We brought our dog Doug into training with equal parts hope and skepticism. He's smart, loving…read more.. and wildly mischievous. From the very first session, though, something shifted. Almost instantly, Doug went from chaotic curiosity to calm focus--not because his personality was suppressed, but because it was finally understood. What stood out most wasn't just the effectiveness of the training techniques (though those were impressive), it was the perspective shift. We stopped seeing "bad behavior" and started seeing misplaced energy. Instead of correcting Doug, we learned how to redirect him--turning frustration into purpose and impulse into productivity. That change alone was a game-changer. The training style blended structure, consistency, and genuine affection in a way that felt natural and kind. There was no harshness, no shortcuts--just patience, clarity, and a deep respect for the dog in front of her. Doug didn't just listen; he trusted. Best of all, the improvement has continued. Each week builds on the last, and Doug grows more confident, controlled, and happy. The process didn't just train our dog--it trained us to be better humans for him. Sweet, intuitive, and deeply caring, she has a rare gift. Doug is proof.

Update: As John Van…read moreOlden has indicated in his comment on my previous review he has apologized and refunded *his portion,* but an apology is not worth $740 to me, which is the amount remaining that was paid and that I have yet to receive. This is not an inconsequential sum of money. I recognize that I can't hold John accountable for Greg leaving the company, but working with Canine Trade Group means there will be absolutely no oversight over your trainer. Regardless of whether the trainers are independent contractors or not, someone in business with them should be culpable and take ownership of the situation. Efforts made in John's comments to characterize this as a misunderstanding between Greg and myself about "events that transpired" could not be more disingenuous. I paid Greg and got nothing for my money. I fail to see how this could be a subjective dispute. As for Gregory J. Stewart, he has seemingly vanished off the face of the earth, after indicating that he would return a comical fraction of my initial payment and failing to deliver on even that. I don't know if he's training dogs elsewhere but wherever he may be employed I can't recommend hiring him or working with him in any capacity, as he has shown me that he has no ethics as a professional or even as a human being.

Our cat Roo stayed at Puppourri Pet Resort from September 26-29, 2025, and when we picked her up,…read moreshe had a large untreated wound across her upper back and neck. We had to rush her straight to the emergency vet because she was bleeding, in pain, and terrified. The manager later admitted that Roo was kept isolated and wasn't given her prescribed daily medication while she was there. We were never called or informed that anything had happened to her. No one reached out to tell us that our cat was hurt, covered in blood, and needed medical care. The emergency vet confirmed that her injury was serious and required immediate treatment. She now needs her bandages changed and wound care every two days, and we still don't know how long it will take for her to heal. So far, we've spent over $2,000 trying to save her. We've filed complaints with the PA Department of Agriculture (Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement), the local SPCA/Humane Law Enforcement, and other agencies, and are pursuing legal action so no other family or pet has to go through something like this. Please double-check that any boarding facility you trust with your pets is licensed, inspected, and properly trained to handle medication and emergencies. Our sweet Roo is suffering, and we just want to make sure what happened to her never happens again.

Pet Owners: Please Read Before Boarding at Puppourri Pet Resort…read more Our cat was boarded at Puppourri Pet Resort from September 26-29, 2025. When we picked her up, she had a large untreated wound extending across her upper back and neck area, serious enough that we had to take her directly to the emergency veterinary hospital. The Manager of Puppourri has acknowledged that during her stay, our cat was kept isolated ("locked up") and did not receive her prescribed daily medication. We were never contacted or informed about her condition while she was in their care. They did not bother to call us to let us know she was covered in blood, in pain, and alone. They did not even try to get her any kind of help whatsoever and instead locked her up. The Emergency veterinarian confirmed that the injury required immediate medical treatment and that she continues to need ongoing wound care. She requires veterinarian care every 2 days so far and we do not know if our kitten will survive or not. We have spent over $2,000 since she was injured at Puppourri Pet Resort. We want to do our part to ensure that no Pet is mistreated and neglected and we have filed complaints with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (Bureau of Dog Law Enforcement), the local SPCA/Humane Law Enforcement, and other agencies, and are taking legal action to help ensure no other pet endures something like this. Please verify that any boarding facility you use is properly licensed, regularly inspected, and trained to handle medication administration and emergencies before leaving your animal in their care. Our sweet little kitten is suffering.

