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    Optimum Dog

    3.5 (24 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Services - Optimum Dog

    Private dog training

    Optimum Dog Photos

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    Reviews With Photos

    My babies!!
    Julie S.

    Thanks to Jen and her staff, I can co-exist w/my very stubborn English Bulldog, without continually telling her "no", "stop", "don't do that". I. know that Optimum Dog uses STEM collars but I wanted to try using positive reinforcement methods first. Going in for board & train, my EBD knew all of the commands but, in typical Bulldog fashion, she literally didn't give two $%#&@ about following those commands, unless it was her idea. Jen and her team were on board with starting with positive reinforcement methods, with the hope of not needing to move to STEM. My EBD came home, and was better at listening, but within a couple of weeks time she was back to giving ole mom the paw if she didn't want to do something. Additionally, we spend time at my fiancés house, on five acres, not fully fenced. I needed my furry little angel to come when called, not run out into the road because she was chasing a deer and to "leave it" when told to do so...because...being kissed by this love muffin, who just ate a pound of chicken *&^%, is not my idea of a good day. So back to Optimum Dog she went, this time for STEM training, and I wish I had done this from the beginning!! This was just the little push she needed to be a secure, well rounded, obedient and happy pup! STEM training, for her, looks something like this; she wears her collar, her STEM number is 6 (0-100), it is so mild that I cannot feel the STEM when I put the collar on my skin to test it out. It's just enough of a gentle tap to get attention, much less even than tugging on a leash/collar to redirect her. I reserve "vibrate" for "leave it". Vibrate gets an immediate reaction of "I'm not touching it mom, I promise"; who knew?! I always thought vibrate would be less annoying but turns out, with my pup, that isn't the case. Anyway, I am grateful that Jen and her team walked me through this training, utilizing the methods that I was comfortable with and then training me on how a STEM collar really works. It's not about "shocking" or "pain", which was the misconception that I had going into this initially. If you are looking for a great trainer, Jen is one of the best! If you are looking for warm & fuzzy and a woman that is going to make excuses for being strong and independent, not going to find that here. Jen is a strong woman with strong opinions and ideas. She has a profitable, flourishing business, in an industry run by men. That alone, garners my respect!! As a bonus: My brand new SUV broke down just outside of her parking lot. I text her that I was stuck and she came running....like literally, running. I was sitting in my car, blocking traffic and a driveway, cars speeding by giving me the "bird" and yelling at me; my anxiety at an all time high. Jen grabbed my keys, did some GM magic, popped the hood, messed with the battery, put gas in my car, because maybe the fuel sensor wasn't working...who knows...When OnStar didn't call/text or show up, after over an hour (ultimately they called SEVEN HOURS LATER...that's another review...I digress), Jen was on the phone with the tow company getting me a tow truck and on the phone with her husband getting me help and a ride home. She didn't have to do any of this, but...she did. Shine theory!! When one woman shines, we all shine!! I've read all of the reviews for this business, the good and bad. While I can understand the frustration in a couple, with not being contacted or missed appointments, there are some reviews that are simply pet owners not taking responsibility for their own issues. It's often easier to shrug the blame on to someone else, rather than to look in the mirror and ask "what part do I play in this situation". Take all reviews, mine included, with a grain of salt. Not every person or every business is going to be the right fit for everyone. But, if you are looking for a good trainer, in a clean, safe environment, I suggest reaching out for a tour and conversation. **I am not paid to leave this review** **I am not a personal friend or scared employee (as was suggested by a previous reviewer) **I will not, did not, have not, received any compensation for this review** (I think I covered all the have not bases...bwawawa)

    Lisa is great!!! Attached pic of us in class then 1st competition

    My love, my heart, Fred.
    D. D.

    Hello again. This will be my last post about my dog, Fred, that Jen trained several years back. I had been posting updates from time-to-time to report to everyone that Fred continued to be the best dog after his training. We were also able to keep up what Jen taught us as owners. It is true that you cannot just train your dog, you have to be trained as well and keep up the training. Fred enjoyed his life after his training. He was a happier dog and less stressed. Read my past posts to see what Jen did for Fred. Last night Fred went to visit his granddad in heaven. This morning I am shattered into a million pieces. But I will forever be grateful for the training he got that turned him around.

