My experience with Lara and Shera was unfortunately not a good one…read more Lara, our assigned trainer, presented me with a prong collar at the initial assessment for our 35lb basset hound and told me that this was an "essential training tool" that is "very common". We found out later that this was not true - in fact, most people were horrified that we had allowed our dog to be trained this way. I'll front this by saying my husband and I did not do a whole lot of research on different training methods beforehand and are first-time dog owners, but looking back, we really wish we had pushed back on this. The combination of the collar and Lara's request to withhold all dry food except in training turned our formerly sweet and scared dog into an aggressive food guarder who was still scared to go on walks, but now growled and snapped at our cats. After 4 sessions, we consulted a behaviorist and told Lara and Shera we would be switching to another trainer on their recommendation. We received very defensive emails from both of them about the impropriety of seeing a behaviorist without their knowledge(!), but Shera agreed to refund our remaining sessions. When we still hadn't received a check five weeks later, I sent a follow-up and got back a reply complaining about my "combative" attitude (though she did then promptly issue a refund through PayPal.). Grateful to finally be done with them.

Shera at Pawfect Pups is the best!…read more We started training sessions for our dog Maggie when she was just 3 months old. I thought it was too early, but my husband convinced me that the earlier the better and he was right! We did a lot of research on yelp and other sources. The reviews we read about Pawfect Pups made us feel like there was something different about Pawfect Pups. Shera did such a great job addressing our problem areas at each session and worked with all of us to teach Maggie commands. Before we started, Maggie was a pretty stubborn little puppy and she was biting on pant legs, socks, blankets, and even my hair, snatching up any food that was dropped on the floor. Shera helped us work with Maggie to fix those habits and even taught us a variety of commands. Each session was focused on Maggie's concerns. I never felt like she was following a curriculum. Everything was very customized for our pup. We also really liked that we were an active part of each training session. People always compliment us on how well behaved Maggie is. My husband and I tell each other over and over again that finding Pawfect Pups was the best thing. Thanks Shera!

Kelia was the most amazing trainer for me and my dog. He was an anxious, dog reactive guy, and it…read moreaffected every part of how and when we interacted with the world. Since he's worked with her over the five-week training period, he's made a complete 180. Now we're able to walk around the city and not have him bark at every dog we see on the street. I want to point out that because my dog is innately anxious, it affects his physical state too with eating and other issues. Kelia shared that she used to be a vet tech and made me feel the most comfortable and confident with helping me set up a plan for when he might have an episode due to the transition and what all would take place to ensure he would be okay, loved, and healthy. Long story short, she cared for him for the days he was struggling, kept me updated, and he came out of it because she was purposeful, knowledgeable, and more than capable to handle the situation. I can't recommend Kelia enough for anyone seeking support and/or confidence in how they can better work with, love, and respect their dog. Bonus, she's genuinely such a joy of a human being!

Our family highly recommends Controlled K9! We adopted our boy Mortimer last year after he had been…read moreliving as a stray, and we were really struggling when he came home with basic manners, reactivity, and having him settle in with our other dog. We ended up sending both of our boys for a six-week board and train with Kelia. It seemed to only make sense to send both dogs so they would have the same baseline training. Kelia was amazing! She kept us informed just about every day with videos and texts so we could see that the boys were happy and making progress. When Kelia brought the boys home, she spent a few hours with us, showing all the commands and techniques that she taught them, so we had a seamless transition. The "place" command alone has been lifechanging. (Although as you can see in the picture, they sometimes refuse to use separate mats, LOL.) We use the command before we feed them, initially when guests come by, and when we just need them to settle down a bit. It has reduced the stress and chaos in our house tenfold, and we actually can see the boys relax when they know they have a place to go and chill out. Kelia also gave us the tools to make leash walking and general obedience so much more successful. There are a lot of options out there for training. What set Controlled K9 apart for us was (1) our boys lived with Kelia, her family, and her dogs during training - they were not staying in a kennel and were in a real-life, loving environment, and (2) the promise of lifetime, free follow-up support. The boys have been home now for about 3 months. The training has stuck, and we feel like we really have the tools we need to make life pleasant for all of us, including the boys. Kelia has also proactively checked in to make sure things are going well, provided tips on the best way to reinforce training, and has responded quickly when we have follow-up questions, including offering a visit. Over three months later, we are still completely satisfied with the training and support provided by Controlled K9 and Kelia, and we would use them again in a heartbeat.

