I highly recommend Tami at American Dog School in Ft. Collins, CO for dog training and boarding services. I have a tough on the inside dog that Tami worked with and literally changed and saved his life. I can not thank her enough. She is amazing and works miracles with all types of dogs. Love her! read more

American Dog School - Pet Training Near Me - Fort Collins, Colorado

Customer BEWARE! The owner claims to train Service Animal "ADA" canines and claims to have a Service Dog herself. Yet! she clearly does not know the ADA laws that state that there is no single approved & legal licensing/registration for Service Animals. She proudly touts her 'service animal's' so called license from "ServiceDogCertifications.org"... however, this is one of many SCAM sites and there papers hold no legal power whatsoever. Think long and hard about paying someone who does not even know the Service Animal laws in the US. read more

Tami trained our 3 doggies now!! She recently trained our full Yorkie girl Penny!! Love love love Tammy as for her to be such a miracle worker with our little devil. We never thought we could have a little saint post training. It took a little longer, but Tammy always kept us informed of her progress. We couldn't be happier & don't know what we would've done without American Dog School staff!! I laughed when I read someone say you wouldn't take your Yorkie to her..As my Yorkie was the worst one BEFORE Tammys help!!! read more

American Dog School - Pet Training Near Me - Fort Collins, Colorado

See all

Tami is great to work with. My family did the 4-week board and train with our headstrong golden retriever, and while there's no magic cure for behavior, I love the way Tami is patiently working with our family during follow up to really have a great family dog. Our 9-month old puppy reverted to some bad habits when she saw us at pick up after a month, and Tami was quick to offer more time if needed to get her up to speed. But during our next few follow up classes our dog then started treating us the way she treats Tami and combining her worlds. We're continuing with classes with Tami and group classes in the future, and I feel so much more hopeful with our future with our dog! Tami is a great resource and involves my young kids in our classes to really give them training on how to train. We've been so grateful for her help, and her sons that work with her are very kind. My dog is happy when we pull up to Tami's and works very hard for her, and is learning to bring those same behaviors home. read more

Tami, at American Dog School, is a fantastic dog trainer! She taught me how to work with my dog in a way that he understands. With her help, my bully of a German Shepherd is now well behaved in the show ring. I couldn't be happier with the work Tami has put into helping me train my dog! read more

American Dog School - Two well-behaved German Shepard's. Thank you, American Dog School! - Pet Training Near Me - Fort Collins, Colorado

I've taken my border collie here since she was 8 weeks old and she is now a bit over 2 years old. I decided not to board and train but instead to work with my dog in as many classes as possible, which were unlimited. My dog is shy and afraid of men which made it hard for us to go anywhere or for me to have friends over. With Tami's leadership I've been able work with my dog and I can now take her everywhere with me, she even comes to my work where everyone loves her! I get so many complements about how well behaved my bc is, I even had someone tell me she's better behaved then most kids they know haha. I really enjoy going to class, Tami has a great sense of humor and keeps training fun. If you're looking for a place where you can work and challenge your dog, this is it. Classes don't stop at sit and stay, they focus on structured socialization and obedience with real world context and distractions. Tami has taught me how to be a handler, really it's like training humans to make their dogs better . She just started offering competitive obedience/companion dog title classes challanging mine and my dogs skills and making our bond stronger. Tami volunteered a whole day to come walk us through our first competition. I feel like found a life long place for me to train my dog at, feels great to have such a great resource right down the street! read more

See all

She uses choke chains. No real trainer has taught this method in over a decade. Voted best in the Fort by whom, I ask? Avoid. read more

