Silvie and I just completed a 5-session dog training and Vicki definitely has a gift. When we attended our first training, Silvie was already excited to make a new friend and eager to learn. I adopted Silvie, a Taiwanese Formosan Mountain dog and Labrador mix a couple of months ago...she came with some basic training courtesy of Adopt a Doggie http://www.adoptadoggie.org but needed additional training with staying (duration), walking (she gets too excited to focus and pulls, jerks from side-to-side) and learning to leave things on the kitchen counter. Vicki is wonderful in answering questions and making recommendations if something isn't working. I learned the proper way to help Silvie with her training such as the difference between using the command 'stay', 'wait' , 'settle, to 'leave it' and respond immediately when calling her name. And in order to get Silvie to focus on our walks is to use a higher reward treat (a yummier item) and eventually she will walk on a loose leash. Basically, what it comes down to is constant training and time and eventually Silvie will be on her way. Silvie and i both learned a lot and greatful for the sessions and will most likely continue with other sessions. Thank you Vicki! read more

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Vicki is amazing and understands how to correctly train even the most stubborn of breeds. Vicki and Braveheart Dog Training was a recommendation from our vet. Beginning with great habits while they are puppies is optimal. We went from puppy class to intermediate clicker training to getting Nikkou CGC (Canine Good Citizen) trained! Shiba Inu's are known for their willful personalities but Nikkou loved Vicki and would complete each request for her. She taught ME how to gain the skill and the command so that behavior was kept over time. Owner skill and mood really does travel down the leash so ensure YOU are ready not just the dog. Plus, I have seen her take older or "problem" dogs and teach them socialization and great behavior. This is a MUST for owners who want to be out in public with their animal. Not just to learn how they are to behave but how to react when the other animal (okay mostly owners) that has no manners! Thanks Vicki for being a great part of Nikkou's development!! read more

Braveheart Dog Training - Vicki and Dickens at Sea Ranch! - Pet Training Near Me - San Leandro, California

I recommend Vicki for all of your pet needs. She has helped my family tremendously with our 3 dogs. We've had her over for an in-house session to help train our pit bull not to chase the cats. She even took the time to send us a review with detailed training methods to meet our ongoing needs. I've also taken my toy poodle to her Beginning Obedience/Manners Class. The class is very informative and my little girl learned a lot. The Small Dog and Puppy Social Play Groups that she offers is wonderful. Its a great way for my little one to learn social skills and at the same time release her energy. Vicki recently helped us to introduce our new puppy into the family. That was quite a challenge with a 4 lb puppy, 8 lb poodle, 60 lb pit bull and 2 feral cats. The introduction went smoothly with her guidance. It helped us to gain confidence and provide us with the knowledge we needed to keep peace in the family. We just signed up our pit bull for obedience training, so I'll let you know how that goes. read more

I highly recommend Braveheart Dog Training. Vicki Ronchette is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer (CPDT) and is Certified in clicker training (CAP2) which is the primary training mode used in the classes. She offers such unique and useful classes from puppy to basic obedience to classes out in the "real world" so you can really proof your dog's training and work on real issues. Vicki recently published a book "Clicker Training for Show Dogs" which is an excellent read even for folks not showing their dog. Vicki has lots of experience with training, raising puppies and professionally showing dogs, and her classes are structured and positive. I am also in the dog care industry and often take my dogs to her classes to work them or brush up on their skills. Vicki loves dogs and it shows! read more

Just finished our third and final session with Vicki. A fantastic experience. My better half and I both feel that with Vicki's help, we have laid down a solid foundation for success with our puppy. We're eager to take it to the next level and enroll our pup in Vicki's puppy obedience class next month! read more

We just had our 7 month puppy at Braveheart for a two week training class. We'll have to post a comprehensive review once we have a chance to spend more time with our newly-trained pup, but Vicki gives us all the confidence to assume that the training was a spectacular success. Our pup was pretty wild when we sent her to Braveheart and she has returned an obedient, sweet little girl, responsive to the basic commands of sit, down, come, leave it, etc. And Vicki clearly loves her clients. Use Braveheart Dog Training with 100% confidence. read more

