Sabino was absolutely amazing at helping me prepare my Corgi for the City life. She used to be scared of loud, sudden noises, was not confident on walks, and would react to any sort of movement around her. She now walks through the city with confidence! The most important thing for me was helping her learn to feel less afraid of elevators, which Sabino helped with significantly! I cannot thank Sabino and the Behavior Plus team enough. read more

We would never have made it through the first few months with Coco without Behavior Plus. We definitely adopted a spitfire. She's goofy, playful, but also dominant and pushy. Jack and Frank have helped us understand how to be a leader for our dog. We've learned how it's often our actions that need to change to get the desired behavior from our dog While we still have a ways to go with Coco, we have nothing but positive to say for Frank and his team. We look forward to continuing to learn how set the boundaries and tone needed for Coco to be successful read more

Behavior Plus - Coco enjoying a break on her walk - Pet Training Near Me - River Edge, New Jersey

Decided to enroll our mini dachshund puppy in additional training. Behavior Plus came highly recommended. Frank, Rob, and Kim were great. We signed up for the five week group classes on Saturdays. The Behavior Plus team members were friendly, caring, knowledgable, and professional. Although there were other dogs in the classes, the sessions were very personalized and individualized. We learned a lot and benefited from each hour. Highly recommend. read more

Elvis is a sweet hound mix with a dominant personality we rescued from the shelter. Although very affectionate, he pushed limits. As time went on, he continued to push limits, behaved aggressively with little or no perceivable provocation. The dog actually took over our bed and would allow us to use it. Despite watching training videos and reading dog training materials, the tactics work but did not seem to stick. The dog got along well with most dogs and especially with his sister Poppy, but he was nonstop energy and would push other dogs with play until exhaustion. With some other dogs and some people, Elvis displayed aggression. With repeated aggressive displays, we considered returning Elvis to the shelter. A friend who was familiar with Elvis suggested we contact Behavior Plus for assistance. Best decision we ever made was to contact Behavior Plus. The staff was supportive, and Jack quickly came to our home to evaluate the situation. Jack was polite and firm pointing our weaknesses he observed in our interactions with Elvis and Poppy. Basically, we were too soft and allowed Elvis and Poppy too much decision-making latitude. We schedule individual classes with Jack and are totally satisfied. Elvis is improving, making slow but steady progress and it is staying with him. Poppy seems calmer although her Jack Russel personality comes out at times. We were ready to give up on Elvis. Something we never wanted to do. We believe a pet is a lifelong commitment and do not believe in walking away from a troubling situation. Unfortunately, there had to be common sense limitations, especially with grandchildren frequenting the house. Behavior Plus and especially Jack allowed me to keep my commitment to Elvis. Jack immediately connected with Elvis and has given us the tools to make the same connection. I make no bones that the changes are progressing slowly and there are some setbacks but Jack and Behavior Plus have provided the resources needed to improve Elvis' behavior, our patience and understanding of him. Behavior Plus saved this Foreverhome for Elvis. read more

Behavior Plus - Elvis and Poppy walking their human. - Pet Training Near Me - River Edge, New Jersey

I could not say enough about Sabino, Frank and Behavioral Plus. We rescued our 2 year old dog in February, he was a stray from Kentucky and although he stole our hearts from the beginning he had a past and a lot of bad behaviors. We could not even walk this dog, he's a hound and was constantly dragging us around and shortly after we got him I was very nervous about what we had just gotten ourselves into. We obviously needed help and a few people recommended Behavioral Plus to us. From the first session with Sabino, we felt assured that this dog could be trained and we would be able to manage this. It would take work from us, but Sabino really took the time to help us understand not only Myles behaviors but more importantly how our behaviors can affect him in a negative way and help his progress. We learned a lot about this dog and that made the training and follow through so much easier. Myles bad behaviors really started to calm and he started to become the dog we knew we fell in love with. Although things were going wonderfully at that point, we had a setback, a new aggressive episode and I was scared. As soon as this happened, I called sabino. He and Frank were at my house within 30 minutes to assess our situation. They spent the time and collectively came up with a plan of action. At that point I was not sure if I could keep this dog, but they assured us if we did the work needed together it would resolve. We did what they said and after some time, they were right and that behavior was corrected. This dog is so well behaved now (not perfect:) but night and day from when we got him and we could not be happier that he's with us and now settled into a home he deserves. Not sure if that would be possible without Sabino and Frank and we could not be more thankful to them. read more

