I first started working with Moriah 3-4 years ago. At the time we were fostering dogs and just had…read moreour first "foster fail" a roughly 1-2 year old Boston terrier who had serious reactivity and aggression issues. He would bite potential adoption parents and we were afraid if he ended up in the wrong home he would have the possibility of hurting someone and getting put down. So we kept him! Shorty after we did a B&T with Moriah. We started off with 2 weeks but later ended up doing 3 weeks. Honestly it was the best money we ever spent. Symptoms/triggers - any new people, new dogs, people reaching for him, pretty much everything. Result- active listening, listening to commands, place work, walking on leash without issues and able to off leash play in public places. I think the biggest result was better communication between us and our little guy, our relationship improved significantly and all of our lives improved because of it. We got a Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy one year ago and we have already done a B&T, and will do another the next time we take a trip. He has zero issues, but he goes to B&T anyways because it is so helpful. I think it's important to remember that training is for you, and your dog. You need to be willing to learn, practice, and apply the methods that Moriah will train you on as well. As long as you are willing to do the work, you will be 100% glad you did it!!! Also, Moriah is the best, even after training you'll have the opportunity to join her community of dog owner and participate in group walk and events. It's a lot of fun and a good group of people!!

This review is long overdue (and also long in length LOL)! A year ago, Moriah accepted my dog Teddy…read morefor a 4 week board-and-train to tackle his severe leash reactivity. Without exaggeration, Moriah has changed both my and Teddy's lives forever, and so I wanted to write this for others looking for help with their reactive pups. As some context, Teddy is a golden retriever + great pyr mix and was around 2.5yo at the time. Teddy has severe excitement-based reactivity and would lunge and bark at dogs within like 0.3 seconds of seeing them (from over a 20ft+ distance!). It was incredibly hard to have teachable moments, I was getting injured & knew he was in a lot of stress as well. I had gone thru (primarily all R+) puppy training, private training, virtual consult & training, listened to podcasts and read books, etc. With his growing size & his breed dispositions, I really wanted to try balanced training with an expert. Moriah was the exact person we needed. She cares deeply about dogs and I really appreciated that she was so knowledgeable about LGDs and leash reactivity, and also honest about expectations for her training. She really sets you up to succeed as a team, because dog training is more about human training than the dog IMO. Aside from the incredible training she did 1-on-1 with Teddy, on my end, Moriah taught me how to read my dog's body cues, be a more consistent handler and show up as a reliable person in my dog's eyes. Teddy is now professionally trained on prong collar and e-collar, giving me physical tools I can choose to use. She always guides me through her logic of why and how she would use the e-collar vs. R+ vs. a combination. She is still invested in our progress long after the B&T period, still down to troubleshoot with me if I have a quick question. Before the board and train, Teddy and I lived with so many restrictions... staying within my neighborhood with the dreaded training sessions far far away from other dogs. After B&T...both our worlds have expanded so much. We can now do the long trail walks and jogs and have explored so many parks in the Bay! We do an evening walk almost everyday. I just came back from a great session where we walked past large and tiny barking dogs, 100% pass. Some days he'll be more reactive than others, but we now have skills and tools where we can defuse the situation and move on quickly with confidence. If you have a reactive dog, especially a big or LGD breed, I highly recommend working with Moriah. It is the best decision I've made for Teddy. I still remember bringing Teddy home from B&T and being in shock that I could walk at a park at sunset with my dog for the first time ever. That's where I took this pic of Teddy and always feel emotional seeing it. So much thanks and gratitude to Moriah!!

