Amazing place to bring your pet. Our boy has so much energy he will play for hours, He is a rescue and loves all dogs he thinks all dogs want to play with him because he's so goofy. When we are back in town we will definitely bring him back for them to board him. Thanks team for taking care of our big boy. read more

TK-9 Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Elkridge, Maryland

TK contacted me to pick up my dog a day and a half after dropping her off for boarding saying she had been throwing up and having diarrhea since we dropped her off. She was picked up immediately by my sister-in-law (we were out of town) and taken directly to the ER because she was so dehydrated and weak. My sister-in-law said they've near person at the front desk was very rude and implied she must've been sick when we dropped her off. This was not the case. In fact she even had a "health check" by a staff member before they took her in for boarding. All of this aside, I want to know why it took them a day and a half to contact us to the point she was so sick. And of course I was contacted the next day to settle my bill. Once again no one asked how she was doing. read more

Everyone at TK9 is friendly and helpful, and our dogs are always excited to see them during each visit. It's clear they are well cared for and in good hands while I'm at work. My only criticism would be that there's little transparency behind the scenes. It would be great to see more pictures and videos on Facebook, but that is inconsistent. Real time video footage would be fun to see. read more

Use at your own Risk. My niece recently paid 3200 to get her puppies trained and they came back to her worse. When our family called to tell them their solution was to spray vinegar water in their face. Now, we are having to hire a lawyer to get more training and/or our money back. No one should have to deal with a company that will not honor their services. Terrible. I hate that I have to write this. Doggies got Kennel Cough from being around other doggies and my niece was stuck with a vet bill. We are definitely suing for our money back and vet costs! If we don't hold businesses accountable they will continue to do this to others. Will keep you all posted on the outcome. read more

Do not board your dog there. My dog was starving and pretty sure abused. They must have locked him in a cage instead of a room they charged me for. His teeth were all silver from biting the bars! I had to rush him to the vet immediately. He still has the scar on his leg. I left feedback for Tk9, but they never responded. I think they are somehow blocking my Google review as well. read more

TK-9 Academy - That's my dog after being there for 13 days: all skin and bones and sores. He still has the scars. - Pet Training Near Me - Elkridge, Maryland

I don't understand the less than 5 star reviews.... this place and the staff are the GOAT. I've recommended this place to my coworkers and neighbors and they all fell in love. My GSD has completed the puppy training with Will and now unto obedience level 1 taught by THE owner Tecla. The difference in her behavior is out of this world! Don't expect a trainer who will cater to your needs but if you are looking for a trainer who sincerely cares about your baby, this is the place you want to bring your fur baby. My pup loves going to the day care and they even offer training during the day care AND provide you w a report card! I wasn't able to complete level 2 due to my accident and they not only fully understood but even called to check up on me. Talk about people who mAke you and your fur baby feel like a family. SERIOUSLY, recommend this place? I've worked w Will, Ashley, and Tecla and they are amazing! read more

TK-9 Academy - My doggo, totally changed!! No more leash pulling - Pet Training Near Me - Elkridge, Maryland

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My Hank loves going to Tecla's. In the morning as I am getting g ready he is just waiting for me to say TECLA'S. Then he runs to the door wagging his tail. I can't get him to go potty at home before we leave, he gets so excited knowing he is going to play at daycare at Tecla's. The staff is very friendly. I think they are a little pricy but with everything else going up. Hank is well worth it. I am sure it's not a cheap business to be running so my doggie treats go out to you Tecla I do like the fact they offer grooming as well as there nice long hours. The business has grown since I started several years ago and I would like to take a tour on the expansion or see their growing pains in a good way. The only reason I didn't give them 5 stars is because in the mornings they need more than once person checking in the customers and their dogs esp. When someone is dropping their pet off for overnight. They fill out the form ask questions etc... they really need one door for day care And the other door for over night stays and have another person working in the mornings. It's not even fair to the person working muscles the dogs and parents. I hear many adults complain about the slow drop understaffed situation in the mornings. Either way I know Hank is in a fun safe place. Thank you all at Tecla's esp since I know how hard you all work taking care of our fur family. read more

