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Sato and Koa - happy & wagging their tails because of Bad Rap
Christy L.

Pitbulls will love and admire even the meanest of us. They endure so much at the hands of the cruelest - all so they can make us happy. Case in point: The Vick dogs and the 450 dogs recently rescued in a dog fighting raid (see story here: http://twt.gs/kmzv) A breed like this deserves our love. A breed like this deserves to have the negative misconceptions blown away. A breed like this deserves a second chance - a chance to run and play with reckless abandon (pitbull owners know what I mean; ZOOMIES!). Pitbulls deserve compassion, understanding and a voice who can speak up for them. Pitbulls deserve the amazing people at Bad Rap! It never ceases to amaze me the ground breaking ways Donna and Tim are changing the world for Pitbulls. They all are true heroes in my eyes! Keep the cause going http://www.badrap.org/rescue/barnraising.cfm

I can't say enough positive things about Bad Rap and the work that they do! They have helped us adopt two dogs over the past ~5 years, one directly through their program, and another through Berkeley Animal Care Services who they had been working with through their Pit Ed classes. Each time we have reached out to them, they have done a tremendous job of helping us find a dog to welcome into our home. Tim and Donna are exceptionally thoughtful, helping us not just to find a dog, but helping us to find the RIGHT dog. They are considerate to our lifestyle and other pets in our home, and take time and thought into making sure they find an ideal match for us. Considering the small size of their facility and their team, they do such an amazing job of helping dogs in need, and supporting their community through their spay/neuter programs, training program, helping folks to find pit-friendly housing... They are kind people who do amazing work. Donna, Tim and the rest of the Bad Rap team, thank you for all that you do, and for the wonderful dogs that you have helped bring into our lives.

Jetta after her spay
Annie N.

I reached out twice to getting my 2 year old pitbull spayed. The first time I got a reply within one day, but I hadn't replied I was super busy. Then I reached out a second time and Sarah had replied to me. She helped me pre-register my boyfriend and I's pitbull, Jetta, to get spayed. She was super helpful with giving me the information I needed. Fast forward a couple weeks and we brought Jetta in this past Sunday. Everyone was super super super nice and accommodating. I filled out a few forms on contact information and my dog's information and while signing up for her spay, we were given options to microchip and even vaccinate her. While I was reviewing my paperwork, my boyfriend was speaking with the vet who would be performing surgery on our dog. She was so sweet to my pitbull and answered all questions we had and welcomed us if anything else came up. That definitely eased us of our anxieties going into her surgery. She was there for 2-2.5 hours and they took great care of her. Amanda informed me that Jetta was almost ready to go. Once she was ready to go, they provided her pain medications and even a cone to go home in. They gave us contact information if anything arise and so far everything has been great. This has been an amazing experience with BadRap. They are a nonprofit obviously running through donations and volunteer work. That being said, I must note that not once had they asked for any donations or did we feel like we were obligated to give money. And in the end my boyfriend and I wish we could've given more to donate. We plan to donate more when we can, but after seeing so many bad reviews, the least I could do is write a good one. I didn't expect much from a nonprofit, but the excelled my hopes and more. They took care of our pit and made sure she was fine the whole process. BadRap is amazing and we are incredibly thankful for all they have done for Jetta. For all the bad reviews, I hope a prospective person will see my review and not be hesitant about BadRap. There's only so many people that are helping in this foundation so obviously it isn't going to be service delivered right to you and catered to your absolute uttermost needs, but everyone is trying to help. They went above and beyond for Jetta throughout the whole spaying process.

Bailey working with Autistic Kids
Andrea C.

