 1990
- Compliant with California Animal Welfare Laws and humane training standards
Services
Puppy Training
Our Puppy/Beginner Class focuses on foundational skills for young dogs and their owners. Through positive reinforcement techniques, we teach basic commands, house training, and socialization skills while addressing common behavioral issues. The 5-week program emphasizes creating strong bonds between puppies and owners while establishing lifelong learning patterns.
Behavior Consultations
Private behavior consultations address specific canine issues like aggression, anxiety, or trauma-related problems. Using our DogThink methodology, we analyze behavioral patterns, identify triggers, and develop customized modification plans. These sessions combine owner education with practical training techniques to resolve complex behavioral challenges.
Service Dog Training
Our Psychiatric Service Dog program trains dogs for specialized support roles. The 3-week intensive course focuses on task-specific skills, public access training, and handler communication. We emphasize creating reliable service animals that meet ADA standards while maintaining strong working relationships with their handlers.
Advanced Off-Leash Training
This 5-week advanced program develops reliable off-leash control through distance commands and environmental distractions. We focus on building trust and communication while teaching complex behaviors. The curriculum includes emergency response training and real-world scenario practice for complete reliability.
Expert Witness Services
As a certified expert witness, Dr. Myles provides professional behavioral analysis for legal cases. Services include deposition testimony, behavioral assessments, and rehabilitation evaluations. With experience since 1990, we offer expert insights into canine behavior patterns and training-related legal matters.
People
Dr. Sue Myles
Owner/Trainer
Dr. Sue Myles holds a Ph.D. in Animal Behavior with trauma specialization. With over 40 years of experience, she developed the DogThink training methodology and serves as an expert witness in canine behavior cases. She has authored multiple publications on dog training ethics and behavior modification.
Questions
What training methods do you use?
We use our proprietary DogThink methodology focusing on positive reinforcement, cues and consequences, and understanding canine psychology without force or intimidation.
Do you offer classes for aggressive dogs?
Yes, our behavior consultations and specialized training programs address aggression through trauma-informed approaches developed during 40+ years of clinical practice.
Are your training techniques legally compliant?
All our methods strictly follow California Animal Welfare Laws, avoiding any equipment or practices that could cause harm or distress to animals.
Can you help with service dog training?
We offer specialized psychiatric service dog training programs that prepare dogs for critical support roles using our evidence-based curriculum.
Do you provide expert testimony for dog-related cases?
Dr. Myles serves as an expert witness in dog behavior cases, offering professional analysis and testimony based on decades of clinical experience.
What locations do you serve?
Our primary training facility operates in Irvine, CA at VCA PetPoint Medical Center, serving clients throughout Southern California.
Reviews (4)
Pia Eulogio
Oct 21, 2021
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Highly recommend Sue. She has a sense of humor and teaches you how to care for your new family member.
Melinda Bungartz
Mar 26, 2021
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Sue is the absolute BEST She is a leading expert when it comes to training "owners" and their dogs. Her knowledge is beyond compare. She has great energy, and the dogs know it. She is positive, a problem-so, ver, and personable. I've been training my dogs with her since 1987. Need I say more
Annie Svitak
Nov 04, 2020
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Truly one of the sweetest, most knowledgeable women I have met. She is very honest about dogs and truly has a passion for animals. I could not recommend her any more. If you're looking for a highly intelligent, reliable dog trainer, please go to Sue.
Christopher Asandra
Jun 11, 2019
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Our rescue dog, Tobi, was very timid around strangers and his confidence was low. Her gentle and patient demeanor really helped Tobi regain his confidence and now he is more playful with other dogs and interactive with humans. He is also barking less and more obedient! I've recommended her to a couple other friends who are having issues with their pups. Sue's classes are fun and engaging and she is very knowledgeable about the behavior of dogs. We are about to rescue another pup, and she will be the first one we contact!
