Brandi & Perry were amazing! Highly recommend working with them. 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! read more

We couldn't be more thrilled with our experience at Ridgeside K9 in Winchester, VA! We signed up our Labradoodle, Theo, with Ridgeside K9 with high hopes that they could get us back on track, and Kenny and Sarah Foster absolutely delivered beyond our expectations. From the very first interaction, Kenny and Sarah were professional, warm, and genuinely passionate about what they do. They took the time to understand the pain points that we were experiencing with our new puppy, Theo's personality and tailored their approach to fit him perfectly. I was overseas on vacation, but they shared the progress and transformation pictures and updates every day. Theo is more confident, focused, and responsive than ever. What really impressed me with Ridgeside K9 apart is the care and dedication that Kenny and Sarah brought to the 3-week transformation and the dedicated work with him. It was easy to tell this isn't just a job for them -- they truly love working with dogs and it shows in the results. Theo came home happy, well-behaved, and I could tell during the 2 hour turnover session that Theo had clearly bonded with his trainers. If you're in the Winchester and surrounding area and looking for exceptional dog training, look no further than Ridgeside K9. Ask for Kenny and Sarah -- you and your pup won't be disappointed! read more

We enrolled our 6-month-old border collie, Felix, in Ridgeside K9's Puppy University program and had a great experience. The program gave Felix a strong foundation in obedience, including recall, place, stay, heel, door manners, and better engagement with us. What really stood out was how much the program taught us as owners. We learned how important simple, consistent communication is for dogs. The training gave us practical tools we can use every day, and we have already seen a positive difference in Felix's focus, confidence, and responsiveness. Ridgeside K9 helped us better understand how to build fair and consistent routines, which is especially valuable with a smart, high-energy breed like a border collie. Highly recommend Ridgeside K9's Puppy University program for anyone looking to start their puppy off with structure, clarity, and a strong training foundation. read more

My retriever, Brie, finished her 2 week training and I am completely satisfied with all she learned. What a joy to let her run free on our property with a simple command of "come". Brandi and Perry are really great trainers. I would recommend them with no reserves. read more

I took my 6 month old Rottweiler puppy to Brandi and Perry and I just want to say it's a complete 180 from when I brought her she was reactive to her surroundings and had little structure which made simple tasks like walking her and having her reliably going to the bathroom was a nightmare I appreciate the time and dedication they took to get her to where she's at today. I would highly recommend if you are worried about having a dog that you can't control reach out to Brandi and Perry they do wonders. I went with the 3 week board and train. I received update picture everyday and was in contact with them the whole time which gave me a peace of mind. read more

Ridgeside K9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

I had a wonderful experience with Ridgeside K9 and highly recommend them. Gina was my trainer and she was absolutely amazing to work with. My dog Teddy was very fearful and skittish when he arrived and he has been transformed into a new dog. He doesn't walk me anymore, I walk him. He has manners and sits before walking thru doorways. He can do the place, heel, free commands. I never thought I would see the changes I see in him after 3 weeks. I received communication for her everyday which helped me and I will refer back to the messages and training to help me to continue to train Teddy. Gina delivered Teddy to me at home and did a fantastic job of teaching me and giving me the tools to keep things going with Teddy. I feel like I gained a friend and a mentor! If you have a dog that needs training I would search no more and give Ridgeside a call. This was well worth the investment. read more

We had the pleasure of having our dog, Willow, work with Bernie and Ashley from Ridgeside, and we could not be happier with her progress. This was a completely new experience for us, and we were admittedly nervous going in. However, from the moment Bernie walked into our home, we felt increasingly at ease. We were extremely comfortable entrusting Willow to Bernie, which made the entire process so much easier. The daily updates were fantastic, and it was clear that Bernie truly listened to our "end goals" for Willow. He addressed the most important concerns immediately and effectively. The drop-off was just as impressive. Bernie provided valuable insight and gave us the tools we needed to continue Willow's training at home with confidence. We highly recommend Ridgeside, especially Bernie and Ashley. You will not be disappointed! read more