TK-9 Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Elkridge, Maryland

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We adopted a super high energy dog with some aggression issues from BARCS and the training team there recommended Tecla's K9 Academy to work with these issues. We attended a behavior introduction session where we met William, our trainer, to talk about what we wanted out of the training. He sent us two plans - one for private one on one training and one for a board and train. We opted for the board and train with William where our dog stayed there for 4 weeks and we had 4 private lessons. The first private lesson was in the middle of boarding to start learning some of the things that William has taught the dog. The second lesson was the take home class where we learned how to reinforce what he learned at Tecla's back at home. The last two were follow-up lessons where we got to ask questions, get advice, and continue to practice with William. Our dog was totally changed and continues to improve every day! We are still working through at home but now feel like we have the knowledge and skills to do so. Before our training started, we needed a place to board him and Tecla's was able to accommodate him. He takes prescription food because of allergies so we were able to pre-portion out all of his meals for him. They have a large play area and lots of dogs so our dog was super happy there. They bathed him before he returned home. read more

TK-9 Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Elkridge, Maryland

Arrived before the pick up time for my dog and waited about 30 minutes before staff asked if I was there to pick up my dog. What was the person at the front desk doing? Talking with another employee while I was waiting. I am absolutely okay with paying the $25 early pick up fee, but it's the last time I'll spend money here. I'll take my dog to premier which is right down the street. It's called professionalism and the new front desk staff you have is anything but. read more

My dog came home w kennel cough... no daily pics were provided.. nails were not clipped and treats I brought and paid for were. It offered to my dog :(. Stay away!!! read more

I can't say enough positive things about TK9 Academy. I've been taking my German Shepherd here since he was a young pup. We worked our way up from Puppy Class, to Obedience, and Rally. Toby loves to spend his days at TK9's daycare and it is a great feeling knowing that my dog has a place to go when I go out of town for an extended period. Even with the COVID-19 stay-at-home order, TK9 found a way to provide online training to individuals who were already signed-up for the puppy and obedience classes. TK9 Academy has it all, group classes, online classes, individual training sessions - they will even come out to your house if that is what your training calls for. Thank you TK9 Academy for everything! You have our continued support! read more

TK-9 Academy - Toby waiting to join his Rally II class at TK9 Academy. - Pet Training Near Me - Elkridge, Maryland

I recently took my dog back for bording on 7/28-8/1/2023, and I am incredibly disappointed. When we picked her up, my dog had red sores on all four legs. She was limping. She was incredibly lethargic and thirsty. She drank 2 water bowls when we hit home. When we asked about her legs upon pick up, the receptionist told me she jumped from one of the higher crates and was also lying on hard surfaces, and that caused the injury. The receptionist continued to say I should bring a bed next time, but they do offer them for free. Really? Why didn't they give her one if they were free? Plus, I DID PROVIDE her with her own sheet so she would have one of the comforts from home. TK9 NEVER notified me. Nor did they attempt to get in touch with her emergency contact of the sores or the limp. They had a VET on site, and she NEVER CAME OUT TO SPEAK WITH US. The VET just kept passing information to the receptionist to tell us. I have sent two emails and called twice to speak to the owner, and there is no response to either form of communication. DO NOT TAKE YOUR PETS HERE read more

Totally disorganized and very bad customer service. We were told that the boarding charge is $45 per night . We dropped off our puppy on a Friday and picked him up on Saturday and we had to pay $90. We were told that the charge is per calendar day. So, how exactly do you get a day's boarding there? This is totally ridiculous! read more

Five stars for both private training and boarding. My dog always comes home from boarding happy and well cared for and he loves the staff, which is saying something because he is suspicious of most people. Particular shoutout to William for helping me with my dog's significant behavioral problems. I went from feeling like I might have a very difficult decision to make to feeling confident that I can keep my dog and everyone around him safe and happy by using the tools William gave us in our 8 or so weeks of private lessons. I no longer feel anxious and worried every time we are around a trigger and instead am happily planning how to give my dog the best life ever! read more

