CONTACT US

Yes!

The best place to start is by reviewing our services and submitting a request here:https://pocketsuite.io/book/caninecoach

From there, we’ll reach out and guide you through the next steps.

We offer a range of training options depending on your goals:

• Private lessons (flexible locations—your home, real-world environments, training spaces, and Elliot’s Canine Collective)

• Board & train (your dog stays and works directly with the trainer in a structured, real-life setting)

Group classes (best for building on skills and getting to know our approach—most dogs benefit from starting with more individualized work first)

The first step is to submit a request for an initial assessment.

From there, we’ll:

• Learn more about your dog

• Talk through what’s going on

• Make sure we’re the right fit

Then we’ll guide you into the best next step based on your situation.

Sometimes—it really depends on what’s going on.

If it’s something simple that can be resolved in a quick conversation, we’re happy to point you in the right direction.

If it’s more involved, we’ll recommend starting with an assessment so you’re getting thoughtful, hands-on guidance—not guesswork.

Our approach is centered around helping dogs make better choices—and helping humans understand how to guide those choices.

We focus on:

• Reinforcing what we want to see more of

• Identifying what behaviors are being practiced and why

• Creating opportunities for better decision-making

• Building clear, repeatable patterns that turn into habits

When a dog does something right, we reward it—using whatever is most reinforcing to that individual dog.

When a dog does something wrong, the answer is usually not punishment—it’s information.
We look at what led to that behavior, adjust the environment, and guide the dog toward a better choice.

You can’t build new behavior while old, well-rehearsed patterns are still being reinforced.
So we focus on:

• Management

• Structure

• Clear communication

• Consistency in what is and isn’t reinforced

Some trainers on our team incorporate training tools when appropriate, while others take a no-tool approach.
We’re not tied to one method—we’re focused on what works for the dog in front of us.

Yes.

We work with a wide range of behaviors, including:

• Reactivity

• Aggression

• Anxiety or fear

• Shyness or sensitivity

• “Stranger danger”

• Dogs with a large personal space bubble

• And even everyday challenges that just aren’t feeling manageable

Whether it’s something big or something that’s just frustrating day-to-day, we’ll meet you where you’re at.

Training is flexible and based on what your dog actually needs.

This may include:

• Your home

• Local parks

• Public spaces

• Real-life environments where behavior is happening

• Work done in collaboration with Elliot’s Canine Collective

Yes.

We offer boarding where your dog stays directly with the trainer, allowing for structure, guidance, and real-life integration—not just basic supervision.

Wholistic Canine is led by Terra, with a small team of trainers who each bring different strengths and approaches.

• Terra Ruiz– Works with a wide range of cases, including behavior-focused work, often meeting dogs in their real-life environments

• Alex Soliz – Specializes in board & train and also works with behavior-focused cases using a hands-on, immersive approach

• Jade Spicher – Focuses on building strong foundations, obedience, and scent work, and does not utilize training tools

• Mitch Brooks— Builds foundations, obedience, and support in the Davis/Sacramento area.

Depending on your goals, you may work with one trainer or a combination—we match you with the right fit for your dog.

You can learn more about each trainer here

Terra has been working with dogs since 2012 and has completed extensive continuing education in behavior, training, and applied ethology.

Education and study include:

• Licensed Family Dog Mediator (LFDM)

• L.E.G.S.® Applied Ethology & Family Dog Mediation coursework

• Michael Ellis training methodology (classical & operant conditioning, communication systems, cue transfer, spatial pressure)

• Training Between The Ears (TBTE) concepts including relaxation, targeting, and perception modification

• Ongoing study in behavior, stress, fear, anxiety, aggression, and learning theory

This approach blends formal education, hands-on experience, and continued study—because behavior is complex, and good training evolves.

A great way to do that is by joining a group class.

It gives you a chance to see how we work, ask questions, and get hands-on experience in a more relaxed setting.

Yes.

We work with all breeds and mixes, and we take each dog’s genetics, temperament, and individual behavior into account.

That depends on:

• Your dog’s history

• How long the behavior has been practiced

• How strong the existing habits are

In many cases, we’re not just stopping a behavior—we’re replacing a well-rehearsed habit with a new one.

The longer a dog has practiced something, the more intentional we need to be in changing it.

Our focus is on building real-life habits that actually stick, not quick fixes.

Yes—we welcome guest posts that align with our training philosophy and values.

If you’re interested, feel free to reach out with your idea.