I would give negative stars as well. My dog also came back having lost a noticeable amount of weight. He was also cowed and scared but even still not properly trained. They also used a shock collar, which was NOT at all effective for my dog who most definitely was NOT off-leash trained. If anything he came back worse than when he left, and they kept him for over 3 weeks. When I called to request a different trainer they just forwarded my call to the same trainer. You and your dog deserve MUCH, MUCH better. Do your due diligence (I certainly wish I had done more research) and get a trainer who actually cares about animals' well-being and uses training methods that boost confidence, partnership, AND are long-lasting. Going with Best Friend's was $3,000 wasted with last trauma to myself and my dog. I so regret sending him to that hell camp. read more

Best friends dog training is the best money I've ever spent. I had my little dog trained by Frank Bonomo and thank goodness I did. we live on a busy street and I've seen several dogs get hit by cars and i didn't know what to do bc she kept running out. i started the sessions n not only did that dangerous behavior stop but she went on the be a therapy dog for therapy dogs international. What a great service and I would recommend it to anyone with a puppy. I just added another dog to my family and plan to have her trained as well. read more

Best Friend's Dog Training - Cookie getting ready to visit patients at the hospital - Pet Training Near Me - Bellmore, New York

PLEASE AVOID AT ALL COSTS! Worst Dog Training Company! Frank and his company will sell you a dream and will promise that your puppy will turn out to be a well behaved dog only after 2 weeks. They will say that the dog will listen to all commands on and off leash (its even written on their website). After I received my puppy back he was in dismay. Frank and his team of trainers use Shock collars to shock the dog into invoking the behavior vs teaching the behavior using operant conditioning. My dog is afraid of unfamiliar spaces, very fearful of unknown after he came back from "training". The team will promise to send you pictures and videos of your puppy in training, however, once they take your pup for home training they will send you approximately 6 photos in two weeks, they are very unresponsive when you try to reach them to see your dog in training. When you tell the team at BFDT as to why your dog isn't trained they will tell you that the two week HOME Training wasn't guaranteed to train your puppy to the standards you expect. Once they pick up your puppy you will need to sign a "contract" that there is no guarantees and if you fail to pay them $2500 due to unsatisfactory "training results" then the "professional fee" owed will be over $4000. This company is just there to rob people of money and abuse animals without providing proper training. See Photo below! They will promise to crate train and house break your puppy, however NONE was accomplished. The first night back my puppy pooped time and urinated all over the floor. My puppy has serious anxiety for which I will have to look for proper training. Please avoid Muttmanners, Best Friends Dog Training, they will take your money and leave you with an untrained, fearful , stressed out puppy. Your Loved Puppy Will Not Return As Happy When You've Sent them! read more

Everything they told us to do , worked. I highly recommend this place if you are interested in training your dog

If I could give this place negative stars I would. Aside from the fact that my dog Benji was returned to me completely emaciated, they used a shock collar on him, they did not return his medications, leash, waste bag holder with waste bags, and reusable bag his belongings came in. He also was never violent before this "training" and right after he was returned to me he bit someone. I will attach before and after photos of him. Let's not forget the contract stipulates updates 3 times a week will be sent, which I was not provided with, and they needed to keep him an extra week because of all the "snow" which lasted a day. As their contract stipulates if you try to recuperate monies spent one their services (because they return your dog in a dismal state per say) you will be sued for 2x the original amount you signed the contract for plus $1500 for the "free week" they need with your dog because of the massive amount of snow we know Virginia has gotten this year! This place is disingenuous in every way and Frank Bonomo is in my humble opinion, a charlatan. read more

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With out a doubt, Best Friends is the real deal if you are looking to get your dog trained. Over the years, I have had 3 dogs trained by by them. The best money I have ever spent! I would highly recommend Best Friends to anyone who is thinking about getting their pooch trained. read more

