5 Stars all the way! We took Zeus to Ridgeside K9 Carolina back in September of last year as a 5 month old puppy. I wanted to wait about 6 months before I posted a review to give a more complete assessment of our experience. Well, let me tell you, when we brought Zeus to Will & Taylor he was a rambunctious GSD puppy who didn't want to listen to authority. We would take him on walks and he would act horribly, pulling and wrapping us up in his leash. He would often just bolt out the front door at the slightest provocation. All in all he was a puppy with no discipline. We had attempted some training on our own with little success (My patience wears thin easily) so we decided lets leave it up to the professionals! Zeus's breeder Heather (She is also excellent) from Smith's Koniglich's German Shepherds recommended Ridgeside K9 Carolinas so we did extensive research and decided Will & Taylor were right for us. When we arrived to drop Zeus off we met Taylor & Will and immediately I noticed the sense of calm confidence they exude when working with animals. They explained everything they were going to work on in detail and were very attentive in answering our questions as they arose. We spent several hours just hanging out at the complex in Jacksonville talking about Zeus and the training he would receive, which really put our minds at ease. Well, We were leaving him there for three weeks! Understandably we were nervous and worried....when we left I felt completely relaxed and confident that Zeus would be safe and in good hands. Boy was I right! As the weeks passed we kept in constant contact with Will & Taylor, they posted updates to Facebook as well as sent pictures and explanations of what they would work on that day. Though we missed Zeus tremendously, we knew that he was getting the discipline he so sorely needed. Finally, the 3 weeks were over and we were on our way to pick up our puppy! When we arrived I could tell immediately that Zeus was a different dog. He was more focused and eager to please. Once again we spent several hours at the complex going into detail about everything Zeus had learned and the things we needed to work on when we got him back home. Taylor & Will were excellent, they have a true passion for animals and know exactly what they are doing! Fast forward 6 months to now and what we have is a confident, relaxed, and obedient puppy. He is still rambunctious and has his moments but overall he is very well trained. We have continued to work on his training and have taught him new things using their techniques. When we take him on walks he is generally very well behaved even with distractions like other dogs and people. We have kept in contact with Ridgeside K9 this whole time as well, whenever we have a question or need a suggestion Will & Taylor are always available! So, if you are looking to get training for your dog I would look no further, Ridgeside K9 is 5 Star all the way! * Knowlegable ** Passionate *** Dedicated **** Friendly ***** Honest read more

Our boxer/pit mix was a typical boxer...wild, full of energy, and stubborn. We had a few incidents with our other dog where she would latch on and not let go. Feeling like we would have to rehome her, I found Ridgeside. We drove out to Jacksonville for an evaluation and they told us that it was likely she wasn't truly aggressive, but more so needs to learn boundaries. We signed her up for the 4 week board and train program and dropped her off at their next availability. I loved seeing updates from the trainers on Facebook and Instagram. Every time I saw a Rousey update she was learning something new, looked happy and tired. They even took her stand up paddle boarding. My boxer...who hates water...on a paddle board in the water! We were excited to have her home. Will and Taylor drove Rousey back to our house in Leland and spent hours training me on how to command and walk Rousey. We even took her out to stores and practiced there too. Since she's been home we still have a wild and energetic boxer, but she listens! We're able to tell her to stop bugging our other dog when she's not respecting boundaries and we have avoided tussles so far. We've had a couple of instances where our front door was wide open while unloading the car and Rousey just stood there and would not run out the front door (a boundary we had set with her that she is never to cross). We used to chase her around the neighborhood for 15-20 minutes when she would get out. A similar situation visiting a family members house, the door was open and Rousey walked out. She didn't run around, she was just outside. We noticed and called her to come...and she did! We are so pleased with her training and continue to work with her as she really seems to enjoy it. The cost at first seems like a lot, but it's an investment in your pup. It's well worth it and the amount of work they do with your dog is more than worth the cost. They have financing options as well. We love Ridgeside! read more

While choosing a board and train program for my dog, I did extensive research on all training facilities locally. Being in Carolina Beach there were multiple options in the Wilmington area that were appealing. I checked every social media, YouTube, and google source I could find on each. Then I came across Ridgeside K9 - Carolinas. The more I read - the more I found myself wanting to know more. After meeting Will, Mary, Taylor, and Christina - I knew it was the right choice. Eddie was completely skittish and afraid of the world when I took him there. I wasn't even sure they'd be able to gain his trust. Before I knew it they had him doing things I've only dreamed of. I could not even imagine letting him off his leash before because every time I did - he bolted. Which resulted in me desperately trying to bribe him to come within reach so I could grab him. Seagulls - forget it. He'd come back once he chased every single bird off the beach. First morning I got him back I took him to the beach on his lead, then the moment of truth - unleash and see what happens. Not only did he obey every command Will and team taught me - he ignored every bird and continually checked in with me for further instruction. I finally have the dog I've always dreamed of. And now he is happy because he is no longer restricted to life on a leash. Free to roam and enjoy life without me being in constant fear of a negative interaction. If you find yourself looking for real results - look no further. Cannot recommend Ridgeside K9 - Carolinas enough. read more