Behavior Plus - Pet Training Near Me - River Edge, New Jersey

See all

Jack is an amazing trainer!! He has been working with my husband and I for the past few months on training our pit terrier mix puppy, Molly who just turned a year old. I really see a difference in her behavior in terms of jumping on people and the mouthing issue that she was having. I am also pregnant and Jack has been extremely diligent in ensuring Molly is trained properly for our baby's arrival. I highly recommend using Jack if you are looking for a great training experience!! read more

We love this place! We got a puppy and have been bringing him to puppy class ever since he was 3 months old. The progress he makes each class is astounding. Today was his 5th session and he went through a 3 part obstacle course! Mind you he is a 3 pound toy yorkie so it was so great to see. Kristen is amazing, very patient, gentle and knowledgeable. Highly highly recommend this place whether you have a puppy, dog that needs training or want a healthy well behaved dog in general. read more

We rescued a dog from a puppy mill in Mo. Brought it home to NJ and it stood in the corner and shook for days. A friend recommended that we bring the dog to a "behavior vet" who would administer medication. Did this and gave the dog the meds for several months. Now the dog was still shaking in the corner AND was doped up. Another friend recommended Behavior Plus. Frank, its owner, came to see the dog and had him on the road to recovery within 30 minutes. It was amazing. The dog was walking with other dogs within a week! He was weaned off the meds and is almost back to being a real, happy dog. He is still a little skittish around new people but even this is improving. In case you can't tell by now, I can't recommend Frank and Behavior Plus more highly! He is no nonsense and his methodology works. read more

This review is way over due. I originally contacted Behavior plus when I got my 2 month Golden retriever. I signed up for their training package which was about $900. About a month in I found out I was relocating for work. When I let Kristin know we were moving she told me I would get a refund for any unused sessions. Fast forward 6 MONTHS later and I am still trying to get my refund. I have called numerous times and spoke to numerous people, everyone always tells me I will be getting my refund by the end of the week. That time has come and gone and still no refund! This is no way to do business! Save yourself the headache and take your money somewhere they value their customers and have integrity and common decency! Do better Behavior Plus! read more

Sabino and Jack trained our two dogs, 4 year old Buddy and 8 month old Vicki, during the 10 day board and train program. The training our pups received has benefited our family, including our pups, in large and small ways. Walks have become uneventful and pleasant. We are all walking with confidence. The house is less chaotic because we have learned to set limits/boundaries and we have learned to lead the pups instead of following them. Sabino and Jack were knowledgeable, transparent, candid, and nonjudgmental. The training that both the pups and we, as owners, received is invaluable. I have and will continue to recommend Behavior Plus to any dog owner who wants to have a solid and fulfilling relationship with their dog/s. Life is good! read more

Wonderful trainers. They brought Nyla's aggression to other dogs down to almost nothing. She now walks with confidence.

Pro: flexible schedule and they come to your house Cons: No structure from one lesson to the next. Extremely over priced. Bottom line : The NY/NJ area has so many qualified dog trainers meet with a few before signing a contract. I hired Behavior Plus soon after I recused my 9 month old Arubian Cunucu (hound/terrier mix). It was important for me to have a well trained dog that the entire family could enjoy. Having my dog off leash was my primary goal. Frank came to my house for the "evaluation" and his "expert" opinion. He concluded it would take five lessons to get my dog where I wanted her to be. At over $600 dollars this was EXPENSIVE but I went for it anyway. What a mistake. I should have done my research first. Frank recommended that I purchase an Electric hunting collar (shock collar). The issue wasn't with the collar, when used properly they are an affective tool. Unfortunately he strapped the collar on my dog and just started pressing buttons, my dog actually yelped. I removed the collar and that "lesson" was done. I contacted SportDog (the collar company) and they were behind fantastic. Between the support from SportDog and their training DVD that came with the collar I had Ellie trained in about 2 weeks. I asked Frank if I could sell or get a refund for the remaining lessons and i was told no. I already taught my dog sit, stay, come and had her off leash WiTHOUT Behavior Plus. I had to "eat" the remaining lessons Do yourself and your dog a favor. Meet with a few trainers and call for references. read more