Archie went to camp with Gina for three weeks and came home a different dog. I'm still a little…read moreamazed. He's a five-pound chihuahua who shakes when someone new walks in the room and basically lived on my lap or behind my knees. I'd worried a trainer would either give up on him or scare him worse, but from the very first day Gina put so much thought into making him feel safe. She texted that afternoon to say he'd already jumped into her daughter's arms. When he barely ate the first couple days and I got worried, she talked me through it and told me he'd come around, which he did. She took him on long walks around the park and the neighborhood to burn off his nerves before she ever asked anything of him. His crate became his safe spot at her house, a familiar place that was all his in the middle of a busy home with other dogs and parrots and training going on. And she started him on tiny, predictable rules, sitting before a door, coming when called, so he always had something he understood to hold onto in a new situation. She explained that for an anxious dog, knowing what to expect is half the battle. She also refused to pick him up every time he got scared, and warned me that part would be harder for me than for him. She was right. Somewhere around the second week he started smiling in the photos. He was hanging out with her little dogs and her family, going on field trips to the park and coffee shops, staying on his place while she walked away, heeling next to her. He knows sit, place, heel and here now, and he does them for me too. The turnover at my apartment took a couple hours and it was real work. She sat me down and explained everything before we ever touched the dog, then had me practice with Archie while she corrected what I was doing wrong. She's kept sending reminders and answering my questions since, including a few dumb ones about shampoo and brushes. Here's the part I still can't get over. We went to a party a couple weeks after he got home, which is a huge deal for Archie. He sat on other people's laps. He licked hands. He barely cowered. Six weeks ago he would have spent the whole night shaking under my chair. Everyone at the party noticed and commented on the change in his demeanor. I was a proud mama that day! If your dog is the anxious type, the one who hides, trembles, won't eat around strangers, or has to be carried everywhere, I really want you to hear this. A lot of trainers are set up for big confident dogs and don't know what to do with a scared little one. Gina does. She never rushed him, never forced him, and never made me feel silly for babying him all these years. She reads a nervous dog and meets them where they are, then slowly builds them up until they can handle the world on their own. That's exactly what Archie needed. I honestly feel like Gina is just getting started with him, and I'm already thinking of when I can work with her again. If you have a tiny, anxious dog and you're on the fence, go with Gina. Archie is a different dog and so am I. Thank you again for everything you did for him, and for me. Archie sends smooches. Sheri

I can't say enough good things about Brandi and Perry Bailey of RSK9. Their work has given my pup…read moreand I so much freedom and balance. Pebbles (blue heeler, 1.5 years old) would never listen to me, would not sit or lay still, and had a lot of other obedience issues that caused her to be stressed or confused. She was a TOUGH dog to train and I was concerned I couldn't find the solution for her to get basic concepts. This view has completely changed since working with RSK9's 3 week program. I would HIGHLY recommend them and their methods - you can tell they genuinely love working with dogs and it's made a huge difference in giving my dog the chance to find real rest at home. They send DAILY updates with photos and videos which was so nice. This isn't a regular class or something you just pay for; it's truly an investment that you and your dog will be using for the time you get to share together. Side note: it's worth doing 3 weeks versus 2 weeks. At the 2 week mark is when Pebbles really started to understand her marks and cues. From here there is so much more that can be refined and Brandi/Perry really capitalize on that threshold being crossed!

When I first reached out to Tommy, I was in a pretty dark place with my 3-year-old English Bulldog…read more His behavior had taken a serious turn--aggression, constant overstimulation, and a total breakdown in how we communicated. I was heartbroken and honestly starting to feel like I'd failed him. What Tommy brought into our home was a complete shift in perspective. He didn't just train the dogs--he taught us how to create structure, set clear expectations, and restore calm. After just the first session, our house felt noticeably different. The tension was gone, the barking and toy-fighting stopped, and even our older dogs--who had been keeping their distance--seemed relieved. What really makes Tommy stand out is the continued support. He's incredibly responsive, provides real tools and a step-by-step plan, and genuinely checks in on your progress. The Lifetime Guarantee is a huge comfort--knowing we have ongoing access to help if new issues arise takes so much pressure off. We're still working through things, but the difference already feels like night and day. I can't recommend Tommy highly enough--he gave us back peace and hope.