We had a great experience with Kenny & Sarah at Ridgeside K9 and can't recommend them highly enough. Our Goldendoodle puppy, Romy, recently completed the 10-day puppy training and will return in several months for an additional 2 weeks. From the start, their communication was excellent--they kept us updated every day with photos and detailed notes, which gave us a lot of confidence in the process. It was clear how much time and care they put into his training. When Romy came home, the difference was immediate. Just as importantly, Kenny & Sarah made sure we were trained too--walking us through everything they had worked on so we could be consistent and reinforce it at home. That made a huge difference. With a puppy and three young kids, things can get chaotic quickly, but this training has really helped us create a much calmer, more manageable household. Romy is still a fun, energetic puppy, but he now has the foundation and structure he needed--and so do we. We're very grateful for the work they put in and would absolutely recommend them to anyone considering training. read more

I had an amazing experience with this dog training service all due to Zach. He was extremely knowledgeable, patient, and really cared about helping my dog learn and grow. Not only that but he was eager to teach me how to communicate better with my dog. Zach sent me constant updates with plenty of pictures and videos. I really love to see that he put so much time into working with my dog; he brought him out to stores, hiking, socializing with other dogs, and even in his house to work on proper house manners. He provided clear instructions and personalized tips that made a huge difference in my dog's behavior. The real show of this amazing training was that my dog came back extremely happy, he seemed like he really enjoyed his training. I highly recommend using Zach !!!! read more

Ridgeside K9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

From before drop off to Steggie being brought home, Brandi and Perry were wonderful. I was expectedly nervous when dropping him off but Perry explained how their training process flows for the 3 weeks they have my pup and I immediately trusted Steggie would be fine with them! They got to know him and gained his trust which made working with him far more effective(for the nervous pup moms out there). DO IT if you're thinking about the investment. Steggie has a VERY high prey drive and before training would prefer to choke himself out before backing down from anything that locked his attention in. I was SHOKED to see the self control he's gained in 3 weeks. With the tools Brandi & Perry gave we and what hes learned our walks are night and day. His over all obedience had improved immensely. The tools make it easy to quickly adjust behavior pretty gently. Throughout training, Brandi sent photo updates of Steggies progress and what he was working on. She answered random questions I sent over Throughout the process too. I could see that he loved hanging out with them! He wanted to go back home with Perry after drop off! They will train you on everything you need to know to maintain and even improve what your pup has learned. Perry spent almost 5 hours with me and Steggie, answered all of my questions, taught me what to do then let me do it live with my dog until I felt comfortable, giving me feedback the whole time. Brandi & Perry CARE about the success and happiness of your pup through this process and it was genuinely felt the whole time. Again, if you are thinking about the investment -just do it! You will not regret it. read more

We cannot say enough good things about our experience with Brandi and Perry at Ridgeside K9! Sending our Boston terrier, Otto, to board and train was nerve-wracking, but from day one Brandi and Perry made sure we had consistent updates. They put our minds at ease and educated us about what he was learning every step of the way. We learned about the way our dog communicates and how to maintain his training at home. My only regret is wishing we would've met them sooner! Our quality of life, and Otto's, is better now that he's completed board and train with Brandi and Perry. Thank you!! read more

We've had an amazing experience working with Ridgeside K9's trainer Erin Henry! She trained our 9-month-old English Labrador during a 3-week board and train, and the results were incredible--better manners and a calmer demeanor on walks. While we've had to maintain the training at home, Erin provided us with the tools and guidance we needed. She's always responsive and even cared for her and her brother while we were away. The entire process has been so worthwhile, and our home is much more peaceful now. read more

We are beyond grateful for the amazing work Brandi and Perry have done with our dogs (Lia & Kai). The change we've seen has been truly remarkable! Their professionalism, knowledge, and passion for training shine through in everything they do. They took the time to understand each dog's personality and tailored their approach perfectly. We've noticed such a positive and dramatic improvement in behavior and confidence. We did a three week board and train for our pups! We highly recommend Brandi and Perry to anyone looking for dedicated and effective dog trainers -- they've truly made a difference for our family and our pups! read more