Josh was amazing! He rememberd all of my dogs weird quirks even after a year without seeing her. He…read moreimmediately knows the solution to everything and explains what I need to do once he leaves very well. I cannot recommend Josh enough!

Highly, highly recommend Say It Once Dog Training! We have used them for our two pups with trainers…read moreDonna & Michelle. They were both wonderful and really took the time to explain each of the dog's behaviors - the how & why. After your first in home visit, you're able to take your dogs to group classes which are held all over the city & suburbs. These classes are awesome for our reactive dogs - it gives them the exposure they need in a controlled environment. I have never been made to feel embarrassed or bad about my dog's behavior which I have experienced at other training organizations -- that is why we hired them! I really feel that I have a strong support system with Say It Once. While we (my fiancé & I) need to stay on top of training on our own, our dogs show so much progress each training sessions. Love Say It Once!!!!

The dog trainer Lilian Akin has worked in the dog-training industry since the 1990s. She is a…read moreCertified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) as well as a Certified Behavior Consultant for Canines (CBCC). She offers in-home training and behavioral consultation for dogs that suffer from anxiety or aggression, and she uses positive reinforcement techniques to change their behaviors. Specific techniques might include using treats, head halters, harnesses, toys, clickers, and others. She does NOT use choke collars, prong collars, shock collars, or other forms of correction-based training. Most other dog trainers in the Pittsburgh area combine positive reinforcement with correction-based training, so I searched long and hard for a trainer who uses only positive reinforcement. My dog is very anxious and sweet, and I think that based on scientific studies, she would do best with positive reinforcement, not to mention that the shelter's contract forbid correction-based training. I felt very happy when my friend recommended Lilian Akin, and Lilian agreed to work with my dog and me. Please note that Lilian is an attorney during the day and a dog trainer only in the evenings and weekends, so she is very busy. My consultation was about 1.5 weeks after I first contacted her. She accepts payment via cash, check, Venmo, and Zelle. On the day of the consultation, Lilian arrived at my house on time. She wore a KN95 mask, and she said that she is vaccinated and boostered--which I greatly appreciate during this pandemic. Lilian had a very warm personality, and I enjoyed talking with her about my dog's behaviors and possible training methods. After 1.5 hours, Lilian handed me a two-page paper on which she had summarized what we had discussed. My dog does not go outside to pee and poop, so Lilian suggested that we 1) bring out the leash when we give the dog food and treats, 2) feed her near the front door, and 3) teach her hand targeting so she follows us. For the last 1.5 weeks, my husband and I have been using these techniques, and the first two have helped our dog to feel less nervous about the leash and front door. My dog is so nervous that we will likely need to train her for months, but I feel relieved that she is making some progress. For future appointments, Lilian said that we can hire her per session or with a package of three sessions for a discount. Lilian does make herself available via email and text if we have questions in between sessions.

Lilian Akin came to observe my pup, Kizzie, who was having behavior issues such as resource…read moreguarding, fear biting, unsociable actions towards my other dogs and also people. Lilian was here for more than 2 hours, asking questions and making notes. I'd known Lilian from my pit bull rescue work and knew she'd tell me what I needed to hear. At the end of this session, she gave me a plan of action to follow, notes to share with my vet, worked with me on some exercises to do with Kizzie and my other dogs, and gave me literature to read up on. Lilian was teacher to not only Kizzie, but also to me. She listened to the behaviors I noticed, helped me work through them, and celebrated the milestones we accomplished. It's always scary when you see your dog is struggling, but Lilian helps you not feel alone and provides you with sound exercises and cues to work on. She's calming to both you AND your dog.

