David is a phenomenal dog trainer. From the very beginning, starting with the introductory phone call, he helped lay out a clear plan to work on my dog's food aggression. Throughout our private lessons, he was always extremely involved--available through phone calls, texts, and even 6am FaceTimes. Not only has my dog's food aggression made huge improvements, but his overall obedience has skyrocketed, and the foundations have been set to help my pup continue to grow. I highly recommend anyone looking to take their dog's obedience to the next level or work through specific behavioral issues to reach out to David. Your pup will thank you. Dexter says thanks! Can't wait for your new store and classes to open up! read more

We cannot recommend David at Brandywine Dog Academy highly enough! From the very beginning, his knowledge and attention to detail were clear, and we immediately felt confident leaving our brother-sister bonded pair in his care for a month-long board and train program. Before training, both dogs struggled with basic obedience and leash manners, and one had significant separation anxiety that made day-to-day life stressful for all of us. David took the time to really understand their individual personalities as well as their unique bond, and he tailored their training in a way that respected both. The transformation after the month was incredible. They came home calmer, more focused, and so much more responsive. Their obedience has improved dramatically, and the improvement in separation anxiety alone has been life-changing. What stood out most was how personalized and thoughtful David's approach was. He kept us updated throughout the program, explained everything clearly, and gave us the tools and confidence to maintain the progress at home. It's obvious he genuinely cares about the dogs he works with and goes above and beyond to help them succeed. The continued communication and training sessions beyond the board and train experience have been invaluable. We are so grateful to have a source of perpetual knowledge in David. If you're looking for a trainer who is skilled, patient, and truly invested in helping your dogs thrive, David is the absolute best! read more

Brandywine Dog Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Wilmington, Delaware

Thrown out of the facility when my dog peed on the floor. We discussed my dog and his anxiety at length before making an appt for evaluation. We arrived for the first session, my dog's anxiety kicked in; he peed on a pet-cot in the middle of the room. This trainer didn't use this as an opportunity to offer any guidance in correcting this behavior without spooking the dog. Instead, he became overwrought with distress, in a frenzied panic he started saying dog pee "will destroy the floor". He immediately stopped everything and threw us out so he could attend to the floor. Apparently, this dog training facility is not pet-proof. A facility that claims to specialize in training behavior should know something about how dogs behave before teaching begins, and any trainer should have the ability to maintain composure if and when the dogs misbehave. read more

Finding David at Brandywine Dog Academy is the best thing that could have happened to my family. TL/DR, he is highly skilled, knowledgeable, experienced, pursues advanced training and consults with other experienced dog trainers across the country, not to mention so personable and a pleasure to be around. We are lucky to have him in Delaware. I needed help with my human and dog aggressive rescue. I am thrilled with the result. If you're having trouble with your dog, this is your guy. The long version: I thought I could handle my new, spicy rescue dog when I took him in. I realized I was in over my head when he grew increasingly aggressive with guests, even those he knew and did well with early on. Kujo (not his real name!) was wonderful with my immediate family and my other dogs but it was clear he would bite anyone else if given the chance. He also had separation anxiety and howled in his crate which made it very difficult for me to have anyone over or work from home. I interviewed and had paid consultations with some local trainers that were highly recommended on social media and by my vet but I was not left feeling confident. I then stumbled on Brandywine Dog Academy. During a free consultation David took time to fully understand the problems, needs, environment, and my dogs' routines. He gave me a realistic assessment of my aggressive guy's prognosis. He outlined my options and the pros and cons of each, including the level of commitment required of me to be successful. I was impressed (albeit shocked and stressed out) when one option was a referral to a board and train on which he stood to make zero money. He went on to consult with that facility rather extensively on my behalf, also at no cost to me. Before I decided on a plan he spent quite a bit of time giving me helpful advice to manage in the interim. I didn't always like what I heard and frequently asked him to explain his rationale. He patiently explained each time and turned out to be right in every case. My little guy's behavior began to improve before the training began when I followed his recommendations. After much mutual deliberation I chose to place all three of my dogs with Brandywine Dog Academy in the 3 week day training program. We agreed this would create the most optimal conditions for Kujo to succeed. My own training began the first morning I walked my dogs from the car to the crate continued each afternoon as I got my own lessons (three!) at pickup to learn to handle each of my dogs and follow through with nightly homework. Because they accept 3 dogs at a time in the day training program, I was in the unique position to observe how he tailored his approach to the needs and personalities of each dog. He outlined options for management strategies, tailored his recommendations for each dog, and empowered me to make decisions. He also expertly instructed my shy, anxious teen, careful not to overwhelm. He's respectful but direct and challenges me to rethink when necessary. If he starts a sentence with, "I'm being a dog trainer here," I'm about to get pushback on my excuses! As I write this I'm approaching the middle of week three and I couldn't be happier. At this point all of my dogs are excited to see David every morning. They act like they're having a play date every day. I learned how to create better structure at home to meet my dogs' needs and I can see that all three are not only better behaved but happier. Kujo is far less reactive, more confident, has bonded with more people, and is learning how to disengage rather than being immediately over threshold. I realized through training that another dog was also kind of reactive and he's progressing beautifully, too. My home is calm, under my control, and quiet when it needs to be. I'm excited and looking forward to a future with my fur babies thats better than I imagined. I have confidence, tools, and am becoming more precise in my skills to continue to the progress David so expertly jump-started. We're going to continue less intensive training, mainly to keep Kujo progressing, but also so that my other dogs can continue to see their new uncle bestie. read more

