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    Hillcrest Retrievers

    5.0 (1 review)

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    Private dog training

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    3 years ago

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    The Canine Training Center

    The Canine Training Center

    (28 reviews)

    VERY BAD EXPERIENCE. DO NOT SEND YOUR DOG TO THIS PLACE…read more We signed up our dog here for the two week board and train program back in September. We dropped her there on Friday morning and tried calling them over the weekend to check on our dog as she had separation anxiety issues. The people kept transferring us to the voicemail and and didn't even mention that the person who is responsible to answer phone calls is out of office for the weekend. We tried tell the people we just want to make sure our dog is okay. We were very close to go back on Monday and take are dog back as this was very unprofessional and not the communication we wanted. Someone from their office called us back on Monday and apologized and told us that our puppy was okay. After 2 weeks when we went to pick our dog, the trainer who handed over our dog didn't know how to show us her training. Our dog did not learn anything and MOST IMPORTANTLY THEY GAVE HER BACK TO US WITH A BAD DIAREAHA AND WITH HER VOICE GONE. They didn't even give us a heads up about her condition . Andrew W. called us and we explained him everything and told him how disappointed we were. We still wanted to give this place another chance. At the time of the call Andrew seemed apologetic. Andrew asked for videos of our dog's response to the commands they taught her so that he can come up with a plan. We did as he asked and provided him with videos he requested. Its January and we never heard back from him or anyone from CTC. There hasn't been a follow up or any attempts to reach us. All I will say is that this place is BAD at COMMUNICATING, NOT RESPONSIVE, CANNOT BE TRUSTED WITH YOUR DOG. I WILL NOT RECOMMENDD THIS PLACE TO ANYONE. THEY ARE NOT RELIABLE AT ALL. Think twice before you spend over $2000 to send your dog to them.

    I have waisted $2100 on them and caution you to do the same as when I expressed the lack of…read moretraining my dog has to them they reminded me that I signed a contract and my money is non refundable. My newfoundland needed some basic ground work done so I decided to board and train with CTC. Andrew agreed that this was the best option for him. I was asked and discussed what I wanted with him by 3 different people, his admin, him, and the trainer that I dropped him off with. None of which told me that his mounting issue with other dogs was something that could not be trained and would NOT be addressed during training. I made it very clear this was a strong issue for me because he wasn't allowed back at daycare because of it. When we picked him up and asked about it, that is when we learned that it was not addressed and couldn't be trained out of him. At pick up my dog was clearly exhausted. Obviously they had worked him hard before we got there. Even still, he didn't listen to Andrew and heel properly. He kept trying to come back to my car even though Andrew said he wouldn't recognize it. Or he would refuse to lay down to the point he was yanking the leash down hard to get him on the hot pavement. Definitely not a dog you would expect to have been trained for 2 weeks for over $2k for the basics. From the beginning my dog has always been calm around other dogs. He is no longer that way. Since getting him back he lunges at other dogs. He suddenly is terrified of loud noises when he wasn't before/ The ecollar training is not building a bond, in fact I feel like it is breaking the bond between me and my dog. I have read other negative reviews about his training technique doing this and I wish I would have read them before going there. Due to Covid we had to do pickup from our car and watch as Andrew did his demonstration with our dog. We were on our bluetooth while he talked to us from his phone. Social distancing can still happen from one end of the driveway to the other and still see if we're doing the directions properly. Instead we were sent home without any directions, just videos from his website. Which he told us when we were there that he has since changed some of the methods he trains with from those methods. He doesn't use the button at the times he used to in the videos so if you follow only the videos you're using it too much. My first email was a response to Andrew's only email to me asking how he was where I immediately said good but I was having trouble with heel. He never responded. I waited and a week later started sending messages about how upset I was that my dog was not trained. Finally Andrew responded with an at home training where he said my dog actually had to start with a step BEFORE heel. Where I need to constantly put treats in front of his face. This too hasn't worked and I haven't heard from him since that training, a month ago. I have followed his training methods without any results and will go to another trainer.

    Unleashed Joy Dog Training

    Unleashed Joy Dog Training

    (13 reviews)

    Beth came to our house initially a few years ago for a private consult to help with my…read morereactive/fearful Aussie. She was incredibly compassionate and knowledgable. Foremost she is a certified positive trainer. I was most impressed by how she looked at every detail- my dog, me, my husband. the house, neighborhood etc so she could really drill down and create a plan for us. SO much better than reading a book and trying to apply theory when just starting out. (books are good too but I like a teacher) Beth suggested we could benefit from her Reactive Dog Class and it changed our lives and that is no exaggeration. It was an hour drive and 100% worth it. Boots on the ground, in a group setting with one on one help. Not at all easy to find reactive dog classes like hers! First you have an awesome experienced trainer, her team is fantastic, a safe outdoor location where you can learn in real time the ways to help your dog (and you) feel more confident bc you have been there with Beth (Fiona and trusted helpers are great) with other dogs and owners. You get to see their improvements too. Anyway, I took the class 4 times maybe. While so many times isn't necessary I loved the structure. Don't hesitate to contact Beth.