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We cannot say enough wonderful things about Gina and the incredible work she did with our dog, Lilly. Lilly spent three weeks training with Gina, and the transformation has been amazing. She came home with so many new skills, better focus, and a clear understanding of expectations--and we feel just as trained as she is! Throughout the entire process, Gina shared daily updates and photos, which gave us so much peace of mind and made us feel truly connected to Lilly's progress. It was clear how thoughtful, intentional, and caring Gina is, not just as a trainer, but as someone who genuinely loves the dogs she works with. What really sets Gina apart is that she doesn't just train your dog--she trains you as the owner. She took the time to ensure we understood the "why" behind the training and gave us practical, easy-to-follow guidance so we can confidently continue reinforcing everything at home. We are beyond grateful for Gina's expertise, patience, and dedication. If you are looking for a trainer who delivers real results, communicates consistently, and sets both you and your dog up for long-term success, Gina is truly exceptional. Highly, highly recommend! read more

The Baileys at Ridgeside K9 did a fantastic job with our headstrong German Shepherd, Max. The daily updates were both enjoyable and encouraging. Max went from an uncontrollable dog who would never recall, to a well discipline, obedient, yet loving dog. The most important aspect of the three-week training event was the 4-hour training that my wife and I received when Max as delivered to our home. Perry and Brandi were always available, professional, friendly, and kind. They were, by far, the best trainers we've ever had. read more

Brandi and Perry exceeded our expectations in every possible way. They've treated our Karma like family and created a solid foundation for her continued success. We needed the education, guidance, and training as much as she did. They are gifted at communicating with both dogs and families. We knew where Karma was in the continuum of her progress on a daily basis. We could see her potential and the kind of life she could have with us every day thru texts, pics, and videos. One of the most impactful things they've done is checking to see how we're all doing. We can't recommend them highly enough. We feel confident that we can continue their work with a precious member of our family. Thank you Brandi and Perry Hugh, Nanci, and Karma read more

I heard about Ridgeside K9 from a complete stranger on a park bench outside a Starbucks, and decided right there and then it was time to get Apollo some training. Apollo and I were not doing great before our board and train. We were struggling with intense leash pulling, jumping on guests, and reacting to passing dogs on walks. He is a very sweet dog, but his behavior was highly inappropriate when he got excited. Despite spending thousands on "treats only" training, results were lacking--Apollo would only listen for treats, leaving me feeling disrespected as an owner. People would say, "You should train your dog." And I would reply, frustrated: "I HAVE!!! ITS JUST NOT WORKING!" That changed after working with Erin at Ridgeside K9. A two-week board and train completely transformed our relationship. Now, Apollo is a joy at restaurants, happily walks by my side on long strolls, and is well-mannered around guests. It's such a relief not worrying about him darting into traffic, jumping in a strangers face, or tiring me out with constant tugging. My friends and family are amazed at his manners! Erin was incredibly supportive, picking up Apollo, ensuring his comfort, and keeping me updated throughout his stay. He was trained on a spacious property and even was present for Erin's Thanksgiving, which shows the personal care she took. Erin also told me she is "lifetime support" which is beyond reassuring--she has checked up on us several times since. For those hesitant about e-collars like I was, I've learned that in the right hands, they're effective tools for correcting behaviors that could lead to real-life harm. Thanks to Erin and Ridgeside K9, I feel like I've regained control of my life, and I can't wait to see what else Apollo can achieve. Needless to say, I recommend their services. read more

