My dog that I adopted as a 2yo came with significant veterinary related fear aggression. My primary vet referred me to them bc they felt uncomfortable with how to manage his sedation for appointments. I took him to the costly initial appointment that consisted of the vet and another person (tech?) sitting in chairs across the room staring and throwing snacks at my dog onto the floor. They proceeded to dissect everything I did with my dog in our day to day lives and shame me for it. And to be clear, at this point, he was walking nicely on a leash with only occasional reactivity to other dogs and trash trucks, he was playing and interacting well with other dogs his size and activity level, he was able to be off leash when we would camp and swim. All of his needs were met, he was becoming a wonderful, well adjusted dog. I was simply just looking for appropriate sedation so he could have stress free vet visits. Instead, I was told everything else I was doing was wrong, that I should put a head collar on him even though I specifically told them he doesn't tolerate it (not all dogs do), and then they suggested I just don't walk him for a few wks. That letting him be in a house and only to a small backyard would help fix a problem that wasn't a problem. Oh yeah and then they said I needed to do their expensive classes which were at this point virtual only. In hindsight, I should have trusted my instincts and found a different primary clinic. If you have a dog that struggles with vet visits, it's not your fault. Some places are very clearly better at handling dogs who have fear and anxiety. And some places are much better about not causing it in the first place. Find a fear free clinic, or one that emphasizes that care. Because once I did that, the whole experience was better. Don't spend $500 or however much the initial visit is to be told you're doing everything wrong and failing at being a pet parent. read more

I am currently working with Synergy with one of my rescue dogs and I have a an appointment to begin working with my other rescue. Our first appointment with Dr. Valli was helpful but it was more of a diagnosis and not steps I can take at home to support and improve my dog's behavior. I figured that would come after tests and medication trials were completed. However, I was sent an email of next steps, including an additional $660 for 6 x 30 minute online training sessions. This is over $1000 not including the $350 for blood work and imaging. To be honest, I feel embarrassed because I could barely pay the $450 consultation fee and now I'm looking at my rescue puppy thinking about what a bad pet parent I am because our funds are maxed out. I do think that Synergy offers much needed services and I understand that it costs a lot to offer those services. My suggestion to Synergy is that you add a question(s) to your intake survey like: 1. Are you committed to purchasing training sessions if they are recommended after your consultation? If a client answers "no" then it would be nice to tailor their consultation report with next steps they can do on their own and/or with their vet. Or, clarify that the consultation is only one piece of program and that the $450 is just the initial cost and to expect up to $300-$1000 additional costs for training. If people can't afford more than the $450 initially is there a point to even doing the consultation? Can you clarify how the consultation will benefit those who do not want to proceed with training through Synergy? If I would have known that the realistic cost would be around $1000 I may have tried something else that was within my budget range. Again, I haven't finished the process so maybe there's more to be seen and I will soon be praising Synergy for only charging me $450 for the best treatment plan and advice on how to work with my dog on her behavior issues. read more

Total scam. Signed my cat up to get help with some behavior issues but these people didn't help at all. First before anything else they put him on anxiety meds which did nothing. They also requested I try giving him Gabapentin which is a muscle relaxant. I never did because it's strong for a human let alone a small cat. I was shocked how quick they were to drug my pet. Second, all of the sessions were thru video meetings. They weren't able to really observe my cat at all. Third, the video meetings were just them teaching me how to do targeting and placement. They also made a few ridiculous suggestions. Lastly, the person in charge of support, Scott, is terrible and getting into contact with anyone is impossible. Avoid this place at all costs. You are better off watching videos on YouTube for free. read more

So many problems with this place. It was hard enough to get in contact with anyone (almost 2 weeks of phone tag) and then after I finally did we couldn't schedule anything until months later, with a steep nonrefundable deposit. This place is so expensive, I ended up spending $400 for a remote consultation where I wasn't told any new information. After that session there was no follow up, no additional communication... what was the point? Waste of time and waste of money. read more

