Just Rewards

Structured small-group sessions covering basic to advanced obedience skills using positive reinforcement. Classes accommodate puppies through adult dogs with curriculum progression from beginner to competition levels. Focus on practical skills like loose leash walking, reliable recall, and polite greetings while fostering socialization opportunities.

Customized one-on-one training conducted at client locations for personalized behavior modification and obedience instruction. Ideal for dogs with specific needs or owners requiring flexible scheduling. Includes house training, crate training, and specialized programs for reactive or anxious dogs.

Comprehensive programs addressing aggression, fear, and anxiety through scientific behavior analysis. Initial 90-minute consultation includes detailed assessment and personalized treatment plan followed by implementation support. Techniques focus on changing emotional responses to triggers through systematic desensitization.

Developmental programs for young dogs focusing on proper socialization, bite inhibition, and foundational training. Covers house training, crate acclimation, and appropriate play behaviors while establishing early learning foundations through positive reinforcement methods.

Organized competitive events following World Cynosport Rally standards. Designed to test handler-dog teamwork through prescribed exercise courses while maintaining engagement and enjoyment. Regular competitions held at Peninsula Feed Store location in Redwood City.

Graduated valedictorian from SF SPCA Academy for Dog Trainers with specialization in aggression cases. Certified AKC evaluator and World Cynosport Rally Judge with 12 years corporate leadership experience. Founded Northern California German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue in 1998.

We exclusively use positive reinforcement techniques that reward desired behaviors through treats, praise, and play.

Yes, we provide in-home private training for obedience, house training, and behavior modification across the Peninsula and Coast regions.

Our group classes are intentionally kept small to ensure individualized attention and effective problem-solving for each participant.

Our behavior modification programs specialize in addressing aggression through structured desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques.

Our lead trainer holds certifications from the SF SPCA Academy and serves as an AKC Canine Good Citizen evaluator.

I was searching hard for an in-person class for my reactive pup. After searching for a few weeks, I stumbled across Just Rewards. I sent an email quickly to make sure that classes were actually going to be held. We specifically took the Rowdy Rovers class with Wendy. I want to start off by saying that Wendy is an amazing trainer. She is super knowledgeable and genuinely cares about the success of your pup/dog.

She also wants owners to be successful. It's important to note that you should take this class with realistic expectations. Don't go into this thinking that 5 weeks later, you're dog will miraculously not be reactive anymore. She makes sure you have the tools to continue working on your dog's reactivity well beyond the class. Since the end of class, we have made strides. However, we still have a long way to go.

Because of this class, I've been able to take my dog outdoors more often, which is what I've been wanting to do from the start. I have been eyeing some of her online courses, so hopefully we can take classes with her again in the near future.

Excellent trainer! Great to work with. Also happens to remind me if Jett Reno in Star Trek; Discovery

Wendy is so much more than a trainer. She is a behaviorist. Our rescue puppy started out with near flawless behavior and was loaded with confidence. After a couple of months she became insecure and was even sometimes fearful of me. I'd never even risen my voice at her. We'd been through training with a different trainer with our puppy and things started deteriorating then. So fast forward to Wendy and we are working on her underlying issues and trust.

Our dog is with me nearly 24/7 and I am her person - she stays glued to me. But get out the leash and the fear arose, she rolled onto her back in a submissive behavior, etc. She's made huge progress since then. A straight up sit, stay, lay down class wouldn't have helped her issues, we'd already been through that. Wendy is also a pleasure to deal with and she knows her stuff. I highly recommend her.

Our 3 large dogs have thrived under Wendy's approach. She is positive, gentle and warm with dogs- who adore her- and practical and straightforward with humans. We were pretty clueless at first, as it had been years since we had a puppy- but we found her methods effective and achievable. Applying her advice consistently, we enjoy our dogs more, can walk them comfortably and take them out in public without embarrassing displays of lunging and barking, and can play on the beach and hike off-leash safely.

Couple tips: 1) you get out of it what you put in, 2) you're not "done" when class ends, it's a continuing management process - reading your dog's body language, scanning the environment, setting your dog up for success. Wendy gives you these tools. 3) she truly loves dogs, and doesn't abide harsh or punitive owners, which I appreciate!

Reading the one negative review below, I felt compelled to give a great review. Finding a trainer is a scary thing. We went to one but he was too punitive and rough. Our Rottweiler puppy was good in class but she didn't seem to learn the material well. My boyfriend and I felt a little helpless because we knew she was smart and willing but we didn't know what to do. We moved to Burlingame and found Wendy through Pet food Express.

We are only 2 days into her Basic Manners class, and oh what a difference! We are practicing at home and Maya is being very responsive to the training homework. It's amazing to see her mind absorb everything like a sponge and be successful. If all goes well, I plan on staying with her classes, and maybe one day doing some rudimentary agility or herding with Maya. To be mean and say Wendy has a little dog personality is silly. Wendy has a calm command presence. Maya loves her and responds positively to her. Thank you Just Rewards! Highly recommend.