Hello! I have been coming to the Golden Bone for three years for pet day care for my rather large…read moreBernedoodle, Hugo. I am always greeted with a big smile from Dan. In fact, last summer I unfortunately broke my foot. Dan even walked out to my car to help take Hugo inside, as I was in a boot and using crutches. Dan also takes great pride in keeping the Golden Bone meticulously clean and tidy. He is a very kind and personable young man. He provides exceptional customer service! Hugo is always wagging his tail as we pull into the Golden Bone's parking lot. I know Dan will be the first person we see when we walk in, and I do not doubt that Hugo will receive extra special care!! Lisa V.

We have been boarding here during times of travel for at least eight years. The team at Golden Bone…read morealways takes great care of our Vizsla. They accommodate short notice with grace, and return our dog clean, happy, and well cared for.

Sheileen and Go Dog Go has been a gift our family. Our family has a very active dog that needs lots…read moreof stimulation and exercise. I happen upon two dog walkers with a crew of dogs during one of my daily walks with my dog at Schenley Park. I asked them if I could have their contact information because all the dogs were calm, content, and can I say "happy." They gave me their Go Dog Go business cards. Sheileen meticulously interviewed myself and our dog. :) Our dog completed the orientation process that included multiple dog outings and she is now a "regular." Our dog is now calm, content, and happy and so am I (giggle). Our dog loves her new friends and and the outings. Sheileen innately knows the needs of my dog and has helped me give my dog her best life.

We have been with Go Dog Go for 10 years. Our Goldendoodle has attended the playgroup 4 times a…read moreweek and it has been the best experience for both our dog Oliver and our family. Why? Because of their care, responsibility, dependability and love for Oliver. People always say to me that your dog is so well behaved, calm, happy and healthy. I attribute it to his experience with Go Dog Go because he has learned to interact with other dogs and new people plus he gets plenty of exercise which is so important to his well being. I can't recommend Go Dog Go enough.

There is no one that I would trust more to train my dog. Tena, Kelly, Coleman, and the rest of the…read moreteam are so knowledgeable on dog behavior and are always working to keep updated on the newest scientific practices in the field. It is so hard to find a good dog trainer, but your search is over now that you've found SJC.

Tena is a miracle worker! She helped me with my leash-reactive rescue dog through one-on-one…read morelessons, and I couldn't be happier with our progress. It's been almost a year and a half since we finished up our private training classes. I can now walk my dog basically anywhere--from busy Downtown PGH streets to Frick Park--and he can get past another dog with little more than a whine. Tena is very kind, patient, and knows how to teach both dogs & people! My relationship with my dog improved so much thanks to Tena's guidance, and I'd recommend her to anyone, especially those with reactive dogs! Positive reinforcement for the win!!

We had to take an emergency day trip and didn't any to leave our four month old Mini Schnauzer…read morealone for 9 hours. We called and asked if they could fit her in the next day. They said absolutely if she had all her vaccinations which she does. We arrived and they were so nice to her and us. We were given a link to keep an eye on her throughout the day, she had so much fun but was a bit shy! They took her to eat with them making sure she had a bit extra care. When we arrived they brought her to us with a gift bag filled with toys and treats for her and us. We were told she had an amazing day and was welcome back any time. We asked about how to pay and they informed us her first day was free. We were absolutely speechless, it isn't very often that a business cares and truly appreciates our business. We were also impressed at how they loved each dog that walked I. As if they were their own. I will definitely be taking her there for many of the amenities and services they provide. A huge thank you for taking the time and loving what you all do.

I've had both my dogs boarded for vacations and have been very happen with the attention and care…read morethat the individuals who work there pay toward my animals and others from what i can see on cameras as well as the interactions i've heard when we drop off and pick up. The dogs are on camera for the most part when the staff are there and i sense no stress from either my french bulldog or weimaraner. i recommend paying for some of the extras , like individual play time and walks as well as the going home bath to get that kennel stink off. In the end there buisness is well run, clean, and the staff are kind. Really appreciate them and the hard work they do for our pets in this community. See yinz soon! :)