Overall they are very good. Dr. Vali and her team are knowledgeable and easy to communicate with. I appreciated that. We brought two rescue dogs here at two separate times with two very different issues. The first was prior to COVID and the second was during. The first was in a reactive dog class and the second was primarily a consultation with medication. We had very different experiences. I could not say anything negative the first time. They helped us so much with him. He needed no meds and responded well to the training my family provided for him. Thank you so much! Our most recent was our current dog. We met once in person with them and then it was basically all done over Zoom and email. To be honest it was costly but we got him stable on meds. We didn't continue the recommended training as it was all online and for the price and with who he was we chose to work on our own. He's doing quite well so I'm happy we made that decision. We had some issues with refills both online and when picking up but nothing too difficult to manage just slightly frustrating. If I actually had a complaint that would be it. The system to get medication is a little clunky. Again just slightly frustrating. Would we go again? Yes. Was it perfect? No. We're they helpful? Yes. Do they seem to care? Yes. Nothing is without flaw and I don't expect perfection. So while I had small issues they were nothing I couldn't handle. The job we pay is for them to help with our dogs. They didn't create the behavior issues. They are here to help and I feel they offer a service to do that. Thank you so much Synergy Behavior Solutions. read more

Here's the good: Dr. Valli and her certified behaviorists on staff have been incredibly helpful in improving our reactive dog's anxiety and fears. We've seen remarkable improvement in our pup and overall have been pleased with their recommendations and how we've implemented them in our lives to get our dog to a place where she's doing much, much better than she was when we initially sought Synergy out upon the recommendation of our regular vet! So we're happy on that front. The bad is the office does not seem to be managed very well. I come from a stellar customer service background and get incredibly frustrated when I receive customer service that falls short of my (admittedly high) standards, and I totally understand that being a great veterinary behaviorist doesn't mean you know how to effectively run a business. Some examples: -When we came to the facility for our initial consultation, we arrived about 5-10 minutes early and called the office line as instructed, and when nobody answered I left a message detailing my car and where we were parked (as the phone tree tells you to do) and sat there waiting for an additional 20 minutes before the office called me and asked if we were going to be arriving soon. Frustrated and flustered, I said "I have BEEN here and left a message 20 minutes ago!" They said they never got a message (not my fault that their answering service failed to capture my message for whatever reason) but would come out and get us right away. The rest of the visit went without a hitch but it wasn't a great first impression, and I probably showed my irritation on my face and in my voice. -When I filled out the online prescription request form most recently to order our next set of rx refills as I had a week's supply left, I waited several days for the emailed confirmation that our rx had been shipped out with a tracking number, but none came. Usually they are very quick at getting refills out the next day after filling out the form, and they typically arrive in the mail the following day, so I wondered what was up. Six days after no communication on the refill front I called and left a message as I was about to run out of pills and at this point would need to make a trip to their office to pick them up to avoid skipped doses. I called and left a message shortly after they opened and received a call back four hours later, and the person on the phone immediately was like "so you're coming to pick up her refill?" as if it was a given that I'd drive in, and didn't address the fact that I'd requested the refill six days prior so as to NOT have to drive all the way into town, and she also didn't apologize about the hitch in getting the refill sent out. So finally I asked "What can I do on my end so that this doesn't happen again?" She said there was nothing else I could have done, somebody was out on vacation, but never apologized for the dropped ball on the request or the inconvenience of my having to drive in to pick up the rx. -Finally, when I went to pick up said rx, I had to schedule a time to come in, and when I arrived four minutes prior to the scheduled time, I parked outside and called the office line. No answer, left a message with the relevant details, and sat waiting in my car. After 10 minutes of waiting I called again but still no answer so I left a second message. I waited another 10 minutes and out of sheer frustration I left my car and walked directly to the front door, where there is a sign posted that says to call the office line first if you're waiting to be let in for an appointment or to pick up an rx, and that if you've already left a message and have waited five or more minutes to knock on the door. Dear reader, the scream that I scrumpt internally when I read that I could have knocked on the door after five minutes of waiting in my car. Boy do I wish the phone tree message indicated to do so. I would have been a LOT less frustrated. After a couple of minutes Dr. Valli herself came to the door to let me in and she knew exactly what I was there for, and said her assistant would be with me with the rxs shortly. Then the assistant appeared and gave me the rxs, and again, nobody apologized for any of the inconveniences. I know that the customer service that I've been trained to give is not the same customer service that every company provides, but given the fact that there are very few veterinary behaviorists in town and we're already knee-deep in our journey with our pup and Dr. Valli's team, we really don't have much of a choice to just find someplace else to spend our money. And I do like Dr. Valli, and most of my interactions with her staff have been positive. I just wish they would acknowledge when they've made an error and apologize to their customers if there has been a mistake made. A little acknowledgement would go a very long way. read more

