As new dog owners, my family wanted to have the best investment in our Labrador Retriever puppy's training so we could build a mutually rewarding life with him. I began exploring all kinds of programs with various trainers around the idea and Primal Canine stood apart from the get go because: (1) Erin is an amazing, kind and professional person to work with. She is prompt, yet not pushy. She worked with the facts and empathy for our needs and budget to help us get to the right program. (2) The trainer we were assigned to was forthcoming, efficient and excellent with the training. He was clear with what we could expect and what the constraints were. (3) Primal Canine is local to where we live, and we really preferred to go with a nearby small business, as both one we could support and build a relationship with, and for convenience. Within the 3 weeks of board and train our puppy went through, he came back with solid foundations and ability to understand and respond positively to basic commands. Primal's role does not end with the program - they constantly support with our needs and questions even after graduating from B&T, and actually offer a lifetime of resources to help us grow and flourish with our new best friend. We could not be happier we went with Primal and would recommend them to anyone who is looking to build a rewarding relationship with their dogs. Special shout-out to Erin and the trainer we worked with - you've been amazing to our family. Thank you! read more

I can't begin to thank not only Farrukh, but Mike and the rest of the staff at primal canine for doing such an incredible job with my dog Bodhi. From pulling him off the kill list, through the tireless training they did to set him up for success in his future endeavors, managing finding him the perfect home, to eventually entrusting me to become his forever home. I couldn't be more in awe of the work they've done with Bodhi and the countless other dogs I've seen the update videos on, I will forever be grateful to Farrukh and Mike for their faith in me, and the continued support/guidance Farrukh has given me since he flew Bodhi out to me in August, 2025. read more

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I am so grateful to Jess and the Primal Canine Team. I reached out to learn more about training when I rescued Levi at 4months old. I had never owned a dog and I was completely clueless of the work that went along with owning an energetic puppy. Our first 1:1 with Jess and I already gained so many tips and confidence to help Levi with confidence. Training has truly helped me understand the importance of building a relationship with your dog and consistency. Jess has so much patience and knowledge with animals, we are so lucky to learn from her. She's also available for all my questions via text which is such a bonus! read more

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I can't say enough great things about working with Farrukh. He trained our Doberman, Lilith, and the difference is night and day. She's so much more mature now, but what I love most is that her personality still shines through and he never tried to "change" her, just helped her grow. Farrukh is incredibly accommodating and down to earth, and he really takes the time to listen to what you're looking for. He tailors each class to your needs, goes above and beyond, and makes the whole process enjoyable. He's extremely approachable and easy to talk to, which makes training feel collaborative rather than intimidating. I'm so grateful for his guidance and would recommend him to anyone looking for a trainer who truly cares. read more

Primal Canine - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

The most recent trainer I've worked at Primal Canine is Jess, and I highly recommend her! My husband and I rescued a 130-lb cane corso that was abandoned in a parking lot in East San Jose in Oct. 2025. Our older corso had been trained by Primal owner, Mike, so he was the first person we called when it was clear our new dog was traumatized and completely untrained. He hooked us up with Jess and I couldn't be more grateful and impressed. Jess was as patient with me as with our new dog, Ty. I typically feel like an idiot trying to get the training techniques down but she was patient and helped me and Ty build confidence training together. After 8 private lessons, a dog who for 2 months would not come inside and would not let me put a leash on him is now going for walks, can sit, lay down, and stay in place on command. With Jess' guidance, I am now crate training him and prepping him to join group classes. I love her calm yet confident demeanor and will never not be amazed at her ability to get my giant feral pup to learn things fast. He's now well on his way to being a well-behaved, affectionate member of our family, and just getting started on his training journey. Thank you so much Primal Canine and Jess! read more

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Farrukh is awesome. We have been working with him for almost 5 months and he has been great at identifying issues and ways to correct. His knowledge of dog behavior, canine history and his confidence is very reassuring. I would highly recommend Farrukh and Primal Canine to anyone. read more

We cannot say enough amazing things about Farrukh and the entire team at Primal Canine! When we first reached out, we were in a really tough spot with our 6-month-old Golden Retriever, Waylon. He's not your typical easygoing Golden, and the training methods we had used before actually backfired and caused more issues. We were overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Erin was our first point of contact, and she was absolutely wonderful--kind, responsive, and truly took the time to listen and understand our concerns. She and Mike, the owner, thoughtfully considered everything we shared and paired us with the trainer who would be the best fit for Waylon. That's when we met Farrukh during our initial assessment--and from that moment on, we knew we were in the right hands. Farrukh is incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and just an all-around awesome person. His love and passion for dogs and training are undeniable. Waylon went through a 6-week board and train, and we received regular updates via videos, texts, and phone calls. We always felt informed and reassured throughout the process. Not only did Farrukh work wonders with Waylon, but he also taught us so much. He gave us the tools, confidence, and understanding we were missing. It's clear that Primal Canine isn't just in this for business--they genuinely care, and it shows in everything they do. If you're looking for trainers who go above and beyond--and truly get it--Primal Canine is the place to go. Farrukh, Erin, and the whole team have changed our lives. We're so grateful! read more