Review David, with Brandywine Dog Academy, literally changed my life (and no, that is not an exaggeration). I went from having a very small world of where and when I could safely take my boy out - to taking him comfortably to Starbucks for a pup cup; to Scout Cafe - sitting outside while I had cappuccino and read a book with him calmly laying at my feet; walks in the park and around the neighborhood; greetings with neighbors, and rides in the car without him barking like a maniac. People no longer turn around when they see us coming; now they stop and watch (Spatzie attracts attention because of his size and elegant appearance - not that I'm biased). My boy, Spatz, is my world - and we could finally go out in it together. My David story: I adopted a puppy from a shelter that was expected to get to be about 60 pounds. I've always had dogs, so started working on his leash training and other basic commands. He did ok - not great, but ok - as long as there were no distractions. Even the most minor of distractions, though, and all best were off - pulling, barking, jumping. And Spatzie grew, and grew, and grew. When he was between 6-9 months I realized I was in over my head and met with a trainer (not David). At the end of the session I felt hopeless and defeated. I didn't feel heard - she had a way of doing things that didn't seem to take my particular dog into account. I tried her methods, but things got worse instead of better. Spatz and I were back on our own - me a 5'2 woman with a now very powerful 110 pound Doberman (vet thinks he is mostly Dobie, with a little Great Dane - and NOT 60 pounds). I met David at an event, had a good feeling about him and set up an evaluation. I was very clear from the start what I was looking for, although I wasn't sure it was possible. My Spatzie is a big lovable, joyful goofball and while I needed him to be well-trained because of his size and strength, I didn't want his spirit broken in order accomplish that. David, Spatzie and I had a lengthy evaluation and decided on the 3-week day program: I dropped Spatz off at 9 and picked him up at 5 - and then we got our homework, what we were to work on for the next day. I wasn't looking to have someone do all the work for me. Spatz was my boy and I wanted to be involved in his training and David made it clear that I needed to work with him outside of his training sessions (even had me record us working outside of training so he could evaluate how we were doing). One of the things I loved about working with David is that he was constantly reevaluating what worked with Spatz. When he realized how much Spatz loved to play, that was incorporated into his training. He explained the process he was using with Spatz, and why, and patiently answered my miriad of questions. Spatz absolutely adored going to training. His whole body would start to wiggle as we'd get closer to the facility. David was/is great, too, about working with you outside of the facility. Spatz was a nightmare in the car - so we had training sessions in the car, driving around and teaching Spatz to be calm; struggles with him being reactive during nighttime walks (he has a strong prey drive) - David came over to my neighborhood so he could evaluate what was going on and work up a plan for us. No problem was off limits. David, at Brandywine Dog Acedemy, was able to accomplish exactly what I so desperately wanted: my boy is still as silly and goofy as ever - but now he comes when he is called, walks nicely on a leash (he is still very aware of the dreaded squirrels, but can now be redirected rather than taking me for a fly), likes going in the car for rides - and is just, in general, a calmer happy dog. Spatzie and I will be forever grateful. read more

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Brandywine Dog Academy has been a God send to us and our pup. Struggling with a very stubborn 6 month old puppy who was aggressive and easily spooked by cars, we called on BDA. They met with us and immediately offered quite a few good training options. After careful consideration, we decided on the board and train program. This gave our pup the chance to be fully immersed in consistent training; he quickly learned new good habits while shelving the old bad ones. Our pup has now been home for 6 weeks and is a completely different dog; he is well behaved and happy as a clam. No more biting for attention and wreckless barking at cars. We continue to meet with BDA weekly reenforcing all they taught Franklin and us! Their commitment to following up with us is impressive; they stand by their product 100%! They want us to succeed and do everything possible to ensure we are trained as much as our dog has been. We are grateful. Thank you BDA!! read more