Dogs look well cared for. My dog came home tired, and, I think, happy. I enjoy looking at the photos the staff takes of the dogs. Staff nice. read more

We were just here for a 2 day seminar with our group. Absolutely wonderful facility and staff. Tecla is one of the most knowledgeable dog trainers around, and has a great way of getting thru to her clients so they understand and learn. read more

I posted this on Google but I feel this is important for anyone interested in this place to know: This place has gone down hill since the ownership changed. It seems like they are just hiring any one off the street. My dog had no problem here for years and I went to book a new boarding for him, it got approved and then a week later they sent me an email saying they are cancelling because they don't feel comfortable with my dog. I called and the front desk person proceeded to tell me these issues they were having. No one told me any of this before I asked to speak to the assistant manager (I believe her name is Michelle) and she hung up in my face twice. I didn't call her out her name or insult her but I did have an upset tone. she felt the need to hang up in my face twice. That woman needs to learn how to speak to people but I doubt they are going to do anything about it. I have asked to speak with a manager multiple times with no response. just "she will be in later" / "she just stepped away" When I look at the other reviews I am seeing a pattern of bad customer service. If you love your dog do not take them here. read more

We rescued a puppy from Kuwait who ended up showing signs of aggression towards anything and everything around 6 mo, especially kids. We tried a few trainers (one who our pup attacked on day 2) before finding out about Tecla's. We wish we had known earlier - we have a whole new pup! Tecla has helped us gain our pup's trust and keep our loved ones safe around him. We are still working through classes and daycare but we would be in a terrible situation without TK9. It's also a bonus to have a safe place you can trust with your dog when you have to be out of town! Willie is MORE than excited to see his friends at TK9 every time we go. It's worth spending your time and money on a place that knows what they're doing. I was so surprised when I saw him laying on the floor surrounded by dogs! He used to never be able to relax around others. We love TK9! read more

TK-9 Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Elkridge, Maryland

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I've been taking my puppy to Tecla's since he was able to take his first puppy class. We have done 3 classes with them and currently in a membership class for rally, surrounded by people who have dedicated time and care to their dogs. Additionally, we go to daycare at least once a week and would go more if we could. Zephyr, our dog, absolutely loves going to Tecla's and gets so excited each time we go. They treat the dogs so well, and even when they are super busy and might not be able to tell me how he did, I can go to their facebook and see daily pictures of all the dogs playing together in daycare. The passion that Tecla has for dogs is evident among her staff and those who continue to come back. I'm so thankful that I have found Tecla's and will continue to go for any of my dogs. read more

TK-9 Academy - Daycare picture from their Facebook page - Pet Training Near Me - Elkridge, Maryland

Probably the best dog training and boarding around. We brought our rescue dog there for an intro class (8 weeks) and she now goes for "doggy day care" every few weeks to help her socialize. We not only have great things to say about Tecla and her entire staff, we cannot even begin to think of any negatives. Several of our neighbors use her business too and they all love the place. Highly recommended!!! read more

Do not use this place for dog day care if you love your pet. I knew my dog didn't love the place when I had to pull her inside. She would try to run back out the door. Her prior day cares she couldn't wait to go and would get excited as soon as I pulled in. I'm convinced they didn't get much excercise, if any. The staff is not friendly or helpful. They didn't seem concerned to leave you standing in the lobby for 30 minutes waiting. But don't risk picking up your dog early or they will charge you. ???? Who does that??? Worst place I've ever left my dog!! I would give them negative stars if possible!!!!! read more

Purchased a puppy playtime package for our eleven week old puppy. -I should have asked what their definition of a puppy was as there were several large dogs ranging from six months and beyond. Posing a potention safety hazard. -During the class a large dog, owned by one of the trainers jumped on and injured our puppy, causing her to limp. -When brought to their attention, the management was less than sympathetic. -Our money was refunded, though we were made to feel like the bad guy for expressing our concerns. Overall, I would not suggest this place to anyone. Despite being a nice facility, it is obvious the are not interested in individual concerns or your puppy's well being. read more