It's been over a year since my Brodie was with Ryan Cario for a 3 week board and train. Best decision I've made ever! Brodie has tons of energy but Ryan was able to help me get things under control. Brodie is a well mannered dog! Can't thank Ryan enough for the work he has done with Brodie! Everyone at primal canine are dope people! read more

Primal Canine - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

The team at Primal Canine is fantastic.  My dog Tut is a 7 yr old, 68 lb mutt who is both dog and people reactive.  Luckily, his initial training (from 1-3 yrs old) was done in SoCal by a trainer who originally worked at Primal Canine.  So I was able to keep the same method of training and not cause confusion for Tut. Erin:  Erin responded promptly to my email request and was very pleasant. She asked the history of Tut and didn't upsell the training packages.  Because of his previous training, she suggested a private & group lesson package instead of board & training.   I really appreciate the honesty.  BTW, the package she suggested was the correct one and she assigned a great trainer for me, Ryan Caro.   Ryan: Ryan is a great trainer.  He really studies the relationship between the owner and dog, and tailors the training for them.  Engagement and neutrality were the key goals.  He knew when we could join the group class and how to ease a new dog into the class.  He has given me great suggestions/ideas of where to take Tut so that we can work on his neutrality in other environments.  Tut knew his commands when we started but Tut's engagement with me and his neutrality needed some work and due to Ryan, has greatly improved.  I know that training is a daily activity and a lifelong commitment, and I can see how much Tut enjoys it.  Now that our package is over, we have continued with group classes which I pay a very reasonable monthly fee for. Michelle: When you have a reactive large dog, finding a place to board him is difficult.  Erin suggested Michelle.  Michelle understands large reactive dogs.  She has her place set up so that she can rotate the dogs from crate to walks to yard.  At both drop off and pickup, Tut was immediately comfortable with her because of her approach.  Also, Michelle is a Primal Canine trainer so again, consistency for Tut.  I look forward to future boards with her  Like people, every dog is different.  You have to decide what training method works for you and your dog   For us, Primal Canine was the right choice. read more

I've been training with Primal for two years doing sport obedience and protection with my dog Wafer. I LOVE training with Mike and have nothing but good things to say about them and all the trainers there!! They are incredibly professional, their training methods work and they are also extremely dedicated to helping their clients. Their expertise in training working dogs allows them to be even better equipped to train pet dogs and tackle behavior modification. I can't recommend them enough! read more

Primal Canine - Gracie and Wafer fully off leash trained in public - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

If you own a German Shepherd, Jess is the lady that you should request to train with. We have two GSDs, Pluto and Mila. Pluto needed work on dog neutrality and Mila was 20 pounds overweight and she wasn't losing the weight, no matter what I did. I left them with Jess for three weeks for a board and train and Pluto's behavior has improved significantly. He is more calm and less reactive. Mila lost around 15 pounds, which is absolutely amazing! Her quality of life has improved so much and she is now able to keep up with Pluto when he runs around! It's really heartwarming to see. This all would have not been possible without Jess and all of her hard work and love towards them. She truly understands dogs and is one of the only people I trust to leave my GSDs with. Thank you, Jess! read more

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I worked with Ryan Caro from Primal Canine and he deserves way more than 5 starts. Ryan is hands down the best dog trainer and boarder out there. He originally trained my dog, Goose, when he was just 5 months old, and to this day, everything Goose knows is thanks to him. Ryan is a true expert--Goose learned so much in such a short period of time, and the process was seamless. He sent us updates every single day and recorded videos of each training session, walking us through exactly what to do. He even uploaded all the videos to a drive so we could reference them when we needed to train Goose at home. It was the most incredible experience, and it made transitioning back home so much easier. Since then, Ryan has boarded Goose multiple times while I've traveled for long periods of time, and honestly, I think Goose might love him more than he loves me at this point! Leaving your dog with someone for an extended period can be nerve-wracking, but with Ryan, it's the easiest decision. He treats Goose like his own, and I never have to worry for a second. Whether it's training, boarding, or just answering my endless dog-related questions, Ryan is always available and goes above and beyond. He's not just a trainer--he's like family to us! If you want the best of the best dog trainer and someone who will love and care for your dog like you do (and maybe even better), Ryan Caro from Primal Canine is your guy. I cannot recommend him enough! read more

Primal Canine is the best of the best. We cannot thank Farrukh enough for the incredible work he did with our Labrador puppy, Pisco. From day one, Farrukh's patience, expertise, and positive training methods made a huge difference. He not only helped Pisco learn essential commands but also taught us how to communicate effectively with our pup. Thanks to them, Pisco is now well-behaved, confident, and a joy to be around. If you're looking for a knowledgeable and compassionate dog trainer, we highly recommend Farrukh! read more