Buyer beware. Caveat emptor. Etc. Etc. I never leave Yelp reviews - ever. Even when I get bad service or product. But in this case, I feel compelled. Because it's EXPENSIVE. And I got virtually NOTHING. Be forewarned. I can reiterate what other reviewers have said (wish I had seen/read their reviews BEFORE sinking about $600 into this). First, nearly IMPOSSIBLE to get in touch with anyone, and once you do, it takes a coon's age to get an appointment in place. The first visit is $450. They make the non-refundable $150 deposit clear up front. Okay, fine. I took the leap for help with some behavioral issues with my cat. I went in for the appointment, and all I got for $450 was me, my cat (in her carrier), the vet, and her assistant sitting in a room talking about my cat. (This is after I filled out their very extensive form prior to the visit.) I then got a long verbal list--and later, a super long list in an email--of what cats need to be happy, content, well-cared for... I didn't learn anything new, except for the term "trigger stacking." Worth $450? No. I was sent home with some ideas to help get kitty Prozac into my cat daily, none of which worked (not convinced this is the answer, anyway), and one training tip to do with our cat sitter, which didn't make sense, considering what my cat's triggers are. (Tried them, anyway... to no helpful end.) I even went so far as to schedule a follow-up appt, thinking maybe I'd get something more. Another $250. (What was I thinking?!) I wasn't told that the $150 non-refundable deposit applied to this appointment, as well. Only found out when I emailed them to cancel WAY before the appointment because I had come to my senses and realized what a waste of time this was going to be. Oh, and... I got a few emails after the first appointment trying to upsell me into a $1300 training program (payable over three months) - even after I said I didn't currently have the funds for that. In the end, I canceled and let them keep my $150 "deposit," which oh, by the way, was made clear in the REFUND "INVOICE." (I made the payment for the follow up appointment with the help of humans over the phone who never mentioned the non-refundable "deposit" for the follow up appointment.) What a racket. Don't do it! read more

Awful, completely unimaginably ridiculous recommendations for our dog and situation not to mention they charged us an ABHORRENT hourly rate for a VIRTUAL session. Our goal is to help guide our dog back into his off leash hiking group with what is minor training improvements (like recall, etc.) and these people suggested medication, a BASKET MUZZLE and said he can never go in group situations again. Oh, and they also suggested that we should be "careful" about our wonderful, friendly family dog around our children where we have had zero issues. These people are a joke. read more

They are professional and deeply knowledgable about animal behavior. I went in skeptical, but the attending vet and training staff transformed my whole outlook on pet ownership. We adopted a French bulldog just before the pandemic, who had a lot of anxiety and little self regulation. What blew me away with synergy is they started with simple behavior tasks that helped engagement between me and the pup. These seemed irrelevant at the time, but are now the foundation of every exercise I do with him. Also the staff was able to identify aspects of the training, admitted they weren't right, and modified our routine. I think that is a big step for a business to leave ego aside and adapt a method for the clients. Super professional. Now me and my dog are able to take the tools we learned from Synergy and apply them to new scenarios. My dog is now more confident and balanced when meeting new people, can disengage when overly excited, and does not escalate conflicts with other animals. This service takes a lot of work from the client, and synergy provides clear effective support if you are willing to learn. read more