My husband and I have two puppies (one Border Collie and the other a Golden Retriever), both are now 8 and 9 months old. We started taking them to Puppy Preschool through Braveheart Training (Vicki) and were so impressed we continued with our Border Collie. Our Golden was so mellow we figured we could do the rest ourselves. Border Collies can be a challenge if not properly socialized so we had a private session with Vicki. This is where my husband and I came to know what a blessing and an honor it was to of come across such talented and professional dog trainer. From there we continued to take Vicki's Dog/obedience class which was well organized, and we were given plenty of individual attention. Side note here, she makes herself available for other doggy issues you may be having such as feeding, what are good play toys etc. Recently our Border Collie (yes he has a name ..,Pete!) finisher her awesome Confidence Building Class. I can't say enough about that class. It was a class where he didn't have to 'perform' he just explored things, sniffed, and played. The thing about Braveheart Training and Vicki is that I have met some very nice people in the classes. We have even had play dates outside of the class, and that is a very nice bonus! I cannot imagine finding anyone in this area any better. She has a very nice way with the dogs, her voice is so cool the way she talks to them (eat your heart out Cesear Milan) lol! She is also a great people trainer :)) read more

Vicki is by far the BEST and most knowledgable trainer in the bay area. Over the years I have trained 5 dogs with her. One was a challenging foster and we hired her to do in home training. They ranged from puppies to adult dogs I adopted. I have taken obedience and many sport classes from her (agility being my favorite). She shows her own dogs as well. You will not be disappointed if you take a class a Braveheart. read more

Braveheart Dog Training - Vicki with Lucas - Pet Training Near Me - San Leandro, California

Our Weimaraner has now been through the Puppy Socialization and Beginning Obediance classes with Vicki...what a great trainer! Her technique and skill are excellent and what I really appreciate is her practicality. She understands how pets and real-life intersect and is great at training both humans and animals to deal with those. I highly recommend Braveheart, Vicki, and Michelle who was a great help in our classes! read more

I enjoy the small Canine Good Citizen prep class and was pleased not to wait months like other places just to get into a class. Our trainer listen's to our needs and tries to best help us with what we have to work on in order to pass the test. I would recommend others to Braveheart read more

Vicki is the best option in the Bay Area For dog training. We know since we have tried many Different schools & trainers for our adorable Labradoodle Yeshe. Look no further! She is experienced and really understands How dogs think. Like the Dog Whisperer! She doesn't want you to conform to her ways but will work with you for what will Be best for you & your canine companion. We are so happy we now are part of the Braveheart contingency! read more

Braveheart Dog Training - Yeshe on her mat - Pet Training Near Me - San Leandro, California

I've taken all three of my Boxers to Vicki for different reasons and we all love her. Kayla was my first show Boxer and we had one-on-one lessons on how to show in conformation. I think I needed more training than Kayla and Vicki was very patient with me. Sometimes I would be the handler and Vicki would instruct me and sometimes Vicki would be the handler so I could watch. Our training sessions were fun and I learned a lot. Dallas had some very serious fear issues and Vicki was so gentle and patient. She doesn't rush through any training. She takes her time and gets it right one baby step at a time and Dallas had such positive experiences in his training with her. Vicki also taught Dallas how to put his tail up with clicker training. I have to be honest and say I never thought that could be done but he did it and I'm so impressed with that. Maddie is my new show potential. She doesn't have any fear issues and loves the show ring but she's been a student in Vicki's conformation classes and she loves them. Whether in a group setting or one-on-one, if you need some training and want someone who will make the experience fun and informative Braveheart Dog Training is the place to go to. read more

I've been going to Braveheart Dog training classes for years. Vicki is the best trainer. Her classes are fun and my dog enjoys learning in her classes! We have taken puppy, beginning and intermediate obedience, and agility for fun courses. All were excellent and its a great way to bond with your pet. Very enriching! read more

Vicki is AMAZING! I don't know what we would have done without her classes. Our puppy was a handful when we got him and after taking her Puppy Preschool class he's already a total angel. Vicki is very knowledgable and accommodating to each dogs personality. Highly recommended! read more

Vicki really deserves 10 Stars. Our willful teenage Norwegian Elkhound boy fell in love with her during the very first lesson. She knows what she's doing & shares it clearly in ways that both owners & dogs understand. I had never worked with the clicker before. Her great sense of humor helps too. We took private conformation lessons which also included some obedience training. I just wish we had found Vicki when King was a small pup. If I ever get another puppy, the first phone call I'll make is to Vicki to schedule a series of training classes. Also -- follow Braveheart on Facebook. She posts helpful articles from other sources and photos/ videos of dogs during their work with her. read more