I have allll good stuff to stay about this training facility. We started our journey with our now 3 year old rescue dog. He was a super rambunctious and rebellious herding breed mix (border collie/Australian kelpie) and getting trained at this facility is just what he needed. We did 6 hour long classes and then eventually graduated to group class; I like how they first do one on one training before they clear your dog for group. This ensures that all dogs are very well trained before they get in a group setting. We live an hour away from Gilroy now but have still attended group class. I specifically recommend Ryan; he leads group class and I love how he makes it a dynamic and enjoyable experience. He focuses on dog neutrality, remembers all dogs by name and makes sure to be available for questions afterward. We also want to start our dog on e-collar training and he was able to give us a sneak preview to that training. I will say that if you're a person who only wants to do "positive reinforcement" for your dog, this place is not for you. They will start your dog on a slip leash for training and work with you and your dog on managing behavior. Our rambunctious guy ended up on a prong collar and we were shown how to properly correct our dog when he misbehaves and reward our dog when he listens. The idea is to get your dog to be more confident in themselves and neutral to other dogs. read more

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Update March 27, 2022 - I've been using the e-collar that Brandon introduced us to with Cass for several months now. Cassie has graduated to come when called, off-leash. We regularly visit a very large sports park every day in the afternoon for exercise and training. Cassie loves to chase a ball. She's crazy for it. She'll run til she damages herself. So I have to be careful to not over do it. The e-coller allowed us to remove the 100 ft training leash and let Cassie run. She just loves the freedom. And she can run like hell, far and fast. And when I call her, "Cass come!", she comes every time right away. Incredible! I didn't think we'd get this far so quickly with recall. When she reacts to other dogs and gets distracted, I'm able to press the vibrate button on the e-coller and Cassie comes even when dealing with intensely interesting distractions. I recommend the e-collar. It's not a punishment with shocks, it's a gentle tap on the shoulder to encourage the desired behavior. And I continue to recommend Primal Canine. read more

i brought my rottweiler pup, Zion, to primal canine because although she had a very good foundation, she was still showing reactive & aggressive behavior (ex.) lunging at other ppl & dogs, overly possessive of me around others, bad food aggression, uncontrollable prey drive/pulling me to chase squirrels etc. i was lucky they were able to get me a board x train slot pretty quick after my initial inquiry. Erin made the payment & onboaring process easy & simple. i was then connected with Zion's personal board x train trainer, Michael Herman. he gave me a call to explain Zion's training game plan. setting up drop off was very smooth. during the 3-4 weeks of boarding, Michael continued to send me updates & helped me feel reassured as a worried dog mom. he allowed me to text him at all hours of the day with as many questions i needed to ask & was very responsive the entire time. upon pick-up, Michael showed me what Zion learned & instructed me through how to handle Zion moving forward. i was provided with a detailed "manual" regarding how to structure Zion's new routine as she adjusts to being back home post-strict training. i noticed a difference in Zion the moment we got home!! now, i am able to walk her in busy & public places such as Santana Row, Home Depot, grocery stores, etc loose leashed & stress free! Zion's knowledge has been completely elevated & this is only the beginning. even after pick-up, I am still in communication with Michael for any questions or concerns! with board x train, we also have the opportunity to attend unlimited weekly group classes with other primal canine clients & trainers, which is amazing practice for our dogs. *NOTE: do not expect to receive a perfect dog after board x train or have the idea that your dog will magically no longer need further training. with their expertise, primal canine will set your dog up with the ground work needed for your dog to be well behaved. it is then OUR responsibility as dog owners to continue practicing what our dogs have learned in order to maintain the structure & behavior we were seeking from primal canine to begin with. overall, 10 stars if i could! i would 100% recommend my dog's personal trainer, Michael Herman! awesome experience that i wish i did sooner! read more

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Unbeknownst to me, I had a mostly mal mix and when I told a friend, she recommended Primal Canine as local traditional pup classes werent working. I immediately got in touch with Primal Canine. Erin was so awesome and got us together with Farrukh and he is absolutely the best. I have learned so much about the breed, myself as a new mal mom, learned about training techniques and the science behind it, and my pup is loves going to training. She is progressing so well and I will take any dog I get there in the future and highly recommend this place no matter the breed. read more

We can't thank the Primal Canine team for working with us and Ajax. Five stars are not enough for their professionalism, dedication, support, and commitment to results. When we got our malinois Ajax, it quickly became obvious that he didn't have the best nerves and would get spooked by people, cars, and even inanimate objects. It didn't help that instead of teaching neutrality, we pushed Ajax to take food from strangers. He quickly learned that if he started snapping at anyone that reached out a hand to him, the hand would go away. Eventually, he learned to growl, lunge, and snap at anyone that came into our home or reached a hand towards him. In contrast to his reaction to strangers, he was always affectionate and extremely gentle (especially for a mal) with everyone in his family, including a five-year old. We reached out to a professional trainer to help with Ajax's fear aggression. Their advice after five weeks of working with Ajax and a significant financial investment: to try to rehome Ajax, but no one would take him, so to look into 'ethical euthanasia'. Reaching out to Primal Canine for a second opinion was the best decision we've made. Erin and Mike had three separate hour-long calls with us, asking insightful questions, offering guidance, and talking through Primal Canine's experience helping other dogs and their families with fear aggression. We were matched with Lee, who has been absolutely incredible with Ajax and us. Lee built trust with Ajax from day one. He had the muzzle off and was petting Ajax within two hours. Ajax has never let a man he doesn't know touch him or even get near him. Lee started working with Ajax right away, building up his confidence and challenging him to work through his triggers. Over three weeks, Lee cleaned up communication with Ajax. Ajax learned what was expected of him with each command and learned to trust his handler to keep him safe regardless of the environment. Lee gave us updates every single day (videos on instagram and long written reports every few days), and he readily answered questions day and night. Lee was able to achieve milestones with Ajax which we'd never thought possible, such as leash handoffs to complete strangers (including men), out-of-sight and in-motion commands, a close, engaged heel in shops and on busy streets, and neutrality towards people, even when they get so close that they step over his tail. And this is just the start! Primal Canine offers lifelong support. Lee gives me feedback on training videos I send him, provides advice and coaching, and is helping Ajax and me participate in intermediate group classes. With his help, we have the support and proper guidance to develop Ajax to his fullest potential, and work towards our long-term goal: passing the Canine Good Citizen test. A trainer without a proven approach, references, and experience with a specific challenge or breed can do more harm than good, as we learned before finding Primal Canine. We're so glad we invested in Primal Canine and so grateful to be part of the pack! read more