We started working with Tecla's K-9 Academy in February 2020 to address some behavioral concerns with our miniature dachshund. We have used multiple services at Tecla's in our time working with them, including private virtual and in-person lessons with Will, doggy daycare, and in-person as well as virtual group classes. We've had wonderful experiences with all of these services and I am unbelievably impressed with the progress my dog has made throughout this time! My dog started off scared and reactive to most things in the environment, and through training at Tecla's is now a much happier, confident dog with an even stronger relationship with me. He also LOVES training as do I and we can't wait to keep working with Tecla's!! Thank you so much for the work that you do...we are so appreciative! read more

I have been a customer of Tecla's for years. I have used Tecla's for boarding (which comes with free doggy day-care!) and have taken lessons as well. I also attended a one night webinar. I will talk about boarding first. We have a standard poodle who was kicked out of the last place we took her...we were out of state and got a call that she was too aggressive and couldn't stay, they needed someone to pick her up. She isn't people aggressive but isn't great with other dogs if not introduced properly. Needless to say, I was very nervous about leaving her with a new kennel for a week, especially one that offered doggy daycare. I shared my prior experience with them and they assured me that they knew how to introduce dogs properly and would be very slow and careful introducing her. Fast forward a week...not only did she have exactly ZERO issues, she played beautifully with all of the dogs and is now able to play outside with neighbors dogs. Previously, we didn't let her play off-leash (fenced yard) with other dogs. She came back happy to see us, but it was also clear she hadn't been cooped up in a cage with zero exercise or human interaction for a week! Stays longer than 5 days require a bath, so bonus! I had a nice clean dog too! They offer what they call 'academy' lessons, up to 1 per day, they will take your dog out for a very brief (I think it was 15 minutes) training session once per day. My dog is extremely well behaved with 2 exceptions...she would not listen to the 'down' command and she walked on a loose leash on my left...unless she saw another dog, then she would yank my arm out of its socket (and lunging at other dogs explains why they probably didn't like her!). They did a couple of sessions and now she is virtually bomb-proof going for walks. Next, I would like to talk about training. Like many other people, we got a new puppy during the CoVid quarantine. It is great to be home to be able to potty train a new dog...tougher to socialize the new puppy and get obedience training! I was so excited when I saw that Tecla's K-9 Academy was offering online training! Even post-Covid I will always choose on-line training given the option. Every session starts with a Q&A - so helpful! We watch a video showing the skill(s) that we are working on that week and then we put the video on the dogs and practice for a few minutes and ask questions. We practice the skill(s) during the week and upload a video of the dog performing the skill in question. Tecla gives quick and insightful feedback and then we discuss the prior weeks skill at the beginning of the next lesson. No more worrying about positioning yourself so you can hear the instructor but your dog isn't misbehaving, no more trying to teach your dog a new trick with a bunch of his favorite buddies all around him. No more trying to keep a puppies attention for an hour straight. Best of all, if you have to miss a class, you can watch the recording later! Forget how you should be doing a skill? Watch the short video with that drill! I should also mention that I was originally referred to this facility by a friend with a dog who she described as completely out of control. She sent her dog to boot-camp and got back a beautifully trained happy member of the family! Quick edit: During my last vet visit, I mentioned my great experience at Tecla's for boarding, doggy daycare, and training. My vet said that they have been recommending Tecla's for several years and have gotten nothing but glowing reviews back. read more

My dog has terrible anxiety and was going to another training. They didn't know what to do with him. Tecla took the time to get to know our dog, understood his needs and recommended a personalized program for us. The staff is amazing and always professional. I feel like we have a partner who's looking out for the best interest of my fur babies. Honest communication since day one. We will use Teclas for daycare, training, and boarding over anyone else read more

My dog was a 18 month old Shepherd rescue and she was extremely nervous. I went to Tecla's for an 8 week basic training and that helped a lot. What really helped was a one on one with one of the staff members who suggested Doggie Day Care and wow what a difference. My dog is now such a well rounded member of our household and while she still has her quirks she is a joy. Thank you! read more

