I cannot say enough wonderful things about Russ and Anthony at Enlighten Dogs in Cherry Valley. I brought my dog Sage to them specifically for behavioral training, and the experience has been exceptional. Sage needed more than basic obedience training--she had behavioral issues that I was genuinely concerned about, and I wanted trainers who were knowledgeable, experienced, patient, and capable of working with a strong dog. From the beginning, Russ and Anthony took the time to understand Sage as an individual instead of treating her like just another dog in a training program. Their knowledge of dog behavior really shows. They have worked with Sage in a way that provides structure and clear expectations while still building her confidence. The difference I have seen in her behavior has been incredible. Just as importantly, they have helped me better understand Sage, what triggers certain behaviors, and how I can continue reinforcing her training at home. You can tell Russ and Anthony truly care about the dogs entrusted to them. I felt comfortable knowing Sage was in capable hands, which means a lot when you're trusting someone with a dog you love. If you have a dog with behavioral challenges and are looking for trainers who take the work seriously, I highly recommend Enlighten Dogs. Russ and Anthony have put so much time, patience, and expertise into Sage, and I am extremely grateful for everything they've done for her. Thank you, Russ and Anthony, for helping Sage become the best version of herself. You guys are amazing! -- Deborah & Sage read more

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Took my shepherd here definitely would come back !! All the staff members were super nice and helpful definitely all trained professionals read more

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Everyone is simply amazing! Great service and training. They actually follow-up to see how your pet is doing!

We had Tristan come in to do our first training session with our dog Nala. We've only had her 3 weeks and she is a 1 year old Shar pei pitbull mix who is hard of seeing and possibly hearing . She has severe separation anxiety and we want her to be comfortable when we have company over. Tristan was super patient with her and took it very slow to start gaining her trust. We focused on walking on the leash and getting her comfortable with us leading her. By the end of the session Nala was a lot more comfortable with him and I'm very hopeful that she will learn the skills to Become a confident and social dog read more

I needed much help for my Cattle Dog Billy , was on the verge of medication, he was out of hand just scared of everything didn't enjoy walks afraid of noises mailbox the wind ? I was feeling helpless! I heard of a place in banning from my vet so i looked up and found enlighten dog training! As hard as it was to leave my sweet dog I opted for the 3 week board and train! He did really well he came home healthy, and learned allot! He now heels during walks settle on chair with distance. He has his setbacks here and there but much better. I highly recommend Chris and the team ! Billy will be doing refresher courses and my other cattle dog OSO will be doing a 2 week for behavioral issues! Thank you so much enlightened dog training we will definitely be coming back with all our dogs! read more

If I could leave zero stars I would. I paid $120 for an at home training session that I paid for online. Prior to the training session on the scheduled day I was not contacted at all and the trainer never showed up. I tried calling through the number on the website and couldn't even get through to talk to anyone. I then decided to show up at their business address only to discover some random warehouse and no actual training facility. This business is a complete and utter scam do not waste your time of money trying to use them. read more

Enlighten Dogs - Receipt for paid services never received. - Pet Training Near Me - Cherry Valley, California

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I have been taking my dog Everest to enlighten for two whole years now! You can tell how much the trainers truly care for the dogs that are at the facility, and how happy they are to be taking care of/ teaching these pups :) everytime I take her here she is so excited, and everytime I pick her up she is TIRED! Which I love haha she is a ball of energy. From taking her to enlighten since she was merely 6 months old they have taught her to be friendly with all other dogs, walk perfectly on a leash, recall, not to take things off of tables, etc read more