Last year, my Golden Retriever, Rogie, was attacked by multiple dogs. That experience changed him…read more He became anxious and fearful around other dogs, especially bigger dogs approaching him or jumping around him. What might look like normal dog behavior to someone else felt like a threat to Rogie, and he'd go straight into fight-or-flight mode. I met with several trainers around the Bay Area after that, but nothing really felt satisfactory. I didn't want to just manage his reactions or put a bandaid on the problem. I wanted to understand what was causing them and how to help him. We heard about René through one of Rogie's friends who had great results with him, and decided to give it a try. On evaluation day, René simply watched how I interacted with Rogie and pointed out something I hadn't really considered. Some of the things I was doing, despite having the best intentions, were actually adding to Rogie's anxiety. We love our dogs so much that sometimes we forget they don't understand or perceive things the way we do. I had become so focused on everything happening around us. What if a dog approaches from the front? What if one comes from behind? What if someone walks past our front door? What is that dog doing? What is that person doing? I was constantly anticipating the next problem and trying to have a solution ready for every possible situation. It was exhausting. My nervous system was on fire, walks had become stressful, and somewhere along the way, I'd started feeling like I was failing Rogie. René snapped me out of that thought process with something so simple: Stop worrying about everything else. Focus on what YOU are doing, and the rest will fall into place. Sounds simple, right? But I really needed someone to tell me that. He taught me how much my posture, body language, timing, and technique matter. And none of it was about finding some magical quick fix. It required persistence, focus, consistency, and discipline on my part. One thing I really appreciated about René was his structured approach. There was a schedule, homework that needed to be completed and signed off, clear expectations for every class, and even a set graduation day. I loved that! His instructions were straightforward, and he explained the what, the why, and the how. I always knew what we were working toward and what was expected of me. And the changes in Rogie? He's calmer, more relaxed, and our walks have improved so much. He's no longer pulling on the leash, and we're not constantly struggling through our walks. But the biggest difference, and the one that makes me happiest, is that Rogie is having fun! Before, he was so focused on everything happening around him that even when we were outside together, his attention was always somewhere else. Now he's much more interested in playing fetch with me! He's actually engaged in what we're doing together instead of constantly watching the environment. I can't explain how happy that makes me. After seeing him become so fearful following the attack, watching him relax and enjoy himself is wonderful. I didn't want a dog who just followed commands. I wanted Rogie to enjoy being a dog. And here's something I never thought I'd be saying in a dog trainer review: My nervous system calmed down. I'm sleeping better. If you've spent a long time constantly worrying about your dog's safety, you might understand how much that means. I finally have a clear plan, a checklist, and the confidence to focus on what I need to do rather than trying to prepare for every possible thing that could go wrong. I also appreciate that René doesn't sugarcoat things. He tells you what needs to be done, sets expectations, and expects you to put in the work. You can't just show up for a training session and expect your dog to magically change. You have to do your homework too, and I genuinely liked that approach. My only regret is not doing proper research when I first brought Rogie home in 2022. I wish we'd started with René back then. Having the right foundation from the beginning could have saved us a lot of unnecessary stress and helped me approach things differently when Rogie's fear developed after the attack. The biggest lesson for me has been that I don't need a separate plan for a hundred different situations. I need to focus on what I'm doing and learn how to be someone Rogie can look to for guidance. René, thank you for helping both of us. You've made such a difference, and I'm so glad we found you. I cannot recommend René enough, especially if you're willing to put in the work yourself. This experience has been about so much more than teaching Rogie to follow commands. It's about both of us learning to relax and enjoy our time together again.

We have two 5 year old Cane Corso mixes from the same litter, Bailey and Dozer, and after they got…read moreinto a pretty serious fight we knew we needed help. We found René and honestly the difference in both dogs and how we handle them has been incredible. Before training, walks were exhausting. They would pull, whine when they saw other dogs, want to go up to people, and get so fixated on things that nothing would snap them out of it. High value treats, walking the opposite directing, us talking, nothing worked. If our neighbor's dog started barking, they would run up and pace the fence. Bailey specifically had so much anxiety, she would pace, shake, or chew at her paws. They were behaviors we hadn't dealt with in our previous dogs, and behaviors that only got worse over time. Now both dogs heel, walk past people and dogs without reacting and Bailey has learned how to actually calm herself down. The biggest goal for us was getting Bailey and Dozer back together after their fight, and we have. We can have them together in a controlled and safe setting without constantly worrying something is going to happen. We still keep them separate when we aren't around or if we are moving room to room because we don't want to rush it. But we are hopeful that with continued training we will be able to get there in time. René was very transparent about this during our consultation. Because of their history we want to make sure everyone is safe and we are bringing them back together responsibly. The best "trust the process" moment for us was today at Bark in the Park. It has been a little over a month since they graduated from Fur Real K9 and we decided to take both of them. There were dogs everywhere, people, treats, barking, basically every possible trigger for a dog. They both kept their heel, held their down stays with everything going on around them, and even when dogs around them got into fights neither Bailey or Dozer reacted. I don't think anyone who knew our dogs before training would believe that. It is such a proud feeling being able to walk past so many misbehaved dogs pulling or not listening to commands and look down at our dogs and see them in a perfect heel. René didn't just train our dogs, he taught us how to communicate with them, understand their behaviors, and actually handle them confidently. They both still have their... personalities at times, but the difference in what we can safely do with them now is huge. I trust René with my dogs and would recommend Fur Real K9 to anyone with stubborn, anxious, reactive, large, or just very opinionated dogs. I genuinely wish we had called him when they were puppies.