Behavior Plus - Pet Training Near Me - River Edge, New Jersey

They are absolutely fantastic. They offer individual and group lessons. They are extremely knowledgeable in their field. I've used them for three puppies and they were a great help. I have a rescue dog that arrived with serious issues. She was terrified of everyone because she had been abused in the past. With his help she became a different dog and now loves to snuggle with us. Owning a dog or dogs is a huge responsibility and with their help we are happy dog owners. I strongly recommend them! read more

Behavior Plus practices the best methods of dog training I have ever experienced. Our family adopted a young boxer who had a rough start in life, and we needed help and guidance to get her on track. I started working with Jack one of the Behavior Plus trainers, and literally within a few weeks we began to see real improvement with our dog Lucy. Jack actually has been training me to understand how to work with my dog in the most effective, kind, and professional way. Lucy has boxer traits that are challenging. She is very smart but headstrong too, and Jack took it all in stride. We are now working to train her to hike with me off leash - all this in only 2 months. I can't say enough good things about Jack. He is a truly special, caring and intelligent young man who has taught me much more than just training my dog to come and sit. I am deeply grateful to the folks at Behavior Plus for helping me through this rough patch, and I have no doubt that as Lucy continues to progress, she will make us all proud. read more

Behavior Plus - Lucy at Bash Bish Falls, NY - Pet Training Near Me - River Edge, New Jersey

This is the second time Frank and his team at Behavior Plus Training has visited my school and provided a great presentation for my students. They were very professional and well informed in their area of expertise. The students love interacting and observing their dog, Bella. Frank did a wonderful job in answering all of my students inquiries and questions about dog training. Overall, a great company and even more great group of professional dog trainers. I definitely look forward to contacting them again next year. read more

I am sure our story starts like many others... We took home a gorgeous 10 month old lab mix named Annie. It didn't take long for us to realize she was literally scared of everything! She started to try to deal with her fear by growling and even attempting to bite other people that would enter our home. She lacked the confidence to be taken on walks or go unfamiliar places. We were starting to think we were in over our heads... but otherwise she was a sweet and affectionate dog, and we became attached to her within days. I talked to the behaviorist from the shelter we'd rescued her from. She insisted we bring Annie back before we "became even more attached." She said our dog would never be good with people or children. I was devastated. Not knowing any better, I thought that was my only choice. Finally, after coaxing and advice from wonderful family members and friends, I called Behavior Plus for a second opinion. Thank GOD we found behavior plus. Frank is the reason we still have Annie today, four months after adopting her. Frank does so many wonderful things: first, he puts his clients at ease with his lengthy experience rehabilitating severely troubled animals. He made us immediately feel like our problem could be fixed because he understood Annie within moments of meeting her. He put her world and her psychology in perspective for us. He assured us that with hard work and dedication, we could get her to "be a dog." He then trained US to help our dog by teaching us not only the training tools we needed, but by explaining dog psychology. What a wealth of information he is!! We learned so much from Frank, and can't thank him enough for how much he helped us! Before you give up on your dog, call Frank at Behavior Plus! You won't regret it! read more

Behavior Plus - Pet Training Near Me - River Edge, New Jersey

There are not enough stars to describe the quality of Frank Pugliese and Behavior Plus' work with our puppy Max. Frank knows the behavioral patterns of dogs and more importantly the failings of dog owners. He showed us how Max would react to changing our behavior so that Max knew what was acceptable and desirable from him. He is able to reduce it a few key elements so your dog can be what he needs to be. You can tell how much he loves dogs and helping their owners allow the dogs to be "good." I can't tell you how wonderful Frank and Behavior Plus is and am unable to fully describe the small miracles he wrought quickly with Max. If you need a dog trainer, you really want to contact Frank Pugliese and Behavior Plus. read more