    Taking his education very seriously on class picture day at Optimum Dog

    I adopted a dog the day after I moved across the country (Oct. 2019); he came from South Korea, didn't understand English, and was basically feral. Within a week with me he had a bad experience with a daycare owner (man) he was going to do half-day daycare and training, that "broke" him. He was then-uncontrollable and tried to attack all men. After calling 15+ trainers, I was referred to Optimum Dog and they took him the next day. I could not be more grateful. They saved Sam Adams's life (I was told to put him down or return him by multiple "trainers"). Working with Jenn and McKenzie has been incredible. I sent a list of "must haves", "important to haves" and "would be nice to have..." focus areas for Sam specifically (i.e. NOT must be good at fetch). One example: he must not try to attack men, as we live in a multi-unit building. Nice to have? I'd love to bring him to work some day. They helped manage my expectations, to understand that Sam had a lot to unlearn (behaviors/fears) before he could start to learn, but they focused on the top-down list. Every dog is different, not every dog will end up the "perfect" specimen. I received updates every couple of days, and asked for updates on the occasion - they sent pictures with updates because I was so sad to have left him there after a short time together. Did Sam come back knowing 100% of the tasks on the website? No, because no dog will; he's not a computer awaiting programming. But he came back about 75% of the way improved with his fears, and he and I worked through them within 1-2 months of being home (#1 fear - statues). Did he pee in the house once when he got home? Yes (once), he was over-stimulated! But with a solid routine, changes in *MY* behavior (I'm his alpha, not his best friend (shh, don't tell anyone, I'm both) - I use easy commands, not deductive reasoning) and the work I've put in, he is a new man. At-home side-note: we constantly work on Sam's confidence. I celebrated every single win for him when he was first home from training, and I kept it up in smaller bouts. Examples: If he walked by a statue or a construction site, I praised the heck out of him. He's more independent about retrieving toys from underneath a bookshelf, because I say "it's okay, go ahead!" and celebrate him when he does it himself. A lot of the at-home success depends on the work we humans put in, and how we adjust to the dogs' new skills and their needs. Within a week of being home, after 1+ hour a day regular confidence builds and training, Sam could come to work with me for half-days, rolling over for treats and belly rubs from anyone he met. This was less than a month after he tried to attack any man or masculine-presenting person! Jenn and McKenzie even came to my office (ah, pre-quarantine life) to do some office-training with us, which meant I could get more work done with him there. They were always available for one-off questions - i.e. "how do I get him to look at my eyes, not my treat-hand when I tell him 'look'." Sam and I consistently work on training and drills and confidence work. At home he is so good at drills (which work his mind), and he now knows over 20+ Tricks in addition to the necessary commands for safety (come, sit, stay, place, out). He has gone back for shorter training sessions -i.e. when he decided to start ignoring me entirely because I backslid on training, and if he sees McKenzie or Jenn he loses his mind with excitement. He loves them and doesn't even look back when I drop him off...thanks, Sam. I've seen some vitriolic comments about the eCollars. These aren't "shock" collars. I was hesitant at first (given the stigma and my limited knowledge), but Jenn and McKenzie taught me how to use an eCollar safely and effectively. I now use it on the lowest setting Sam will respond to just to get his attention when he's being a turd (he's smart, he knows how to be one). I primarily use the vibrate function, which vibrates like a smart watch. Don't rush into dog training. Ask questions, think more about the dog you want for your lifestyle (a dog who comes camping, one who isn't afraid of men, a dog who loves the car), and understand that learning is a process. Be clear about what you're asking for, because they can tailor the experience to the dog's needs. Expect to adjust your own methods as well, and be ready to manage your expectations. If you're ready for that, text Jenn and team now, because they're amazing. My final note is - I've referred at least 5 colleagues to Optimum Dog, and every single one has had glowing reviews. In group email chats about dog training I see them also bring up the success in their own dogs from coming here. Not one of their dogs had the same reason for going (puppies, older dogs with nervous aggression, dogs who needed help being not-jerks on leashes). I'll keep suggesting Jenn, McKenzie and team whenever I can!

    Creek"s rib and hip bones after 11 days of being with Optimum Dog.  He lost 11 lbs on 11 days.