I have been able to attend Vicki's Drop In Conformation Training classes three times. My dog is neutered so we're not doing this to get ready for the Conformation ring -- instead I wanted to get him used to paying attention to me in a new, distracting place, get handled by a stranger, and practice our heeling for Obedience competition. I appreciated that Vicki let us work on our own goals (of course still following the flow of the class so that we weren't disrupting the other students). She would ask me each time what kind of handling I wanted her to do with my dog, ie, formal obedience Stand For Exam, or just working on being comfortable with a specific manuever. It's lovely when you find a trainer who is so flexible, and wants to help you reach your goals even if they're a bit different from the rest of the class. I felt very comfortable putting my dog in her hands and will be returning to the class when my schedule allows. read more

I am not sure why I received such poor service from Braveheart Dog Training. I brought in my young and nervous dog to her training class after being highly recommended by another friend. The training room on Marina Blvd is sooo small and confining and hot with no ability to space out or separate the dogs or get fresh air. My dog had a difficult time being so close to such rambunctious dogs in the room. Other very tiny dogs were obviously scared being in such tight quarters with larger dogs. Vicki told me, "It is OK. She will get used to everything eventually." We were working with clickers and treats in this class, but I don't think my dog even heard the clicker with all the other noise from the other dogs and Vicki trying to shout above everything. One dog was repeatedly barking at my dog throughout the class. By the end of each class, I was so overwhelmed and upset. I tried to stay after class to explain some these things to Vicki, but there was a long line of people who also wanted to talk to her, so I just left Maybe she needs smaller classes or large rooms or assistants to help. I don't know, It didn't work for me. read more

My dog Bronn and I have taken puppy preschool, two levels of obedience classes, and the introduction to nosework class with Vicki. She asks about each dog's unique needs and personality and will work with you to help solidify your dog's skills on a foundation of mutual respect. I have learned a lot from her! Highly recommend! read more

I am new to the dog show world and was looking for conformation classes in the area. I went to one near by and was disappointed. Braveheart was recommended to me by 2 handlers and I have to say I am very pleased. I have learned much in 2 classes and both Yvonne and Vicki have been very helpful. I would highly recommend this class to any new handler. read more

My dog Penny and I love going to classes at Braveheart Dog Training. We love working with both Vicki and Yvonne. We have taken many classes at Braveheart and will continue to do so. read more

Vicki was very helpful and gave me several tips/techniques that I could use for my very strong willed Kerry blue terrier male show puppy. He was and is a handful, but I found Vicki's conformation classes- she really puts the dog and its welfare first which is great! read more

There is no other like Vicki. Coming from not owning a dog since I was a kid to having a pure breed show dog made me a little freaked out. Vicki was perfect, her nature, her passion for animals, and building relationships with them is only what we could as wish for. She is patient, smart, confident and caring. My girl loves her. Vicki continues training efforts to improve her skills continues to shape her brilliant training program. If you have a puppy the best thing you can do is hire Vicki or take her group classes. Its the best investment you can make for your pet, and for you. read more

I don't care how well regarded or who recommends. When someone calls and leaves I don't know how many messages regarding training, and none are returned, that's a problem. read more

I highly recommend Braveheart Dog Training without hesitation. I started in Nose Work classes over a year ago with my German Shepherd, Jake, and from the first class Vicki more than impressed me with her knowledge, passion for the well being of dogs, and execution of the training - for both dog and handler. I continue with Nose Work classes and have also attended her Beginning Obedience/Manners class with him. A few months ago I added a fearful Australian Shepherd Mix, Daisy, to our family and completed the Confidence Building for Marshmallows and Threes Company classes. Vicki gives the tools needed to work with your dogs and it is amazing the bond that develops using her positive training methods. Daisy is gaining more confidence daily as I implement what I've learned. I am currently enrolled in Beginning Nose Work and Real World classes with her. As you've probably noticed by the number of classes I've taken, I'm a fan! read more

Vicki and Braveheart Dog Training were recommended by a friend. We have been working with her privately for conformation and have improved dramatically in just a few weeks. Vicki is excellent at observing and picking up on what we need to do differently and at teaching us to do that. We are particularly pleased that she uses 100% positive techniques! read more