We had an appointment with Frank for our puppy. Our pup didnt have any behavior issues beyond typical puppy-mischief. Nonetheless, Frank was able to provide an enormous amount of information to help us build a solid foundation. With his help, we know we're training him the best way possible. The proof is in the pudding! Frank brought along one of his dogs to help our puppy with leash training. This dog (Jacomo!) was so well trained. He was a great role model for the puppy! In the 24 hours since our appointment, we've incorporated Frank's advice and the puppy has already learned so much. We are looking forward to future appointments with Frank! read more

It began with me feeling helpless when my pit bull wouldn't go upstairs (I live on the 3rd floor of an apartment building), and I was literally carrying her up for the first week! I felt hopeless and desperate. I researched online for personal trainers that dealt specifically with rescues. After speaking to 5 or 6 different "trainers" and not feeling comfortable or thought I was going to be ripped off, I found Frank. I must admit that I was embarrassed when I met Frank and told him my issue. Within minutes, he had my dog going upstairs with no problem. I knew Frank was a keeper! Frank took the time and effort to not only train my dog, but train me to be the master. I kept with Frank until I felt comfortable and my dog was being completely obedient. And when I felt like we were slipping in certain commands, I gave Frank a call, and within a day, he was right back with us to get us back on track. Frank and his pack of dogs changed my life and I will forever be grateful! read more

Behavior Plus - Bella and Zena cooling off after training in the park! - Pet Training Near Me - River Edge, New Jersey

I had done lots of training with my jack russell prior to working with Frank. I'd learned about clicker training and my dog was generally obedient and knew a lot of commands. The problem was that my dog was nervous around strangers, and was becoming more reactive to things on our walks. She would bark loudly at people who made eye contact with her on the street, and had begun growling at new people that came into my apartment. I started working with Frank and he showed me exercises to practice when I walked my dog to keep her engaged and focused on me (instead of staring off down the street finding things to bark at). He explained that I could change my dog's behavior around strangers if I changed the way I was thinking. When we met new people I was tense, expecting my dog to freak out, and she was picking up on my stress and it was making situation worse. I started practicing the exercises and trying to stay relaxed around people, and it made a huge difference. My dog will now approach strangers and sniff their hands, and doesn't react as strongly when people come in the house. This was the missing piece of dog training for me. There's a lot out there about how to teach specific behaviors, but not much about how to be a leader for your dog. Working with Frank gave me practical tools that gave me confidence - so my dog had more confidence. I would recommend behavior plus to new dog owners, to anyone has a dog who acts out in ways they don't understand, or anybody who got through basic obedience and is still having behavior problems they don't know how to deal with. read more

Love frank and his crew of trainers! This group of people really understand the language of dogs and make a priority to teach you that language. They have been so crucial in helping me shape my young pit bull mix. She once was like a ricochet rabbit and now she's fallen into the pack! read more

See all

This dog training company made all the difference with my newest family member. Having already had a 12 year old Yorkie I adopted a 3 year old Yorkie. From day 1 this new dog was aggressive towards my older dog, peeing all over the house, and possessive over myself not allowing me to do anything without her being on my lap. She had terrible separation anxiety issues. After a rough first week my husband and I were concerned that the new dog just wouldn't work out in our family. This poor dog had already gone through so much at the shelter I thought we owed it to her to do everything we could to make it work. We immediately hired Behavior Plus to do in home dog training classes to teach our new dog how to behave and teach us how to properly interact with her. From the first lesson we saw a change in our dog for the positive. Kristin was our trainer and over the course of many sessions over a few months I'm happy to say that our new dog has really changed her behavior and become such a wonderful part of our family! Of course she isn't fully trained yet - that takes time - but the classes helped move her training along at a fast pace and show us what a great addition to our family she could be and make the rest of her training on our own absolutely doable. We really couldn't have done this without the help and training of Behavior Plus. Highly recommended and worth every penny! read more