I heart this organization too! Bad Rap has changed my life and all those who are in or part of it! I am a new dog owner. I did not grow up with any pets and my typical thoughts of dogs were "Yuck, they jump, they bark, they drooolllll, they lick obsessively, and they stink!" Well... after a couple of good experiences with dogs and the fact that I was home more and more alone because my fiance was always traveling for business, I felt the need for a companion. But how do you find the perfect dog that matches my odd personality. So one day I decide to take one of my autistic students with me to the ASPCA to just look at the dogs. I walked in and it was exactly what I expected. It was loud, chaotic, and all the dogs were up against the kennels jumping, barking, and looking way tooo energetic and crazy for me. I just about left the aspca when I saw another door. I open it to find "Pit Bull Hall". And that was it, a complete calming sanctuary with Pit Bulls. It was totally quiet with classical music playing in the background and all the pretty dogs sitting politely just staring at me and my student. I was soooo impressed. I walked up to the last kennel where a new dog had just arrived. She was a very plain brown and fairly tiny. She looked at me, came right up to the front and turned her body to the side and sat. I was like Wow!!!! A dog that understands me. She sat very politely and let me stroke her on her side and wasn't all over me or my hands trying to smell and lick.. She just closed her eyes and let me pet her. I was like, could this really be the one. But OH NO, it is pit bull. I didn't no anything about dogs let alone pit bulls. Well after four months of going to visit her back and forth and finally convincing my fiance after no one would adopt her. We adopted Bailey. I don't think it could have been any easier of a transition. Bailey fit right into our lives. She was soooo well trained by Bad Rap. She got along with the cat, doesn't whine, doesn't bark, doesn't jump (until my idiot fiance taught her to :o) ), doesn't have accidents, and doesn't chew up anything including my shoe collection. She has won our hearts over along with everyone in my life. Bad Rap does a wonderful job prepping you and provides life time training for the dog along with CGC for free. It is amazing they are able to do it. Like I mentioned earlier, I work with autistic children and began taking Bailey to work with me during the summer. She was an instant hit. She provided a bridge for the children to connect with other children, something to talk about and something to take their mind away from their worries. Many people have hesitations about the breed, but I can't think of any other breed that would be as tolerant as her. Bailey would love the children unconditionally whether they would just pet her lightly, hug her, or even if they tugged on her ears and tail. She would just sit there politely. I have been so impressed by the breed that I have convinced another coworker to adopt another pit bull from Bad Rap as well. We now have two pits in our program working with kids as therapy dogs. It is truly amazing. I now love all dogs and am so much more tolerant of those features that dogs tend to have. Bad Rap and their dogs have changed all of our lives for the better. I couldn't imagine my life without Bailey.

Georgia: Adopted 2005 from BAD RAP, chillin lakeside summer 2007.
Eryn S.

Bad Rap (www.badrap.org) is one of the Bay Area's finest organizations. They are champions of our pit bully friends, and they introdued me to my very special little dogger, Georgia. The volunteers are TIRELESS in their support of this wonderful breed, and getting the good word out on all things bully. If you are thinking of adopting a K9, please take the time to contact BAD RAP and get to know this very special breed. They will help you make an informed decision about pit bulls and you may meet some cool little doggies in the process.

Clyde & Squeeks

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1 year ago

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Donna R.

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Dango just passed CGC today after rigorous and lengthy training with Linda! Thanks Linda!

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I wish they had something like this when I was growning up.. man there were stray pit bulls everywhere!!

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Ask the Community - Bad Rap

Review Highlights - Bad Rap

I have been so impressed by the breed that I have convinced another coworker to adopt another pit bull from Bad Rap as well.

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Cause & Effect Dog Training - Hans on a pack walk with Kathy off leash and loving life

Cause & Effect Dog Training

(144 reviews)

West Berkeley

I cannot recommend Kathy at Cause and Effect Dog Training enough! When we first reached out, our…read moreSpringer Spaniel, Checkers, was fearful, anxious, and often growled at my spouse and sometimes even at our kids. We had already tried multiple trainers, different techniques, and even followed our vet's suggestion to try antidepressants--but nothing was helping (in fact, the medication only made things worse). The moment I spoke to Kathy on the phone, I felt confident she truly understood the problem and could guide us in the right direction. And she absolutely has. Over the past year, Checkers has made tremendous progress thanks to Kathy's knowledge, patience, and the clear guidance she gave us. We followed her suggestions carefully--even switching vets based on her recommendation--and the results have been life-changing. Earlier this year, we had to travel out of the country and trusted Kathy to board Checkers. During that time, he developed a beautiful bond with her partner Dan. This was nothing short of amazing, as Checkers has always been fearful of men. Watching their relationship grow has been such a gift. With Kathy's help (and the influence of her own two balanced dogs), Checkers has learned how to be a dog--something I once thought might never happen. He now participates in pack walks and can even run off-leash in the fields, something I couldn't have imagined a year ago. If you're struggling with your dog's behavior and feel like nothing is working, do yourself and your dog a favor and call Kathy. She and Dan have changed our lives, and I am endlessly grateful for the care and dedication they've shown to Checkers and to us.

Kathy had great techniques and homework for me and my husband. She was punctual in every session…read moreand gave us constructive feedback. I really think having the training sessions with Kathy helped us bond with our dog more. It was a really rewarding experience. I absolutely feel more confident about my communication skills towards our girl Cub. Thank you for helping us work with her Kathy!!

Wag Hotels - Oakland - Your dog is one-of-a-kind! That's why we offer individualized care and inclusive programs to fit every dog's needs.