    Olivia Bainter gets the highest superlatives for kindness, caring, warmth, knowledge, and teaching…read morenot only for Skipper, our eight month old dog, but also for my wife and me. Someone well versed in Pat Miller's Positive Reinforcement Method already recommended Olivia as not only being knowledgeable, but also warm and empathetic. The person who made this recommendation was right. If you are looking for a fabulous trainer, and with whom you and your dog will have a lot of fun, Olivia at Unleashed Joy belongs at the top of your list. My wife agrees. And Skipper agrees!

    Off Leash K9 Training Maryland

    Off Leash K9 Training Maryland

    (74 reviews)

    Listen, I'm not sure where to start because there's so much I want to cover regarding OLK9's Day…read moreCamp Program. First things first, Craig [Martin] is a Rockstar trainer. Period. Our very first interaction was great...his energy was wonderful...he did not disappoint! He was very methodical with his approach...explaining every step of the process...very engaging...constant updates of the Boyz progress...videos, photos...wait! The photos that I received were Ahhhhhhh-mazing, I mean impressive...only to learn that he's a photographer as well...but I digress. The Boyz are spoiled and I have no shame in stating this...*smile*. But they needed to learn manners. I have two large and very strong Standard Poodles - Mr. Brown and Max. They're extremely smart, pretty obedient in the house, but a huge challenge on walks...my poor dog walker. I wanted to be able to take them anywhere without the extended conversations of sit, stay, what are you doing? you know better... etc. At any rate, I'd been following OLK9 Maryland for some time online. I knew that training for two dogs was going to be a budget buster. Thankfully, I was able to take advantage of the "Black Friday" or "Cyber Monday" (can't remember which one it was). I cannot say enough about the great experience I had...the Boyz were happy to see Craig each day which was a HUGE relief for me. Yes, additional work/training on my part is required...to me that's a no brainer. As a responsible pet owner, I want to make sure that there is consistency and an expectation that my Boyz are well behaved and well mannered. Which means I have to do the work. Funny, as I was driving home from our final session, I was so tempted to take them on a short walk because I knew it would be enjoyable. But decided to wait until morning... I'm so excited to be able to have an enjoyable walk with these guys... less scolding and more bonding. Well worth the time and financial commitment. Thank you OLK9 Maryland for bringing additional joy to our home... things are definitely more "manageable". I'm really looking forward to our walks, especially since there will be NO more pulling! Can't wait to be able to take them to the "brick and mortar" with me once it's open! "Life Changing K9 Training"

    I wasted over $1,000 to unknowingly abuse my dog through Off Leash K9. I sought help because my dog…read morewas reactive toward other dogs, loud vehicles, and people. I was desperate to help my dog and myself and Off Leash K9 had good reviews. What these folks didn't tell me was that my dog's reactivity, what I thought was outright aggression, was actually fear - that she was scared of all of these things and trying to protect herself from them. So with the use of the e-collar (really just a shock collar let's be honest), I punished her every time she showed a fear response at Off Leash K-9's direction. This definitely changed her behavior, but rather than helping her feel more comfortable with the things that scared her, we instead punished her for being afraid and taught her to hide her fear responses. I wish I had looked at the science behind dog behavior, because I now know research shows that punishment through things like e-collars, buzz collars, spray bottles, etc. are incredibly counterproductive to changing dog behavior long term and they seriously traumatize the dog. I'm so very grateful to have met a Fear Free trainer who taught me about positive reinforcement. It has improved my relationship with my dog immensely and it has ultimately lead to the sustained behavior change I was looking for. Please do not waste your money on abusive, ignorant training through Off Leash K9.

    Controlled K9 - My girl Sheba....

    Controlled K9

    (45 reviews)

    This was just the experience I want for my dog…read more James is awesome. He's so attentive to what you need or want from your dog. My dog, Koa is a year old Belgian Malinois but unfortunately was not trained. She was rehomed to me. I desperately needed obedience training. James shared pictures and videos with me of the whole journey since I lived 3 1/2 hours away. I had no reservations about leaving her with him. I doubt she wanted to leave him to come home! This will probably not be the only training she will get from James. He's very open to this being a great experience for you and your dog. I highly recommend him for any training you need for your dog.

    My husband and I can't say enough good things about Controlled K9! We recently adopted a two year…read moreold German Shepherd who was well behaved in the house but a true terror to walk on leash (pulling and severe reactivity towards other dogs). Controlled K9 came to our home to evaluate her and recommended a four week board and train to work on basic obedience, leash manners, and off leash recall. We loved that she was taken in as a member of the family during her "boarding school," and they provided regular photos and updates on her progress throughout. She returned to us her same happy, sweet self in the house, but basically a new dog on leash! The Controlled K9 team trained us on how to continue her training, and remained super responsive to our follow up questions. It's incredible to see the transformation and we're so grateful to the Controlled K9 team for changing our lives - and Zoey's - for the better!