These people hand drugs out to dogs like Adoral for kids. They also suggested my dog be euthanized. I went alternative routes and now have a very happy, healthy, and drug free dog. Please think twice before you accept life altering "professional opinions" regarding your dogs life from people who profit off of selling drugs as a front for dog training. read more

I am not a customer of company--I encountered a "reactive" dog training class while at the Lief Erikson trailhead and had a bad experience with the trainer of the program. (The dogs were all at a distance and seemed fine). My family was stretching on the side of the trail by the bike lock bars having a conversation with some other people we met that day-- our 9 year old hound dog was tied up next to us on a short leash. The trainer from Synergy came over, interrupted our conversation to tell us that we couldn't proceed on the trail until the "reactive" dogs in her class pass us. We continued to stretch until she came over and interrupted us again to tell us that our dog and one of the dogs in her class (that was ~25 yards away) were making too much eye contact with one another. This time she stayed next to my dog and proceeded to try to engage with my dog (without asking if she could approach) while she yelled back and forth with other the people in the class commenting on dogs coming and going, "there's another dog coming up on the trail". This whole time my dog was being very calm and pretty much aloof to everyone and every dog on the trail. As the trainer decided to stay over by us trying to engage with my dog, I told her that I did not like what she was doing and was not comfortable with it. My partner then told the trainer that was enough and for her to go on her way. She acknowledged that we said something, but ignored our wishes and continued to stay over by us trying to engage with my very calm dog, saying that she "needed to stay over by my dog to make she that the dogs in her class did not react." (This logic is beyond me). We asked her again to please move along and leave us alone and she continued to ignore our requests until all the dogs in her reactive class passed by us, about 5 minutes. My note to Synergy Behavior Solutions-- Do not go to a busy public environment and try to control other people and their pets. What type of solution is that? read more

I have taken a puppy class and a family dog class from Scott. Each week I looked forward to it and did my "homework" to qualify for a prize in class. ;-) The young dog I was working with really learned quickly with the positive training. I found Scott to be a gifted teacher. He is informative, articulate, kind and has a sense of humor so classes are really fun. I have been recommending Synergy to friends and our clients as well. I recommend Synergy for an experienced trainer and a positive experience for your dog. read more

I feel very lucky to have found Synergy Behavior Solutions for my sweet puppy, Louie. After meeting with Sara & Dr. Valli, we came up with a solid game plan to help with Louie's general anxiety and fear. Every class we have taken with Sara has helped shape Louie into a more relaxed, confident and happy boy. Some of our favorite classes have been Get Set for the Vet, Nosework, FitDisks & Mat Work. In addition, our one-on-one sessions with Sara have helped tremendously. She is extremely knowledgeable and beyond supportive. We would be lost without them! read more