Gina Furtado at RidgeK9 deserves a million trillion zillion stars. I drove five hours with my doberman Simon to board and train with her and it was the best thing I could ever do for us. A little backstory- Simon is a stray with an unknown history and is approximately 2 years old. He's a sweet boy but has impulse control issues and is highly reactive to people on motorcycles, scooters, and bikes. He tries to bite them and has unfortunately succeeded. I joke (while crying inside) he's like Jekyll and Hyde. Because we live in NJ, although I had heard of Gina from Simon's foster, I sent him to a different trainer in NY who had extensive experience with dobermans (FYI who competed and won global doberman championships and trains personal protection dogs), with lots of 5 star reviews. A month after Simon returned from this NY board and train, I was still having the same issues, even though I was doing everything the trainer had taught me. I even spent an afternoon at the police station after Simon jumped out the car window at a VERY busy four way intersection and bit a neighborhood man who was riding his bicycle down the street, minding his own business. This was a very dangerous situation and the worst Simon had ever reacted. I couldn't afford to send him to yet another board and train unless I knew it was someone who could really help us. I was stressed out and hopeless. ENTER GINA! From the moment I reached out, her communication was so crystal clear. I knew her communication skills as a dog trainer would be just as excellent, if not more. She considers every angle and then breaks it down in simple terms I can understand. I told her Simon's history, and just from this limited information she told me exactly what she thought the issues were and told me what I could do in the meantime, and what she would work on during the board and train. During the three weeks Gina had him in Virginia, she sent me a very detailed daily update about what they worked on together, accompanied by the most beautiful pictures and videos. I love that Simon was trained by a woman, not some macho man, and such a kind and caring one at that, who not only showed him exactly what he should do, but gave him so much love during the whole process. She is so calm, patient, and clear, and this made all the difference! Although I was a bit delirious from the drive when I went to pick him up, we had a three hour turnover where she educated me on exactly what I should do in specific situations. We practiced on each other and then she patiently supervised and guided me while I practiced those skills and new knowledge on Simon. Also, Simon was getting very chubz. Gina weighed him, got him lean and supermodel sexy in 3 weeks and even gave him a bath the night before pick up! As soon as we got home that night, I took Simon out for a walk, and while on the walk, he suddenly just sat and looked at me. I was like, what are you doing cute boi? And then I saw the bike that had passed by us. LET ME REPEAT: Simon saw the bike before I did and simply sat and looked at me WITHOUT ANY CORRECTION. I immediately shoved pieces of steak in his mouth, and even though Gina told me I needed to be buddha level calm at all times, I almost cried with joy. Being back home, I honestly felt a bit overwhelmed, questioning if I can really do this and am I going to mess it all up? But Gina continues to send me key pointers, encouragement, and offers me advice so that I can continue the good work. Thank you Gina for all that you have done for us. I really can't thank you enough. If I listed all the ways you went above and beyond, this review would be a hundred pages. The board and train was "bootcamp," but Simon had the time of his life. You are truly a magician and we will never ever forget you. read more

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We used Ridgeside K9 (Raleigh area) for the two week training course and couldn't be more happy or impressed! Our little boy, Max is a one year old golden retriever. We had him trained about three months ago. He was a really good boy and mostly a good listener, but still needed training to get the puppy stubbornness gone and lock down the consistency of listening and following commands, especially prior to our newborn arriving. Well, ask and you shall receive! Stephanie was our trainer and did an amazing job with Max. From heeling and focusing on walks, to being on place when told, to the energy levels being lower when needed, and listening to commands have all been implemented. Ridgeside uses an "EZ Educator" collar and let me tell you, this is amazing. It's not a shock collar, but does send a simple vibration or sound that works great to train and get attention. This tool is wonderful and we are so happy it was introduced. Fast forward to go-time for the birth of our daughter. We wanted to leave Max with either my dad or Stephanie, as Ridgeside also does boarding. We figured it would be nice to have my dad at the hospital and not have to worry about him coming and going for our little guy. Stefanie was so incredibly flexible with my constantly changing birth situation, and when we were sent to the hospital after a doctor's appointment for an unplanned induction, she was at our house in less than two hours to pick up our boy. I know he's always in great hands with Stephanie. I couldn't be more grateful for Stefanie and the Ridgeside team. I highly recommend this investment, and I hope this review helps someone with their sweet pup! read more