Primal Canine - Ajax chilling in 'place'. - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

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We couldn't have made a better investment in our pup. I have a 170 lb American mastiff which we've had since he was a 8 weeks old. One of the biggest challenges (among many) with large breeds is how fast they grow. Without proper behavior training, having control of them will get away from you too quickly, which was the case with my dog. 170 lb dog - lean and strong, and i'm but a buck-twenty-five and 5 feet tall. I couldn't even walk him down the street without having to stop at light posts to wrap his leash around it, so i could take a break from being pulled (dragged like a rag doll), or hide behind cars when other dogs are walking by so he wouldn't dart for them. I actually thought our situation was hopeless and was beginning to accept that my dog would be a prisoner in our home; never be able to go out to the park or beach, go with us on vacation, or take daily strolls. My daughter who had her dog trained through Primal insisted we have him evaluated. We finally did. Lee (our trainer) met us at a parking lot and at first meeting, Bane charged at him. We spent about an hour talking about his behavior, what the training plan will consist of, etc. Although I had my doubts, I felt hopeful. One of my greatest fears was releasing my pup to someone else to care for him. What if they didn't "click" or would they care for him well enough. During the training, Lee kept us posted on his progress, through instagram, texts, and phone calls. Lee would send me videos and messages. It was great to see his development week to week. More importantly, I could tell that Bane was in excellent hands. He was learning and having fun. Lee LOVES his dogs. He connects with them and he just gets them. I just couldn't believe what was unfolding in front of me when watching the training videos. Pick up day was another concern, I was nervous that Bane wouldn't be the same dog. Would he lose his goofy personality? Would he still love to be cuddled? Great news - he's the same dog....sorta. What Lee and Primal Canine has given us is confidence in each other. We understand our roles as owner and dog. I am now able to take my dog for walks, around other people, dogs, deer! Bane is able to join us for lunch at restaurants, run errands at stores, etc. I HIGHLY recommend Primal Canine! read more

Primal Canine - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

Michelle and Erin are great! Their knowledge of the breeds and the expectations of the dogs are just the best. They are caring and honest and easy to work with on everything. read more

Primal Canine is the absolute best. I would give them 10 stars if I could. They are a superbly professional and reputable business, through and through. Erin, the owner, was our initial contact who replied immediately to our inquiry and talked on the phone for nearly an hour about our dog, Bruce, and helped define our training goals for our little monster. Erin is very communicative, helpful, and generally awesome! While Primal Canine might appear to be a working dog operation that mostly deals with larger breeds- rest assured small breed owners! Our Chihuahua/Spaniel 10-lb cutie was warmly welcomed and positively thrived with their training program. We did a 3-week board and train with Ryan, a trainer who gets a thousand kudos for his patience and style. Bruce stayed in Ryan's home for the duration and we knew Bruce was safe, happy, and comfortable. We received video uploads from Ryan on our dog's progress and enjoyed watching our dog learn and progress very quickly. Ryan is an absolute dog whisperer and bonded with Bruce so hard we felt bad taking him home! Fortunately they get to see each other at group trainings and follow-ups. Ryan rocks. They're simply the best and we had a great experience. read more

I've been going to primal dog training for 2 years now. I wouldn't go anywhere else, Mike and his wife are fantastic Will work with you no matter what. They've trained my dog to be amazing. I wouldn't recommend anyone else. Bosa It's a Belgium malamar.He has been trained for obedience and protection. read more

Primal Canine - Bite Night - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