I absolutely loved this camp for my maltipoo in NYC! I was overwhelmed with his poor behavior and I called the trainer and they were able to get him in the program 2 days later. The trainer came to my home and picked up my dog and answered all my questions and concerns. I received several updates from the trainers and had the ability to ask them questions on his progress. My dog has come back so much more well behaved. I am beyond grateful for this camp and the trainers. We still have things to work on but they did the hard part of getting him started on the correct path! They even offer 2 follow up visits and are responsive of my questions about my dog post training. read more

I paid $2500 for a two week board and train package for my new adult dog with Scott. The main purpose of the training package was to get my dog housebroken. I also gave Scott just a handful of basic commands like "Sit" "Down" "Stay" and "Come" that I wanted her to learn. Scott dropped off my dog after two weeks and demonstrated how he taught her the command "Place", which was not one of the commands I asked him to teach her and I've had not one use for every since. He left in a hurry to get to a family gathering and told me he would follow up to schedule our follow up training session which was included. After he left, I realized that my dog was not any more housebroken than when she left and did not understand "Sit" "Down" "Stay" or "Come" WHATSOEVER. The only improvement was that she was walking on a leash better than before (though she wasn't too bad to begin with). Now, my dog isn't exceptionally bright for a dog, but she's not stupid either. I started working with her a little bit each day on the commands and she learned them in a matter of a couple weeks. I don't think Scott worked with her hardly at all. He also ghosted me when I tried to reach out about the follow up training session as many of the other reviews also state. Total rip off. At least my dog came back in one piece. read more

Frank is such a great trainer. He worked with my dachshunds in the past and they have been amazing ever since. This past December my one dachshund ruptured a disc in his back which required major surgery and a lot of lifestyle changes for my 5 year old dog. I called Frank because I needed help getting my dog to use ramps to get on and off furniture as to protect his back. Frank was so kind and refused to take a penny from us as he felt so bad that we had just gone through so much and this was considered part of the lifetime guarantee he provided when we originally signed up to train with him. Within a few sessions our dog has perfected using the ramps in the house and hasn't jumped on or off furniture in months as long as the ramps are out! read more

So thankful for Best Friends Dog Training. My two shepherds who used to be the best of friends, were no longer able to be in the same house after my two year old puppy came home from being spayed. She came home from the vet and wanted to kill my 5 year old. My 5 year old became terrified of the puppy after being attacked by her. Every time they saw each other, they would try to go after each other. The smell of my 5 year old on the seat cover was enough to make my puppy shake. After calling over 20 trainers who wouldn't even entertain my phone call, a trainer told me to contact Frank. He told me if anyone could help me, he could. I wasn't giving up hope that my dogs would one day remember the love they had for one and other. I contacted Frank and told him about the problems I was having with my dogs. Right away he offered to try to help. He went through a the different training programs they offer. I decided to send my dogs to him for board and train and it was the best decision I could have made. Though I was nervous to send them away, Frank and his team were in constant contact with me. They called me, sent me pictures, and videos of their training sessions. When I watched the videos, I saw how my older dog looked to each trainer she worked with for reassurance that she was ok every time the puppy came around. That reassured me that I made the right decision. My older dog thinks that every person is a threat but felt safe around every trainer working with her. After a few weeks, I went down to work with my dogs and make sure they would not be dominant over me. The progress my dogs had made in such a short time was amazing! Not only were they able to be near each other, they were walking on a leash next to each other. I knew that they still need time together with professionals so I didn't bring them home and go backwards. I asked Frank and his team to keep them for another month so they could reach their full potential. After two months with Frank, I took them home. They have been home for three weeks and every day we are making progress! Though the board and train was great for my dogs, we wouldn't be able to continue making progress if it wasn't for the in home training and group lessons that are included in the package. The first time I took my dogs to the group training, I was afraid to walk in. My older dog has never been able to be around other dogs. Especially dogs she did not know. I was afraid that she was going to ruin the training for others or make other dogs nervous. We walked in and it was like I had brought a different dog with me. Though she was being good, I warned everyone that she could be aggressive with other dogs. Even so, they welcomed us with open arms. She participated in an hour long training with no issues! This isn't the first time she has went through a training program but it is the first time she listened to me after it. Everyone told me that I was crazy to send my dogs away and to just get rid of one. I wasn't going to give up on them and I am so thankful that Frank and his team did not either. If it wasn't for them, my dogs would not both be home with me today. I highly recommend that anyone who is looking for a training program for their dog, visit one of the training classes and see for yourself how amazing all of these trainers, dogs, and group of people are. read more