Ridgeside K9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

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We rescued our ~ 3yo German Shepherd/Husky mix from a local shelter in late September 2025. He had come from a tough situation, and we knew there would be some issues we needed to work through. He showed no aggression but exhibited a lot of fear which was apparent in his efforts to "flee" every time he perceived something as a threat.... which was often something minor. He also became an escape artist from our back yard, prompting our need for a GPS tracker. We could not leave him home alone in his crate as he would spend the whole time trying to get out or panicking... even though he was fine in it when we were around. After about 4 months of little improvement (beyond him settling in and accepting us as his family... spending more time with us, less hiding, etc) we knew we needed help, so we contacted Ridgeside K9. After listening to our story, they recommended their 3-week behavioral program. So we sent him off. It turned out to be one of the best decisions we could have made for our boy. Brandi and Perry were fantastic every step of the way. We got daily pictures and updates on his progress. And when we got him back, Perry spent almost 4 hours with us demonstrating what he had learned and teaching us how to continue to work with him. It was like he was a different dog! He now follows basic commands, seems less fearful (though his fear will probably be a part of him for a long time to come) and is generally a more well-behaved and trained dog. They also sent him home with his e collar and taught us how to properly use it. I was not a fan of using an e collar for training initially as I did not want to have to rely on it, but Perry demonstrated how much of the use is just in using a tone that he has learned to associate with commands. And I find we actually need to use the tone less and less. He did not come back perfect. But we did not expect him to be. And nobody should expect perfection. But he came back with tools and a way to work with him to continue to improve and be more confident. And we couldn't be happier. You will not regret allowing Ridgeside K9 to train your dog. They truly love, understand and respect the nature of the dogs they train. And it is apparent in the results. read more

We sent another one of our dogs (this time one of our pomskies, previously was our pitt). Kenny and Sarah did an incredible job with Arlo's tasks, specifically his recall. They ensured we had daily updates on how he was doing and did an intense/thorough handover when he came home ensuring we were in complete understanding how to stay consistent with him. Very hands on and did not leave until we were absolutely comfortable. We could not have asked for a better team for our pup! read more

Awesome care of my dog, whether it be daycare or boarding. They are so very friendly and my dog gets so excited to be there.

We are extremely pleased with the outstanding results from Artie's 3‑week board and train program with Gina at Ridgeside K9. Artie is our 10‑month‑old Old English Sheepdog. We brought him home as an 8‑week‑old puppy and trained him daily, but he presented challenges beyond what we'd experienced before. Over the years, we've had seven dogs--five Sheepdogs, a Malamute/Wolf mix, and a Jack Russell/Terrier mix--and successfully trained them all at home without issues, so we are by no means amateurs. However, Artie was a true challenge. We even completed a six‑session training program with another trainer, and on "graduation day," Artie scored a D+. We missed him every day he was away for training, but the daily reports and pictures from Gina made the days bearable and reassured us that he was in great hands. Before Ridgeside K9, he struggled with excessive pulling on walks, jumping, biting, ignoring commands, running to the neighbor's house, and barking for no reason. Under Gina's expert guidance, he now walks calmly on leash, listens attentively, and responds reliably off‑leash--he's truly a new dog, a complete 180 from how he was before training. Gina demonstrated exceptional professionalism, communication, and genuine care throughout the entire process--providing detailed updates and ensuring we had the tools to reinforce his progress at home. Thanks to her dedication, Artie has become a confident, well‑mannered dog, and we wholeheartedly recommend Gina and Ridgeside K9 to anyone seeking effective and compassionate dog training. read more

Having Brandi and Perry train and board our Arlo for the 2 week program has been a Godsend. We chose this program to keep our boy safe. Since Perry brought him home, he has gotten even better. Recall is fantastic and greeting folks has gone from chaos to excited. The thing we are most appreciative of it the balance. Arlo has much needed discipline but still maintains his goofy personality. We have been told Goldendoodles are not the easiest breed to train. The Baily's rose to the challenge and helped an important member of our family become more responsive and safer. read more

