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Truckee, CA

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The Savvy Dog

4.7 (6 reviews)

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Private dog training

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Donner Dogs

Donner Dogs

(3 reviews)

We've been working with Madi for over six months and can't say enough good things about her. She is…read moreincredibly kind, thoughtful, and responsive, but she is also deeply professional and reliable, which is such a rare and valuable combination when it comes to pet care. Our lab adores his walks, adventures, and overnights with her, and we always have complete peace of mind knowing he's in such capable hands. Madi communicates clearly, handles everything with care, and charges fair rates. She's a total gem, and we're so grateful to have found her!

If your dog could write a review, they'd give Donner Dogs six paws up!…read more Madi at Donner Dogs in Truckee is basically a dog whisperer, adventure guide, and cuddle expert all in one. She treats every pup like her own, which is saying something, because my dog is literally soooo spoiled. Whether it's dog walking or boarding, she goes above and beyond to make sure your furry friend is happy, safe, and having the best time ever. Need someone to take your dog on an epic Tahoe adventure? Madi's got it covered. Want to make sure your pup gets more attention than you do at home? Also covered. Honestly, I'm pretty sure some dogs leave her care wondering if they can trade humans. If you want your dog to have the best time while you're away (or just too busy to give them the adventure they deserve), Donner Dogs is the place. Just be warned--your pup might come home looking at you like, "So, when do I get to go back?"

High Sierra Pet Care & K9 Learning Academy - played, took a walk, went to the beach, got my duck, I'm good!

High Sierra Pet Care & K9 Learning Academy

(16 reviews)

Victoria is amazing! She was so loving and kind to our dog -…read moreVictoria comes to meet your dog before the first drop off day so both she and your dog are familiar with each other. She takes the dogs off leash and runs and plays with them. The dogs have in and out privileges at your home where they can play or rest when they'd like. Our dog was extremely tired from playing so much and in great spirits when we picked her up. This will be the only place I'd ever bring my dog in Tahoe! Highly recommend Victoria!!!

I'd really avoid working with this kennel and Victoria. She has a lot of experience, and seems to…read moretake good care of the dogs. On an interpersonal level, she is an absolute nightmare to work with. When we dropped our 14 week-old puppy off with her for the first time, we had a miscommunication where she said she was going to take him inside, and then talk to us. She had meant over text, and then came out to yell at us to leave (I think she wanted clean separation when dropping him off for the first time). She then sent us angry texts for the next half hour (see screenshots). We decided we didn't want to work with her, NOT because we had concerns about the care our dog would receive, but because she was so abrasive. That was 200% confirmed when we went to pick him up. She first yelled at me about being paid before she'd release my dog, which I was fine with. I understand that we had booked a slot even though it had only been an hour (why yell though). She had put a special collar on him, and while she was struggling to get it off my dog was screaming in pain the entire time. During this whole process she called me a "dumb fuck" and an idiot multiple times. I was concerned about my dogs safety and only called her "mam" (well..I lost my temper once we finally got him back). There aren't many dog sitters in Tahoe, and my wife and I were very polite to Victoria through the entire process. She was abrasive throughout, which we chalked up to poor communication. After this experience though, I could never recommend her. She seems to take good care of the dogs, but has a few screws loose. I'd avoid this kennel unless you want to be treated this way.

Koru K9 Dog Training and Rehabilitation

Koru K9 Dog Training and Rehabilitation

(12 reviews)

If the contract asks for payment in full, before any "services", just don't do it! If the contract…read morestates absolutely NO REFUNDS, just don't do it. This company lists all kinds of fluff and promises, but after all is said and done, regardless of dissatisfaction, they will not give $$$$ back, nor will they explain just where your money went, nor will they offer to actually do what they originally promised. A 100% RIP OFF. I am in Denver, but this company has locations all over. DO NOT GIVE THEM YOUR MONEY! You will get a "foundation laid for further training", but you will not see any changes in your dog if you send him or her away for 3 weeks, and you certainly won't see any of your $3000+ refunded. RIPPED OFF IN COLORADO.

I just wanted to take a quick minute to say what a fantastic experience I had with Sean. Eight…read moreweeks ago, I was sobbing because I was afraid I may have to give up my beloved mutt, Cupcake. Now? She is the best possible version of the dog I always believed she could be. Before training, Cupcake was sweet and loving with my family, but uncontrollably reactive to outsiders. She would dash out the door to chase people walking by. I couldn't walk her because if she saw someone across the street, she would lunge and bark and lose her mind. It was humiliating and dangerous, and I was terrified she would bite someone. I hired a purely positive trainer last year. Cupcake wouldn't work with her. She just stared and refused to move. No amount of treats would convince Cupcake to walk a step, and it eventually felt like she only stopped barking in terror long enough for me to stuff more chicken in her face. At the trainer's suggestion, I talked to my vet about medication. Medication got me a dog that was both stoned and reactive. Finally, the trainer gave up, suggesting more drugs, more chicken, and more of the same. After a few months of increasing medication without any behavioral improvement, I realized that I needed to do something to help Cupcake or we were going to lose her. I knew she could be a great dog because she was sweet and loving with us. I just had no idea how to help Cupcake or manage her behavior. Enter Sean. Immediately, he was unphased by Cupcake's reactive tantrum. Sean just exuded confidence--of course he could help us; of course I could have a dog who behaves. His confidence helped me be confident. Cupcake's behavior began to improve during our first training session. You could see the gears turning in her head as she began to sort out what was expected of her. Soon, Sean had us practicing in public--taking her to dog friendly stores. Sean provided constant, regular feedback and coaching, teaching me to be a better trainer for my own dog. I felt like I was able to communicate expectations to Cupcake in a way I couldn't before. Her training was overwhelmingly positive, but Sean gave me the tools I lacked to correct Cupcake when needed. Eventually, I took Cupcake back to a park where we had once attempted a miserable walk while she lunged and barked at every passerby. This time? She walked and sat and practiced "down" while completely ignoring everyone around us. In consultation with her vet, I've been weaning her off her medication. She's a happier and healthier dog, and she's no longer stoned off her face. I feel confident taking her places, so she gets to live a more full life and I get to enjoy the dog I always wanted. Hiring KoruK9 and Sean was the best decision I could have possibly made for Cupcake and I. I'm confident in my ability to help her progress even further, and I'm also confident that I can  better introduce any future dogs into our family and avoid the issues we developed with Cupcakes. I cannot say enough good things about Sean, and would recommend him and KouK9 without hesitation to anyone whose dog needs training or behavior modification.