    Ridgeside K9 - Dog laying down

    Ridgeside K9

    (237 reviews)

    Brandi & Perry were amazing! Highly recommend working with them…read more We adopted a one year old mixed breed, Tuck, a few months ago. He's very sweet but started to get rambunctious to the point that my remote work felt challenging. He also started jumping or freezing when he saw other dogs on walks, and he occasionally barked or growled and men. We weren't sure if it was the start of aggressive behavior or just the result of a shelter dog that hasn't been exposed. After doing our research, we decided to do the 3 week behavior modification board and train program. We were really impressed from beginning to end. They shared a ton of information upfront, walked us through their facility (we opted to drop him off) and sent pictures and updates every evening. It became clear right away that they both have a very deep understanding of dogs, as well as a real respect and love for them. Tuck loved them! The best part was the "transition" day when Perry brought Tuck back and spent the day teaching us everything they've worked on together. We are first time dog owners so generally going in pretty blind. Perry gave us a 101 on dogs and the importance of clear and consistent communication. He talked through all of the layers of training and how/why it is effective. We felt this part was SO helpful for us to understand how to be better owners. Then we walked Tuck around the neighborhood with Perry guiding us and then spent time addressing indoor behaviors too. He was flexible and stayed until we felt comfortable with everything. This is a long review so the TLDR: finding a trainer is a big decision and investment so we wanted to get it right. Brandi & Perry were really incredible and beyond our expectations!! Truly worth every penny! Tuck has been doing really great at home and outside since being home. I've been able to work full days with him holding "place" on his cot, which would have been unheard of before!

    I can't say enough good things about Brandi and Perry Bailey of RSK9. Their work has given my pup…read moreand I so much freedom and balance. Pebbles (blue heeler, 1.5 years old) would never listen to me, would not sit or lay still, and had a lot of other obedience issues that caused her to be stressed or confused. She was a TOUGH dog to train and I was concerned I couldn't find the solution for her to get basic concepts. This view has completely changed since working with RSK9's 3 week program. I would HIGHLY recommend them and their methods - you can tell they genuinely love working with dogs and it's made a huge difference in giving my dog the chance to find real rest at home. They send DAILY updates with photos and videos which was so nice. This isn't a regular class or something you just pay for; it's truly an investment that you and your dog will be using for the time you get to share together. Side note: it's worth doing 3 weeks versus 2 weeks. At the 2 week mark is when Pebbles really started to understand her marks and cues. From here there is so much more that can be refined and Brandi/Perry really capitalize on that threshold being crossed!

    Wolffe Puppy Training - #noshocknoprongnopain

    Wolffe Puppy Training

    (22 reviews)

    We just recently hired Scott to work with us and the pooch we rescued in January. Our dog is a…read moreHusky mix, and is a little over 4 years old. While basically a good dog in many respects, Riggins displays anxiety and shuts down during walks, which manifested in his past as fear aggression. This is not something we had dealt with with our previous pets, and knew that we needed to ensure against any kind of dangerous situation. We understood when we adopted Riggins we'd need to work with him on these ingrained bad habits. Shortly after we adopted him, we tried out group training sessions. It was clear the group training was for working on basic stuff, a lot of which our dog already knew. We felt the best option was to go with 1-1 training. And so glad we did. It was worth every penny. Scott gave us the tools to work with Riggins, as well as manage our expectations and learn how to deal with a variety of situations. We signed up for five training sessions with Scott, and as others mentioned in their reviews, the training started as soon as Scott entered the house. He made an immediate connection with Riggins and so amazing to see how the dog just snapped to attention for him. Such a great talent to have. Basically Scott told us we need to completely reprogram our dog. We're continuing to work on that, and probably will for the foreseeable future. But there's been a definite improvement in the way we deal with Riggins, and I see daily 'baby step' progress on walks. We've also been bike riding with Riggins, which he seems to enjoy and is great at draining his energy. The bike rides also ensure that the dog is following me, I'm in the lead and have control over the situation. So thanks to Scott for his help. We may well call him again for a tune-up, but for right now, we're putting his recommendations in place and are seeing a difference.

    My fiance and I are new dog owners. We had only been relying on online puppy training videos to…read morehouse break our 8 week old goldendoodle pup, but still needed some more in-person guidance. I researched many different dog trainers in my area and ultimately decided to contact Scott. We first spoke over the phone to see if the training would be a good fit. He asked me what my goals were and then explained what his style of training was. We booked a double day session for 2 hours and it was intense, but so helpful, educational, and so rewarding! Our puppy's nipping has really lessened and she definitely is paying more attention than before. Scott taught us various ways to walk a dog and the importance of keeping them safe in different environments. He also gave us great insight on the dogs' point of view which really helped us understand our puppy's behavior more. Scott made sure my fiance and I were highly involved with the training and it helped boost our confidence for when we'd continue training our puppy on our own. Although the training already made a big difference, Scott also reminded us that our puppy is still so young and that we need to remain realistic and patient. The reassurance, constructive criticism, and encouragement created a very positive environment for the session. I am overall very impressed! Thank you so much, Scott!

    Hillcrest Retrievers - pet_training - Updated May 2026

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