I'll start this review by saying that Tami is not the trainer for your sweet little Yorkie, or your fluffy Golden or happy Lab. Go elsewhere if you think all dogs need for good behavior is lots of treats, a Gentle Leader and lots of love. She is not for you. Here's why we think Tami rocks. I used to believe dogs' behavior was a reflection of their human's attitudes and laziness about training. I thought prongs and discipline were evil tools used by evil people. You see, I had a great German Shepherd mix who didn't need much obedience help. All positive reinforcement methods worked for him and I naively assumed that all dogs had the potential to be as good as that pup. Then we adopted a purebred German Shepherd with working dog lineage who had been neglected and abused to the point of losing a limb because he was tied up in someone's yard. I thought we knew GSDs, I thought we could train him the same way that we trained our other dogs. I was so wrong. And when all that we knew about dog training didn't work on him, that poor pup almost went back to the rescue. We were clueless, frustrated and ready to surrender. He was aggressive, possessive, destructive and dominating. We were at our wits end. Then, one day in a German Shepherd Rescue discussion forum, a fellow GSD person told me to get a clue, GSDs are NOT like other dogs and shouldn't be trained as such, or they WILL become destructive. That's why there are so many who die in shelters. People think they're getting Rin Tin Tin, and sometimes they luck out, but for the most part, most GSDs from shelters are like mine. Messed up and in need of some serious leadership by a human who gets it that forum member sent us to Tami. Tami gets it. The minute we met her she had our dog under her command and we knew we found our answer. That's why you will see a lot of GSDs, Mastiffs, Akitas and other hard-working, prey driven dogs in her class. Sure, the occasional happy Lab shows up, and her methods will work on dogs like that too, but Tami's training is serious business for dogs and humans who are at their wits end. Yes, she uses slip collars and prongs, but so do police dog trainers. So there. Five years after starting training with Tami our dog is much better. He still has issues, but for the most part she deserves credit for saving our dog's life, and our sanity. And she's done it for LOTS of other pet parents too, which is exactly why we've voted her "Best in Fort Collins" year after year. People who think that one type of training works for all dogs are sadly mistaken. That's like saying that one type of education works for all human kids. It's so misguided. Tami is an awesome trainer and our $300 we paid was well worth it. Our dog is still here, and having a great life because of it. read more

You can only schedule appts via texting and it's very hard to get ahold of her. She's way too busy. She was very rude to me and told me she didn't want to train my dogs anymore & would prefer to give me a refund. Yet I'm still waiting for the refund... read more

I think Tami is a great trainer and my dogs love her. Yes she uses choker chain method for dog training but I tried everything else with my stubborn rottweiller and it wasnt until I let Tami take her for several weeks that my rottie decided to do what she needed to do. she is very well behaved on a leash and does exactly what I need her to do when I walk her. I have boarded my two dogs with her as well many times and have had nothing but good results from it. They come home happy, healthy, and she even used them in her training classes so do not always believe what you read. Give Tami a chance and you wont be disappointed. read more

I HIGHLY recommend American dog school. Tami puts her heart and some into every animal and meets. She goes above and beyond. At first I thought the price for training was high but when I compared to everyone else it is a fraction of what you would pay considering all other programs I found 6-8wks/session and Tami's is for the life of the dog. Just like people new stressful situations can alter a dog's behavior and the fact that you can pop into any group class or call Tami to set up a one on one at any point in your dog's life is AMAZING! Training is as much for owners as it is for the animal. Tami made sure to work with each per, individually, in our family, this includes my two children who were 7 & 12 when we started training. Our dog has several food allergies and she has always been very cautious of this. So many people have commented on the transformation of our dog and the credit goes to Tami. And I will add, our dog Oakley LOVES Tami. He is so eager to please her. Even when it's been months since we've popped into a group training session, if you say her name Oakley runs to the garage doors spinning with excitement to go see her. When we get another dog, even though I have the trading knowledge now, I would gladly spend the money to invest in another dog with Tami. Different dog, different personality, always more to learn and I wouldn't want to learn from anyone else! read more

When we decided to get our German Shepherd in December, the one thing we knew we needed was good training. Tami's philosophy and demeanor were exactly what we were hoping for, and Sam thrived under her care. Even with four kids in the house, our 6 month old pup is well behaved, and understands all of the hand and voice commands. We attend Tami's lifetime classes 4-5 days a week, and she is always very welcoming with our many questions. I can not recommend Tami enough, and she certainly has earned the title of Dog Whisperer with our family. read more

Tami and June are wonderful! This was a lot less expensive than other options I had checked into for my out-of-control dog. We had discussed finding a new home for her, and this training solved our problems. I am thrilled to have found American Dog School. read more

We adopted an untrained, one year old rescue dog in January. She quickly proved more than we could manage and a friend recommended American Dog School and Tami Carraso. I am ever grateful for the recommendation. We now have a dog that we enjoy. Tami's individual attention helped us with specific behavioral issues and the group classes taught our dog how to have successful interactions with other dogs and their owners; however, much of her training was really training us. We have also boarded our dog on multiple occasions with Tami and are appreciative of the quality care she provides. read more

Our dog, Joan, had been in physical therapy and under veterinary care for approximately 18 months for her elbows. When we began classes for her, it was with the understanding we would receive a refund for advance payment if the classes were either too hard or her elbows or she had to go in for elbow surgery. Joan had three classes and required surgery in June 2010. Tami advised us in July 2010 reimbursement would be made. Over the last year we have left several messages regarding this refund . No refund has been made nor have our calls been returned. Pam M read more

