Wanted to use them for puppy boot camp. First had to pay $100 for an evaluation. When we went to…read morebring him home the receptionist said he barked so much in the crate they had to move him to another room. We were not given any comments on how the evaluation went and were out $100 for no information. The owner said that since we lived so close he would try to move us up to a closer entry. This was last fall. Later we got a call saying he could start in January 2026. Another issue is that we decided to board both of our dogs for a weekend in September. When we brought them home both drank 2 bowls full of water each. I guess they don't water on the weekends? Just not a good experience all the way around. We found another place that took our pup within a week for boot camp and it worked out perfectly.

In essence, over several months, we had the worst training experience one could have. No…read morecommunication and no results. If I could give a rating of zero stars, I would. Below is the letter we sent to K9 & Co. when they would not refund our fees for "boot camp". If you love your dog, do not take it to K9. April 24, 2021 Mark Finch and K9 & Co. Retreat, We started coming to K9 & Co. with the intention of giving our new 8-month-old dog, Gypsi, a head start in obedience training as our elder patients are moving in with us. We wanted to do as much as we could to help our dog acclimate to new people quickly and avoid danger to them (e.g., jumping up on them, etc). We brought her in for day school and were told she "wasn't ready for that" but would benefit daycare in the meantime to socialize her. We dropped her off for daycare/day school from December 2020 through April 2021, two/three days per week.  Never did she get into day school save ONE time on March 5th, 2021. No report was given to us regarding what she worked on (if anything) on this date. Additionally, we called and scheduled a home visit for February 3rd, 2021. We received a phone call on February 3rd (the day of the appointment) stating, you "forgot we were scheduled"; so we scheduled another date on March 15th, 2021, again received a call cancelling the appointment. We got NO follow-up regarding rescheduling the home visit, and it was never discussed again. After slowly integrating Gypsi's routine into your day care several times per week and after formal evaluation on December 6th, 2020, you recommended "a tailor boot camp to help Gypsi". On March 15th, 2021, we dropped her off for boot camp and were told "we don't have time to follow up with you on a 'daily basis' or keep you informed daily on her progress and to remember no news from us (K9 & Co.) is good news".  However, your website states, "You work with the owners every step of the way"... I can say that none of our expectations were met. The cost of the "Boot camp" is fairly expensive, and after 2 days shy of 4 weeks, Gypsi had learned nothing. I'm not even sure she received any training at all. I suspect she was let out of her crate several times per day and fed, but no active instruction occurred. In fact, she had new abrasions and scabs on her elbows indicating excessive crating, requiring medical care as well as a urinary tract infection diagnosed by our veterinarian. We called many times to be updated on Gypsi's progress only to hear, "We are not sure what Mark has done. You'd have to talk to him." Your website indicates, "We take pride in working with our pet owners every step of the way in their pet's training process." This is false. We have never heard from or seen Mark Finch, and the only communication we received was after WE called your establishment and asked how Gypsi was doing, only to be told that essentially you did not know and that "No news is good news". I emailed a couple times to get some report on how she was doing only to get NO info other than "she's fine and adjusting..." We called a few times only to get the same short answers with NO details on how things were going and what was being worked on with her. We emailed asking for a date for her to come home along with some stipulations we have, with NO response... AND NEITHER ONE OF US HAVE EVER HAD ANY CONVERSATION WITH MARK FINCH (the elusive dog trainer)... On April 14th, 2021, I contacted Chase Bank to stop payment for $2500 to K9 & Company Retreat for services not rendered.