We adopted our good boy Buddie from a shelter in December. A sweet boy, but years in a shelter…read more(five!) has made him somewhat a sensitive pup prone to barking to loud noises and strangers approaching. Passing cars on walks yielded barking and lunging, doorbells ringing, more barking. We tried some "do-it-yourself" online things with zero success, and realized actual one-on-one training was the only option. Enter Tommy from Bark-Busters. His initial three-hour in-home training course was amazingly effective, so much so the change in Buddie was almost night and day to us. Upon meeting Buddie for the first time, Tommy immediately knew the kind of sensitive dog Buddie was and tailored his training to suit. His techniques were easy to understand and master and can be practiced anytime we're with Buddie. No more barking when the doorbell rings, or when a car passes, or a stranger approaches. Buddie's a lot calmer now which is more in keeping with his overall sweet nature. Highest recommendation!

5 stars all around!…read more We just finished Puppy Manners (~positive enforcement training for puppies under 5 months of age) class with our Mini Goldendoodle Winnie and had such a positive experience that we've already signed up for the next level, Basic Manners (~puppies over 5 months of age) classes. Lee-Ann is our trainer and she was very sweet and thorough, and was able to answer all of our questions and concerns. We also plan to go up to Manners Level II and Advanced Manners courses as well. You also have playtime after Puppy Manners to enhance your pup's socialization skills! Classes are in a small group setting (up to 4 dogs) so each puppy receives individualized attention in addition to the opportunity to learn in a distracting environment. We attended the classes at PetValu in Fairfax and had classes both inside and outside of the store which provided different environments for Winnie to train in. It was not only a learning experience for our pup, but for us as well since we learned ways to positively train and reward her. They also offer private in-home training classes. If you're in the area, I would highly recommend Rudy's Friends for your pup!

Beau and I are so thankful for the Puppy Manners class we took at Loyal Companion in Vienna, VA…read more Our trainers (Janice and Anne) were very responsive, and I appreciated their positive reinforcement approach to training. I see such an improvement in Beau's confidence and our bond is stronger since starting the class! This is the best value for price I've found in the area, and I've already signed up for the next level up (Basic Manners Made Easy). Thank you Rudy's Friends!

I took Hazelnut here when she was a pup. She's now an AKC Grand Champion and I am back with he…read moredaughter. Bringing her pup feels like full circle, which says everything about my experience. April is knowledgeable, patient, and incredibly effective at tailoring guidance to each dog's temperament and each handler's skill level. I especially appreciate how she focuses not just on obedience, but on building confidence, socialization, and a strong relationship. Seeing the progress from one generation to the next has been really special, and I wouldn't trust anyone else with those critical early training foundations.

April is fantastic! April is also very accommodating and kind. She genuinely cares about her…read moreclients. She makes sure that you walk away from each class with the tools you need to keep practicing with your pup. Everything that's covered in class were taught in bite size pieces so when I left class I could keep practicing it. I enrolled my pup in her kindergarten puppy class and we will be doing her middle school class! My pup had so much fun in her classes and learned so much (I probably learned more than my pup!). We had to miss one of our regularly scheduled classes and upon notifying April quickly made arrangements for us to go to a different class the next day.

I visited this Petco recently and was pretty disappointed by the lack of attention to animal…read morewelfare with their fish. While I can positively say that the tanks were reasonably clean and not overstocked, multiple tanks did contain dead fish, and there were several fish throughout that appeared abnormally pale. I had also noticed that a schooling fish was mistakenly separated into the wrong tank, it was visibly distressed and swimming against the glass the entire time to get back to it's group. When I brought the distressed fish to the attention of the employee working in that department, my concerns were kind of dismissed and I was told "it happens all the time," with no effort made to fix it. I wanted to leave this review because I really would like to see pet stores show the same level of care across all species. Fish often suffer subpar care because of a "they're just fish" attitude, but they deserve the same baseline care and empathy that we give to the "fluffy and cute" animals. I really hope this store can start to take the welfare of their fish more seriously.