DO NOT EVER BOARD YOUR PET HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WE ARE DEVESTATED AT THE NEGLIGENCE SHOWN AT THIS BOARDING FACILITY. Accidents happen; however, if responded to appropriately pain, and permanent injury can be avoided. My sister's 13 week old pup was left in their care and while there was hit with some sort of blunt force trauma. When we came to pick him up today his eye was dead and bulging from it's socket...The vets examined him and said the injury was at least 24 hours old, but more likely 2 days old. No vet was called and no action taken...He will lose the eye, but praying that no permanent brain damage has taken place. They are claiming to have checked him every day multiple times, and even as late as 9 am this morning, and he was perfect...this is a lie. The vet said you don't even have to be a doctor to know that this injury is over a day old. I am hoping that this post will help keep anyone else from trusting her to board and/or train their pup. We are praying that he has no permanent brain injury, and for a full recovery after they remove his eye in the morning. But we may have to put our puppy down. A tragedy that couldv'e been avoided had they IMMEDIATELY gotten help!!! http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20120910/NEWS01/309100029/Puppy-s-injuries-lead-investigation-Fort-Collins-boarding-facility?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE&nclick_check=1 Although Tami claims she "has no idea what happened and had not seen the injury until my sister picked him up", Dr's have confirmed the injuries were over 24 hours old upon my sister's arrival to the kennel. We are determined to save ANY other pet from this trauma!!! http://www.thedenverchannel.com/video/31424495/index.html IF You have any information regarding this case or similar experiences, please call 970-226-3647 ext 7. ANY information is greatly appreciated. read more

Go elsewhere please! I paid $300 for puppy training and received less than 10 lessons before Tami decided to fall off the map, not returning emails or texts to schedule future appointments. I am now without a trainer with a 90 lb Saint puppy who needs to learn better manners quickly. It is beyond me how ADS could be voted best in Fort Collins because I've never encountered such unprofessional behavior. read more

I took my dog here for a board and train before I left for a wedding, thinking it would only be a few weeks. By the end of it all they had my dog for 8 weeks!! They kept telling me that she wasn't trained enough and needed longer. When I got my dog back she was still NOT TRAINED AT ALL and (told by a vet) extremely under weight like she hadn't been fed at all or nearly enough (though I left a whole bag of food). It made me cry to see my dog so underweight and sad. Their kennels are horrible and I've gotten a response by a professional that places like this leave your dog in a horrible kennel for all but 20 minutes of the day. please don't take your dog here. There are plenty of places that have your dog outdoors at all times playing with other dogs. Think about your puppy. I still feel sad for mine after sending her here. She has gained back the 10+ pounds she lost while staying here. Please do more research, I wish I had. For our dogs. I have also experienced her just dropping off the map and not returning calls or texts. Horrible business read more

If you have followed Tami Carrasco's case, you would know that she was charged with animal cruelty, went to trial in March 2014, and was found innocent by a jury of her peers. There is no doubt that the event occurred, but it was accidental, probably caused by a hot air balloon being stranded almost directly over Tami's kennel for an hour or more, which caused the dogs to go into a frenzy, and most likely from the dog bumping his head against the wall or top of the kennel. An expert witness testified that the injury occurred only a few hours before it was discovered. Tami was with the dog during and after the balloon event, and he appeared to be in no distress. We have had our dogs with American Dog School for boarding, day care, and lots of training since 2005, and find that Tami Carrasco is the greatest. She would never, ever harm a dog, or knowingly allow harm to come to a dog in her care. Our doggies (3) are our children, therefore, we trust our children with Tami read more

I have raised several German Shepherds and trained with several facilities both in Colorado and Idaho, I have never seen such a filthy, neglected facility for boarding. My 10 week old puppy was left with no water and thrown in with several adult dogs in a kennel run on a 100 degree day. Filthy with urine and dehydrated from lack of water, I was blessed to have retrieved him after 6 hours and a bad feeling. Upon retrieving my puppy, I have found that all of his treats for a two week period were gone and his dog food had not even been opened which meant he had not even been fed, much less watered. To my surprise, his assigned kennel was occupied while my puppy was out with the other dogs, to an adult dog who slept on my puppies bed and chewed on my puppies toys. I am shocked that this facility is even open to any loved animals for such abuse. I am shocked and appalled. Please, if you love and care for your family member, please think twice. read more