I spent over $578 at this business, including $422.65 for a 10-pack of classes, $48.15 for the mandatory orientation, and additional costs for dog materials like treats and bones. The orientation, which cost nearly $50, felt like a waste of time. I was treated like a beginner and walked through the basics of how to use a clicker and give a dog a treat. I understand people need instruction, but this could've easily been covered in 10 minutes, especially for someone who has common sense. The bigger issue, however, is their 60-day expiration policy on class packages. I only got to attend two classes before my package "expired" on December 9th. I reached out on December 30th after being unable to sign up for a class and was told that they only extend passes for medical reasons (illness or injury). When I asked if they could extend my package by 60 days (since I clearly missed the fine print), I was essentially told no. Instead, they offered me the option to pay more money to upgrade to a "Great Dog Flex Pass." Here's the kicker: I was trying to sign up for classes, but many were already booked 2-3 weeks out, and the remaining spots were only available if someone canceled, with 24-hour notice. So, with a busy schedule it is tough to plan around that. When I asked for an extension I was told "Our expiration dates are clearly stated on the website and displayed by our scheduling system each time you sign up for a class." Fine, but if you're running a small local business, wouldn't you want to keep a customer coming back, especially after they've already spent so much money with you? I was just looking for a little understanding and flexibility, but instead, I felt like I was being nickel-and-dimed. Very disappointed with my experience and will not be returning. If you're looking for a place that values its customers and operates with a little empathy, I suggest looking elsewhere. read more

Hard to believe it's been over a year and a half since our beagle Wally left Crossbones but this review is long overdue- Crossbones is an amazing and worthwhile investment for your puppy. I am a first time dog owner and I was very anxious about training when I first got my dog. Puppy day school helped train Wally and conferences/classes also helped train me. Wally was at Crossbones for about 3 months, August-October 2022. The investment lasts far long after the program ends. Wally remains a well socialized, well mannered, well trained little guy. Walks great on a leash, loves his crate, is neutral with other dogs, no separation anxiety, I could go on forever. Every time we have people over or bring him somewhere, people say "you have such a polite dog". We really do! And like I said, the program and these classes are built around training the owner as well. You could realistically attend their classes without your dog and still get the same benefit by implementing everything you learn at home. We have several friends with new puppies- I've been able to help a lot and offer advice based on everything I've learned. Of course I always recommend Crossbones :) but being able to help on my own and people seeking out my advice is a great feeling too! If you're on the fence and it's in your budget- it is worth it! We don't regret a thing! read more

I brought my Newfoundland to puppy day school and could not be happier with the results. Also, with what I've learned from Crossbones, two other dog trainers have seen me training my pup out on the street...literally walked up and told me what a great job I am doing and how my training techniques are spot on. Crossbones doesn't just train the dog, they teach you how to be a trainer for your dog. Professional, highly skilled, and a lot of fun. Thank you, Katherine, Dan, and staff! read more

Crossbones Dog Academy - Daphne and Friday. - Pet Training Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

I brought my Havanese puppy for obedience training. He attended their all-day, month long training program and came out a different pup. He was in desperate need of "polite in public" training which caused me great stress on walks. He has completely overcome his issues of lunging at people and demand barking. The training is all positive reinforcement and I'm a huge advocate for that style of training. They helped him to "make better choices" using the clicker and treat approach. They also trained me how to train him. It's a great program. The staff was very professional and helpful. Big shoutout to Kathryn and Kerri who had great patience with my little pup! read more

Our puppy went to the Puppy Day School and it was a great experience for her. She learned a lot and got very well socialized. She also did many of the training classes offered. read more

Crossbones Dog Academy - Pet Training Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

See all

Our girl attended puppy day school and educational day care for 4 months and we took advantage of all the flex classes that were available to us during that time & I cannot express how impressed with the trainers and the program they run. Clover learned so much during her time and still retains it, she is a very well behaved, pup we can take anywhere...we miss our friends at Crossbones and are so thankful for all their help and guidance! read more

