I LOVE Ann Greene and Rick Alto. They are fabulous trainers!!! They were life savers for my last dog (Ebony) and have gotten my new dog (Lizzie) and I off to a great start. First of all the LOVE my dogs as much as I love them. When my poor sweet Ebony passed away Ann was crying as much as I was.... But on to my experiences with them as trainers... I started with Ann and Rick about 4 years ago with my very sweet to me but very leash aggressive and fearful dog Ebony. I had spent 4 years working with Ebony and contacting 5 different trainers for help with her leash aggression... Nobody could give me the skills I needed and she was dangerous to walk for a long time... I found Ann and Rick by chance via google... and their website looked different than the other trainers - like they actually were doing this for the dogs and everything wasn't about using treats (which just didn't work with Ebony). I met with Ann for a 1 hour appointment and it ended up being a 2 hour appt but she wouldn't let me pay for the 2nd hour. We discussed what Ebony needed and her training methods. I was a little nervous about the e-collar at first but I figured I had tried everything else and Ebony didn't respond to anything that I should go for it.... for Ebony and for me. Ebony did 5 days of board and train with Ann and Rick. And I got back a completely different and much happier dog. No more leash aggression - no more shedding like crazy because she was nervous. Just a happy well behaved dog who knew how to be a dog again. She even made doggie friends (love you Diesel!). Ebony and I followed the boot camp program religiously for the 30 days after training and went to Ann and Rick's weekly group classes.... By the end of the 30 days - Ebony was behaving as nicely for me as she did for Ann. But we didn't stop there. I kept on working with Ebony and got her to the point where she could walk off leash with me.... No fear, no aggression - just a sweet calm dog. After that we took and passed the Canine Good Citizen test... So for 4 years I had a very sweet dog in the house who was a monster outside (fear based) and within a year - she had transformed into a happy calm sweet dog who could walk off leash and who passed the CGC. I still pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming! So in April of this year my poor Ebony developed cancer and within 24 hours of diagnosis - she was so sick that she passed away... After a while, I adopted another dog - my sweet and friendly - Lizzie the hound. But Ann had already moved up to Cape Cod to be closer to her family... and Lizzie had no training at all so there was only 1 solution.... Lizzie and I drove up to Cape Cod so that Lizzie could go to training with Ann while I worked/vacationed remotely. And again - Ann and Rick and Diesel and Bella have gotten Lizzie and I off to a great start. Lizzie is much more independent than Ebony was so it will take time to get her ready for the CGC test... but I am confident that I have the right tools and the knowledge I need to train her too. One important thing I forgot to mention. Lizzie and I live in Maryland - so we drove 450 miles each way for training. Ann and Rick are that good! Take your dog to them for training. You won't regret it. read more

I first came to Ann because of a Groupon or some kind of deal like that over two years ago. My girlfriend knew how much trouble I was having with my rambunctious puppy and suggested I try her. So I did! After my first visit with Ann I wasn't sure if I wanted to use the remote collars for training. So I went home and just a day or two after that my puppy's leash broke on a walk. It was horrible! She ran away at Kinder Park. There was snow and slush on the ground and my son and I chased her for 20 minutes and couldn't catch her. She almost got hit by a car! After that I said, NO MORE! I knew she needed more than the Paws for Heath at home trainer (had her work with Ginger at 10 weeks old at home... she's treat based and that wasn't enough for Ginger) nor did my THREE levels of training at Petsmart (nice to socialize with other dogs... but pretty much worthless for Ginger if you didn't have a treat in hand). Obviously all those weeks and weeks of training did me NO GOOD when my dog was making us chase her for 20 minutes. Finally we got her. We were angry and scared! Immediately I called Ann! We started right away with the remote collar. Honestly, I felt bad at first, but when you see how it works, you get over that quickly. That remote collar was our LIFESAVER! We went on to get her CGC (just barely by the skin of our teeth) but she passed! Ann has always been so helpful to her clients. She's gone above and beyond to help me and Ginger. I trusted her so much with my dog that I actually boarded Ginger with her in her home many times and never felt safer. I knew that she could handle and manage anything. Her facility is AMAZING! Her acre of land that is fenced (tall fencing) and carpeted with astroturf is a great place for the dogs to learn and run. I have to share one more story. I had a friend who had to rehome a German Shepard Puppy who was knocking down her pregnant daughter. This was a 100 pound "Puppy" who was becoming dangerous because he had never been trained. In my efforts to help my friend I called Ann and told her about the dog in case she knew anyone that wanted this beautiful good hearted Shepard. She said, bring him over and I'll evaluate him. So we did. And Ann fell in love with the dog and with the very kind heart that she has for both animals and humans, she offered to train and rehome the dog on her on time! It was amazing! She saved this dog and now he lives in a great home with a great family! Ann is completely dedicated to the well being of her dogs and humans! She's amazing and has extensive training in various methods of training. Most recently she trained with Ceasar Milan in California. If you want "REAL" training for your dog that REALLY works (not treat based training which is really bribing) you need to call Ann! You won't be disappointed! read more