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I had done training with a different trainer and didnt feel good at all with them. They had no respect for my dog so after about 6 sessions I googled looking for a better trainer and found Primal Canine. I liked what I saw and decided to reach out. I emailed them and Erin set up a time with me to talk about what we needed and learn who I am and who my dog is. We talked for about 45 minutes (!!) and after that she already knew which trainer we should be paired with - Lee @booshank. After the phone call I felt I had found the right place! Lee is patient, amazing, kind and non judgemental, a trainer who cares deeply about my dog (all dogs) and how I work with her. He has been training us since our first session. I have a 94lbs Labradane (Silver Lab/GD mix). He always takes the time to answer questions by text mostly, I have tons of questions, I've sent him short videos and asked him for feedback. He always responds quickly which is super helpful. Bonnie was wild, had no structure, no neutrality, no engagement and was super mouthy. She is now a great family dog and I will keep training her daily because I really love doing it and Bonnie needs it. During group training (beginners and intermediate) she is happy and excited when she gets there. Group training is a great way to help the dogs understand that not all dogs need to be friends. This week we traveled and we were at an outside bar (Socal) and there were lots of dogs. Bonnie was one of the few dogs laying down and chilling (neutrality) She did check out her environment in the beginning but she layed down and chilled as I asked from her. The evidence of where we started and what we have achieved with Lee and Primal canine was this week. I had a 4 hour meeting yesterday and had to have Bonnie with me. It wasn't all sitting down around a table. Lots of walking around and lots of duration (sit/down) in a spot where she couldn't see me but sometimes could hear me talk. Breaks and some downtime. I could not have dreamt this 6-8 months ago when we started. She completely acted as a service dog. Engaged looking for directions and being happy. My heart is full and can't thank you enough for believing in me and Bonnie and teaching me. My husband was so impressed the way she was tuned into me and so proud. She had to be under benches, under tables and maneuver her big butt between breakable stuff. I know it was a long long time for her and we did lots of fun stuff after. The people (many) I had that meeting with asked me if she was my service dog or if I'm a trainer. (They have no idea). I have referred many people and know for a fact that 2 have started training with PC. read more

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My dog passed in their care a year ago. Her cause of death was streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus which can be found in unkempt boarding facilities. There were no health checks upon admission of dogs to their facility at the time, I'm sure it's changed since then, hopefully. This is just my experience, specifically with Michelle. They were courteous enough to pay the vet expenses with a full refund of what I paid upfront, but that doesn't bring my dog back. Please do your research before entrusting people with the care of your four-legged companions. read more

Primal Canine is a GREAT place to take your dogs for training. When we got a new puppy, I looked for a facility that can work with reactive dogs and new puppies because I didn't want our new puppy to be like our older pup (as much as we love her, she was a pain). We chose 9x9 (9 one on one and 9 group sessions) and we walked out with completely different dogs. We love and appreciate Brandon for teaching me how to properly use tools like the slip leash and ecollar to create a clear line of communication. To give you an idea of how much our dogs changed, I'll give you a detailed explanation of how our dogs were before primal: Mocha: 8yr old Pomeranian mix was reactive to EVERYTHING. Dogs, cats, people, you name it, she'll bark at it. It got so bad in 2021 that she bit someone for the first time and 2 more people later that year. Now? She can hike off leash with no reactivity and can pass by hikers, bikers, and other dogs with not a sound. Abby: was 8wks when she started. This baby knew nothing! Now, like her sister, she can hike off leash. She doesn't approach people, dogs, or things. She has solid recall and a solid disengagement. Primal does wonders as long as you follow your trainers advice and do your hw. Having a well behaved dog is like having a well behaved child. It takes time, tears, and patience. Highly recommend Primal! read more

Primal Canine - Mocha and Abby~ - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

I felt a follow-up review was necessary for Primal, because it's been almost 2 years and we STILL see excellent results! We enrolled Daisy in Primal's puppy package and received all the fundamentals and basics in her training. We followed the Primal Canine homework to the T, then attended the beginner group classes then the intermediate group classes. She has grown to be a wonderful, well-rounded pup! Even to this day, if I have a question about Daisy's behavior, our trainer Monique is always there for us to help us. Our consistency could be better (you know, LIFE!!), but it's absolutely amazing how quickly our Daisy bounces back with the training we have learned from Primal Canine. We unfortunately had to recover from having a horrific experience with our previous rescue pitbull and Primal helped me gain my confidence back with being a responsible dog owner. We could NOT thank Primal enough for the education and expertise they provide to us, and to the public, on teaching humans how to think like a dog. I feel that it's not taught enough in the dog training world and that it needs to be general knowledge! To Mike, Erin, Lee, Matt, Monique, and all the other trainers. You guys are the real deal, and I will never stop recommending Primal Canine! read more

Primal Canine - Daisy, queen of the hikes! - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

Mike, the owner and Erin his business Mgr. And partner have been very responsive in assessing the training our dog Spirit, an unruly husky, Sheppard mix. During this time of pandemic we were not able to meet, but Spirit could go and vacay for 3 weeks of boarding and training for $6k. Mike and his teams are on site 24/7, so his socialization continues. After his training, we will meet to learn how we will all integrate the new knowledge and help us keep Spirit on his path. His training is guaranteed for life! They were referred to me by another satisfied customer on our neighborhood network, Nextdoor. read more

Primal Canine - Spirit our strong free spirit' needed us to learn how to teach him manners! - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