We are SO glad that we reached out to Ridgeside K9 for support with our 1.5 year old German Shorthaired Pointer, Palmer. She was struggling with impulse control, resource guarding, and not knowing how to chill out. We were in over our heads and needed help. The owner, Mike, was incredibly responsive and helped us decide on the three-week board and train. He put us in touch with Stefanie who came to our house to pick up Palmer. Stefanie gave us frequent updates throughout the three weeks with tons of videos and pictures. At the end of the three weeks there was a human training session during the drop off. Stefanie worked with my fiancé and me for three hours to make sure we both understood how to communicate with and advocate for Palmer. This was so important because our previous trainer really only worked with/spoke to me despite my fiancé being present for our sessions. I loved that Palmer stayed in Stefanie's home for the duration of the program, had exposure to other dogs in a controlled setting, and her progress was tested/proofed in multiple situations and locations. Palmer now looks to us for direction, listens, holds Place, walks calmly on a leash (both in our neighborhood and on hikes) and is much more respectful of our smaller dog's space and energy. Even friends and family have noticed a significant improvement in Palmer's behavior. We are so grateful for all of the progress Stefanie made with Palmer and cannot wait to see how far we can take her. read more

I sent a green 18 month old Dutch Shepherd to Will, and the RSK9 crew for a 3 week board and train before I had even met the dog. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made. They were responsive to my questions, and I received several photos and videos of his training during his time there. The information provided to me about the various quadrants of conditioning were invaluable. Some book recommendations from Will about trailing were great sources of information. I've had several questions come up about training in the year that has passed, and Will always took time to answer me. I'm welcome at RSK9 training events and walks. There is a private FB group for prior clients that is a wealth of information and and a strong community. I have an unusual work schedule, which was no problem for them to work around. My dog came to me with an e-collar, and food bin. Will came to my house to do the turnover and spent approximately 4 hours with me, personally making sure I understood the best way to communicate with my dog. Will is Marine, and his service to our country was important to me when choosing a trainer. His attention to detail, decisive management, innovative leadership, and devotion to his clients and dogs, brings great credit upon himself, his business, his trainers, and is in keeping with the highest traditions and standards of the United States Military. Your dog should train with these people. Period. read more

Will and his Ridgeside K9 Carolinas team have provided phenomenal training and customer service for our dog. Ridgeside K9's business model is one that focuses on the customer's satisfaction not just the product. We sent a great dog to them for training, what we received was a great dog with a better disposition and the off leash control we need to take him everywhere we want without worry. This is great but ultimately, a trainer can do all of this and more, but the dog owner might not be so good. We are our own worst enemy and Ridgeside K9 Carolinas provided solution to this problem by offering follow up clinics where, "place" training and training among distractions could be replicated in a Safe and Controlled environment with expert staff to guide us along, emphasizing the communication connection between owner and dog. This is offered as needed and one on one is available too so any small problems never grow into big problems. I have only paid for my board and train, this follow up is complimentary, and any assistance I need is only a DM or phone call away. Good business is based on trust, in the product, the people providing the product and relationships that go beyond a business transaction. I could go on for a while but I won't. "Pets to Working Dogs, Obedience to Protection" Ridgeside K9 Carolinas is there for you and your dogs! read more

I sent Koda my 1.5 yr old German Shepherd previously to a three week board and train and it was nothing like sending her to Ridgeside. When she returned from her previous training they brought her back and basically left without any instructions, and not to mention Koda wasn't any different. She was still very reactive and didn't know any more commands than the ones I had taught her. So for the next year I struggled walking her and taking her out because of how she reacted to everything. Then doing more research I found Ridgeside and loved everything they wrote on the website and how easy it was getting information from the owner. The day came and I met Stefanie, she would be Kodas trainer. As soon as she walked in the door she was already telling me what to do differently with how koda was acting, so I knew Koda would turn out great since she took the time and let koda adjust to her and not put her in the car and just leave. Three weeks later Koda returned and 3 hours later "my" training was done. It was GREAT she explained everything, made sure we understood when and where to do corrections and had a practice lap around the neighborhood to make sure we could keep the training up. I would definitely recommend Ridgeside and will be sending my future dogs to them for training. read more