I would strongly suggest avoiding this place. The owner is incredibly careless. I boarded my dog with him and the dog got heat stroke and almost died. Then I got a bunch of excuses and an attitude instead of an apology. read more

Update: We brought our dog to a board-and-train program at K9 Basics in Marlton, NJ. It was night and day from Best Friend's. Max is COMPLETELY trained, the trainers cared for us and Max and continue to respond to our emails and texts, and Max was happy as can be at the program and loved all the trainers. Marlton is far away, so we have only been back twice (we picked him up 2 months ago), but, whenever possible, we will continue to return to remind ourselves of what we should be doing. It's amazing how different the results have been between the two programs - Best Friends did nothing except take thousands of dollars from us with no (or negative) results, and K9 Basics undoubtedly changed our lives for the better. read more

This dog training school is horrible and dangerous. Frank gave my dog to a college student named Theo for training who than proceeded to return my once healthy an uninjured dog 3 weeks later..Injured and requiring surgery to repair the injury. Not once did Frank, ever call me about the incident even though I repeatedly called regarding this very serious issue. They are quick to take your money but they don't have any real care or concern for the animals entrusted into their care. Beware..and please keep your pooches safe. read more

I have nothing but good things to say about Frank and his staff. From free evaluations to the training, even help finding a dog if you want, all things are done well and without pressure. A big plus is lifetime group classes you can attend after purchasing a training package. It gives you continued access to trainers and provides the dog the opportunity to make some friends in the process. read more

We used Best Friends dog training for our pit bull. We were charged $900 for a shock collar and 4 lessons. We paid everything up front. That was a major mistake. Darrin came over twice. Even if he collar was $300 the four lessons would add up to $150 a lesson. $150 a lesson for 45 minutes of work. It really is outrageous. Any way Darrin came twice. The other two lessons he cancelled and cancelled again and again. So we got a whopping refund of $200 dollars. Honestly don't use this business. Its a major rip off!! I would never recommend this place to anyone! Buyer beware!!!!!!! It doesn't even deserve 1 star! read more

My husband and I adopted Stella (a Ridgeback mix rescue) when she was only 10 weeks old. She was a handful. She wouldn't listen and had some possession aggression issues. My husband was tentative about getting professional training, however, I won and after the very first lesson with Frank, she was like a new dog and my husband was sold. After just four lessons, Stella was done with her in-home work. She still has her moments, she's only 9 months old, but I can't say enough for what Frank did for us! read more

I was very pleased with the trainer and the program. My dogs are well behaved and more confident. I had an aggressive dog and a fearful dog. Both are doing great and my home is so much more peaceful. Thanks Bestfriends !! read more

If I could rate this company zero stars I would. I used this company who assigned me to Darin for a board and train for my 3 year old american bulldog who has fearful aggression towards other dogs. I was told point blank that he could guarantee that my dog would be able to sit next to other dogs and behave properly. I was also told that while she was at his home for the program I would get pictures and videos throughout the three weeks to keep me updated. I received two pictures the entire time. Neither of the picture were of her being trained or interacting with other dogs or even with people and I only received those pictures after repeatedly asking him daily for them. My dog came back WORSE then when she went she turned on another dog in my home a dog she grew up with and played with. She was so scared of everything she started to lunge at people during walks which she never had done before. She reacted terrible to the shock collar he used on her. The class I took her to after the board program she was in a fight with another also aggressive dog and Darin proceeded to drag her by the neck on a shock anddddd prong collar until i intervened and walked her right out of the class never to look back. Darin and best friends (aka mutt manners) wouldn't even refund me $100 of the $2300!!!! Spent on the program. Even though i had to pay for a behavior specialist to help me undo the torment that my dog endured which sent her into a downward spiral. I am an extreme dog and animal lover and I can not stress enough to NOT USE THIS COMPANY! read more