I adopted my dog, Ruffles, in August 2021 from a local shelter. He's an Anatolian Shepherd/Lab mix, and 80 pounds so he's a large dog. He had severe separation anxiety and couldn't be alone without trying to break out of his crate and barking non-stop. He had 2 biting incidents within 2 months, and one sent the injured person to the emergency room with puncture wounds. We quickly realized he needed some serious help, or we wouldn't be able to keep him. We started with another dog training company, but that trainer couldn't build a good rapport with him and his major issues, separation anxiety, etc. didn't get addressed. So, we reached out to Primal Canine as the last resort. Henry became our trainer and took Ruffles for a board and train program right after Thanksgiving and kept him for 23 days. Henry went above and beyond for us. Ruffles escaped from his leash at a park in Palo Alto the day before he was going to his board and train program and animal control found him the next morning and issued a "fix it" ticket where he had to go to the vet within 7 days. Henry took him to the vet in his 3rd or 4th day in his board and train program and got me all the paperwork needed to clear the ticket. He was good about communicating with me on his progress and explained the type of dog he is and how we can be successful. Ruffles was a different dog after working with Henry - he addressed his top 3 issues - biting, separation anxiety and leash pulling on his walks. The vet recommended anti-anxiety meds to manage Ruffles' anxiety and prior to Henry, he had to take those medications every night to be able to sleep in his crate in alone. After working with Henry, he's drug-free and fine alone at night and up to 6 hours during the day. We are working on building up his alone time during the day. We still have a long way to go but we are confident Ruffles is a good fit for our family for the long term. Henry continues to help problem solve issues with Ruffles as they come up which is awesome. We attend weekly group training to keep our training up. We have 2 other dogs at home and just started private lessons with Henry to improve their obedience and our home environment all with 3 dogs. It's a daily bark fest and we are working on improving that and interactions between all the dogs and humans in the home. We highly recommend Henry and Primal Canine, he's effective and truly enjoys working with dogs. read more

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We turned to Primal Canine after, Luka, our 17 week old rescue malinois/shepherd, was brutally attacked by two adult cane corsos and had severe reactivity and we didn't know what to do. Michelle helped us even from the moment we meet her during our evaluation session. We left that 30 minute meeting a bit less anxious. Through our private sessions she has been amazing and has taken the time not only show us, but explain to us the why behind it. Michelle came into our life at just the right time - Luka is now fully integrated into our family and hopefully will be a certified Good Citizen Canine in the next few months. Michelle, Primal Canine, we are forever grateful. Thank YOU! read more

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I adopted my pup and had her for about 2 years before I reached out to Primal Canine. Frances started off as a really easy dog, neutral, and non-reactive (though she pulled on leash), but somehow she started developing some not-so-great behaviors. I could still manage her, so I didn't feel like it was necessary to use a trainer. Then I kept hearing about Primal Canine through PIT CREW RESCUE SACRAMENTO (a very dedicated and no bs rescue - go support them too!) Mike put me together with Lee, and I must admit, the first few months were rough. There were a lot of changes made to our previous routines and it took us some time before Frances was making significant progress. (Note: I signed up for a package of hour long trainings, not the Board & Train). Lee worked with me on creating neutrality and maintaining engagement with Frances - and both were key to our success. Fast forward to a few months later, and we're now at a place I never thought we could get to. Frances doesn't bark at dogs that bark at her, she no longer pulls on leash, and her recall is great. Life is so much easier and stress-free with a well-trained dog! While we've completed our training with Primal Canine, I still work with Frances regularly on the things we learned. Repetition and practice are sooooo important. Primal Canine isn't going to be a quick fix for your pup. It's going to be on you to continue putting in the work, so that you dog stays balanced and neutral. Signing up with Primal Canine was one of the best decisions I've made in my life! I tell that to everyone who asks about my dog and comments on on what a 'good dog' she is. Training is so important and I wish I had done it sooner. It's never too early or too late to start! ***At least start following them on Instragram, if you're curious to learn more. read more

They use very aversive methods particularly in their board and train program where you can't really observe them. It's cruel and your dog will come home completely traumatized. It's more than two years since I took my dog to them and there hasn't been a day since when I don't regret my decision. A dog, specially an anxious one, needs a lot of time to just adjust to a new environment. It's not possible to train a dog in anxiety to behave well. The only way to do so is to scare the dog of the alternative, which is exactly what these people do. These Stone Age methods do not belong to this century and these businesses will vanish in near future. Just look up how many of similar facilities are closing down every day. Do yourself and your dog a favor and just start training at home, where you can build up confidence in your dog while establishing a bond. Your dog deserves love not fear. They are innocent creatures that are eager to learn how to be your good boy/girl. It's in their genes. read more