Top 5 reasons why we would recommend Enlighten Dogs:  1. Amazing and friendly staff with the skills to perform CPR / First Aid  2. Clear & custom communication during enrollment, training, & follow up 3. Fluent in dog's body language 4. Passionate about creating harmony in the family dynamic  5. Transparency in what's expected for continued success After Lilo started showing aggressive reactions in fearful situations, we quickly searched online for a reputable & compassionate training program. After weighing out the pros & cons of all the options available in Southern California, agreed to enroll our girl for Enlighten Dog's In-Home Behavior Modification session. After our time with Brock, & he recommended Lilo participate in the 10-day board-and-train program. After the 10 days, Chris & his staff evaluated Lilo still needed a few more days with them to. Because our desire for her to have the greatest growth, we agreed to this change. They were spot on!!! This program has created an amazing transformation in Lilo & have also helped us to become the best advocates for our dog's specific needs. read more

Chris and his team of trainers have been such a blessing. We've used Enlighten Dogs services for several years now. It's obvious by the way they relate to and handle the dogs, that they truly care, and they love what they do. Everyone associated with Enlighten Dogs has been professional, knowledgeable, kind, and caring. I fully trust them with my dog. My dog, Max, did the 10 day board and train there a couple years ago. I wasn't sure why I was still having some issues with Max at home, so I recently took him back to Enlighten Dogs for another 10 day board and train for a little "tune-up". After his first training several years ago, I thought just because HE was trained he'd be good to go. That would've been true if I had done my part but because of some extenuating circumstances, we did not do consistent follow up training at home. I didn't understand why Max was not doing what I wanted him to. So now, Max and I are in training again. This time it's MY turn to learn! As I'm practicing with Max at home it's obvious he has been well trained by Enlighten Dogs. I wish I would've learned my part the first time around... dog training is definitely a team effort and I'm determined that my dog and I will be a good team. Chris and his team have been very supportive every step of the way. I highly recommend Enlighten Dogs! Thank you Chris, Tristan, Russ, Mel, and Alicia! read more

I first took my German Shepherd Ozzy to Enlightened for a private class back in Nov of 22. I chose Enlighten for training because they advertised they work with reactive dogs, which is what I needed help with. After the first class I noticed a big change in my training as the class focused on how "I" train and how my dog responds to my commands. After that class I tried overnight boarding with Enlightened and Chris the owner did our intake. We took Ozzy on a quick walk and around the facility so he could observe Ozzy. I had him there overnight and his stay went well. Each staff member at the facility interacted with Ozzy which helped him get used to other people that were not his owner. Each member treated him like he was their own which really made me love the place. Ozzy has also completed their 10 day board and train program which came with a private class with the trainers to go over commands taught over the 10 day period. When we got our second German Shepherd Honcho we took him to Enlighten as well. Tristan, Anthony, Russ, and Chris are who I usually interact with and I completely trust my dogs with them. We have even done their weekend classes at the park with our other GSD Honcho and have noticed his demeanor change on neighborhood walks. I drive about 45 min to an hour just to take my dogs Enlighten because of how much we love this place. read more

Enlighten Dogs - Ozzy's board and train field trip - Pet Training Near Me - Cherry Valley, California

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Wrote this on google as well. Im putting in this extra effort because this was the most unprofessional communication and owner I've come across. Tried getting personal training lesson that i paid $120 for with Chris. He rescheduled me 4 times within a week each day cancelled, and on the last time he tried sending another trainer because of a family emergency but didnt communicate with me at all that he wasnt showing up. I asked for a refund and he said he'd send it over within the afternoon and didnt send it until the next day when i had to message him again. I thought it would be good business because of the reviews but once i looked at the low star reviews they were all from him and similar situations to mine. Extremely unprofessional, i hope this review can be an eye opener for the business. read more

Triston did wonders with our new rescue pup Kona! We did a private in home lesson. He gave us so many great strategies and techniques to help with the behaviors and issues we were having. Amazing results! I couldn't be happier with how he helped! Thank you Triston! Kona Kai is like a new pup. It's like night and day! Key is being consistent. Definitely recommend Enlighten dogs and Triston as a trainer. Had no clue how to fix the issues....however with what he taught us it's just unbelievable the changes we are seeing.! read more