    We just want to reiterate that his actual training is not in dispute. He was very receptive to the signals and commands he learned. Our review is directly related to his very underweight condition of which he was returned to us. It was the lack of communication with us regarding his day to day updates regarding his weight decline. This company/personnel were informed that he had stomach and digestive issues upon relinquishing him to their care. The specific feed he did well on was provided. We knew that the feed provided to him at the time they took possession of him was not enough to last him for the duration he to was to be in residence. We asked during his stay if we needed to provide additional feed and were assured their "was plenty." We had no idea that he had been experiencing bowel, digestive issues, or was experiencing weight loss which led to the company/personnel to provide him with their decision to provide him with higher calorie supplements and feed as they noticed he was losing weight and mass. His condition was NEVER addressed during his stay. We never knew that this company said he arrived constipated until they just recently disclosed this to us regarding our negative review. We asked directly if we needed to provide him him additional feed. This would have been the optimum time to address his weight loss and their "professional" observations to add feed and or supplements to increase his calories. We could have been given the opportunity to consult with our veterinarian regarding this issue. This did not happen. We choose not to meet with this organization for follow up training. We did address our dissatisfaction with his returned physical condition in person. We offed to pay in full the training fee, however the owner refused our payment due to our dissatisfaction regarding his health. We did post a negative comment on Yelp, A widely used consumer review site. 2 months after the fact, this company now wants full payment. We have been accused of slanderous content which cannot dispute the fact the he lost a pound per day while in their care. When asked about the amount of time he spent on a treadmill, we're told 4-5 times per day for approximately 45 minutes each time. This company was NEVER authorized to make unilateral decisions regarding his dietary needs. There was no signed authorization to grant this authorization. And there was no information or outreach provided to us regarding his overall health during his residence. They now want to take us to court. Well, bring it on! We're more than prepared

    I have been taking my GSD puppy to Optimum since Lulu was about 6 months old. Jenn was referred to me by some friends who had seen her work with dogs and called her, "the dog whisperer." We have worked with Jenn, Charlie and Elner. Their team provides a great balance of training for teaching not only Lulu but also great handler techniques for me! I now have the knowledge and tools to take my puppy and my toddler out for walks, on public trails, hikes, to parks etc., without any worry of dealing with bad puppy behavior. I have boarded Lulu with them multiple times and they are amazing with communication and even sending photos! I usually pick Lulu up without any notice and when I show up I always see a bunch of happy dogs! We will definitely be lifelong clients.

    Falco and baker in training

    We first met Jenn back in spring 2020 as my fiancé and I realized we needed help in guiding our German Shepherd puppy, Falco. Falco stayed with Jenn for 5 weeks and she was able to show us how to make our dog work for us. Falco was not good on the leash and was very reactive but with the right tools (e collar, etc.) we learned to shift his focus so that he would pay attention to us. We also did some nose work with her and we found that Falco was really good at it so that was our training during winter. Through this entire time Falco threw up randomly and had chronic diarrhea so we suspected he wasn't a healthy dog. Jenn was kind enough to share with us some recipes that helped him at first to control his diarrhea but he kept getting worse. Through summer and fall of 2020 she was Falco's advocate sending me research and medicine/supplements that could help us make him feel better. She was more knowledgeable and helpful to us than any vet we encountered (2 regular vets and 1 specialist). In fact, she was the reason why we even found out Falco had IBD. I'm sure with all the years of experience she has seen it all and she helped me ask for the right tests and medicines for him. She spent countless hours on the phone with us and she always was there to answer any questions we had. She was truly a blessing for us.. ultimately we had to put Falco down back in spring 2021 but she was still there with us through this process. Jenn is not only a good trainer but she is a CARING and EMPATHETIC guide that has helped us (first time German Shepherd owners) learn how to truly care for a dog (from cleaning ears, clipping nails to obedience training). We realize in hindsight that the only ones that needed training were us and that training is every day and constant. No good trainer will get you a "fixed" dog... also if you want that kind of dog then get yourself a stuffed animal. You HAVE to put in the work. It has been a hard process and we miss our Falco everyday but thanks to her we met our rainbow dog Baker that we adopted through an organization -Woof project - she introduced us to so we are lucky we still get to see and train with her. We highly recommend Jenn and her team and hopefully you are lucky enough to get to truly know Jenn because she is the best there is out there and I know that the dogs are her number 1 priority

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    Ask the Community - Optimum Dog

    Review Highlights - Optimum Dog

    We have worked with Jen, Charlie Elner and we cannot say enough good things about all of them.

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    In The Flow K9 - The Girls and I out doing our thing.