We have been taking our 3 1/2 month old sheepadoodle to puppy daycare at Tecla once a week for the last 3 weeks to help her get used to being around other dogs. She loves going in and seems really happy to see staff. It is a great time out for both of use as she is going through the dreaded nipping stage and I need at least one day to get some housework done and relax a bit. The prices are very good for the length of time your pup is there. I am eagerly awaiting her training class that begins in September. We had a private session with the trainer about her nipping and he was very helpful. read more

My 8-9 month old rescue pup goes here every Tuesday and Thursday for daycare. He loves it! When I drop him off in the morning he's super excited to see the girl that takes him back. I've never had an issue with any of the staff like some reviews state. When I was trying to find a place to take my pup, I called and the staff answered on the second ring, answered all 1000 questions I had, and I set up and appointment for his evaluation day for the next week! They were awesome! The prices are what seem to be average ($35-ish a day) but they are open from 6:30am-7pm! 110% worth it! At the end of the day my little guy is tuckered out and I actually get some sleep! Although I've never been back to the kennel area, the spaces I have been through are really clean and nice! All of the pups/dogs that go here seem to love it! read more

I wish I could give this place zero stars. I took my puppy here for daycare because I was trying to socialize him. When I picked him up he smelled of vinegar, particularly on his face. I was told that vinegar is sprayed on the dogs to correct bad behavior. Soon after I had to travel last-minute for work so I decided to give Tecla's another try and arranged for boarding my dog. He was boarded for 2 nights, but when I came in to pay the bill I was charged for 3 nights. And on top of the overcharging, the poor dog once again reeked of vinegar. The policies & practices of this facility are inhumane and the customer service is terrible. Please avoid at all costs. read more

I went in to get information regarding boarding. The women at the front desk gave me dirty looks and was extremely rude. I guess i was not her type of client. That is all i needed to know about this place. I should've read the reviews first. read more

Eh! Took my dog here. Wasn't that impressed for the price. No report or any feedback as to how her day was. For the price they charge, I expected more. Never returned. Sad because I was looking for a full time dog daycare. Lost a new customer here. read more

I am a fan of this place! Called in for boarding last minute trip and they had no problem with taking my dog. i had to do a bit of running around to get all my shot records in order because they were extremely serious about us having up to date vacs. (to be expected). when i picked him up he was smelling fresh and was so happy. Thumbs up! read more

This place is great! The price is right and they do a great job with our Chesapeake Bay Retriever. They have done wonders for our dog Tahoe. Love the rules for drop off and pick. They are also very comfortable with our very young high strung dog. We had issues with our dog being leash aggressive and dog reactive which they were able to dissolve within the first visit. Love this place. Only reason they didn't get 5 stars is that they don't always post pictures of daycare. When they do often times our dog is not even in any of the pictures. If they had a video camera or posted more photos throughout the day I would give them 5 stars! read more

Pros: The facility is clean, Ashley at the front desk is awesome, the pictures they post on Facebook are wonderful. My dog comes to day care regularly and took obedience classes. Cons: Mary who teaches obedience and works there is terrible. I don't understand how she still works there and how nobody has complained yet. She pulls really hard on people's dogs with the prong collar in obedience class to the point where the dogs start crying and refusing to cooperate, where she ends up pulling on them even more! She is also intimidating and now I try to avoid her when I drop my dog off at day care because I'm scared she will judge my dog's obedience. To add, I wish the place had live stream cameras instead of just pictures. I was in a class one time and saw them bringing the dogs from the play area to the kennels and they were using whips that terrified many dogs. What are these whips for? Are dogs being abused? I wish I could actually see my dog while he is at daycare. Many other daycares offer live cameras. Another note is that the dogs stay kenneled for a long time before and after playtime and are put back into kennels very early, therefore my dog is rarely tired enough when he gets home. I wish they had a fenced outdoor area where dogs can run and play which is what really tires dogs out! Lastly, the wait to pick up dogs is very long and needs to be improved. I found a new daycare facility nearby that is cheaper and has a nice outdoor area my dog can run at, so I am slowly transitioning to taking my dog only there. However I plan to enroll in and try another class at Tecla's, possibly Rally, and I will see how it goes from there. read more

Kind and attentive staff; well organized and caring. Couldn't ask for a better experience on puppy's first day!