Chris is a scammer plane and simple. Similar to other reviews, he took our money for a private training lesson and rescheduled 5 times using the same excuses he seems to use with everyone else. We asked for a refund and to cancel the training, he told us he understood and that he would do it immediately. That was a week ago. We'll be moving forward with legal action as well as a report to the better business bureau. No one else should be getting scammed by this guy. Edit: I report has been filed with the BBB. read more

I have taken my Dalmatian through a number of classes with Chris and his assistant trainers over the past 3 years. The classes have been a fantastic experience! Chris and his assistants are personable, positive and communicate clearly their expectations and boundaries for our dogs. Homework between classes is assigned. I have recommended Chris & Enlighten Dog classes to family members as well as several friends. In addition, I will continue to "recycle" my Dal & myself on occasion through classes to keep our skills sharp. read more

I recently adopted a young Husky that was in need of training and socialization. I set up two weeks of training at Enlighten Dogs. What a transformation over those two weeks. He was no longer resource guarding and going after my other dog at home, and had become very sociable with other dogs. They gave me very insightful training methods to use on my dog, which also helped me continue his training at home. The entire staff was very professional and my dog loved being there. I would highly recommend them. read more

Enlighten Dogs - Good Boy - Pet Training Near Me - Cherry Valley, California

Brock came out to the house, he was wonderful, patient, and very knowledgeable Really helped us learning how we can make things better for us and our dog We will use them again, already thinking about some drop of sessions John read more

I can't say enough good things about Chris and the trainers he has. As someone who got to go behind the scenes and take some photos (I do NOT work there)... I became even MORE impressed. Not only with how clean and maintenced the facility's are, but I was even surprised to learn that some of these dogs didn't belong to the trainers themselves!! Haha! My dog has been going here for a few months now, and every time we drive up he stares out the window and starts shaking his tail! Then when a trainer comes out to retrieve him, he goes without hesitation---- and he's definitely a mama's boy. The people that work with Chris at Enlightened Dogs LOVE your dogs, just like their own. They know them by name, and truly truly care for them. Being able to see this first hand, I was able to walk away with the utmost comfortability knowing my boy was with people that would treat him the same as I do. *Attaching a photo of a couple of the trainers...these dogs are so loved! read more

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I would not recommend Kris . He did not deliver results. Was not honest with us about our dog. I never go back yo some so dishonest.

The staff is fantastic. First time in a while that I've felt comfortable enough to go on a mini vacation, without worrying about our girls. One of our girls needs extra attention because she is 14 years old. I highly recommend this place. One of our girls did some training here, as well. read more

Upon arriving, the owner, Chris was not very personable. I had to introduce myself to him instead of the other way around. Something like, Hi I'm Chris, yada yada yada...would have been sufficient. I should've known that was a warning sign. After retrieving my dog from board and train, one of the trainers said that the dog was underweight. However, my dog wasn't underweight when he went to board and train. Moreover, when the dog got home he was severely dehydrated. A day later, my dog started vomiting, which a vet attributed to a bacterial infection. Hence, I will not be recommending this organization. read more

My 2 year old poodle needed some help with socialization and obedience. I took him to Enlighten Dogs for 2 weeks and the change is incredible. He is now able to be in pen with other dogs and he is approaching other humans, something he rarely did before. I've noticed a marked difference in his response to regular commands like sit, stay, and come as well. Definitely worth the money, and I'll be bringing all my future dogs here. All the trainers also really care about the dogs in the facility and are super friendly. read more

Excellent facility and staff we enjoyed our class in Pet CPR and first aide we all learned a alot and had fun. It was easy to arrange for and sign up for our team class now all my breeders and trainers are all certified I can't thank you enough for empowering us with this life saving information With great thanks, lovealabradoodle.com and right turn obedience read more

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Russ has helped us achieve milestones with our 8-month-old puppies by giving us the skills to teach them. We really appreciate his patience with us and would highly recommend him. read more

I recommend Enlighten Dogs for dog training. They possess extensive knowledge of dog behavior. Chris + the team are caring, professional, and skilled at seeing what is needed to help dogs and owners succeed. They use positive training techniques, which are vital in your relationship. It's learning to communicate with your beloved pet. My relationship with my Labradoodle, Stevie, has grown tremendously after training with Enlighten Dogs. I am forever grateful. read more