If you're looking for a trainer, look no four ther. I was extremely nervous to send my dog, Nala, to a board and train program, but it was the best decision I could have made regarding her future. Before working with Ridgeside K9, I had issues with reactivity (growling and barking) when having people over at the house and towards people and dogs in public. Our trainer, Chris, was amazing to work with, and also working with his wife (also a trainer with Ridgeside), JaQuasia. The amount of care and hard work put into training Nala to listen and be more manageable showed when she came home almost as if she were a different dog. She responded and listened to commands ten fold, and I was able to take her out in public with no reaction to other people or dogs, something I would've never thought possible. In a controlled setting and on Nala's time, I can even have new people over to the house with minimal reaction until she is happy to have the attention of whoever will give her any. Chris has been amazing to work with even after Nala came home, working with me on any issues and concerns I had, and helping me build my own confidence that my dog was going to live her best life. read more

Olivia Teeter has worked wonders with our German Shepherd Sterling. He has had severe separation anxiety since we adopted him 3 years ago in California. It took a while having moved to North Carolina before my wife and I could actually leave the house together. He seemed to have perpetual low self esteem. An incident at a local brewery complicated his demeanor by inducing a very strong resource guarding trait. We could not take him out nor have friends visit comfortably anymore. He went through a therapy of medication which did not help and we were at our wits end until we were advised we needed to take him to Ridgeside. We reached out and we were assigned Olivia....we have never looked back. She took him for a 4 weeks board and train program and worked very hard to quickly earn his trust, instill confidence and help him overcome the stress and fears that had plagued him for quite some time. Olivia is very skilled in handling and training, and kept us well informed on Sterling's progress. Kudos to Olivia and Ridgeside.We cannot thank them enough and we will be sending one of our other Shepherds for a 3 week board and train to Olivia very soon. read more

This place is the real deal y'all. I sent my 2 year old German Shepherd to Ridgeside for their 3 week off leash program With his trainer Steve. During those 3 weeks I was sent daily texts to let me know how my boy was doing. Previously he did have basic obedience but he had zero impulse control and was very stubborn. He also would not heal well and he had some reactivity towards other dogs. Now he is what others have told me "a completely different dog". He still had a lot to work on to get better and better but wow! If you are wondering if it's worth the money... remember it's an investment. And its so nice to be able to bring your pup with you places and not have to worry. Steve gave me the tools to be successful with him. And he also doesn't just forget about you once you're done. Any questions or concerns he is right there. That goes to show you the quality and care that your pup will get. I highly recommend this company and specifically trainer Steve. What are you waiting for? Give them a call and just do the free consultation. You won't regret this decision. Make a better life for both you and your pup. read more

5 stars aren't enough to give this review. The whole RSK9NC crew are Rock stars!! They started working with Stark and me when Stark was four months old. He wasn't old enough to attend their Off-Leash Board and Train, but they worked with me to help prepare him for his stay. I'm not sure how much I was able to accomplish, but the dog I got back was not the same one I left when I dropped him off. Stark used on pull on the leash, barked at other dogs or people, and was easily distracted on walks. After the 3-week program the pulling was done, he has stopped barking at others on walks, and his distraction was turned to attention. Since working with them, I have seen his confidence grow in just the most basic tasks and carried over to learning things. They have always made themselves available if I had questions or need additional help with Stark. (I'm sure they would say training me was more difficult than him. !! We love being a part of RSK9NC family and will forever be grateful for kindness and expectation of nothing less than perfection from Stark and me and the friendship they have shown us both. Very highly recommend!!! read more

Like many others, I contemplated sending my dog to a trainer. She's my very best friend, and going three weeks without her would be hard. Eventually, after looking around, and talking with Will and Austen, I decided it would be best for her. Lilly's trainer was Kaitlyn, and from the very first day she had her, Kaitlyn kept me in the loop with what was going on with Lilly. Lilly ended up staying longer than three weeks, when Will and Kaitlyn thought Lilly needed more time, but they still included me every step of the way. I've had Lilly back almost a week now, and we've done so many things together. Before, she was fence and leash reactive. She pulled on the leash, and didn't have confidence around other dogs. Now, we go to the park everyday, where we practice the things we learned together (down, sit, heel, and her recall distance is astounding). We go on so many walks, and Lilly heels the whole time. She ignores people and dogs on our walks, even cats! (which wouldn't have happened before). Kaitlyn is absolutely amazing, and so is the rest of Will's team. I cannot recommend them enough. read more

Will and Taylor are absolutely fantastic. I am so incredibly grateful for the time, attention, and dedication that they spent on perfecting obedience in my service dog in training. Not only did they make her 'bomb proof' for all basic commands and recall, but they also showed me how to task train her. Throughout Savannah's stay, they answered my questions and kept me updated on progress and little personality tendencies that they noticed which would be important for future training. Even after taking her home, Taylor and Will are always there for me as a resource and I have even come to think of them as friends. There are many dog trainers who can teach your dogs the basics. Will and Taylor at Ridgeside can take any dog--even the most high-energy, high-drive, smart, and stubborn dog like mine--and bring out the best in them. It comes down to understanding dogs and humans because we too need be told how to act to set our dogs up for success and a happy life as well. Thank you Will and Taylor for helping Savannah and I become the best possible team. read more