I would give no stars if that were possible. Very bad customer service. Unprofessional. Customer satisfaction is not valued. Was deceived at the eval. about the collar. Shocks are used not 'Pokes" as it was called by the trainer. It was the Pulse button that was demonstrated to me. I signed up based on feeling a pulse. (I advise owners to try the Nick on themselves. It's a shock.) I believe the trainer didn't think he'd make the sale with the N button demonstrated. Just prior to the first session beginning, the trainer was defensive when asked to demonstrate the collar sensation again. He said "I already showed you". Also, to boot, he texted during our training session and he cancelled 2 classes. I only had one session. I asked for a refund. Was told the owner needed to see if my check cleared. In spite of this, I gave him back the collar in good faith. ( The check cleared April 1. It's really not that hard to verify that a deposit has been made to an account especially for a business owner. It's been 23 days. ) To top it off, I've been met with a lousy attitude as if I'm at fault, delay tactics, unreturned phone calls, and have been hung up on by the Office Manager. Unfortunately it looks like I will need outside agency involvement to settle this matter. Buyer beware. And please think twice before shocking your dog. See More read more

I used the Nassau County Best Friends for one of my rescues, and they were mediocre, at best. Training was so so, but the trainer rarely returned my phone calls, except when I complained to the higher ups. As for the lifetime invitation to classes, they nevr made good on that. I have worked with far better trainers and would never recommend BF to anyone. read more

Twice I made an appointment with this Scott and he was a no show, complete lack of professionalism.

I took my dog here for classes and it was the worst experience ever if you want to go there and stand in the parking lot and not receive any assistance then go for it. I never been so mad in my life I drove all the way out there for a coffee clutch the trainers would talk to the people that were in the parking lot trying to lure them into the services and ignoring the paying customers I went to two classes then dropped out lets just say the only thing I got out of this was for her to sit in 2 45 minute classes. When I had called to get my money back I got nothing but the run around saying that I would get a call back so I can get a refund but waited for weeks kept calling back. I would never recommend this place to anyone. read more

We had a terrible, horrific experience with this "training" company. The trainer came to our house to evaluate our anxious, fearful dog and actually hurt our dog right in front of us. I have consulted a Veterinarian Behavioral Specialist who said the method the trainer used on our puppy was the worst possible approach for his anxiety and likely caused him to become more fearful. I am still so angry about the experience. read more

Im gonna start the review out by saying im a very skeptical guy to start with.I called Best Friends Dog Training for help with an out of control Lab.She was 4.5 months old and terrorizing my house.She wouldnt listen to any commands my wife and i directed at her.And i have trained all my previous dogs.I had a friend try to help and still nothing.She would tear our clothing whenever she wanted too.She would bite my hands and arms when trying to play with her.Just completely ignore my wife and i.And mind you i would raise my voice,smacked her on the ass as per the vet and breeder.She listened to nothing and nobody.I wondered if i had the only mean Lab in NY.I called Best Friends Dog Training and Frank came to evaluate her.He explained all the training options and we ultimately decided on the Board and Train.They would take the dog for 2 weeks and train her in all kinds of different scenarios.Frank was honest from the go,he said wait 2.5 more weeks because she will handle the training better according to the way Labs develop. I made sure to ask him to his face,"this dog will return to me knowing all the commands,and listen to us"?He said yes she will. Well my dog is home now and SHE LISTENS.SHE LISTENS. We tell her to come she comes,we tell her to sit and stay and she does it.What completely blows my mind is she doesnt bite me anymore,she doesnt chew my house to pieces,she doesnt run into the room to grab iphones and destroy them.She is trained and well behaved.Best money i ever spent.We enjoy having the dog around and her acting obedient.I highly recommend Best Friends Dog Training,and i own a local business and would never give a company a glowing review who didnt EARN it. read more