Slow checkout and very inefficient service rendering at the grooming salon. I had gotten…read moreincorrectly charged for for nails and toothbrushing. But the cashier refused to fix it. He just rung me up as is saying the line is long and I should call customer service. Hoping to not return again in the future because the grooming salon also wouldn't listen to feedbacks and my concerns. My dogs nearly fell off of the grooming table because of the incorrect way of holding them. Little details that actually make a difference! Safety first no?

We had a life-changing three hours with David Schmucher of Sidewalk Dog Training. He communicated…read moreinstantly and effectively with our rescue pup and showed us how to do that (and more). He is an extraordinary guide, teacher, and resource!

We reached out to David and he was booked up pretty far in advance but was able to squeeze us in on…read morefairly short notice which was much appreciated. We adopted a 4 yr old mixed breed who was having some difficulties getting settled in to our home. During the training session we learned some new things and our dog seemed to enjoy himself. However, we did not feel comfortable using the provided collar as our dog would choke on it from pulling and became more anxious and fearful with it's use. Maybe over time our dog would have adjusted to the slip/show collar but we didn't want to take any chances with a new dog. We are instead focusing on obedience and positive reinforcement training and using a no-pull harness.

I adopted my approximately 6 year old Lab mix ("Fletch") in early November 2021 and he soon began…read moredisplaying some behaviors that concerned me. I knew that he was really smart and sweet but didn't understand the root of the behaviors and where to begin with training. I was impressed with the many positive reviews of Jeanie with Bark Busters VA Beltway and after an introductory call with her I knew she was the right fit for Fletch and me. Fletch responded to the techniques and exercises shown to me by Jeanie immediately and by the end of the first session he was like a different dog. He was listening and respecting me in a way that he had not previously. Jeanie gave me several exercises to practice with Fletch in between our first and second session and he has continued to make progress every day. Subsequent sessions have built out further training goals such as loose leash walking, ignoring other dogs/critters/people while out on a walk, and being respectful and calm when guests are over my house. Her positive approach to training, experience in working with a range of different behaviors, and clear love for the dogs she works with has really made a difference for Fletch and me. Highly recommended!!

I am amazed at the level of success my dogs achieved after one session with Mark. The techniques…read moreare based on tone and posture as opposed to harsh techniques or treats. Mark simply breaks down the behavior and how to speak dog so your pup understands what you want from him. It's amazing how responsive dogs are when they have clear direction from the pack leader. I highly recommend Bark Busters. They guarantee their training for the life of the pet. You've got nothing to lose and a lifetime of joy with a well behaved dog to gain.

Jennifer is a godsend! We went to another trainer and he made us feel like we were at a lost cause…read morewith our Goldendoodle, Winnie, who began developing aggressive and reactive behaviors over a span of a year. Through our initial consultation, Jennifer provided a positive, reinforcing way to assist us with training utilizing science, animal and human behaviorism with tons of analogies in between! She has a warm personality and I felt at ease with her. She really loves and understands dogs, and was very open minded! We decided to add another puppy to our family and setup another private training session with her after we realized that Winnie was having trouble adjusting to our Sheepadoodle, Linus. Jennifer helped us reading their body language and put them into situations where they would understand and respect each other. We also received homework which we worked on diligently, and now they're literally best friends! I was only hoping to have them co-exist with each other, but I'm so happy that they're getting along. I would highly recommend Jennifer and her team at Lead With Fun, as they really do understand dogs! They also have a variety of different classes as well outside of private training.

We've had Jen work with both of our dogs, with excellent results…read more Our lab mix, Cthulhu, was leash aggressive with absolutely horrific social skills and Jen help show us what was stressing our dog out and how to work with our dog. We now have a dog that is much nicer on the leash and is able to play nice with other dogs. Three years later, we fostered another dog named Ellie. Ellie had no manners and we wanted to adopt her, but we needed to make sure that she got along with Cthulhu. We used Jen again to identify the issues and sources of apprehension between both dogs. Both dogs get along well now. We also have Ellie enrolled in Jens obedience class and Ellie is responding very well. The training techniques that Jen uses make it very easy to understand how to train your dog.