Wow, where to start? I was referred to Ann at A Tail Above by a friend of ours and I can honestly say that you couldn't ask for a better person to work with. She is honest, personable and very knowledgeable. Ann and Rick are great people. Their complex (Located at their house) is extremely clean and professional. With an indoor training room as well as an outdoor agility park with artificial turf to prevent your pup from getting all muddy and looks great year around! As soon as you walk in you know that Ann and Rick take pride in what they have built and their experiences along the way. Ann and Rick have really set the standard for what to look for in a dog trainer, you feel like your dropping your dog off with your best friend. Ann also posts videos during the week showing some of the clients progression which gives a glimpse of how your dog is doing. I simply cannot convey how astonished I am with how Ann and Rick took care of us. We had some issues with Gunner where he was attempting to bite Ann when she was trying to collar him. Ann did a bite evaluation on Gunner and selflessly recommended to us that we look in to a second opinion on Gunners issues. Ann wasn't sure if Gunner was going to benefit from her training because of his type of aggression and did not feel comfortable accepting the money that I had in hand to pay for the week of training, she drove all the way out to Frederick to assist us in the second opinion to ensure that we were completely satisfied and understood any issues that Gunner had. That is what I mean when I say that they are good people. You couldn't ask for anything more. You get, great service, good people and you know (When you leave) that you (and your dog) are in great hands. read more

Ann & Rick @ A Tail Above are BY FAR the BEST in the area for dog behavior & obedience training. We adopted a pittie mix at 8 weeks old, who was great w/ other dogs, super smart, well-behaved & (in our eyes) perfect...until we welcomed another pup into our home. They were best buds at first, but then the behavior issues began & our "perfect" dog became aggressive toward her new brother. After months of anxiety & stress, we were on our last straw when we reached out to A Tail Above. Rick saw us on very short notice (as I'm sure he could sense our distress) and he taught us the basics we needed to work with our dogs until they could get into the initial in-residence training at A Tail Above. He gave us piece of mind & we began work right away. We dropped them off over a Christmas holiday for their training program & right away, they were integrated into the pack & treated like part of Ann & Rick's family. We received texts, emails & pictures of our pups throughout the week (which helped enormously with our anxiety) and when we returned for our training, we could not believe the outcome. Ann & Rick focus on training people by teaching calm, assertive energy to be pack leaders, which we especially needed with our two young, 50lb+ strong dogs. Although dog training is a continuous process, our dogs clearly look to us for guidance & we have a happy & harmonious home. On top of their in-residence training, Ann & Rick offer weekend dog-training events to polish up on pack leader training abilities & to teach dogs new skills, including off-leash socialization. We HIGHLY recommend A Tail Above & we're looking forward to more training with Ann & Rick now that we have a new (human) family addition on the way! read more

My wife and I has adopted a Minnie Australian Shepard recently. He was constantly pulling on the leash, barking and lunging At motorcycles, skateboarders, squirrels etc. We were at our wits end and was referred to Anne and her husband Rick at Atailabove in Severn, Md. We scheduled an appointment for a initial consultation with Anne. When we left that evening we felt so comfortable and confident with Anne and her proven training methods. Like most people we figured we would try and hope for the best. Well after having our Minnie Aussie stay with Anne and Ricks at their home ( which is spotlessly clean and safe for our dog) for a week we were absolutely shocked by the complete turnaround in our dogs behavior. He never lunged at anything or pulled on the leash he heels always and comes on command. Anne and Rick's constant dedication to our dogs training and their professionalism left us feeling like we won the lottery. Both Anne and Rick strive to perfect their craft every chance they get and work with world renown dog trainers..and it clearly shows. It has been about five months since training and our dog gets even better. This business is not some people who have a hobby or read a couple of books, they are true practitioners in canine obedience training for any type of issue and they always strive to perfect their craft by working with the best of the best in the world. You know the old saying you get what you pay for in this case our experience and satisfaction was worth much more than what we paid. We cannot recommend this business highly enough. If you listen to Anne you will get the results that you expect...nothing less. read more

I would like to add a review on services provided by Ann at A Tail Above. A little over a yr ago I adopted a 10mos old shepherd/husky mix from the shelter. He was just under 80 pounds, beautiful, friendly, & loving. I had the vet do a workup when he went in for neuturing & found he was pretty ill from worms, etc. After 2 wks of all the meds my boy was finally healthy & ready to release his bound up puppy energy. He was jumping all over me, wouldn't respond to any command & I was in tears. I called Ann & she gave me over an hr of advice until I could come in for evaluation. He was everything I described, and Ann offered us choices, support, & encouragement. Our 1hr lessons were never under 1 1/2 hrs, and we continue our friendship one yr later. Ann offers information on recalls, recipes for healthy snacks & meals as well as polishing sessions, and "Free" hikes, & outings to clients! I could never be more impressed with the professionalism, and commitment Ann affords her clients. She is a dedicated professional who trully wants the best relationship her beloved canines can have with their lucky owners! Whatever your needs may be, you need look no further than Ann at A Tail Above! read more