In February, 2014, we adopted a 3 1/2 year old Pekingese/Pomeranian rescue named Bear. The rescue group granted us a 5 day trial with Bear, before officially adopting him, because at our first meeting he displayed aggressive behavior toward myself and my wife. Roxie, our shy 2 1/2 year old Boston Terrier/Wire-haired Dachshund rescue, was not happy to meet Bear either. Once the rescue group agent left our house, Bear calmed down and decided that my wife was now his human. On the 3rd day, Bear and Roxie began playing together and Bear and I started to bond. Other than at the initial meeting, Bear has never shown any aggression towards Roxie, my wife or myself. However, Bear became aggressive with visitors entering or leaving our house and we were at a loss as to how to control him. Our veterinarian recommended that we contact Frank at Behavior Plus. Frank came to our house for a consultation session. We were immediately impressed with Frank's knowledge of dog behavior and felt very comfortable with his analysis of both Bear and Roxie. After 5 behavior training sessions with Frank, my wife and I are better equipped to deal with Bear's undesirable behavior and Roxie's shyness. Frank explains dog behavior and the proper ways to correct undesirable behavior in a way that is very easy to understand. Little did we realize, that we had allowed Bear to become the Alpha, because we were not giving him the proper signals. We trained along side Bella and Lucky, 2 of Frank's dogs, in three of our sessions. Those 3 sessions were very special and helpful. Bear still has issues, but we now know how to deal with them. Roxie is gradually gaining confidence. We strongly recommend Behavior Plus! Dave B. read more

Frank changed our Bulldog from a barking aggressive dog to a pleasurable dog. Before Frank we couldn't vacuum or mop the floors. Within 2 days our dog stopped barking and biting at it. We bought so many books and watched you tube but it was easy and simple the way Frank trained him. Also we can now walk the dog without him lungeing and barking at other dogs. Franks starts with 101 basics such as actually learning how to properly walk your dog. It is now a pleasure to walk him. Frank taught us and our dog who the pack leader is and it makes a happier dog and owner. I'm so glad we picked the best trainer. read more

Frank, Kristen, and the team were great! We rescued a 2 year old mini schnauzer who was returned a few times for showing agresssive behavior towards people. Prior to meeting Frank, people could not approach her without getting a reaction from her. Both group and private sessions were such a big help. They deal with all dogs, from agressive to just anxious. We have seen MAJOR improvements with our dog since we first started. They showed us how to gain control of our home, outside settings, and how to deal with uncomfortable scenarios to prevent any excited behavior from escalating. We are so glad we found them and definitely, HIGHLY recommend them! They have a passion for what they do and we are so thankful for all of their help! read more

Frank is fantastic. Great communication throughout the process and we've seen big strides since we started working with him. I was expecting to get "exercises" or "drills" to do with Finn (our dog), but instead Frank made sure we understood concepts. His method of training works, and no matter how many Youtube videos you watch, nothing compares to the 1 on 1 you get working with Behavior Plus. read more

Frank has given me the confidence to be a pack leader - which I desperately needed being the mother of a French Mastiff. Not only does Frank train my baby, Mojo, but he explains how important food and little things like feedings and sufficient exercise play an important role in making my nervous dog - not so nervous anymore. All I can say is - thank you Frank! I would recommend him to anyone - he's more than just a trainer - he gives you a 360 degree view of you and your relationship with you furry baby. And he definitely does not have a "one-size-fits-all" approach - which is important to me as a dog owner, since not every dog has the same issue or the same pace of learning. Go to Frank - you won't regret it! read more

Frank is amazing! We had a wonderful experience with Frank as our dog's trainer. He is VERY knowledgeable, helpful, and had lots of patience in teaching my husband and I about our lab/pit-bull mix. Our 2 year old dog made a lot of progress (we did too) in the private sessions. Hoping to join a few group sessions soon. Thank you so much Behavior Plus. read more