I have 2 dogs that have been training here since 11/17. I have 2 dogs that were severely abused and for a long time I could not have them near anything or anyone without them trying to go after whatever set them off (people, noises, other dogs,etc.). After a personalized training plan, with daycare, private and group classes, my dogs have come such a long way. My Vet and family have seen such a change in them. From how they act on a walk to listening to much needed commands, like 'place.' I cannot say enough good things about this place. I really don't get the bad reviews on here- my Shepherd doesn't like leaving me when I drop him off for daycare, but he walks right up to each trainer ready to go for the day... he is not tortured whatsoever. Mine is one that gets sprayed with vinegar, it is not inhumane to do this- it helps to deter misbehavior. Every trainer is highly trained and the owner, despite how busy she is, is sure to teach classes/ train with customers. Check out their pictures on Facebook- there's plenty of pictures and videos to see for yourself. read more

I have a boxer that I rescued two years ago and Tecla was the 6th trainer I visited. I wish I would've saved my time and money and would've gone to her first. My dog is one of the most difficult cases and comes with several medical issues that impact his behavior. Each trainer before Tecla would just stop calling or they would say put him to sleep. When I brought my dog to Tecla one year ago, my life changed for the better. My dog, who could not be around people or dogs without at least a 45 minute introduction and still be off, can now play with 60+ dogs without a muzzle. We are working on introductions with people so that he won't lunge. But at this point, I am able to walk him in my neighborhood absolutely fine, which I was never able to do before. It is so wonderful to watch him get so excited and run circles around the house when I tell him that he is going to daycare that day. He knows each of the people by name and reacts so excitedly when I mention them. I just moved to Delaware and I still bring my dog back on a regular basis so he can stay socialized! read more

I took my dog here for daycare. The front desk is extremely unprofessional and does not know how to do anything except charge your card(how convenient). My dog hated the few times he went there because I was trying to give them a chance out of convenience. It eventually got to the point where he would cry and try to run back to me if I dropped him off, so we stopped going. He always came home not tired at all, which to me indicates that he probably was left in a kennel much of the day. I CAN LEAVE HIM AT HOME AND SAVE $35 for the same damn thing. We go to a new, cheaper daycare in Loudoun county since we moved. WOW. What a huge and wonderful difference. Never knew what we were missing. He loves his new daycare. read more

My pup did the "Purely Puppy" summer class at Tecla's K9 academy and he will be continuing onto the "Adult Basic One" class. The value of the class is great, 9 one hour weekly group classes. There wasn't really anything we learned that I felt I couldn't have learned online, however, the distractions of a group class and the chance to socialize with other puppies is worth the cost alone. From the classes he learned "Sit" and "Down" (for 30+ seconds until I "freed" him), "Sit" and "down" with food in front of him, "Watch me", "With me" (the beginnings of heal), and the beginnings of Recall. Their customer service could greatly improve,if you call you will most likely get the answering service whom cant answer any of your questions and you probably wont get a call back. I do get a fast response If I email though. My dog is eager to please and a fast learner and so he did well in the class, I did feel bad though for people with more hard-headed puppies because I didn't always feel like they got the help they needed. There was one puppy who really struggled at controlling his excitement and would often bark during the majority of the class, even by week 9 he hadn't settled and there only response was to spray vinegar in his direction, which at this point obviously isn't working. It seemed it could have been a "training moment" and they could have worked with the owner on how to get him to settle but we usually ignored it rather than working to fix the behavior. Overall I would recommend Tecla's for the group classes, cost value, and class options once basic obedience is complete. read more

I love the trainers here. My dog looks forward to day care and is happy and not stressed. I found Tecla after he came back really upset after boarding at another facility. He is always excited and even though he doesn't go too frequently the trainers still know him. This facility is newer than the one on Bethany and large bright and clean. They didn't get a five star because the organizational components are really painful; there's an answering service that can't answer any questions and the front desk staff seems to have a lot of turnover which is really frustrating. All in all I put up with that because they are really good with my dog. read more