Ok, so I kind of debated if I should write this review or not, but I feel like it's fair if I do. We came to Primal Canine with our (at that point) 4 months old Australian Shepard. We were extremely dedicated to train our pup so he, and us could have a better relationship, and for our Bowie to have the best life quality possible. I need to admit that at the beginning I was too soft towards our dog, and I would neglect some of the tips we were getting- that's on me. I think everything fell apart for us when our trainer tried to convince us not to feed our puppy for 1-2 days so he would get hungry, and eventually start taking the treats while training (Bowie was totally not food motivated). I remember having 30+ minutes conversation with the dog trainer about the whole thing. He would give us examples how a research showed that dogs can survive without food for a very long time. Well, maybe, but our dog was a puppy at that point, and I couldn't imagine not feeding him for 48 hrs- I contacted our vet and she was extremely surprised with an advice that we got. After this, I reached out to the owner, and yes, he tried to make it work for us. We went to a couple more training sessions but I wouldn't say it was great, we put so much hope in the whole process after reading all of the positive reviews, but it just didn't work for us. It felt very uncomfortable after we made a complaint- on the both ends I feel like- ours and our dog trainer. Anyway, we were trying to contact our dog trainer to show him the progress, and we wouldn't get any respond for, I believe,7+ days. After this I reached out to Primal Canine and found out that Henry was in a bad car accident. We felt very bad cause we were getting pretty annoyed about him not getting back to us. And here's the thing- after paying 1500$ upfront I think someone from Primal Canine should reach out to us, and inform us that Henry won't be available for some time. After all of that we just decided to quit, we didn't even start the group classes. To sum up: for us and Bowie taking classes here just didn't work out. I felt like we weren't doing much progress, every single class was much more the same. I am thankful for some of the tips we got, but definitely not worth the time or money that we invested in the process. read more

Mike & Erin are doing a great job. You can tell they have a passion for dogs and helping people become the best owners they can be. Once we got our 8-week old husky puppy we knew he immediately needed to start at Primal Canine. Now we have one of the most well behaved huskies. Our dog is always happy to see their staff when we show up for training. read more

I've been a client of Primal Canine for a few years now and there's a reason I keep coming back and regularly schedule for lessons! They are very communicative and quick to explain and answer any questions I have(and I ask a lot). My dog's progress has been amazing, especially having had lackluster trainers before them. Primal helped us fix our past mistakes and crush really advanced goals, like having super advanced off leash obedience anywhere, and dog sports! I sent my mastiff in for a board and train, and Erin was super helpful in assisting us with our transitional lessons and homework to keep his training great. I've also participated in group obedience classes and they're so enjoyable, structured, and informative. I also enrolled my little rescue mixed breed in their obedience lessons and group classes, and she's improved so much - became such a confident and relaxed dog on top of having great advanced obedience too. Their training methods are very appropriate, clear, and personally tailored to each dog. How my mastiff responds or works is completely different to my rescue dog! And in the process of seeing that, I as their owner have gained a big education. All of my friends and family, and people around town say how impressively trained my dogs are. Super great manners, obedience, boundaries, and confidence in public and at home, all thanks to Primal. I myself have learned so much, and I'm able to keep up training well at home. With Primal's staff being so helpful and experienced, it's very motivating to stay on top of things especially as our training goals keep advancing! I drive a few hours just to work with Primal and it's well worth it! I'm happy and my dog's are happy, and I plan to start my future puppy off on the right foot with them. read more

Can't say enough good things about the Primal Canine team. I noticed them on Instagram (@primalcanine) and what caught my attention was the group class highlights. My 2.5yr old APBT was easily distracted/aroused by his surroundings, especially dogs, and thought to myself how great it would be to get his training to the level I was seeing from their group classes. After reaching out I connected with Erin and after that first call, I knew I had found the right place. We talked for about 30 mins and the conversation was all about my dog and what we were looking to achieve vs. trying to sell me on their services. I settled on a package that included 1-on-1 sessions with group classes and is how we got connected with our trainer Lee. Lee (@boooshank) is a fantastic dog trainer who is extremely patient with all his clients. He's been coaching us along since our first session. Always taking the time to answer my questions, and not just answering them but making sure I understand the answer as well. In between sessions I always look forward to sending him videos of our training not only to show our progress but to also receive critical feedback pointing out where we can do things better or things to keep in mind. We've learned so much from our experience with Lee and the progress my dog has made is witnessed by how well we fit in with the rest of the Intermediate Group Class and is why we sign up for continuing group classes. I've had the opportunity to interact with the broader Primal Canine team over the past six months and everyone there is great, always welcoming and willing to help. How hard this team works truly shows and is why I will always recommend them to anyone who asks. I know for sure I'll continue working with them for as long as I have a dog. read more

Primal Canine - Bamm holding his position and engaged around high stimuli during group class. - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

Primal Canine is amazing, there isn't a more perfect word for what they do with dogs. My wife and I have a German Shepherd that was causing us all kinds of issues and we were almost at the point of having to return him to the breeder. Our dog was biting (we learned it was play biting) and we had a hard time communicating with our dog and our life was being run by our dog. Erin was amazing on working with us to get our dog scheduled with a trainer for the Board and Train program. The communication via email, text, and phone was top notch and always completed in a timely manner. Our dog went to Primal Canine for their Board and Train Program. Our dog was paired with Henry, his trainer. Our dog stayed with Henry for four weeks to develop him and his training. AMAZING is all I can say. My wife and I worked with Henry for two days before we brought our dog home. His obedience is on point and Henry gave us a whole set of tools to use as we transition our dog back into our lives. Primal Canine, and specifically Henry changed our lives and have allowed us to live with our dog and communicate with him. Another great feature that Primal Canine offers is a trainer for life. We have Henry on speed dial and we continue to reach out to him and communicate with him on a regular basis to ensure that we are carrying on all the great work that was done. read more