To respond to your comment about my puppy "lunging" at another dog. His first time there, he was well behaved, until you took him back, put him in a crate in close quarters to another.dog. this is where he barked. I do not mind your not being able to handle training a dog. I understand that you want pre trained dogs to attend your school. I merely stated that an intake or intake questions are a cost of doing business. Most.professions understand this. A lawyer is a professionally trained person. One does not.pay a fee to determine whether the lawyer feels that he or she can help you. The lawyer does this by asking questions and using his or her training to determine whether your situation is something that the lawyer can help with. Questions such as how much do.ypu feed your dog, when was he born, does he have any allergies, and what do wish to accomplish are all intake questions. This is NOT about my puppy not attending your facility. Sometimes it is just not a good fit. It is simply about a very high price for absolutely no value added . With regard to the offer of referring a trainer, your highly trained employee did not know how to work with my dog. Can you understand why I would question her recommendation? Again, I will repeat $80 for filling out an intake form is an exceedingly high cost. I expected a little more than someone filling out a form that I could have done myself. Finally, your free phone call serves only to allow one to schedule an $80 visit to fill out an intake form Your claim that your employee "handled" my puppy is a bit of an overstatement. It can be more accurately described as an $80 walk a few feet to another room and back again. So, technically one could say she "handled" my puppy, the same as my 9 year old neighbor handles my puppy when he is allowed to briefly walk him read more

I brought my dog Hank to their puppy day school that included unlimited group classes. The people were great to work with and I saw great improvement in his behavior. In addition I now have the training I need to work with him at home. I will definitely be bringing Hank back throughout his life. read more

Although I live too far away to attend classes and utilize the day programs at Crossbones, I have really enjoyed their seminars / workshops / periodic weekend event offerings. The facility is bright and clean, and the retail section is wonderful. They have something special for all sorts of dogs, and I always leave with a bunch of goodies for my pups. read more

This company has very nice products, The owners are wonderful people. I Highly recommend!

Our rescue Dalmatian puppy attended Crossbones four years ago in the old facility. The training provided us a very well socialized dog.

My dog and I just finished our Reactive Recovery course along with private lessons with Kerry and we cannot say enough good things about her! She was an incredible trainer and really helped me work with my dog after a traumatic attack. It was amazing to see the progress my dog made as well as the skills and tools I learned to better support my dog in all kinds of situations. Highly recommend her for any training, she's very knowledgeable and makes the experience fun and easy to adopt into your everyday life. Thanks Kerry for such a positive experience! read more

My little bernedoodle Denver just started here. The facility sports 8,000+ square feet of room for them to play. He only started a day ago so initial impressions: Staff is friendly and the facility very clean. Impressive social media campaign with posts on Instagram. Great selection of Chew toys including Kong's, natural animal products (pigs ears, beef trachea) etc... *my only wish list item would be a camera system that you could log into to view your pup. Animals don't have a voice much like children so it would relieve a lot of anxiety to be able to see how they are treated daily. That being said everyone seems good natured and trustworthy read more

A one stop shop for the best continuing education in a state of the art facility. The staff was helpful, kind and responsive. The speakers they host are fantastic. Even the retail shop is filled with fantastic stimulating toys and tasty treats. I highly recommend Crossbones for all of your dog training needs! read more

Absolutely love Crossbones Dog Academy. Within days of our dog starting the puppy training camp we saw big changes in him. Even after graduating from the training camp, he's retained so much of what he learned there. On top of all the training programs that they offer, the staff are all wonderful and friendly, and I think that's one of the reasons that our dog wags his tail like you wouldn't believe whenever we pull up! He's now enrolled in a daycare of sorts with them, and it truly helps knowing that he has a place to go and be with other dogs rather than stuck at home alone. They also did a Christmas photo shoot for the dogs and their families, which is a massive plus. read more

This is an incredible facility with top notch trainers and staff. I have only done group classes but I would definitely feel comfortable with day care or day school option. The level of organization and professionalism is extremely high. The way the classes are set up is so innovative as well. I love the flexibility of being able to drop into classes rather than progress through a 6 week course. There is plenty of room in the facility and dogs aren't crowded together in class I am always extremely impressed by how knowledgable everyone who works there is. It's a really great place and a wonderful resource for pets and people read more

I wanted to find a nearby facility that used the Karen Pryor Approach and Crossbones (formerly Spring Forth) has a real dedication to that type of positive reinforcement training. All the staff are consistent in their approach whether they are teaching a class, working with daycare dogs, or staffing the front desk. Some dogs coming to the facility may be working on behavioral issues but the staff do a responsible job of keeping them and everyone else safe and secure. For example, when one class is coming in and another is letting out, the place is calm enough and organized. During that turnover time, many other facilities are in absolute mayhem but not Crossbones. My dog and I enjoy that we can start and end a learning opportunity in a positive way! I appreciate the drop in class format. My puppy and I can revisit classes for which I need to learn the training techniques better and/or my puppy needs the skill reinforced. Likewise, I prefer this to a linear format class where if I missed a class, I missed learning the techniques. I've also brought my senior dog for the intro K9 Nosework class. She loved it. We learned Nosework games to use whenever we don't have time, energy, or ability to get out for daily walks. Although the facility is busy, it is clean and organized. I definitely recommend their programs. read more