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Perry and Brandi did such an amazing job training our labradoodle puppy. Since she has come home, she listens to all of our commands and has generally become incredibly obedient. Not only did Perry and Brandi instill this obedience in our dog, but they took the time to explain them to us, teach us and demonstrate to us and with us to make sure that we would be able to continue to train and work with our dog in the best way possible. We really appreciate their hard work and dedication to their craft! read more

We adopted a five-year-old Yorkie last year and decided to train our dog Teddy ourselves first. We had a good amount of success but really needed some extra help when it came to getting him comfortable with people touching each other (aka. hugging or hanging out on the couch) and overall house manners. We called Ridgeside K-9 after our first year with him and they paired us up with Gina F., they also recommended he stay for 4 weeks as he has a bite history and that would ensure the best transition outcome. We were concerned that the way he was going he was going to bite someone outside the family and Gina really helped us understand what was going on with him and helped us become more confident that we could create structure for him to thrive and become a confident dog. Gina came and picked him up and she was so incredibly kind and excited to work with him. We got pictures and videos everyday he was in her care and honestly he looked so happy. Not only did we feel like Teddy was treated as one of her own but we also felt like there were no stupid questions with Gina. Each week we would get video lessons that showed and explained how she was working with Teddy. When Teddy came back Gina took her time carefully showing us everything we needed to know to when it came to creating structure for Teddy. It's also a great reminder that your dog is still your dog after training, you are just creating an environment that helps him succeed and showing him what is and isn't acceptable behavior. The biggest change honestly is how my family trains/communicates with him, our lack of structure created some pretty poorly maintained boundaries and that's not easy for a dog to predict or navigate. After our transition Teddy was still the happy dog that left but now he has a really great baseline for my family to maintain as well as know what to do when he needs more structure and support. The month he was gone felt long but it was so worth it. Our family is much more excited to keep up his good work and we will definitely be going back to Ridgeside if we get another dog in the future! Thank you Gina so much, we can't recommend you enough! read more

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Amazing results. After just three weeks our dog came back more obedient, focused, and well-behaved. Perry and Brandi were the trainers and were professional, knowledgeable, and they clearly care about the dogs they work with. They also provided great guidance for us as owners. Highly recommend Perry and Brandi to anyone looking for real results. read more

We have sent all 3 of our dogs to Brandi and Perry and cannot speak highly enough of them. Each dog had their own issues and they did so much to ensure they were comfortable the entire time and that we knew everything that was going on. We just recently sent our newly adopted puppy and could not be happier with how easily he is to handle now. We will continue to send all of our future dogs to them and cannot recommend them enough. read more

Ridgeside K9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

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Brandi and Perry stop at nothing to make sure your dog feels like he is one of their pack. Our pup Luke just got home from the 2 week board and train program and it was the best money we ever spent. They took their time at handover to teach us everything so that we can be set up for success with him. Wish I could give more than 5 stars because they know their stuff and helped us learn to communicate with our 6 month old pup more easily. read more

Ridgeside K9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

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We cannot say enough good things about Perry and Brandi at Ridgeside K9! Our golden retriever puppy just completed the first phase of Puppy All-Inclusive training, and the results were amazing. This isn't our first dog, but this pup is a little more "spirited" and we were questioning our ability to properly train her -- enter Brandi and Perry! From the start, they were responsive, flexible, and got our pup into training quickly. They helped eliminate some challenging (but normal puppy) behaviors (like nipping and jumping) and laid a strong foundation of obedience, leash walking, and door manners--all with a calm, kind, and thoughtful approach. One of the things we love most is that the puppies stay in their home during Phase 1 of the training. It truly feels like a family environment, and our puppy was clearly loved on by their adorable daughters while learning in a real-life setting. Brandi was very generous with her time during handover, patiently walking us through everything (sometimes more than once!) and making sure we felt confident. They truly understand how to motivate each dog and support the owners too. We're already looking forward to Phase 2. Highly recommend! read more