My mom took her two 4 month old pups for the board and train for 2 weeks and we saw an unbelievable change! They went from being 2 rambunctious pups that we could not control to 2 well behaved pups that we love to be around. We are now able to have them around my 2 year old niece and my 92 year old grandfather, which we weren't able to before, as well as our other dog. They know commands like stay, sit, wait and leave it. After the class was over they sat with us and explained everything in detail, answered all of our questions and worked with us for over an hour teaching us what they taught the dogs, and we never felt rushed. Would highly recommend them! read more

Good morning Kris This is Cindy. We had Simon a big lab with an enormous energy spirit. I have to say we got him and had dog training neither you. It was the best thing for him. Due to your wonderful place Simon lived to 13 years of age. Thank you to your place of care and understanding of our animals Cindy h. read more

Triston was our trainer for Luna. He is the best! Very personal, knowledgeable of your pet training. I would recommend him 100% and Luna just loves him!! read more

Enlighten Dogs - Pet Training Near Me - Cherry Valley, California

Unfortunately I can't give a 5 star review. I am getting bashed and threatened because of Christopher's lack of integrity and unprofessionalism. I am not the only one who has given him "1 star"; many have before this incident. He broke his contract without warning, adopted a rescue dog out to an inappropriate home without allowing me to do a home check or have them sign my contract. I never met the people and Christopher never allowed me to visit his training sessions or where Drake was being "trained"; to this day I have no idea where the people live and where Christopher sent him. I had to BEG for updates and received a few pictures and short videos showing him yanking on Drake. Ultimately Drake is paying the price. Drake is now at Riverside shelter because my rescue is full and WAY OVER THE LIMIT and the inappropriate home he put Drake in without proper due diligence Drake dug out of the yard and was picked up by Riverside AC. Christopher couldn't understand why I was so upset and threw Drake away like trash. We had a plan for Drake and Christopher didn't honor it. read more

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I have been hesitant in writing a review because I am ashamed I trusted one of my rescue dogs with Chris. I saw the good reviews and had a recommendation and I allowed him to keep one of my dogs who I should've protected. I had no idea he would be treated worse than he was when he was at the shelter. Forgotten, dirty, and neglected. I told Chris this dog didn't like being in a kennel and he assured me he would be in his home - a LIE. He was stuck in a cold dirty kennel by himself. He learned NOTHING. He finally gave me photos of him where his coat desperately needed brushing and I saw the look in his eyes and knew he needed to leave IMMEDIATELY so I moved him the next day. He left with nothing but a rope around his neck. Not his collar or harness he came with, not his leash or bed or toys he came with. A ROPE. My trusted trainer said he was neglected and probably abused. He couldn't handle any tugging to his neck or being brushed. After two weeks my trusted trainer had him walking good on leash and he trusted them to pet and brush him. My trusted trainer was disgusted in the way he treated him and I will forever be scarred by Chris. You're a horrible person and you don't deserve to have any animal in your care. He's doing great by the way no thanks to you. We had to gain his trust all over again because of the neglect you caused him. You're sick and should be ashamed of yourself. When I confronted him about it he completely blew me off. "He was a hard dog to work with" no, actually he isn't a hard dog at all. He is actually an extremely sweet good dog that was being neglected by you. Anyone interested you can message me for pictures and texts. read more

We recently had my puppy Maggie very interested good at the end of thev2week trainingdog training. The trainers are knowledgeable read more

Great trainer experience, very thankful for them. Tristan was our trainer and our dog warmed up to him very quickly.

