I can't say enough good things about Andrew from Leader of the Pack OC. After trying two other…read moretrainers, one strictly positive reinforcement, and another online, I was starting to feel like I'd never get real control over my two small dogs (poodle/terrier/bichon mixes, 20 lbs each). One of them, Mocha, had repeatedly gotten loose and chased people and dogs, and even nipped once. Lily, the younger one, was starting to copy his bad habits. I was honestly overwhelmed.
Then a neighbor recommended Andrew. From the first session, I could see this was different. We did five in-home training sessions using e-collars, something I had tried before with poor results. In the past, Mocha would shut down with e-collar use: hiding between my legs, refusing treats, and basically going into avoidance mode. But with Andrew's guidance, both dogs adapted quickly and comfortably. By the third session, they were walking calmly by my side, off leash, with the leash literally dragging on the ground, something I never imagined I'd see.
But it didn't stop there. Their behavior at home transformed. No more chewing walls, no more accidents inside from Lily, and Mocha stopped spraying constantly on walks. Even behaviors we hadn't directly worked on started improving. They were calmer, more respectful, and somehow still the same affectionate, happy dogs, just with clear boundaries now. And they listen. They come when called, even at a distance, even with distractions, even at the park. It's like a whole different relationship now, I finally feel like we're connected in a way that's calm, respectful, and fun.
With the new boundaries they've learned, I now have more control, and they actually have more freedom. On long walks in nature, they're able to enjoy time off leash because I know they'll listen to me when I talk to them. They will immediately come if there are distractions or dangers. That balance of trust and freedom has changed everything for us. The can be off leash without getting into mischief.
One of the most incredible moments for me was when I told them to sit outside, walked 40+ feet away, and they just stayed seated, watching me. That kind of control used to feel impossible. And keep in mind, this is with two dogs, trained together, not in separate sessions. Other trainers had told me that couldn't be done. Andrew proved them wrong.
Andrew is also incredibly professional and responsive, he was always on time, gave me a discount for the second dog, and was available by text throughout the week to answer questions between sessions. After the in-home training, he also hosts weekly group training sessions in the park, where you can reinforce the skills in a real-world setting with other dogs, bikes, skateboards, etc. These sessions are just as valuable as the private ones.
In short, this training changed my life with my dogs. It was worth every penny and far exceeded my expectations. My family can't believe the change. My neighbors have noticed the change. My dogs are thriving, and I'm finally able to enjoy them without constant stress or fear. Andrew didn't just train my dogs, he helped rebuild my relationship with them. I am so grateful.