Perry and Brandi are awesome! Luke just went through a 3 week board and train with them. They sent updates daily and treated him as their own. read more

Ridgeside K9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

We approached Ridgeside K9 for training our 1 year old Golden Retriever. We were lucky to get Brandi and Perry as our trainers who are awesome. Both of them trained our dog so we essentially got two trainers at the price of 1. Our dog stayed with them for 3 weeks during training. They let us see the training areas and gave us a detailed overview, we were instantly comfortable leaving our baby with them. We received pictures and updates daily during the training, one thing I got to say is they are as good at photography as they are in training dogs. After 3 weeks they brought our dog home and gave us a 4.5 hr transition. The result is phenomenal. We now walk twice the distance in the same time because he does not stop or get distracted as much, does not pull and does not eat trash off the ground. He has become more integrated with the family as we can let him out of his play pen to sit and be around in common areas. This was not possible earlier as he would chew on our toddler's toys, sofa cushions and walls. He is much happier with us and we are much happier with him so the investment has paid off. Thank you Ridgeside K9, Brandi and Perri for the fantastic training. read more

Ken and Sarah from K9 Ridgeside hosted and trained our Bull Terriers for 3 weeks in November. We got daily updates on their training with lots of fotos and video. Their progress was amazing. When we returned from our travel we had a thorough handover intended to ensure that we knew how to continue their training. Since then, our dogs have been so much easier to manage. Ken and Sarah's work has been really transformational! Thanks! read more

Super Experience with Brandi and Perry (Ridgeside K9 in Charles Town, WV) We recently had the pleasure of working with this outstanding team. They trained our Sheep A Doodle's behavior and strengthened our bond with her. From the very first session, their expertise and passion for training were evident. They have a very high work ethic. Our young dog Freia, whom we recently adopted, has a strong herding instinct and we had difficulty with getting her to listen, especially in the face of distractions such as other dogs or small children. We researched multiple dog trainers in the NOVA area, and chose Brandi/Perry for the following reasons. We had the recommendations from 2 separate individuals that spoke very highly of the success they had seen with their dogs. Their facility is clean and well organized. Perry a former policer, has over 20 years as professional working with K9 police teams.. He is clear and concise and patient. Brandi also a former police officer, and highly experienced with dog training. We were a bit nervous about leaving our pup anywhere for a board and train, but from the first day, they provided daily communication, including photos on progress. They were responsive to questions and comments; often within minutes. They employed a Garmin e-collar in a thoughtful and humane way, focusing on positive reinforcement techniques that complemented the device. Their approach not only improved our dog's obedience but also built our confidence. They took the time to explain the principles behind each technique. With their program the dog is delivered to the owner's home. Then our "training" began. We were taught the techniques and the philosophy of the training thus making us feel empowered as owners. The couple was incredibly patient and attentive, tailoring their methods to suit our dog's unique personality. Once we were on our own, we had questions, which Brandi responded to either by text or phone call. Freia now responds beautifully to commands, and walks have become a joy rather than a challenge. We do have to keep reinforcing the training but with the guidance they provided it really works. We wholeheartedly recommend this dynamic duo to anyone looking to train their dog. Their professionalism, knowledge, and genuine love for animals shine through in every session. Thank you for helping us create a happier, more harmonious life together! Todd and Janette Herndon VA Brandi and Perry Ridgeside K9, Charles Town WV 571-271-5595 read more

Ridgeside K9 - Our Freia learning how to stay! - Pet Training Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

We couldn't be happier with the training our dogs Munchy and Hairy received with Perry and Brandi. We adopted 1 year old Munchy and quickly realized that it was not going to work any more to have two untrained dogs and decided to send both her and our five year old dog Hairy for three weeks of board and train. Both are pretty naturally fearful dogs. It is so amazing to have had them lay a foundation for communicating with the dogs that we can now carry over into our environment as we re-establish expectations for behavior. There is so much to take in during turnover and Brandi has been so responsive to my follow up questions as I sort through how to apply their training to new situations. I truly never thought I'd be able to enjoy a walk with both dogs and have been able to do so every day since their return. read more