Fraud?? My boy loves daycare for the 2 years he got to play with his friends and I don't mind paying for the service if my dog is being watched. After the 3rd time of showing up to pick up my boy and nobody is even onsite at the daycare & I mean no cars, all the lights were out... after attempting to knock on the door and call for Chris who I pay for my daycare service there's no answer. I hear my sweet boy barking in the back where it's dark and where the crates are located... I finally have had enough! How do I know this hasn't happened more than 3 times. I feel it's FRAUDULENT TO TAKE MONEY for a service if you're not even there to provide it. The first few times I let it slide...I showed up to pick up my boy from daycare and nobody was on the premises except for my boy in the back of the building in a crate. I had to call multiple times to get a hold of Chris who told me he had an emergency had to go to an appointment and then he said wasn't there very long. I know my dog was there long because I waited at least 30 to 45 minutes the first time and Chris also assured me there was another dog with him however when I saw Chris bring my boy out and then leave in his car to go home I never saw the second dog , that was a lie. The second time this happened it was the same situation different emergency, the third time this happened it was another emergency how he had to go help somebody else. I waited there 45 after trying to reach him by phone multiple times. I finally called the police because I couldn't reach anyone and I was so worried.. After this me and Chris had a nice conversation and he apologized and everything was fine. However a month later I talk to Chris about having my dog go play at daycare for a few hours and he said no because one of the customers complained and said I was slandering him. What I was telling The other doodle mom was that be careful if you're going to leave your dog because of what happened to Hunter at daycare with the abandoned building incident & when he stayed three nights at overnight stay he came home reeking of urine, and his blanket and my bag was also reeking of urine to the point of throwing it in a dumpster off a highway. The doodle mom thanked me for this information and then told Chris everything I said. I personally would want someone to tell me this info quite frankly. I really thought dog peeps stick together LOL but I was wrong.. here is my message after I talk to Chris about daycare a month after our really nice conversation.... PS. People share good/bad reviews or favorite things about daycare, restaurants, department stores, sushi bars etc...it's what we do.. Heres the message I got after Gunners mom talk to Chris about my concerns.. Chris knows I'm off work since the death of my mom by the way... Instead of accepting responsibility he unprofessional & rude! Chris message to me says.... ""Unfortunately no I cannot have you come back I got a call from a client couple weeks ago Gunners owner that sent me screenshots of some Reviews /comments that you sent her....slandering me and EnlightenDogs if that continues I will file a lawsuit for slander And I have no problem calling Your Job and telling them how unstable you are for sharing this information."" This coming from the owner who charge me for a service when my dog was alone!!! Fraud. You get fired from my job for leaving the building without clocking out- it's called Time FRAUD!! I WILL CONTINUE TO SHARE MY EXPERIENCES WITH OTHERS WHEN IT COMES TO PROTECTING OUR BELOVED DOGS OR ANY ANIMAL. read more

Enlighten Dogs - Sweet Doodle boy - Pet Training Near Me - Cherry Valley, California

We took our almost one year old golden retriever to Enlighten for the 2 week board and train because we were at our wits end with her. The dog we got back was an almost 180 turn around. She still has her issues but now we can work through them. "Place", "sit" and "stay" have become our best friends. She can walk on a leash without yanking my arm off. We're signing up for the group classes next so we can get better at working with her ourselves. Chris and his trainers are helpful and kind. And Layla never freaked out when being dropped off for her follow ups so that speaks volumes. So glad my friend recommended Enlighten. read more

Our type A personality border collie spent two weeks at board/train and came back a new dog. The trainers and facility are incredible. The daily updates with pictures and videos, wonderful! Thanks so much for making our dog so much easier to handle in public. read more

Enlighten Dogs - Kai sitting like good boy. - Pet Training Near Me - Cherry Valley, California