Both the customer service and the training are excellent at A Tail Above. I have brought both of my dogs to Ann and have been extremely impressed. My 10 year old Brittany has come out of her shell after training with Ann and going back for follow-up sessions. We also just got a GSP puppy and Ann has been with us along the entire journey. She talked with us prior to getting her and has since done the board and train program with her. When our puppy came home, she was still rambunctious, but many of the problem behaviors had gotten significantly better. I would also say that Ann truly cares for the dogs which is something I look closely for in a trainer. She sent us pictures of our dogs daily and an update on them when they were with her. She goes above and beyond what she has to do. She does not rush through a training session if the time is up. She has often gone over the time limit in order to make sure we understood something or were comfortable with what we were learning. In addition, I truly believe she has the dogs' best interest in mind. If you are looking for a trainer who genuinely cares and will help you and your dog, A Tail Above is it read more

Ann is the most amazing dog trainer and we tried a few before we were lucky enough to find her! I didn't experience any of the things that Robert R. did, actually the complete opposite. We have a Doberman who has LOTS of energy, wouldn't listen AND we were preparing for our baby to be born when we were fortunate enough to find Ann. Our dog went into her residency program and Ann worked extensively with her to channel her energy, how to be gentle with a baby, basic obedience/manners and teach her just "how to be." When we picked up our dog, we noticed a difference immediately! She was more confident and obedient yet still had her sweet personality. Ann spent a few hours with us making sure we knew the commands, gave us the opportunity to ask questions and basically trained us . She really takes the time to make sure we understand what is important and how to communicate with our dog. Ann made a difference in our home quickly! She even came over once our baby was born to help properly introduce our dog to our new baby. Thanks to Ann, we are complimented ALL of the time on what a good dog we have. We LOVE Ann!!! read more

I brought my 8 month old puppy to Ann when she became just wild and big enough for me to handle. She would jump at people because she thought everyone wanted to play and be her friend. 4 remote lessons later, my dog was able to excel at basic obedience and has since earned her CGC and participated in obedience matches. I get compliments on my dog's good behavior every time I take her out. I would recommend A Tail Above to any owner that is serious about making positive changes for the dog in their life, and is not too sensitive to be offended when they get told something they have been doing isn't working. For every time Ann has ever corrected my technique with my dog, the comment was followed up by suggestions for improvement, I just had to listen to be successful. Additionally, A Tail Above has an amazing facility consisting of a large indoor space, and a huge fully fenced yard. For a nominal fee weekly group classes are offered for the owners that have complete basic lessons, as a refresher to keep the dogs and owners skills sharp. read more

We adopted a 1 year old German Shepherd mix and quickly realized we were over our heads. He had separation anxiety and fear aggression towards anyone other than my husband and I. I emailed Ann from a google search and within 10 minutes she called and and spent an hour on the phone answering questions for me. She instantly put me at ease. We went through the Invisible Leash program with her and in a month, my husband and I already felt like we had a different dog. Now 10 months later, he is a family dog who can run free on the beach and is a complete lovebug. We could not have made it without Ann and her training advice. She spent more than an hour with us each session making sure we understood what to do. We get comments all the time on how well-behaved our dog is by visitors to our house. Her methods are extremely affective and I would recommend Ann to anyone, even the most severe cases like our boy. She worked wonders and went above and beyond for us! I will use her for any dog I adopt in the future! read more

Whenever we get compliments on our dog's good behavior I always give credit to A Tail Above and to Ann. She has helped our shy timid dog gain confidence as well as helped our whole family become better dog owners. She's an experienced and very knowledgeable trainer. She always is willing to go the extra mile for her clients. Training sessions are always fun and positive. One of most valuable services they provide is support after the initial training program is over. Ann and Rick provide drop-in group polishing classes to help work on what you learned in training and to learn new things as well. Ann is always able to provide a new technique to try if we're having trouble with a particular command. They also do free group walks that are fun and a great way to train with distractions. I always refer friends and neighbors that are having problems with their dogs to A Tail Above. Actually I recommend them anyone who is interested in having a well-trained dog. read more