I can't praise Ashley and Calm K9 enough for turning my dog life around. I adopted my 5.5 year old…read morePug/Chihuahua mix from a rescue back in February after she was surrendered by her previous owner. She was incredibly timid, anxious, and didn't know even the most basic command. Sit, for instance, was next to impossible. She would lock her back legs if you tried to guide her little butt to the floor, refusing to do it because she had no idea what was going on. Fast forward to a month out of the Board & Train with Ashley. She sits. She stays. We don't use a leash on walks anymore. She stays right by my side on walks or within an arm's length in front or behind me, constantly checking to make sure I'm still close every few seconds. At every curb she sits. I used to have to tell her, but now she just knows to sit, and not to move until I tell her "come". The best part for all of this, however, is that it's all a result of her overall confidence being boosted by knowing all of these new skills. She used to be super skittish and bark at people, jump when cars passed by, and freak out. Every person who walked near us on the street she would lose her little dog-mind over. Now she not only glides right past them, but if they're friendly and she sees that I'm ok with it, she'll wag her tail and allow them to approach (assuming I've given her/the person permission). She actually walks better and is more calm off-leash, which is also a huge advantage for me now that it's getting cold because I can keep my hands in my pockets. I still do bring a leash in my pocket just in case, but I haven't run into a situation where I've had to use it once. Lastly, I was really apprehensive about using an e-collar. Not only because I thought it was going to be cruel, but because of how big the thing looks on my 10lb. dog! I can honestly say that the brand of collar they have you purchase is so adjustable with it's settings that she's never shown any sign of it hurting or even bothering her. She actually gets excited when I put it on her in the morning because she knows we're about to start our day and go for a walk! Calm K9 came recommended from a friend, and I think since seeing the positive change my dog has experienced as a result of the training I've recommended them to anyone and everyone who's interested in getting their dog towards a better place, behaviorally. Lastly, it's been amazing to feel what her being trained has does for me, mentally. With everything else one has to deal with in their day-to-day life, having a happy, calm, well-behaved and confident dog-companion has been overwhelmingly positive. A+ from me. Highly recommended.

They state that they get back to you in 24 hours.. but both mine and my wife's form submission on…read moretheir website (which states that is the fastest response) have gone unanswered for the last 3 - 4 days. Very disappointed that they didn't even have the courtesy to call or reply.

Our pup, Blue, just graduated from puppy class. I liked that it didn't matter if this was the first…read moreor last class for my pup because all things (walking, confidence, down) are covered each class so it didn't matter what level my dog was at it worked for each dog. The two trainers we worked with understood puppies and allowed for both a potty break and play time. I would recommend them for all levels of training

I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with DLOS. Emily and Daniel are both excellent with dogs, and bring…read morea nice approach to balanced training. I'm someone who brought my dog to learn the intricacies of basic and intermediate obedience, as I've owned dogs before that were great companions; but never took the step to give them formal obedience classes. Emily and Daniel have helped me in seeing the small things that make a big difference, and helped my 9 month-old puppy become a model canine citizen. I recommend everyone I know to these two :) I get so many compliments on how well behaved my girl is, and I always bring DLOS up as to why.

Responsive and helpful. Very knowledgeable staff and so friendly. Can't wait to start our pup next…read moreweek!

We took Archie for his first puppy play school today and I'm so glad we did!…read more We worked on a few different commands (sit, stand, eye contact, and touch) and then they're was socialization time. Our dogs are elderly so he doesn't get to play as much as we'd like and this was the perfect thing. It took him a while to warm up to play time but when he did, he was great!

Laura is the absolute best! She did virtual training with my dog during Covid and somehow managed…read moreto teach her a full set of tricks and obedience training through a computer. She's always responsive and two years later - she still is always available for any questions I might have. Highly recommend!

I cannot recommend Laura enough. Laura truly understand dog psychology and behavior and uses a…read morepositive reinforcement, force-free approach informed by science. Aside from just training and obedience, Laura helps dog owners better understand *why* their dog is behaving a certain way. You might be thinking that positive reinforcement-only training can't work if your dog is reactive or past the puppy stage, but Laura is proof that if a trainer is equipped with the proper knowledge, skills, and patience it can! Our 6 month old lab rescue gets very overly excited by dogs and people and started jumping - Laura was quickly able to reinforce calm greetings. We leave each session seeing immediate results and with the skills to keep building on what we've worked on. Plus, our dog absolutely loves her :).

Very friendly and accommodating. Knowledgeable about training dogs as well. Our pup seemed to do…read morewell. Definitely planning to go back

Fast and friendly service. Love the new location. Easy to find. Our dog came home looking good.read more

If you love your pet please don't take the risk of going here. Several other GREAT places within 5…read moremiles. This place is extremely dirty including mold. These dogs are neglected stuck in crates without water. The dogs sit in feces and urine. Vaccinations are NOT required to be updated. Many dogs are coughing and showing respiratory illness. The clients are NOT made aware. Outside time is limited in tiny unsupervised yards. The owner is NOT honest or transparent to the clients. Just an honest review from a dog lover. There are plenty reviews just like this,you don't have to look hard.

