Dog Training
Dog Trainers
Since 1990, Bobby Dorafshar has been an animal trainer/behaviorist and owner/operator of K9s Only. He has successfully trained thousands of dogs and is considered a master in his field. In addition to his exceptional skills as a trainer, it is Bobby's unique talent to truly understand our canine friends that sets him apart from others in his profession.
His love for animals shows not only through his work as a trainer, but his dedication to homeless pets as well. In 1997, he founded New Leash On Life Animal Rescue, a nonprofit animal rescue organization dedicated to the welfare of pets and the community. Bobby is recommended by LAAS as a dog trainer and behaviorist, specializing in "difficult" dogs.
Bobby owns four dogs - Kaiah (Aussie Mix), Jake (Fox Terrier), Lucy (Jack Russell Terrier) and Cody (Llasa Apso mix). He and his wife, Kelly, have two sons, Ashton (pictured) and Kaden.
Sharon Vincuilla came to K9s Only in 2005 with a true passion for our four legged friends. Sharon has worked around animals literally her entire life. She grew up with Belgian Shepherds, training several of them herself. Since then, she has raised and trained show dogs and volunteered as a Puppy Raiser with Guiding Eyes for the Blind. These experiences have given Sharon exceptional skills in socialization and an expertise in acclimating even the most insecure dogs to new environments. She works with dogs of all breeds and temperaments and is also certified in Pet First-Aid and CPR. Sharon manages our training staff, oversees all In-Kennel Training, Group Classes, and is available for Private Lessons and Evaluations.
In 2008, Sharon became the volunteer Director of New Leash On Life’s Lend A Paw pet therapy program. Sharon and her fiancé, Tom Fox, are owned by a Labrador named Gabi and a German Shepherd named Ziko, who are both certified Pet Therapists with Lend A Paw.
Edward Valle came to K9s Only in 2008 with an impressive resume, including over 7 years experience working with dogs. His vast knowledge of these animals and how to care for them makes him a valuable asset to our Training Team, as well as in his position as Kennel Manager. Edward has a great ability to read and understand the dogs, and has spent years watching them socialize in groups. This unique quality sets him apart in his work with dogs suffering from aggression towards other animals. Edward has been successful in helping even the most insecure dogs learn how to play and build relationships with other animals.
Edward works regularly with our Animal Care Attendants to educate them on how to properly care for and socialize the dogs in our care. Edward’s experience is also beneficial in assisting with overseeing our In-Kennel Training Program. Certified in Pet First-Aid and CPR, Edward regularly assists in teaching this skill in our public classes as well as to our staff. Edward is available for Evaluations, Follow-Ups and Private Lessons.
Edward enjoys his spare time with his wife, Janneth and his son, Eligh, who shares his passion for dogs and truly loves every second that he gets to spend at K9s Only.
Max Birnbaum’s passion for animals began when he was a youngster growing up on his grandfather’s farm in Switzerland. The fond memories of working with animals stayed with him, and in the summer of 2007, Max began working as an Animal Care Attendant for K9s Only. While this was intended to be only a summer job, Max quickly realized that his passion for animals could become a rewarding career. In 2008 he was chosen for the K9s Only Training Internship program. Max’s keen intellect, diligent work ethic, and careful attention to the sensitive nature of the dog allowed him to excel through this program and have made him a great asset to our training team. Max’s skill has also helped him to save the lives of his own rescue dog, a Pit mix named Kia.
Max is certified in Pet First-Aid and CPR and he works regularly with our Animal Care Attendants to assure that our daycare yards are fun and provide a safe environment for our guests. Max also focuses on insuring that our In-Kennel Trainings dogs are well cared for in addition to being well educated. He is available for Evaluations, Follow-Ups and Private Lessons.
Brent LaBrada found his way to K9s Only while volunteering at West Valley Animal Shelter. Brent’s passion for animals began at the age of twelve when he worked on his uncle’s ranch tending to the horses and exotic pets; his heart of gold shined through in his volunteer work at the shelters and was recommended to us by the captain of the animal shelter. Brent’s positive energy and ambition for this work could not be contained, and he quickly worked his way through the Training Internship program to the status of Trainer. Always working with a bounce in his step and a smile on his face, Brent adds a level of playfulness to our team which is truly enjoyed by the dogs as well as the people around him. His special attention to the health and well being of the In-Kennel training dogs has given him remarkable skill with grooming and allows him to socialize even the most timid dogs with being handled.
A student of the CSUN Department of Cinema and Television Arts, Brent believes that a well-rounded education is necessary to a successful career in any field. Brent is constantly expanding his knowledge of canines and has become certified in Pet First-Aid and CPR.
Brent works with our In-Kennel training dogs and is available for Evaluations, Follow-Ups and Private Lessons.
We first met Patrick in 2008 at East Valley Shelter. He was volunteering full time and helped our training team with a successful project to train and adopt 25 pit bulls. Patrick’s hard work and dedication to the dogs was something we knew was special. “Dogs give you something you can’t get anywhere else,” Patrick says.
Patrick’s maturity, passion, and years of experience are a great asset to our training team. One of his first dogs was the offspring of a Vietnam War dog who opened Patrick’s eyes to true potential of what a dog can be. After working for 10 years as a contractor, Patrick decided to take a break and follow his passion. For several years he worked with Kamer Enterprises learning the art of Protection Training and gaining valuable experience with German Shepherds and Dobermans. Patrick has always had three or four dogs of his own, which he always rescues in their time of need. His current dog pack includes Lucky the Pit Bull, Jungle the Husky mix, Sammy the Terrier mix, and George the German Shepherd.
Patrick has been happily married for 26 years to his wife Darlene. In their spare time they enjoy caring for Patrick’s 10 year old twin nieces and sharing with them the joys of the world of dogs.
Certified in Pet First Aid and CPR, Patrick works with our In-Kennel training dogs and is available for Evaluations, Follow-Ups and Private Lessons.
Peter has been helping shelter dogs for over 10 years. In 2008 he made canine education his career. His main forte is behavior modification, and helping people create a healthy balance of leadership and affection with their dog. He has studied and taught many different training techniques, which enables him to tailor an individual training program for every dog and owner.
Evaluations
Get your dog evaluated today so that we can start training today.
Training Request
Sign-up for a training session today. Just visit our Training Request page so you we can begin the process of training your dog.
Contact
K9s Only West Los Angeles
Phone: 310.479.5600
Fax: 310.943.2662
2040 Cotner Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Directions
We are located just east of the 405 freeway between Olympic and Santa Monica. Take the Olympic/Pico exit and travel north on Sawtelle. Turn right on Olympic then left on Cotner. Our building is on the right hand side of the street. You may park on the street on in the lot in front of the building.
K9s Only Tarzana
Phone: 818.344.WOOF (9663)
Fax: 818.342.3120
18603 Topham Street
Tarzana CA 91335
Directions
We are located approximately 1/2 mile north of the 101 freeway. Take the Reseda Blvd. exit and travel north (make a right if you are coming from Los Angeles). Travel approximately 1/2 mile to Topham Street (just past Oxnard St. and the Metro Orange Bus Line), turn left.
Our building is on the right hand side of the street. You may park on the street; in the back, behind K9s Only; or across the street in the Orange Line bus parking lot.