She is the best trainer that I have dealt with, my dog Shiloh had been with other trainers and nothing changed her behavior but Anne was AWESOME!! I always refer friends to her. My dog is aggressive with people and animals and somehow she got my dog to get along with her dogs which was amazing. I have had dogs all my life but never a dog like my Shiloh but being the animal lover that I am I would not give up on her. When I called Anne I had just fractured my foot breaking up a dog fight so I was at my wits end, Anne was great through it all. I sent my dog to her for about 2 weeks and Anne was always sending me updates such as emails, videos and pictures. She even came to my house to help with Shiloh getting used to coming back home and not bringing her bad habits with her. Anne even worked with my fiance who was not too fond of Shilo since she would even growl at him, he now loves Shiloh too. Thanks Ann for being a patient and caring animal trainer!! read more

Thank goodness Ann Greene is a strong dog trainer! I own a willful, large dog that would have otherwise been given away if it were not for Ann. I tried 3 other trainers before Ann (2 of them never returned after they met my dog) and she was the only one who not only agreed to help, but followed through to the end. Some guys don't take well to women telling them how to do anything (especially if they're failing at doing it themselves), but I had no problem with a strong woman teaching me how to handle my dog. I had plenty of questions and had no problem getting straightforward answers. Now my dog and I are very happy. He's VERY well behaved and can go for a walk anywhere without bothering anyone; even in the city. Ann's a terrific teacher and trainer; but she's honest and won't BS you. If you want a pansy trainer, go to Petsmart or Petco. They make everyone feel good, but your dog won't be trained. My entire family highly recommends her. read more

I will be going to pick up my Yorkie, Remy today, and I can say, but following his "doggie boot camp" through videos and photos on Ann's facebook page, it has been amazing to watch. My little guy has done awesome under her, and she has done wonders for his anxiety. She has kept me in the loop via email almost daily, and as anyone knows, when a worried Mum is home and the kids are off to camp, this is a great relief to be in contact. From the first meeting, I was impressed with what she had Remy doing within the first half hour, just getting him to relax whilst we discussed his training issues. Whilst dropping Remy off the first day, another dog was in a crate, whining to get out(just like Remy does all the time) , and as I watched the training throughout the week , I also saw the positive change in Buster, Remy's boot camp friend, and his overall transformation. I would say this has to date, been a wonderful experience. Thank you Ann. read more

We went to or called several dog trainers near our home but couldn't find a good fit for us and our stubborn puppy. I found Ann while searching the Internet for trainers further away from our home. We set up a time to bring our puppy for an evaluation and also a dog we were fostering at the time. Ann and Rick spent over two hours with us and the dogs and didn't even charge us because we foster dogs for a rescue association! Our puppy spent a week with Ann for resident training. We couldn't believe the improvement in her behavior after 5 days. I continue to take her to the group classes for follow up and socialization. I've also recommended her to friends that have a puppy as well. Ann loves what she does and it shows. She has a true love of dogs and just has a wonderful personality and sense of humor. I know that if I have any problems with my dog Ann will be there to give me advice and help. She is a special person. read more

I've been a client of Ann's for over 2 years and have brought her 3 different dogs - a shy and neurotic 10 year old Spaniel, a stubborn bully 5 year old Husky, and a "party girl" 6 month old Pointer. Ann successfully helped train all of these dogs with their unique issues and personalities. Ann is true to her slogan of "Teaching dogs, training people" because it's often the owners that don't understand their dog's behavior and how to correct it. After an initial board & train session at Ann's all of her clients are invited to polishing classes (again to help both humans and dogs!) I highly recommend Ann if you are looking to further your relationship with your dog and make it the best possible. read more

We went to Ann with a rescue schnauzer who was very aggressive with children and strangers. After a week with Ann, our Maya is much better with strangers. Both of our schnauzers were trained by Ann, and we couldn't be happier. We have since boarded them with Ann on a couple of occasions. She sends us almost daily updates, along with photos. Ann and Rick were (and are) wonderful with our dogs. We wouldn't think of going anywhere elsel We know that if we ever have problems with either one of our dogs, Ann will help. She is an outstanding trainer; we wouldn't think if going anywhere else. read more

I contacted Ann a year ago about my dog Sadie. Sadie is a 7 year old rescue dog ... She has lived with me for 5 years and I must admit she was completely untrained... Had many behavioral issues!! she boarded with Ann for a week and then Ann spent several hours with me when Sadie came home... Ann and her husband Rick are kind considerate and great trainers.. Sadie loved staying with her and was a much better behaved dog after her training. I would recommend her to anyone who loves their dog and needs help to improve both the dog!'s life and theirs. read more

I could not have found a better trainer to deal with. I had adopted a one year old Lab in March who had submissive behavior issues and a strong stubborn personality and NO command behavior. Ann's experience and one on one boot camp training has given my dog the confidence he needed to feel proud and secure about himself and the command training that was greatly needed. The facuilty is exceptional, very clean, very well organized and nicely equipped for exercise and training. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND A TAIL ABOVE TRAINING read more