Primal Canine - "Place" Work. - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

We took our rescue dog to Primal Canine when he was about 4 years old after he started exhibiting signs of dog aggression and human anxiety following a particularly traumatic trip to the vet. The difference was like night and day. We did private lessons with Mike and he helped us build a healthy, loving, and trusting relationship with Archer - largely through training us more than training him. It was the best thing we could have done for Archer's training - his dog aggression and anxiety around people are next to non-existent because he trusts and focuses on us instead. Not to mention the discipline - 3 years later and he will still stay in a sit on the front porch, dogs and people walking by, while we pack up the car until we tell him to get in. PC isn't only for dogs that are large, troubled, or aggressive - corgi puppies go here too! It's really for anyone who wants to build a trusting relationship with their dog and ensure that their dog does well around others. Can't give enough love to this place! read more

Primal Canine - Pups of all shapes and sizes! - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

Online training personalized to me, my dog and our goals! 10/10! Would recommend! I found Primal Canine on Instagram about 3 yrs ago and fell in love with their training style but I live across the country. So when I found out they had online sessions, I decided to sign up when I got a Doberman puppy. I just finished a 7 session package with Lee. He's great! He helped me with my simple goals like crate training and loose leash walking. Also more advanced things like focused heel. He explained things clearly and even used his personal dogs to show me exactly what to do. He gave support and answered questions in between sessions to keep me on track. Of course there's always benefits to having in person training and the sessions can suffer if you have spotty Wi-Fi. But if your looking for the flexibility of quality and affordable training from your home and on your schedule, you should definitely sign up! I just started another 7 session package. read more

Primal Canine - Working on Focused Heel - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

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Primal Canine has been a life saver for us. We have two dogs, one with dog aggression and both who needed serious obedience work. Milo, our guy with dog aggression, had gotten worse and worse over the last year or two. It got to the point where we just didn't feel safe taking him anywhere anymore. As a result, our other dog also suffered. We felt like we weren't giving them the life they deserved. We finally saved up enough for training and went to a consultation at primal canine based on a recommendation from a very close friend who also trains with them. First of all, we were THRILLED to hear they charge per household instead of per dog. To us, that really showed how much they truly care about helping dogs vs other places we had contacted that we would never be able to afford. Fast forward to our first few sessions - our trainer is Matt. He has helped us so much! He is able to immediately help us identify problems and come up with solutions. Previously, our dogs were completely out of control on the leash. My arms were so tired from being pulled around on walks. We felt like we had tried everything. Gentle leaders, prong collars, harnesses, etc. Nothing ever worked. Within 2 sessions, our dogs were walking right by our side. We are now able to enjoy walks and hikes with no problem and it's truly incredible. We just graduated to group sessions which, naturally, I worry about a little with our dog who has aggression issues but I am 100% confident in Matt and trust that he thinks we are ready. I can't wait to continue our training with primal canine and I recommend them to everyone I know! read more

Primal Canine - Milo and olive being absolute DREAMS on our hike today. Thanks Matt! - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

Primal Canine is an outstanding dog training and dog owner support team and I recommend them to anyone seeking a better, more positive life with your beloved canines. The entire crew is professional, great at communicating, and passionate about what they do. We brought our 2 golden retrievers (3 years and 1 year old) to Primal for a consultation after we were at a breaking point with the 3 year old reacting aggressively toward other dogs (barking/growling/lunging). He was a sweet, docile golden until attacked by another dog. His aggression got worse and worse and it was difficult to even go on a short walk in our neighborhood. Meanwhile, we added another golden to our family. The happiest, goofiest, friendliest pup you've met. We were worried that the 3 year old's behavior would start rubbing off on him, which it did when we had a run in with an off-leash dog. After that incident, we searched Yelp to find a dog trainer for help. After a few conversations with different organizations, Primal Canine felt the most connected to our challenges. When we met Mike, he immediately put our minds at ease and explained that our situation could easily be improved with clear communication and consistent training methods. We were 100% committed to taking his direction knowing it meant healthier, happier pups. Mike introduced us to Lee, our dedicated dog trainer. Mike and Lee insisted that both dogs train together since they are together all the time and do influence each other's behavior. Lee immediately connected with our pups and within that first hour we learned a new, simple, clear way to communicate with them. The training and coaching Lee provided changed our lives within a week. The communication guidance and tools Lee provided were perfect. We simply had to apply them and be consistent. We worked with Lee over the course of several months in both 1-on-1 training sessions and group training sessions. It has been invaluable. Lee has an extraordinary way of connecting with dogs and helped us understand how to communicate with them effectively. It's been 9 months since we started this journey with Primal Canine and we still attend intermediate group classes with Lee. Our 3-year old golden is still doing amazingly well and is having NO reactions to other dogs (since week 1!). Our 1-year old golden got some much needed obedience and is still as happy as he was on his first day of training. And we (the humans) continue to practice our training and working consistently with our pups every day. Thank you, Primal Canine! read more