Frank is a dogs second chance. We rescue pit bulls and the last one we rescued was from a fighting ring and did not trust or want anything to do with other dogs. Frank gave us all the tools needed to make our girl feel safe and secure when she was with other dogs. The days of her being a bucking bronco ended within two sessions. It was amazing. We're now bringing our new dog back so she can learn some confidence and social training. Frank is worth every dollar because his training lasts a lifetime if you truly listen and use the tools provided. read more

I would never recommend this place to anyone. Not only was the training not consistent but I was not given a refund after I advised Frank that I did not want to use him any longer due to his style in training. I witnessed frank pulling my dog and choking him while doing so trying to get him to jump even though I advised him that I did not want him jumping on furniture. After I told him this the next training session he again tried having him jump on the park picnic tables. He caused my dog to have blood shot eyes and when I contacted him stating I did not want his services he did not respond nor refund me my money. I paid him for 10 weeks and have yet to hear a response from him. Do not use him! If I could give zero stars I would. read more

Frank is absolutely amazing!!!!! My husband and I have a 2 year old German Shepherd named Jagger. A year ago we boarded Jagger at Camp Bow Wow in Elmwood park while we went away to our Destination Wedding in Domincan Republic. BIGGGEST MISTAKE OF OUR LIVES boarding him there... Prior to boarding jagger at camp bow wow Jagger got along with any and every dog... Old, big, small, puppy, you name it. After we picked him up we started noticing he was aggressive with other dogs. we literally couldn't walk him without him barking viciously and lunging at other dogs. Frank came in and really gave us the tools we needed to help jagger over come this problem. EVEN DOWN to the food he ate! Frank is so knowledgeable. I am so thankful we found him. He is always available whenever you may need him. THANK YOU FRANK!!!! jagger isn't perfect, but he is on the road to bring a great dog again thanks to frank read more

We had a great experience with Frank and his dogs when we needed help getting our puppy (who was already too big to lift) to walk on the busy streets where we live! Our pup was scared of many noises/things (ex: street cleaners, garbage cans on wheels, rolling suitcases/backpacks, garbage men, construction sites) and would lay down when he saw another person (waiting to be pet) and occasionally if he didn't want to go a certain way he would bite his leash and jump at me and sometimes try to bite my forearms - all of these things limited the amount of exercise he could tolerate and therefore he was antsy in the house. Frank showed us how to be the leader to the dog without even saying a word to him! He walks very nicely on the leash now, with occasional mishaps, but at least now we know how to handle those situations much better thanks to Frank! He also gets more than enough exercise (4-6 miles/day) so he is a tired dog when home. We would absolutely recommend Frank's services to anyone with a dog who is not accepting their owner as the pack leader and/or who has some behavioral issues. read more

Behavior Plus - Bruises on my arm from Shaemus jumping and biting at me when he decided he didn't want to go my way. - Pet Training Near Me - River Edge, New Jersey

See all

We got a puppy nine months ago after we lost our other pup... it had been 13 yrs since we had a puppy and forgot what it was like ... everything was going great and then Bam 6 months old our lil guy was no longer little but a bit crazy .... Frank to the rescue ... I will admit we have never used a trainer for any other of our three dogs (also got as puppies) but this guy needed one and Frank has saved us from 10 yrs plus of craziness .... our guys has had four sessions with frank and is doing awesome ... don't hesitate call frank read more

I can't begin to thank Frank, Kristin and Jake enough. We previously had trainers come to our house and tell us we should contact the breeder and send our beloved Belgian Malinios back, but there was no way I was giving him up. That's when we sought out Frank at Behavior Plus. Within five minutes of meeting, Frank was petting our overly protective dog and we knew then and there we found the right trainer. After weeks of private sessions, group sessions and pack walks, mostly to teach me how to be a better dog handler, I have the confidence I need and the dog I always wanted. Thank you Frank, Kristen and Jake, you are amazing. read more