This is my initial review based on interactions leading to the introductory seminar for the Reactive Rover Foundation class and my first session with Dr. Valli. I initially signed both of my dogs up for the Reactive Rover foundation class, one of my dogs being extremely reactive to other animals and other being only reactive to certain dogs and only outdoors. My first negative experience occurred when they called me the day before the introductory seminar to tell me one of my dogs didn't qualify for the Reactive Rover class and that I had to have her seen by the veterinary behaviorist to be cleared for the class with no explanation. They eventually gave a story about how one trainer thought the other had called and vice versa, which was beyond aggravating. Then I found out that it would take over a month to get in to see the behaviorist, a process which could have been started much sooner had someone called me two weeks sooner. I decided to proceed anyway. They applied the course fee for the dog in question to the behaviorist consultation and removed her from the class without asking me, but left the other dog in the class and said he was a perfect candidate for the class. Fast forward to the introductory seminar. The trainer who presented was very professional and knowledgeable, and gave me confidence in the process, and I learned that all of the classes would be conducted indoors. My supposed perfect doggy candidate for this class is not reactive to other dogs indoors, so I expressed to the trainer that I didn't think he would benefit ($200+ is a hefty fee for a waste of time). She smiled and nodded, but that's as far as that discussion went. Fast forward the requisite month or so to get in to see the behaviorist. Scott and Dr. Valli were both very professional, asked intelligent questions, listened intently, and came up with a plan that included two different types of drugs and a training plan. Keep in mind that I'm here to deal with a dog that is extremely reactive to other animals and really needs exactly the type of low-stress exposure to other dogs in a controlled environment, which I knew going in, so I had no problem forking over the $700+ for an individual training package. Then I mentioned that I didn't think the reactive rover class was a worthy investment for my other dog, and Scott wouldn't let me just cancel. He insisted that I get someone else to walk with my other dog by himself and me and take a video of him when we encounter another dog. I felt like he didn't believe my own assessment of my dog (I'm in dog rescue, have been doing it for years, and have had NUMEROUS foster dogs in and out of my home... I'm pretty good at reading dogs), and I very much felt like he was going to force me to pay the $200+ for the reactive rover class for my dog despite my knowledge that he won't benefit. Now I feel like if I call to cancel my dog's spot in the class, despite having just shelled out $700+ for personal classes with my reactive dog, that they won't let me cancel unless I PROVE that my dog isn't reactive. I thought I was here voluntarily, so this is a big disappointment. I will proceed with the training for my other dog because she really needs this exact type of training and I don't know anywhere else that will provide it. I'll update my review when I try to cancel the class for my other dog again and see how they respond. read more

Two years ago I sought out Scott and Valli at the recommendation of a Veterinarian who had used their training for her own reactive dog. My relationship with my dog was exhausting and I knew I needed help seeing whatever it was I was missing. She was very reactive towards other dogs and the method I was using, just needed to be honed further. I lived in fear. And my dog knew it. Scott and Valli helped me see minutia I had missed and taught me new strategies to "get ahead" of my dogs reactivity. Once I started being clear on the strategies, my relationship with my dog got more comfortable and happy. I learned more about respecting some of her limits and learned strategies for urging her to accept a bit of closer range without overwhelming her. I so appreciate how respectful and kind their process is. I am a huge fan of these two Professionals and would recommend them to anyone to either help with troublesome issues or create a stronger fun filled bond with your dog. You would be in the best hands possible. Thanks, Jodi Burton and Isabelle read more

If my little dog only knew what a savior Scott and Synergy Dog Training were to him, he would be bringing Scott treats! I cannot sing his praises loudly enough. I adopted a cute little mutt from a rescue society about 2 years ago, and very shortly thereafter, he began to develop horrible aggression problems toward strangers. It made our lives miserable! I stopped having people over to my house and started sneaking out the back stairs of my building when I needed to walk him; he got evicted from his Doggy Daycare for his mean little attitude toward the new dogs, and I was at my wit's end. I had lots of help from my wonderful vet, Dr Parthasarathy, but we needed more help than the meds were able to offer. I went to two trainers before Scott. The first one told me I may need to just euthanize him as she wasn't sure he was fix-able. She referred me to a second trainer, who also told me that Dexter was going to require more assistance than she was going to be able to give him, and she couldn't help us. Then we met Scott, and apprehensive, aggressive little Dexter loved him immediately and was taking treats out of his hands during the first visit. That never happens with strangers! Now, every time Dexter sees Scott, he runs to him full speed, tail wagging, so excited to see him. Scott has shown the patience of a saint and unbelievable insight into the mixed up little brain of my lovable dog. Dexter has come leaps and bounds and it is all thanks to Scott's wise, persistent, gentle training of both my dog and me! I am living with a different dog! I take him running on the crowded waterfront, and he doesn't even notice the bikes, skateboads, children, etc.... that come zooming past us. Now, instead of sneaking out the back steps, we ride the elevator proudly and my neighbors actually refer to him as "the best behaved dog in our building!" Not a week has gone by in the past 2 months, that someone from my building doesn't comment, "Wow! He is doing so much better!" (Frequently people I have never met!). Scott quite literally saved my dog's life! I would whole heartedly recommend him to anyone who needs a little (or a lot of!) behavioral help with their dog. If he is this much of a miracle worker, with my incredibly challenging dog, I can only imagine what he could do for other dogs! read more