Wag Hotels - Oakland

(428 reviews)

When I first adopted a shelter dog at 7 yo, he stayed here and was overwhelmed and had anxiety from…read morehis past. The staff here was able to accommodate him and updated me. I trusted that he would be safe with them. I took him to boarding school for two months to fix his past traumas and let him do a one month daycare here afterwards. He seemed a lot better with more socialization. Thank you to wag hotel Oakland for being patient and letting my dog thrive. I would recommend the 30 day daycare if pet parents are busy with their day or want socialization for their dogs

Shame on you Wag Hotel!…read more I scheduled boarding for my dog Hans at your facility back on 1/28 in preparation for a trip to Japan on May 3 - 8, which you accepted on 1/31. However, when we arrived at your facility on May 2nd, the day before my flight to Japan, your front desk staff informed me that Hans' 5/2 - 5/8 boarding was being denied due to him having a heart murmur condition. Even though I've been a loyal customer to you for over 10 years; and that Hans' heart murmur condition had already been noted in your system since 2024; and given that my flight to Japan was less than 24 hours away; and given the fact that your facility waited until I was at the checkin desk in order to inform me of Hans' boarding denial; I was still told that there was nothing that your facility could do and that it was simply following company policy. Luckily for me, I demanded to speak with a manager who then took it upon himself to assist me in finding another facility that would board Hans at the very last minute. So kudos to that manager. However, you should know that he had to make several calls going down your "other recommended facilities" list in order to find a facility that was willing to board Hans on such short notice even with him having a preexisting heart murmur condition. So again, kudos to that manager. So unfortunately, this is how our relationship ends after I've been a loyal customer to you for over 10 years. Policy aside, not only should I have been notified far in advance to my May 2nd boarding schedule, but that I should have also been given an accommodation due to the last minute nature of your notification. It was simply amazing to me to hear both your Manager, and your front desk staff all admit that a notification error had, in fact, been made by your boarding authorization unit, but due to company policy there was nothing that could be done and that Hans would simply have to boarded elsewhere. Obviously, both my years of customer loyalty and the fact that your authorization unit had made a horrendous mistake, made absolutely no difference whatsoever in my situation. So goodbye, and again shame on you Wag Hotel!

Restful Pets - Viewing/memorial

Restful Pets

(42 reviews)

We recently used Restful Pets for our beloved boy, and I truly can't recommend them enough…read more We called several other places first, and many were far out in places like Fresno or Gilroy. It was really important to us to be able to bring him ourselves and have that sense of control. I had also heard too many stories of larger operations misplacing pets or losing ashes during transport, which felt unimaginable. Some of the places we spoke to also felt very transactional. It didn't feel like they were meeting us in what was a very real, emotional moment. Restful Pets was completely different from the first call. They were genuinely compassionate. Being local made everything easier, and their turnaround was much faster than what we were quoted elsewhere. It's definitely no-frills, with no big packages or upsells, but that ended up being exactly what we needed. What mattered most was knowing he was close and that we were in control of the process, with someone who treated us with care. That made all the difference.

Lost my beloved fur baby almost 2 months ago and while in a state of shock (it was completely…read moreunexpected) I had to search for someone to help me take care of my baby and make proper arrangements for her.. After some searching online I came across Restful Pets and after reading a few reviews - I knew this was my best option. I immediately called and Mark, the owner answered. His tone was perfect given the setting/circumstances. He came within 1.5 hours to my home, allowed me to say my goodbyes, explained the process to me, and took her in a larger size "suitcase" which was hard to see but I understand that's how the process works. Within 2 weeks I received a text message from "Justine" letting us know Princess was ready for me to pick her up; throughout this entire process my only complaint or complaint would be the message when notifying the family that their fur baby is ready for pick up, it stated "good news, Princess is ready for pick up" which in one way, I understand how it can be perceived as good news - I've been without her for 2 weeks and receiving her remains should feel like "good news" but for me, it wasn't good news. It was confirmation I'd never see her face again so I felt the choice of words weren't the best. Besides that - they did such a good job and made an already painful process less stressful. Cost - it was as pricey as anywhere else you're looking. As a stay at home mom, I can't afford much and had to research quite a few places and the price is about the same everywhere $20-30 difference max and again, they came to my home and took care of the arrangements. The only thing I felt was overly priced was the clay paw print, I paid $100 for her print and it was gorgeous - don't get me wrong. But the clay molding can be purchased for $20 so $80 for the labor of doing it seemed a bit unreasonable but I wanted a final paw print so I paid it. The box I received with her ashes was also gorgeous. Again, great services and owner was a great person. I hope to not need to use their services anytime soon but would if needed and I do highly recommend if searching for someone.

Happy Hound Play & Daycare - Inside or outside play all day!

Happy Hound Play & Daycare

(370 reviews)

West Oakland

We brought Higgins here for his evaluation and a daycare. He had a fantastic time! We loved…read morewatching him play through the webcam. We tried a handful of daycares in Seattle and this is by far the cleanest, most professional, and most loving place. We plan to enroll him in training, and bought a 10 class pass for daycare so he can continue to make friends!