Annalisa has watched my pug Puggy and did an excellent job! She gave me complete peace of mind…read morewhile I was away. She's easy to work with, sends lots of communication and pictures throughout Puggy's stay, and sends playful videos. I highly recommend Annalisa to anyone looking for a trustworthy and caring pet sitter

Annalisa is amazing ! My fur baby Zoey is 12, and ever since her brother passed away a few months…read moreago she has been having separation anxiety so I feel bad leaving her alone. I left her with Annalisa and got updates throughout the night of Zoey cuddling with her and other dogs ! 10/10 would recommend !

5/5 Stars -- A true puppy genius and an absolute lifesaver!…read more If I could give Amelia Olson ten stars, I still don't think it would be enough. Navigating puppyhood can be an overwhelming journey, but working with Amelia has completely transformed the experience for us. From our very first session, she proved herself to be nothing short of a puppy whisperer. Amelia has been working with our little Maltipoo, Mercedeh, and the progress has been remarkable. What sets Amelia apart isn't just her deep knowledge of dog behavior and training techniques--it's her boundless patience, warmth, and genuine love for canine companions. She doesn't just train the dog; she lovingly guides and empowers the owners every step of the way. She has shown endless patience with all of our questions, always meeting us with encouragement, clear communication, and practical solutions tailored specifically to Mercedeh's personality. Mercedeh absolutely adores her, and we genuinely look forward to every single session on our calendar. You can feel how much Amelia truly cares about the animals she works with; her dedication, heart, and passion shine through in everything she does. I want to voice our deepest and most sincere gratitude to Amelia for all of her hard work, care, and commitment to our family. We will unquestionably continue to train with her, and we cannot recommend her highly enough to any pet parent looking for top-tier, compassionate, and effective training. Amelia is simply the best in the business!

We had 5 sessions with Amelia over the past year and working with her has been great. We never had…read moreformal training for my dog, Dash, prior to working with Amelia, and the only reason we wanted training for him was because he was struggling with separation anxiety. Amelia gave us really powerful tools to improve Dash's behavior, and overall and tips and tricks for how to get him more comfortable at home. Dash is a lot more attentive to my cues on walks and is a lot less reactive to dogs on walks. He was a well mannered dog to begin with, but is even better now. I really appreciated that Amelia was able to come to my home in San Jose to do the training. Even though Dash primarily lives with my parents in San Bruno, he still spends a fair amount of time in my home in San Jose and getting him trained in a familiar environment has seemed to be beneficial for him. We also went to the Campbell Farmer's Market and Santana Row to expose Dash to a lot of children/other dogs and all were really great outings for Dash. Thanks Amelia for your patience and guidance!

Stef was super responsive and tailored her services to our needs. She came over for a free…read moreconsultation, was pleasant and professional, and provided us the confidence our two kittens were in good hands. While we were on vacation, her text updates with pictures let us know all was well. We look forward to using Stef's Pet Services in the future!

Stephanie came out to the house to do an in-home assessment for dog-walking service next day after…read moreI found the website online. Richard helped out because the location is more remote, past Los Gatos. Koda Kinte is a pitt-terrier mix, 2 years old, very playful and energetic. They were very caring and professional, dog advocates. Sent photos of play-time, bonded with him. Excellent communication and very willing to help if there was a last minute schedule change. Reliable and affordable. Highly recommend this company. Stephanie is very flexible and was always available anytime I reached out.

My boyfriend and I got our Chocolate Labrador, Bubby, when he was 10 months old last November…read more Bubby is extremely sweet and smart, sometimes a little too smart for his own good! We quickly realized that we needed some help with his training, and that is when I found Brassy's Paw Army. When I first met Brizza and introduced her to Bubby, she immediately understood what he needed. The truth was, Bubby needed better guidance, but so did I. We had HUGE problems with recall, staying, down, sitting, drop, and honestly, anything you could think of. A lot of the problem was that I simply wasn't giving him the right guidance or communicating with him the way he needed. From our very first training session, Bubby started learning and understanding. We started small with things like heel, place, and getting him comfortable with his e-collar. At the beginning, I didn't realize just how much those small commands would change everything in the end. Fast forward to now, and Bubby can be completely free off leash. He understands heel, down, and place. He stopped jumping on people, knows when it is time to settle down, and understands when it is bedtime instead of playtime. Most importantly, he is now using his intelligence in the best way possible. He loves having commands to follow and absolutely loves showing off his tricks! Bubby and I both struggled throughout this process, but the Paw Army NEVER gave up on either of us. They were understanding, communicative, supportive, and always willing to help. They taught me that training isn't just about teaching the dog. It is also about teaching the owner how to communicate, lead, and understand their dog. I am incredibly grateful for Brizza, Brass, and the entire Paw Army. I will always support and recommend them to anyone who needs training, support, or even just has questions about their dog. If you are looking for more than just dog training, definitely check them out! They offer multiple services including dog training, overnight dog care, pool & beach days for your furry babies, and Turbo Paws. If your dog needs exercise but you have work, errands, or simply need an hour to yourself, check out Turbo Paws! They do the work, your dog gets the exercise, and you get the results. Thank you, Brassy's Paw Army, for helping Bubby become the best version of himself and for helping me become a better dog owner along the way. We will always be part of the Paw Army!