If you love your pet DO NOT BRING THEM HERE! She will let your dog sit in feces/urine and only give…read moredogs water when they are outside in group (which has caused many fights here.) The "enrichment" time she claims the dogs receive is actually 10 minutes or less for each rotation. "Enrichment" being movie time, story time or having the dogs participate in limbo. She does not check or care if your pet is ill or up to date on vaccines. She will let dogs with expired vaccines continue to come in. Vaccines including rabies, distemper, parvo, and boardetella. Dogs are always sneezing and coughing and ALWAYS in very small dirty kennels. The kennels do not always get cleaned daily (which leads to the spreading of infectious diseases) and they clean the kennels by spraying with disinfectant and water then vacuuming up all of the water. They do not scrub the kennels so there is still caked on dirt/waste in every single kennel. When they do get let outside they are not always being watched regardless of what she says. She is a liar and a manipulater. She is in this field for the money and will create every excuse possible to make sure her business stays running. She is rarely even there and when she is all she does is pretend to know all the dogs that come here daily all week long!! The employees sit inside while the dogs are outside in the FREEZING cold with no shelter. Dogs have died from escaping or being choked to death by tight slip leads and the employees responsible for this still ACTIVELY WORK THERE TODAY. She will let your dogs play in group with injures and not inform you until you pick your dog up and see it for yourself. These poor animals do not deserve this treatment. If you board here please reconsider. The staff is not being paid what they are promised and fights happen all the time. All of the vents and drains are covered in mold. (Call and schedule a free tour to see for yourself) If the staff is outside with the dogs they are not aloud to kneel or sit down and pet them because it could cause fights (resource gaurding). I have worked at many kennels professionally for 3 years and this is not the way to run any facility. Your pets deserve love and basic care with transparency to the owners, not lying and cheating you out of your money. YOU ARE NOT GETTING WHAT YOU PAY FOR. I'm not reviewing out of hate but out of safety and love for these poor dogs. This is ABUSE. I'm not sure what more I can do or who to call. There are plenty of other reviews like mine right here, on yelp, facebook and on indeed. If you would like other suggestions there are plenty more loving and professional dog boarding and daycare facilities in RVA. If you don't believe me go take a tour of the whole facility, look at the ceiling vents, go in the kennel room you will see. They don't get water. How is that ok for weeks on end? If your dog is boarding they are only letting them out for water 4 times a day. If they are in daycare they only get water twice a day. If your dog is sick she won't tell you. She will make up excuses and tell you not to bring them to the vet?? 3 employees have quit in the past 24 hours bceuase of poor management, lack of communication, and mistreatment. I have already contacted the better business bureau and other resources for further investigation. If you have any information or other experiences please comment to help save these poor pups. GOD BLESS

I was referred to Jemi in 2005, when my 15 week old Lab/Ridgeback mix required training. I sent…read morehim to Jemi for a one week boot camp and when she returned him to me, he was fabulously trained and well-behaved. Jemi followed up by providing me with thorough in-home training. I practiced what I learned everyday. Seven years later, he is still the perfect dog for my family. He understands No, Off, Sit, Up, Wait, Leave It, Down, Come here, It's Okay and hand gestures! He comes when I call him and I can walk him off-leash around people and other animals nearby. I can walk my 95lb dog in my Sunday best and in heels without him dragging me across the cement, dirt and grass. Because, Jemi taught me how to hold the leash and to show confidence both in my carriage, leash tension and voice. Jemi and her team work magic everyday! I refer Jemi, Teri, Beth and Julie to all my friends and colleagues with training needs. She is truly the "Dog Whisperer" of the East.

I paid Jemi for a week long puppy boot camp. My specific training needs for Sunshine were: return…read moreupon command, stay, and reduce aggression towards other dogs. When I opened the door to bring her home, Sunny escaped and ran into the road while Jemi stood at the door yelling at me saying "don't yell at her she'll come back." She did not. I had to catch her. When I got her into the car, I realize there was feces on her feet. Her coat was filthy. She lost a pound in a week because she was focused on getting my dog to eat two meals a day when I said a free feed was fine because it was better for my schedule. Sunny was so traumatized that my friends could not believe this was the same dog when I got her home. I will never forgive Jemi. She should be ashamed.