Update following the owner (Suzanne)'s response:…read more I appreciate the business taking the time to respond. I want to clarify a few points for transparency and for prospective customers considering Happy Hound. My concern was never the existence of a first-day assessment fee, but the value delivered. I have used dog daycares across NYC, Chicago, LA, and San Francisco and have never encountered one that charges more than a standard daycare day for a first-day evaluation. In many cases, the first day is complimentary. That context shaped my expectations going in. When I called to book, the 3:00pm time slot was the only option presented to me by Happy Hound. At no point during booking--or after the tour--was it communicated that the daycare credit would apply the same way regardless of whether my dog attended for a full day or only a couple of hours. Without that clarity, it is entirely reasonable for a new customer to assume that paying for a full day would result in receiving a full day of care. That is where the communication breakdown occurred. I am not disputing the sequence of events shared in the owner's reply. My concern is with the policy itself--specifically, requiring payment for a full day of daycare while not delivering a full day of service when scheduling limitations come from the business. The outcome was that I paid for care my dog did not receive. A prorated refund for the unused portion of that day would have been a reasonable, customer-oriented resolution. Sharing this simply so other prospective customers understand how the onboarding process and policies work in practice.

Mutt and Tumble Dog Training - Loti 
Mutt & Tumble ambassador
Love her so much!

Mutt and Tumble Dog Training

(195 reviews)

Hayes Valley

Our dog, Maggie (2yrs - Cockapoo), is coming home tomorrow after a 2 week board and train and I…read morecouldn't wait until then to write a review for Bryan. Bit of background: Maggie has done 12 weekly group training sessions with another trainer and is generally well-behaved. However, she doesn't read the social signals from other dogs well (ex: when they want to be left alone), tends to jump on everyone at all times, doesn't respond to commands unless there's a treat involved, and lacks confidence. What I enjoyed about the program is that it includes several in person training sessions during the B&T. We got to see Maggie's progress as time went on and most importantly, we were trained on their behavior psychology and how to become the leaders of our pack. I will say I was nervous about implenting the ecollar but Bryan has demonstrated that it is a safe and effective training tool-- I got to see it used as a tool for correction that Maggie actually responded well to. Maggie is coming home tomorrow and hand-off includes an in-home training sessions to ensure her progress doesn't regress which I appreciate. From what I've seen, Maggie has become more confident, responds to recalls in distracting places (no treats involved), learned to self-soothe, and plays/greets other dogs/people with manners. Truly the best investment I've made in my dog and I'd highly recommend Mutt and Tumble to all dog parents!

I worked with Bryan to help my doodle, Ruby, with selective reactivity. Ruby has always been very…read moresweet and highly obedient -- I've done a lot of positive reinforcement training with her -- but when it came to reactivity, that approach wasn't working. If anything, it sometimes amped her up more. Importantly, she wasn't reactive across the board. She was totally fine on dog walks and at parks. The issues showed up when she was on leash passing dogs, when she felt territorial, and especially with dogs or animals on TV -- she would charge the screen. It felt unpredictable and like it was getting worse, not better. I was nervous about changing approaches because I'd had a bad experience with board-and-train in the past, but I knew I needed to rethink how I was helping her. We started with several in-person sessions so I could fully understand and feel comfortable with the training philosophy and how e-collar training would be introduced. That foundation made a big difference for me. After that, Ruby did a three-week board and train. When she came home, there was a noticeable shift. A few weeks later, while I was out of town over the holidays, I had her go back for an additional week, which also went really well. After the board-and-train, Bryan also did a lesson with my parents in the East Bay, who are Ruby's primary caretakers when I'm out of town. That follow-through meant a lot -- making sure everyone was aligned created real consistency for her. The results have honestly been transformative. She still has occasional moments (as all dogs do), and I keep the e-collar on her to reinforce boundaries, but the trajectory has completely changed. For example, she now sees dogs on TV and doesn't react -- even without the collar on. She sat through the entire Super Bowl, ads and all, without charging the screen, which felt like a major milestone. I can now take her to cafés, and for the first time, I genuinely believe one day I'll be able to bring her to work. Instead of her reactivity escalating, it feels like we've unlocked a new, calmer path forward. The only area for improvement would be communication during the board-and-train portion. I'm used to receiving frequent photos and videos when my dog is away, and updates were more limited -- typically one photo or video per day when I prompted, usually at the dog park. I would have loved more visibility into what her training days looked like, especially footage of the specific reactivity work (like TV desensitization). Overall, I'm incredibly grateful. Ruby is still her sweet self, but with clearer boundaries and far more confidence. That step change has made a huge difference for both of us.

Bad Rap - animalshelters - Updated May 2026

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