In January, I rescued a 5-year-old German Shepherd. He was a wonderful dog, but he had severe reactions to other dogs while on a leash. It was difficult to find someone willing to walk him, and taking him to public places or friends' homes where other dogs might be present was nearly impossible. After researching, I found Ridgeside K9, a highly-reviewed trainer in the area. I opted for a three-week board and train program to ensure he received ample training time. Brandi and Perry were my trainers, and they were fantastic from the start. It was tough to let my pet go for three weeks, but they sent daily pictures and updates and were always ready to answer my questions, keeping me involved throughout the process. There's a common misconception that after board and train programs, dogs come back completely fixed--this is not true. When my dog first came home, he reacted on his first walk almost as he had before. The problem was my lack of training, not his. Unless trainers live with you for three weeks and conduct training in your own neighborhood, it's unrealistic to expect the dog to automatically adjust back at home. Especially intelligent breeds like Shepherds will test boundaries. My dog has working-dog lineage, which includes behaviors like sniffing and marking territory; these genetic traits are unchangeable. However, Brandi and Perry equipped me with the tools to manage and eventually curb his behaviors. It's crucial to remember that training is a two-way street. Without proper training for yourself, the dog can easily revert to old behaviors. One significant point often overlooked is how the trainers teach you to communicate with your dog. Knowing simple commands like "yes" (positive) and "no" (negative) is transformative. For instance, I used to lay a blanket down for my dog to chew his bone so it wouldn't stain the carpet. Initially, he would move off the blanket onto the carpet. Post-training, it only took a couple of corrections for him to understand that "carpet" meant no and "blanket" meant yes. Now, he stays on the blanket. Even after the program ended, Brandi and Perry continued to provide support and help with specific issues. Additionally, if you choose a board and train program, consider purchasing a raised cot from Amazon. It's inexpensive, and your dog will already be familiar with it as a resting place. I'm very grateful to Brandi, Perry, and Ridgeside K9 for their invaluable help, which has alleviated many years of potential stress. Each breed is different, and everyone's experience will vary. This was my experience--do not take it as gospel. Work closely with your trainer, engage fully in the process, and you will achieve the necessary results. read more

Ridgeside K9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia

I sent my one year-old black German Shepherd mix for boarding and training, it was the best decision I've ever made for my dog. We sent him in with some food aggression and command issues and he came back after four weeks a brand new behaved dog. Our household with two other dogs has been calmer when needed. We worked with Gina and we cannot thank her enough. She sent us pictures and updates every day of Hunky. When we got Hunky back, she spent three hours if not more in our home teaching my family and I how to properly guide Hunky and handle his behaviors. Even after training, she has been checking up on us and reminding us of what we need to do and we are forever grateful that got connected with her and Ridgeside K9. Well worth looking into! read more

We sent our boy Kobe in for the 3 week board and train. Kobe came home more confident. He no longer was trying to escape. Brandi and Perry are awesome. Patient with the adults and amazing with the dogs. If you have a training need give Ridgesode K9 a try, you won't be disappointed. read more

I did the three week board and train for my Golden with Perry and Brandi. The difference is night and day. The training continues at home and I can say it is money well spent. It has made such an enormous difference in the quality of my life to have a well behaved girl who listens. Thank you so very much! read more

Had our lab trained with Aaron when he ran the business out of his Bluemont location about 5 years ago. We needed to board him recently for a few days and even though we had to make the trek from Ashburn to Winchester, it was well worth it. Aaron is a fellow vet and a long time friend who I can trust with high drive dogs. Our lab requires lots of exercise and we knew they could help. He had daily treadmill sessions and spent time with some new friends. Pro tip - we had him bathed at their new grooming facility next door right before we picked him up, super convenient! read more

Ridgeside K9 - Pet Training Near Me - Bluemont, Virginia