After eight years of boarding my dog with Chris I am updating 5star review to one ( 0 if I could) Chris owner of enlightened dog has always boarded my dog since I had her for eight years and I always trusted him because my dog loved him. I was assured that she always had a yard and was kept inside his home at night. Over the last two years we discovered my pup had a bad back, hip dysplasia, and a bad knee we are keeping her comfortable with several pain medications she gets with her food every morning and night. Chris is VERY aware of all of this. We don't like to leave her at all but, when it is necessary we went to Chris... until March 2020. We came home a day early and called Chris so we could come and get her at his"ranch"( Has always been a challenge to drop off and pick up) we finally get a hold of him and he says to come on over. We've been there many times so we know the drill. My husband pulls up and -- no Chris. My husband goes ahead and goes inside the yard and sees Chris and he looks surprised. He hollers at my husband to wait there and he will get her Huh? My husband decided NOT to wait and ran after him. He runs to a back building/ garage and there on the floor in a kennel is our old girl on a cold concrete floor without the bed we left for her she was limping but bolted from the garage and peed immediately, she obviously had not been out all day. My husband gets her home and is beyond upset but, there is more. We open her pill case and discovered she was only given one morning's worth of pills - ONE! We were gone FIVE days! I called Chris and told him what we discovered. He flat out LIED to us and said " I gave her ALL her pills" -- uh WHAT? I do not have a sight problem, I am standing my kitchen looking at five days of pills that we gave him to ensure she was comfortable. We have always thought of Chris as a family friend and given his name to many people but, we were duped. If you love your dog please don't board them with Chris at Enlighten dog, find a responsible boarding facility and inspect where they are kept. read more

We took our dog here for training and this business kept changing venues and trainers. If a dog needs training, one thing he needs to have is consistency in approach. They didn't seem to have a plan from week to week. It was if they were learning the ins and outs themselves. We got frustrated with the disorganization and found a good trainer at CampWannaQ in Riverside. Even though it's farther, I don't want my pup confused. These people talk a good game, but they struck out with me. read more

A BIG thank you to Chris at Enlighten Dogs. Our German Shepard, Nala is doing great with his support . I'm so thankful for everything Chris has helped up with and shown us this far. read more

Enlighten Dogs - Nala - Pet Training Near Me - Cherry Valley, California

We've been very happy with Chris and his team for more than a year. We have had personal training, daycare and boarding services and we believe that our boarder collie is happier and better trained due to her and our experience with Enlighten Dogs. We continue to take her once a week to doggy daycare and she loves all of the staff and, especially, Chris. read more

A couple of months ago I finally realized that I needed professional help with my wild cattle dog puppy, and I am SO GLAD I contacted Enlighten Dogs! I did the two week board/train and noticed such a huge improvement as soon as my dog came home. I had previously been struggling to deal with his strong herding instincts and territorial behavior, and Chris was such a huge help with that. I really appreciated that he was very communicative with me the whole time. After his two week board/train we had five weeks of lessons onsite with Isabella which really helped me to learn how to communicate with my dog. Overall it was such a great experience and I am so so so grateful. My dog is still a work in progress but we wouldn't have gotten this far without Enlighten Dogs! read more

Enlighten Dogs - My good boy! - Pet Training Near Me - Cherry Valley, California

The Enlighten Dog Training team will forever be on our list of people who made a positive difference in our lives. Recently I had an unexpected medical emergency. One call to Chris and he was able to assist us in getting our dog into his boarding/ training program. It was too dangerous for me to have a 60-pound puppy at home until I was healed enough to be able to avoid infection or injury. Three weeks later when our 7-month-old puppy was able to come home Russ spent several hours working with me and my family to ensure my safety and our puppy's success. During my time in the hospital and recuperation time at home, both Chris and Russ were responsive to my calls and text messages. They sent videos and pictures of our puppy's success. He came home to us crate trained and able to follow a list of basic commands. In addition, Russ had trained him to be able to walk next to my wheelchair and knee scooter safely. Russ was so good at assessing my medical and health needs in relation to our puppy, that he came up with a plan on the spot for us to execute immediately. Chris and his team understand dogs and have a deep commitment to helping owners support their dog's development into their best selves. One note, if you are looking for dog pampering, 24/7 onsite supervision, fancy beds, with a TV in every suite, "Instagram cute" experience for your dog then I recommend you spend twice as much elsewhere. If, however, you want your dog to be cared for safely, and have training time, playtime, and other normal dog experiences I highly recommend and give 5 stars to Enlighten Dogs. read more