We just took our dog in this morning for his behavior evaluation and I have to say, I was skeptical how much value we would get (I mean $300-400 is a lot of money) BUT it was well worth our time and money. We got a full 2 hours of individual attention including some basic training to start practicing at home. Their methods were humane and effective. We brought our excitable 156 lb mastiff in for aggression towards people and other animals and they made him completely comfortable. By the end of the first hour he was leaning against them and begging for treats as if he'd known them for years. I'm optimistic about his ability to reach the goals I have for his behavior now and I definitely plan on doing further training both private and in their reactive rover classes that are geared specifically on dogs with the same problems mine is having with strangers and other dogs. read more

This business is wonderful! Just had our first visit with Dr. Valli yesterday and they were impressive. They took great care bringing our giant puppy into a safe and nonstimulating environment, complete with a screen between the doctor and our reactive pooch. We got so many answers to our questions yesterday that I feel like I know our puppy much better today! I understand much more about what she is scared of and now know EXACTLY what to do about it (not having to guess with trial and error over months). I think the behavior plan and all the guidance is going to speed up our process greatly. Dr. V also talked about adjusting our baby's meds (she needs Prozac and Trazodone just to get through the day without feeling so scared that she sort of "attacks" people). Of course every situation is different, and every animal is different, but this is a great fit for our family and the suggestions are already helping our doggie, just 24 hours later!! Thank you so much Dr. V :) read more

Scott and Dr Valli helped us with a dog we adopted from the Oregon Humane Society. Boomer had fear anxiety and bit my husband and other family members and friends. Nothing serious, but still very scary. With Scott and Dr Valli's help, we have learned how to keep Boomer in a relaxed and happy state. We haven't had any problems in over a year. We will always be grateful to our vet who recommended Synergy and to Scott and Dr Valli. read more

We have taken Puppy Classes and Family Dog classes with our two dogs. The style of training is positive reinforcement training-- so the goal is to associate desired behaviors with treats. This works very well. Scott, Amber, Caroline are very patient and helpful. When you take one of their classes you get plenty of support for you individual dog's needs during class as well as before and after class. Beyond being effective, this makes their classes a very good value. read more

I took their reactive rover class and saw very little improvement in my dogs overall behavior. She was able to do ok in the actual class but the lessons did not work outside class. Any attempt to get answers to my questions were met with attempts to sell me more classes rather than address my issues. I have gotten much further much faster using my own patience and you-tube videos than the efforts from this very expensive class. read more

My dog had a rough time with our move to Portland and a few negative experiences in our new apartment building created unprecedented reactivity and anxiety. I worked with Scott for some private lessons and then took the Reactive Rover classes (beginners and advanced). The progress was incredible and I was so glad my dog returned to the happy, confident dog he had been. The entire team at Synergy is remarkable and really understand how challenging it is to cope with a reactive dog and truly offer a support system. I don't know what I would have done without them. I would enthusiastically recommend them for any type of dog training, but particularly if you are struggling with reactivity, do not hesitate. Our quality of life was returned, both for my pup and myself, because of their gentle, thoughtful and committed care. read more