Furry Tail Training:  For Dogs and Cats

about the trainer

  • Home
  • What We Offer
    • Dog Training Classes >
      • Group Classes
      • Private Lessons
      • In-Home Private Lessons
    • Cat Training
    • Virtual Dog & Cat Training
    • Pet First Aid & CPR Class
    • Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
    • Scholarship Program
  • Free Pet Training Downloads
  • Furry ReTail Store
  • About Furry Tail Dog Training
    • About the Trainer
    • In the Media
    • References and Reviews
  • #iamnot
  • My Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Local Pet Resources

​About Holly

Holly Stephens, certified dog and cat trainer and owner of Furry Tail Training in Lake Elsinore, California
Hi, I’m Holly—founder of Furry Tail Training and a certified professional dog and cat trainer with a lifelong passion for animal behavior. I began working hands-on with animals at age 17 and have built a career dedicated to helping both pets and their people thrive.

I have extensive experience with domestic and exotic animals, starting with pet care in a local Los Angeles pet store. I later volunteered as a Husbandry Assistant at the Aquarium of the Pacific and as a Keeper Assistant at the Los Angeles Zoo.

Education & Experience
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from San Diego State University, with a focus on Learning Theory and behavior. During that time, I worked in grooming salons, daycares, and kennels, and interned at Birch Aquarium educating children about marine life. I also volunteered with the San Diego Humane Society’s Pet Therapy program and later joined the Animal Care Department at SeaWorld San Diego, where I met my husband, Mark.

In 2013, after moving to Wildomar, I earned my Dog Trainer Certification through Animal Behavior College. My externship at Animal Friends of the Valleys involved working with shelter dogs to improve their adoptability through positive, force-free training. I’ve also completed additional ABC certifications in:
  • Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
  • Feline Management and Training
  • Cat Training
  • The Art of Selling and Teaching Private Lessons

​Certifications & Current Services
I am certified in Pet First Aid and CPR and am also a certified PetTech instructor, offering classes to help pet owners feel more confident in emergencies.

As a professional member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), I stay current on the latest science-based training methods. I offer:
  • Private training for dogs and cats
  • Pet First Aid & CPR classes
  • Guidance tailored to your pet’s individual needs

At Home
I live with my 4-year-old Golden Retriever, Raya, and our wise 11-year-old cat, Lilo—both of whom continue to challenge and inspire me every day. I’ve also fostered for Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue and volunteered at Animal Friends of the Valley.

My Training Philosophy
I use positive reinforcement and science-based methods that support the emotional well-being of both pets and their people. Whether you’re training a new puppy, working on behavior with a rescue, or just looking to strengthen your bond, I’m here to help you and your best friend succeed—together.

Education/Certificates

  • Bachelor's Degree, Psychology-San Diego State University
  • ABC Certified Dog Trainer-Animal Behavior College​​
  • Certificate in Pet Sitting and Dog Walking-Animal Behavior College
  • Certificate in Feline Management and Training-Animal Behavior College
  • . Certificate in The Art of Selling and Teaching Private Lessons​-Animal Behavior College
  • Complete Pet Care Certification-New Skills Academy
  • Pet Psychology Certification-New Skills Academy
  • Pet Nutrition Certification-New Skills Academy
  • Dog Grooming Certification-New Skills Academy
  • Pet Sitting Certification-New Skills Academy

Let’s stay connected!

📲 Scan or Click to save my contact info and class links
Scan to save Furry Tail Training contact info with Dot digital business card

Animal Behavior College Certified Dog Trainer certificate awarded to Holly Stephens
Certified Cat Trainer badge from Animal Behavior College, awarded to Holly Stephens for completing professional feline behavior and training education
Pet First Aid and CPR Instructor certification awarded to Holly Stephens by PetTech, showing credentials to teach emergency care for pets
AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator certified badge.
#98662
Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT) member badge
CATCH Canine Trainers Academy Mentor badge
​Areas We Serve: Lake Elsinore, Murrieta, Menifee, and Wildomar, CA. Mobile and in-home training is also available in nearby communities upon request.
Furry Tail Dog Training is Licensed and Insured
Copyright ©2025 Furry Tail Training:  For Dogs and Cats
  • Home
  • What We Offer
    • Dog Training Classes >
      • Group Classes
      • Private Lessons
      • In-Home Private Lessons
    • Cat Training
    • Virtual Dog & Cat Training
    • Pet First Aid & CPR Class
    • Canine Good Citizen (CGC)
    • Scholarship Program
  • Free Pet Training Downloads
  • Furry ReTail Store
  • About Furry Tail Dog Training
    • About the Trainer
    • In the Media
    • References and Reviews
  • #iamnot
  • My Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Local Pet Resources