Ha! Amazing!! From the minute Frank walked in our home his instructions TO ME made a worlds of difference in our dogs! I thought it was magic, but it was all in me the whole time, I just needed guidance from Frank and Bella (his sweet female pooch). Back in February my fiancé and I rescued a 14 month old Vizsla, Hank. He had come from an abusive, chaotic and neglectful situation. We knew we need to love him, but teaching him to trust us while also training a 14 mont old pup was hard to say the least. We knew we needed help. By spring we were ready for a trainer and a friend recommended Frank. She had me at "he really appreciates the rescue who's been abused." Now, mind you, this is our fourth dog, but our first rescue and we thought we knew everything. Wrong!!! After my first phone call with frank I was sure he was our man for the job. Not the job of training Hank, but rather the nasty job of training us! In that conversation he said the words that set me free...."you need to let go of Hank's past. The past is gone and he lives with you now." It was true. I felt bad discipling him because of his background, but also had no idea how to get close to him to assure him of our love and trust. Thats where Frank came in. He has now been to our home 5 times and truth, after just the consult our relationship with Hank was different. It was much better. We also learned, that even though our 2 year old female totally trusted us, her behavior needed a little work too. Hank walks next to me like a pro and for the most part I can hold the leash with just my pinky. Time takes time. So even though he is not 100% melting in my arms everyday, I am CERTAIN with the training Frank gave me, he WILL be! Mainly he trusts us and it's only up from here. Thanks so much, Tam, Rob, Maggi and Hank :) read more

My friendly, playful, social dog Nelly was attacked not once, but twice as a puppy and soon became convinced that every dog in the world was out to eat her. She became highly reactive to other dogs and was a nightmare to take outdoors. The dog park was out of the question. It broke our hearts to see her become "that dog" with no friends. We went to 2 other trainers who believed that the behavior could be "trained away" but never dealt with the underlying cause: her fears and past trauma. Frank immediately zeroed in on the reasons for her behavior and began training US, the humans. He taught us the importance of strong leadership and consistency which gave Nelly the security she missed. It is one thing to know what you should be doing, another to have someone teach you how to do it. And Frank recognizes the value of using other dogs to help in the rehabilitation process (thank you, Bella!). Nelly had a lot to overcome, but this week she had a breakthrough and has developed a rambunctious friendship with a young dog in the neighborhood. It is beautiful to watch them rolling around in the mud! Today we went on a Pack Walk with Frank and about 40 other dogs, many of whom have a history like Nelly's. We were leery of exposing Nelly to such a drastic experience but I consulted Frank who reassured us that Nelly would benefit from it and that he and his staff would handle any problems. To see our girl walking calmly and (mostly) quietly with a huge pack of dogs was one of the most gratifying things ever! Thank you does not seem adequate, but I think Frank was as happy as we were! read more

About two years ago i decided to rescue two pit bulls, knowing there is a stigma about them, but wanting to rescue them anyway. After getting a 1.5 year old female as well as a 4 month old male, i found myself with multiple problems: fear of being left alone, not house trained, do not know how to walk on a leash, aggression from my 1.5 year old pitbull towards my 4month old, and subsequent fighting between the two that resulted in bloodshed. I looked for someone who had a grasp on dog psychology and more importantly someone who understood and could read pitbulls. I can honestly say that i lucked out tremendously when i found Frank. Immediately upon meeting me and my dogs he realized that my dogs were running the roost ad that they needed a lot of structure and most importantly, a leader. He taught me how to walk properly with my dogs though all different kinds of exercises, taught me how to recognize behaviors such as guarding, which was instrumental in stopping the fights between the two. He gave me ample guidance on how to train my dogs to stay calm and submissive, he taught me the importance of exercise, discipline, and affection, as well as taught me when to do/exhibit which. His trusty companion Louie came with us on a number of training sessions, and was instrumental in helping my dogs learn how to be calm, submissive animals and part of a pack. He has trained my dogs in whichever environment was needed, which meant that he often had to travel far to get to me, but he always did it without any problems. Furthermore, he makes himself incredibly accessible, and has been kind enough to pick up the phone for emergencies almost in the middle of the night. You can't go wrong with Frank- you will become a leader and your dog will become better for it. read more