10/10 would recommend Ridgeside K9 and our incredible trainer Amy! We signed up for training for our puppy, Meeko, who was impossible to walk on a leash as she pulled, got excited to see dogs and people so she would lunge/bark and would try to chase every bird, squirrel, leaf, bug, etc. she saw. She can also be timid and easily gets scared of almost everything. She LOVES Amy and Amy has been incredibly patient working with her and with us. We needed training just as much, if not more, than Meeko. Each session Amy has explained everything we have been working on, why we are doing it the way we are doing it and has answered our millions of questions. She showed us what to do and when and helped us to understand what to expect as we trained on our own in between sessions. Meeko is a DREAM on a leash now, has so much more confidence and loves to show off all of her commands. She has accomplished things we never thought possible prior to working with Amy. Amy, thank you! We could not have done it without you and Meeko is so much happier! read more

Amy did an absolutely INCREDIBLE job with my two boys!! To anyone reading this trying to find a trainer they can trust to train their dog well while also doing so with so much love and care, I highly recommend Amy!! My two boys just got back from 3 weeks of board and train, and I genuinely am blown away. Amy completely transformed my boys and did so with so much love and care throughout the entire experience! She sent me updates every single day and made sure she knew my goals for them and went above and beyond all goals I had! If you're considering training for your dog(s), I really can't recommend Amy enough. She really got to know both of my dogs and their separate quirks, and worked so well with both. She also did a really wonderful job training me during their "graduation" and was intentional on making sure I felt confident and comfortable with all commands and working with my boys now that they are trained. 10/10 experience thank you so much, Amy!! read more

I have a 3 year old Weimaraner that I adopted through the local rescue. I struggled with his leash manners and then he developed leash aggression, which I have no experience with. I sought out Ridgeside K9 and was paired with Stefanie. We agreed on a two week board and train. She sent me almost daily updates and videos. I can't tell you how thrilled I was to get Diesel back and have him walk at my heel without pulling. The communication link that she established allowed me to offer a quick correction, without any drama. She has a focused confidence to lead, but is also soft and gentle. She never raised her voice and gave him lots of love and praise when he performed, perfect for a sensitive dog like Diesel. I have so much respect and gratitude for her. I can't recommend her enough. We will continue to board with Stefanie and continue our training as needed to see just how far Diesel will go!!! Thank you Stefanie and thank you Ringside K9! read more

I can't recommend Ridgeside K-9 enough. I had a couple of bad experiences with other local trainers and I was close to giving up on the idea until I found them. My dog Poppi LOVES going to her daycare/training program everyday. She gets so excited to see them. I love the daily drop off/pickup program because I get to take her home everyday and see her progress. All of her issues have been resolved and she is a joy to be around. I get compliments on her behavior everywhere I go. She comes home clean and happy everyday. I love that they allow daily playtime and make the experience pleasant for the dog and the owner. I would give them 3 thumbs up if I had an extra thumb! Will and Christina have mainly worked with Poppi, they are amazing, and so patient, as are all of the wonderful trainers there. All smiles here! Communication is wonderful, training skill is out of this world and I see real results. Thanks guys! read more

I sent my 6 month old GSD to Will and what a transformation! It's like night and day! Will took the time to show and explain to me exactly how to work with my dog, so we can be a team. We have clear communication between the two of us and I have Will to thank for that. He has set my puppy up to be a fantastic dog! In the short time I've had him back I've had countless compliments on his good behavior. I feel confident I can take Axel into most any situation and have full control over my dog and know he will listen to me 100%. During his board and train Will and his team sent me tons of text messages, pictures, videos, and updates on my pup, so my eager mind was set at ease. I honestly can't say enough great things about Ridgeside K9. From the bottom of my heart I thank you for your hard work and dedication. You guys are truly a special place! ***** Kelly & Axel read more

We are so grateful for @dogtrainer.amy at Ridgeside K9 - Carolinas. We meet Amy when Finn was a 9-month-old sweet/loving yet energetic puppy. Within just a few sessions (we purchased 8 one-on-one lessons) Finn was excelling at commands, and we were walking him with obedience. Amy is very knowledgeable and patient. She listens to our concerns and gives honest feedback. Amy truly loves Finn and follows-up to see how he is doing. She communicates with us regularly about upcoming pack walks. It's obvious how much all the Ridgeside K9 handlers/trainers care about the dogs they work with, as we have had wonderful experiences at multiple pack walks where Finn continues to gain confidence. Amy is amazing, I feel like she will be a "fur-ever" friend to Finn. It was well worth the time and money investing in an outstanding trainer for our boy. read more