    In The Flow K9

    (3 reviews)

    Best feeling ever: just called Huck, my 18mo fox hound rescue, off a full on deer chase with a…read moresimple "Come! No. Huck Come!" And stood there amazed as he CHOSE to veer off in a long arc toward me, coming in full tilt to a sit. I am still sort of in shock that he gave me priority. When I called he was 40 yards away from me and within four car lengths of the deer and he is a focused high drive dog. Thank you to our trainer Greg Houle. Never in my wildest dreams did I think he would stop chasing a deer that he had an excellent chance of catching and come to me because I asked him to. I am so grateful for In The Flow K-9 training, that he came, yes, but the WAY he came to me, eyes shining, leaving what was probably his heart's desire, full of happiness that I had called. He was 100% into the next thing that we were going to do togethe r, focused and looking up at me for direction. Making that bond between you and your dog the "something big", the "pay off" for your work, is what Greg's teaching is all about from the very first minute. I am 70 years old. I have had many dogs and used many methods to get to where I thought I wanted to be with them. This method is like the place where all the paths meet....like the pearl in the oyster.Over the last two years I have watched Greg guide little kids, teens, adults, seniors, into better relationship with their canine companions. He just kind of walks into the mess you've made with each other and tidys up the room! Everyone feels better. Everyone does better. Then, if you want to stick around, he can show you how he did it! You won't find a more generous teacher. This kind of training makes you and your dog both feel better, do better, be better!

    We had one dog that was full grown and well-behaved when we got him. So we ruined that. He was…read moremedium-sized and kind-hearted so we managed. Then we rescued another full grown dog who wasn't small. She was wild and required a team just to walk her. We have been working with Greg and both dogs on and off since November. We aren't terrible consistent, but we do try. People have been stopping and applauding us for the noticeable changes in both dogs' behavior. I have actually had some success walking both dogs together. Life at home is much less frazzled, although there's still plenty to work on. What I really like about this training is that Greg is practical. The training is to the point. It's really sensible. Greg understands that people are busy, that some dogs have structure and other dogs have toys. He adjusts and supports as needed. Greg has a diverse background with a biology degree and has worked a broad spectrum of jobs. He takes his career seriously and gets things done pleasantly, timely, and correctly.

    Doggy Come Play - My baby at doggy come play lol

    Doggy Come Play

    (27 reviews)

    We started taking our puppy to this daycare after an initial trial day. Communication was unclear…read morefrom the start -- we weren't told a trial was required until we arrived -- but we gave them the benefit of the doubt. From the beginning, staff repeatedly told us our dog "never rested" and played nonstop for 8-9 hours. While she came home happy, she was so exhausted she couldn't walk from the car to the house, often skipping dinner and collapsing from fatigue. There was no indication the daycare provided structured rest or quiet time for dogs, which should have been our first red flag. Within a couple of months, our puppy developed multiple illnesses -- kennel cough, canine coronavirus, and mycoplasma -- despite not being exposed to any other dogs outside daycare. Weeks of treatment and vet bills followed. After she recovered, we tried again many months later, only for her to develop warts, a cyst, E. coli, giardia, and additional infections requiring surgeries and more medication. We paused attendance again and eventually returned much later, hoping conditions had improved. After her first visit back, she came home with rashes, itchy paws, and a bite or scratch mark, plus diarrhea the next day. It's clear this facility lacks proper sanitation, supervision, and rest structure. Dogs are left to run without regulation or downtime, leading to stress, injuries, and illness. We've since switched to another daycare where our dog stays healthy, happy, and balanced after each visit. Owners deserve to know: this facility may look fun on the surface, but the lack of hygiene, structure, and care puts dogs at serious risk.

    Came to add a review on Yelp since most of them seem pretty old! Me and my dog absolutely love this…read moreplace! Whenever we pull in or I say the word "daycare" my dog loses his absolute mind because he's so excited to go. All the staff are so wonderful and lovely and they knew my dogs name only after the second day and anytime I come in ready to pick him up they know immediately which dog I'm there for I don't even have to ask, you can tell that the staff just really care almost like it's their own dog! I'm so so so thankful to have a daycare like this close to work and home and just want to thank the staff for always being so nice. I also love that they upload photos everyday to their Facebook of the dogs!