We have a 7 year old, dog reactive, American Pitbull Terrier (Fidel) that has been enjoying…read more Brassy's Paw Army care for a little over a year now. My partner and I learned about Brassy's Paw Army through a friend who sought obedience training for his puppy and then continued to use their dog walking and active paws service after. We needed someone to watch our dog while we were away on vacation. However, we were skeptical of leaving him with someone who was under qualified or uncomfortable with a stubborn, and headstrong dog like ours. We also did not like idea of our little guy being boarded somewhere where he would be left in a kennel all day. For context: Our dog has received training from multiple trainers in the Bay Area and even completed a board and train program due to his dog reactivity. Needless to say, we are very aware that not everyone feels comfortable caring for a reactive dog. We are also not as trusting of just anyone to feel confident in caring for him as well. Having the background knowledge that Brassy also works as a dog trainer, we felt she would be a good option. We reached out through email and she was quick in following up through text. She connected us with Brizza who has been Fidel's main care taker in the paw army. We scheduled a meet and greet and then a few sessions for Brizza to walk Fidel (our dog) so they can become acquainted. We gave her background on the training Fidel had and the tools we use. He eventually started going for "active paws" sessions which gave us such peace of mind knowing that he was both getting time out of the house AND receiving much needed exposure/training with his dog reactivity and reinforcing his obedience training. They use an app to make it easy to book services and to also update us on what Fidel is up to. When we have had Fidel boarded with Brizza, we are so comfortable knowing that he is with someone who treats him like their own dog. She is so accommodating and truly loves our dog. Brassy's Paw Army is every dog parents dream come true!

Jeanette was amazing training our dog. We tried the chain store training and it was okay but…read moreoutside of class was a completely different thing. Our high energy doodle is so smart but Staying focused was such a challenge.With Jeanette we did his training outside with distractions like loud noises cars people and other animals around. With her help our dog is fully crate trained , comes to us when called and we can send him to his spot/place when guests are over or we are having dinner. It's so nice being able to take him with us to shops or dinner. I really appreciated the back and forth communication when I had concerns and questions.

If you are looking for a trainer in the San jose area, Jeanette is your girl. The process of…read morebeginning private lessons was quick and easy. Just contact her through Instagram or her phone number to schedule an assessment. She is super nice and has the best knowledge to help build that confidence in your pup and the handler as well. She was very supportive and understanding of my concerns before, during and after our sessions. Be prepared to put in work with your dog because training your pup takes time and patience. I am glad that over three years later we are still and contact and I'm looking forward to having lessons with her again in the near future. Thanks Jeanette for teaching me so much about dogs and building that confidence in me to be an amazing handler for my chunkers. Mariposa and I wouldn't be who we are today if it weren't for you!!

Whinde has been a god send. Ever find yourself crying at night or trying to give your puppy away on…read morethe streets? Because if you do, Whinde is your phone a friend. Not only does she help me watching the dogs when I need to go out of town, or for the day ... takes them on the best long walks and to the park. She trains them. They love her. She really is the best. Have you met her dog? She's the most well behaved beautiful dog on the planet. Lucky to have Whinde. My other dog is also very special needs and requires medicine and different treatment and it's never an issue or something I worry about.

I am so grateful for Whinde…read more My cousin took a 6 week travel and needed a sitter for her dog, Pepe (Scottish Terrior and Lab). As a non dog owner, what is it to walk and feed a dog, right? Right. Dogs are literally like babies, from how they want to walk, to what they will actually eat, how many times to eat, how to be social - all the things. I noticed Pepe had growth areas in all the things... Especiallyyyyyy eating and getting super aggressive when he passes other dogs on our walks. Super grateful for Whinde. she's given me some food recipes for Pepe to try out (which he loves), and some training techniques for easier walks. When I tell you, not only was dog sitting easier and more fulfilling for me, but his mother came home to a happier camp and is super grateful for The Dog Haus herself.