Sierra K 9 Academy - Letter of recommendation from a client

Sierra K 9 Academy

(31 reviews)

I purchased my first Great Dane in September 2025. At nine months old he was 135 pounds - and I am…read moreonly 120 pounds! My dog (Goliath) and I needed some serious training so I did not get dragged. Bill worked with us for 6 weeks (1 x per week) and he was truly amazing. He was firm and compassionate. Goliath had the utmost respect for Bill and did what he asked. Every week we met, Goliath became more of a pleasure than a puppy pain-in-the-a@##! I've had dogs forever and have worked with several trainers. By far, Bill is the most knowledgeable and effective trainer I've ever known. I am now confident in taking Goliath anywhere and having him remain obedient. I can take him on walks without using the claw collar - something I thought I'd never be able to do. Bill makes himself available after training ends in case further help in needed. I would strongly recommend Bill - he is worth every penny.

I also want to share how impressed I am with Bill's ongoing support. After making great progress,…read moreone of my dogs had a setback and took a step in the wrong direction. Instead of leaving us to figure it out on our own, Bill continued to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide additional support until we were back on track again. His commitment to our success went far beyond the initial training. As a result of the confidence and skills we gained through working with Bill, my daughter decided to enter her dog in a 4-H Dog Show. We were thrilled when she placed in the competition! It was a wonderful experience and a testament to the progress both our dog and our family have made. We are extremely grateful for Bill's continued encouragement and dedication. Knowing that he is there to help when challenges arise has made all the difference. We highly recommend Bill and Sierra K9 to anyone looking for not only excellent training, but also exceptional ongoing support.

Truckee-Tahoe Pet Lodge

Truckee-Tahoe Pet Lodge

(103 reviews)

This place is an absolute GEM! Our crazy, high energy, love bug of a Doberman, Gunnar, goes…read morecompletely CRAZY for this place! Every time we go on vacation, all year round we know we can count on Truckee-Tahoe Pet Lodge! From the start Gunnar has loved staying at the Lodge! He gets super excited the second we get off the freeway, he drags us in, because he knows exactly where we are! When we pick him up we have one seriously tired pup on our hands! He sleeps the whole 3 hour car ride home and even for a day or two after we get home! We have had him stay at the lodge for varying lengths of time ranging from just an over night stay to up to 2 weeks! And every single time he is a happy boy when we pick him up and completely worn out! He has stayed a couple OTHER places before, places closer to home, and we had trouble with a few things... his high energy being too much to handle as well as him not taking kindly to the owners (never trust anyone a dog doesn't trust, they have great instincts, and I know that now ) ....BUT NOT WITH the Truckee-Tahoe Pet Lodge! This place loves our high energy boy and greets us with a smile every time we come through the door! The staff is super educated, loving and very attentive! There was one time we dropped him off and told them he wasn't feeling well... they kept a close watch on him and was on the phone with us giving us updates on his status and even gave recommendations for a vet visit (well advised, as he was very sick and losing weight quickly). By ALL MEANS, I would TRULY rather drive 3 hours away from home, to drop him off here, and fly out of Reno, for any vacation we go on RATHER THAN leave him ANYWHERE else! Give this place a try and you won't be sorry!! THANK YOU TRUCKEE-TAHOE PET LODGE! The Andrews clan loves you all!

WARNING: my dogs almost died here…read more I want other pet owners to know what happened to my two Shih Tzus after staying at Truckee Tahoe Pet Lodge in the month of May WHAT I FOUND AT PICKUP: Both dogs were trembling, dizzy, extremely weak, dehydrated, vomiting, and had diarrhea. They could barely stand. I also noticed an unknown topical substance applied directly to the skin on their backs -- something I never gave permission for and was never told about. A vet later confirmed skin scabs. THE STAFF'S RESPONSE: Nothing. Staff said nothing about their condition and acted visibly nervous. THE COST: $700 in boarding fees, $500 in OTC medicine and supplies to nurse them back to health, and $600 in extra hotel costs because my dogs were too sick to travel home. Nearly $1,800 total. I have filed formal complaints with Animal Control and the BBB. Please, if you love your pets, board them somewhere else.

The Savvy Dog - pet_training - Updated October 2026

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