Happy Puppy L.A. Training Team

Eric started his career volunteering at a local boarding kennel in St. Louis, Missouri when he was 15 years old. He continued as an apprentice for their training program and instantly fell in love with dog training. Eric went on to study Animal Behavior at Meremec College in St. Louis and shortly after started Happy Puppy Dog Training. In 2008, Eric moved to Los Angeles to further his career with hopes of shedding light on a more positive, humane, and scientific way to train dogs. In Los Angeles, Eric worked with dogs and exotic animals alike in commercials, television and film.

In addition to Happy Puppy, Eric also devoted his time to rehabilitate dogs in need, specifically German Shepherds at the Westside German Shepherd Rescue. As a foster parent, he found great joy helping dogs that displayed fearful and/or aggressive behavior pass their temperament tests so they could be placed in a welcoming home.

Along the way, Eric came across an 8 month old German Shepherd who had some behavior issues and unfortunate history. They formed an instant bond and the shepherd was later adopted by Eric. After a rehabilitation period, the lovable shepherd, now named Archy, was playing with other dogs, rolling over for belly rubs and off-leash hiking.

Eric has had the opportunity to see this transformation in many dogs he has worked with throughout his career and has even had the chance to provide his services in the United Kingdom and France. Regardless of culture, dogs learn in the same way all over the world. He continues to learn and his only wish is that we could live more like dogs.

Eric is a Fear Free Certified Professional, a member of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers (APDT), and an American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Eric is currently a host on the CBS series "Lucky Dog" and is a co-founder of the WRARE foundation.

Animal Behavior Specialist / Veterinary Behavior Consultant

Rashi Khanna Wiese, MSW Operations

Rashi is a social worker with a knack for business and technology. After graduating from Boston University with her Degree in Psychology, Rashi attained her Master’s Degree in Social Work from The University of Southern California. There, she pursued a unique concentration focusing on mental health as well as emotional intelligence and organizational development. This concentration allowed Rashi to utilize her knowledge of behavior and psychology, implementing positive changes in the business world.

After her studies, Rashi worked in the digital and mobile advertising world for over 5 years. In 2014, Rashi met Eric and learned of Happy Puppy and the positive reinforcement training methods utilized. The logic behind these methods were similar to methods she learned throughout her studies. As she learned more about Happy Puppy, Rashi became fascinated with dog psychology and how it could be applied to human psychology. Combining the passion for behavior and her knowledge of business operations, Rashi soon became the backbone of “Happy Puppy” (and Eric's wife!).

From strategic partnerships and marketing to social media and website design, Rashi is heavily involved in our day-to-day operations, keeping everyone connected. Through her work with Happy Puppy, Rashi hopes to positively impact the lives of animals, just as she hopes to change the lives of others through her social work. Rashi is currently a host on the CBS series "Lucky Dog" and a co-founder of the WRARE foundation.

The Happy Puppy L.A. Team

(Co-Founder/Co-Owner/CEO)

(Co-Founder/Co-Owner/COO)

Ariel is a passionate and skilled dog trainer who recently graduated from Animal Behavior College, where she was honored as the unofficial leader of her graduating class.

With a lifelong love for animals, Ariel has always felt a deep connection to them, which inspired her to pursue a career in dog training. From a young age, she knew that working with animals was her true calling. Throughout her journey, Ariel has gained invaluable experience by volunteering at animal shelters and working with Guide Dogs of America. These experiences have broadened her understanding of canine behavior, compassion, and the importance of positive reinforcement. Additionally, Ariel has worked with group dog training classes and offers pet sitting services, further expanding her expertise in canine care and training. Her approach to training is grounded in empathy, understanding, and a genuine love for dogs.Ariel is dedicated to helping dogs and their owners build strong, healthy relationships through effective communication and trust.

Looking ahead, Ariel is excited to continue her professional growth, eager to learn more and refine her skills in the ever-evolving field of dog training. She is committed to making a positive impact on the lives of both dogs and their families.

Ariel Rodriguez - Animal Care Specialist

Our amazing Los Angeles dog training & care team

Ashley originally moved to LA in '09 to study theatre, but in '14 decided to switch careers. She had always had a passion for saving animals so she was thrilled to be on the opening team at the Adopt & Shop in Culver City! This was a unique type of pet store that adopted out dogs and cats that all came from high-kill shelters.

Through the years she worked at different animal related jobs including being a vet assistant, doggie daycare crew, an adoption manager at a shelter, and even worked at two different cat rescues! (Fun fact she even did a few years at Disney in a leadership role!) Ashley also has experience fostering multiple litters of kittens and puppies. She has even helped a few dog and cat moms give birth! She is also a very reputable pet sitter.

Ashley currently has three dogs and a cat that she shares with her husband. She is so incredibly HAPPY to be working at Happy Puppy and to share her experiences with all of the great dogs that come in!

Ashley De Silva - Animal Care Specialist

Sasha Singhaseni - Animal Care Specialist

Sasha is a lifelong animal lover and has worked with domestics, exotics, and local wildlife in a variety of settings. This appreciation of animals grew from her childhood with the adoption of Sassy and Roxy, her beloved Calico kitten and Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. She often joined in their play and began training them at a young age. This sparked her bond with animals and fueled her passion to make a difference for as many animals as possible.

Through high school, Sasha began fostering from West Valley Animal Shelter and joined the ASPCA to help socialize scared, nervous and aggressive dogs. She also rehabilitated sick or injured birds and small mammals at the California Wildlife Center. During her time at UC Davis, Sasha developed technical skills at Davis Small Animal Hospital and livestock handling skills on campus. After college, she followed her passion to Thailand and became an Exotic Animal Care Team Leader. From these roles, she deepened her understanding of animal behavior, training and nutrition and experienced firsthand how these factors contribute to their overall well-being.

After returning to California, Sasha sought out more ways to positively impact the world of animal care. 15 years later, she is still committed to helping our local shelters and rescues from Ventura to Long Beach. Now as part of the Happy Puppy team, Sasha is excited for the opportunity to continue caring for and shaping the growth of dogs of all kinds while learning about humane and ethical practices.

Alex Warner - Animal Care Specialist

Alex has spent the last 18 years pet sitting, bringing dedication, consistency, and personalized care to households and their canine companions. His journey into professional dog care was inspired by his own beloved dog—whose gentle nature and subtle needs sparked an early passion in understanding and supporting dogs on a deeper level.

That curiosity led Alex to train as a professional dog groomer, mastering techniques in gentle handling and learning to interpret subtle stress cues to ensure each groom was both safe and emotionally positive. From noticing lip-licking or head-turns to adjusting pressure during brushing, Alex quickly understood that grooming is as much about listening as it is about aesthetics.

Continuing education at Animal Behavior College deepened Alex’s understanding of canine communication. Through hybrid coursework and mentor-led externships, he earned certification as an ABC Certified Pet Groomer (ABCPG).

Combining nearly two decades of hands-on pet care, grooming experience grounded in attentive observation, and formal training in body language interpretation, Alex now provides holistic dog support. Whether guiding energetic puppies or soothing anxious seniors, he tailors every interaction to match each dog’s emotional state—helping reduce stress, foster trust, and strengthen the human‑dog bond.