    Pet Emergency Center - Balou the dog

    Pet Emergency Center

    (143 reviews)

    We had a scary emergency with our boy Teddy and didn't even know where to begin or who to call when…read moreour vet wasn't open. We called in the late evening on a Saturday night and drove almost an hour to find such caring compassionate people at Pet Emergency Center. We had a good wait of course bc it was after a holiday but we waited comfortably in our car where they offered to come and get us when it was time. They let us know ahead of costs so we wouldn't be shocked. The compassion and care by the incredible intake nurse was so needed after our last experience with a vet was so heartbreaking, we left without our dog. We are grateful for this incredible team and express our deepest of thanks!

    Took my dog there for leg injury after hours. Vet walked in the room and stated she wish she could…read morequit, that she was tired!! RED FLAG! They did x-rays and administered pain meds. The VETz TECH female came in with more pain meds. I questioned why is she giving my dog more! She stated doctor told her to. She left the room and l heard loudly per the female vet, You didn't give her extra medicine?? She said , Yes, you told me too! She's yelling outside the door...that was supposed to go home with the owner!! I confronted the Vet..."you overdosed my dog!!" She replied, She probably will be ok!? " I immediately called my Vet Tech friend. She said, you better know CPR!! At 2am, l was administering CPR and praying to God!! I had just lost my husband!! Please take your animal elsewhere! Horrible experience!!

    College Way Animal Hospital, A Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner

    College Way Animal Hospital, A Thrive Pet Healthcare Partner

    (43 reviews)

    Overcharging for Services, & being lied to on both visits!…read moreWe were charged $44.00 for a rabies shot for our Chihuahua which is fair, but we were charged $55.00 for a technician not a veterinarian to administer it. My total bill for a nail trim, & anal gland expression was $167.84. I would Not recommend this Animal Care to anyone.This is our 2nd. Visit since moving to Mount Vernon, from Scottsdale... & will be our last!

    I had always enjoyed Dr Campbell and his office staff. He had cared for all my pets and my parent's…read morepets. He was no more expensive than anywhere else and he saved me a few hundred dollars when my little doggy (RIP) needed some expensive treatment. Then during COVID, it was fine that they would just come out and get my pet for service. I didn't mind because of everything going on. Those were some rough times, aye? But then things got a bit weird. Dr Campbell seemed to be gone but his website was the same. My mom said there was another vet there but things just felt weird and then, my poor little dog suddenly had a very painful medical issue and needed to gently be put down. Her condition wouldn't get better and was extremely painful. So I called our vet...and they would only let one of us in with her and they couldn't see us fast enough. I'm grateful that they were willing to let anyone at all in them but we needed two people able to go in. Either way, they couldn't see her fast enough. So I had to take her to one of the emergency hospitals. I didn't want to do that but they were amazing. That's a whole other review. Great, now I have to go see if I've reviewed that place or not already! Back to College Way... I recently got my service dog who's been in training for me for two years since he was a puppy. He's a VERY bouncy Goldendoodle. His passion in life is to chase tennis balls and then chew them up afterwards and then I get to throw them away before they get completely shredded. Well, he started to be less bouncy. He went out with my son to chase a ball but they were only gone a minute. He'd chased one ball and then turned around and wanted to come back in. Clearly he doesn't feel good. We've been going to Cedardale Vet to see the incredible Dr Leslie Pollock. There's another review I need to make! But she doesn't take appointments and she doesn't do in-depth stuff. I talked with her and decided that he probably needed deeper testing so I took him to College Way after finding that their website was completely revamped. There were new vets that folks seemed to like although some complaints about them adding stuff just for it to cost more. Well, let me tell you. First off, they got him right in. Secondly...I'm going to guess that anyone having issues with their front desk people is probably bringing attitude of some kind with them because throughout all the years from Dr Campbell to the now...the front desk people have always been top notch. Thirdly, maybe this is in response to previous complaints but the new people tell you pricing for every single step along the way and get your permission to move forward. Every. Single. Step. I have never had anywhere be as careful as they were. We saw Dr Pecaro and she was wonderful! She was gentle, efficient, knowledgeable, friendly and clearly loves the animals she's working on. She got my poor puppy on the way to wellness. He's got his silly bounce back already and I am very grateful! So while I had some hesitancy when things were a bit odd, I am feeling pretty good about taking my servicedoodle there whenever he needs in-depth care.

    Optimum Dog - pet_training - Updated May 2026

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