Crossbones Dog Academy trainers are focused on a great experience for both dogs and their people. We both were taught and felt like our challenges were just learning opportunities to our trainer. She believed in our success. Its a bright and clean facility with a great store attached. read more

would give ZERO stars if possible, but whatever... Their pick up method is completely disorganized. I text the number to let them know that i have arrived to pick up my dog, per request of them, and end up sitting in the parking lot for an upwards of 20 minutes before my dog is brought out to me. They do not allow you inside the building or reply to your text to keep you posted on whether or not they received my text. SO whatever reason for the delay is UNKNOWN to me. TO ADD TO THIS... My dog, who is a happy Big BOY with LOTS OF PEP in his step, is dragged out by an employee and is shaking his poor little legs. I don't know what goes on inside of this place, but I EXPECT my dog to be loved and cared for with the amount of money i spend so that he is not home alone while i am working. To see him not getting excited to see me after a long day, is just incomprehensible. He mopes the entire ride home when he once was so excited for car rides id have to spell it out or he'd get extremely hyper. Anyone else recognize an unusual change in their pup's Behavior? read more

Our angus has some reactionary issues. Working with PJ has shown great progress. Now he is enrolled in a group class and doing better every night. read more

I just messaged this to the owner, Kat, "thank you for opening a small business that is paws and tails above the rest." I mean every word and so much more. Kat, Casey, Laura, and the rest of the Spring Forth crew are the most knowledgeable, patient, and animal loving people you might find anywhere. Kat is so quick with responses and is flexible with scheduling and payments. On the subject of pay, at first you will may feel overwhelmed at the cost. But, when you see the growth your puppy makes in such a short amount of time, it'll be worth every penny. Our dog, Tucker, just finished his time there as a Puppy Day School student. We paid to have him stay for an additional week as well. He runs into the building in the morning and needs encouragement to leave! He loves his time there and it's clear to see why: structure, play, fun, learning, and loving! Whether it's puppy day school, flex classes, private lessons, or play groups you (and your dog) are guaranteed to learn something AND have a good time. This is truly above and beyond the typical dog daycare experience. We know. We researched and visited so many other dog daycares in the area. Tucker spent one day at a different dog daycare and one day away is all it took for us to feel like dipping into savings to send him back! Bottom line: worth every penny. You will not find a better place for your dog. End of story. Your money is going toward a small business with the well-being of your pup at its core. I'm so grateful to have Tucker back at Spring Forth. Thank you, Kat and every Spring Forth employee for everything you have done and will do for RI dogs! Can't wait for your new building to open up so you all can enjoy continued success while keeping your mission alive. read more

My puppy loves it there and gave her such a great foundation for behavior. We have been able to take her with us to many places

A friend of mine recommended Spring Forth for my adopted mix puppy who was exhibiting fearful reactions around other dogs and severe anxiety whenever I would leave, even for a moment. I did the puppy academy and they helped her become more comfortable with other dogs and build her confidence up. She literally jumps up and down when we walk through the door because she's so excited! We also did a few classes and she is equally as happy to learn new tasks and see everyone. Worth every penny! Thank you so much!!! read more

Crossbones Dog Academy - She made friends! - Pet Training Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

If you're looking for a program to help start your puppy's training, look no further than Spring Forth Dog Academy! Puppy Day School: My pup first started in the basic 4 week Puppy Day School program. After seeing his progress in 4 short weeks, I signed him up for one of their extended programs. The Day School staff are knowledgeable, clearly love their jobs, and have individual relationships with the dogs. They post pictures of the pups training and playing, and even do special photoshoots for Holidays! (Note: they also have programs for dogs over 6 months & age appropriate puppy playgroups) Group Classes: We also attend group classes most Saturdays with Casey. Casey is a fantastic instructor/trainer who makes each class enjoyable, and breaks down each exercise so it's easily understandable. Even with the already small class size, Casey does a great job giving personal attention to each person/dog and gives ways to modify each exercise based on abilities. Spring Forth has other trainers leading classes during the week, though I've only taken classes with Casey thus far since she teaches on Saturdays. (Note: they also have private sessions and workshops) Facility: It is extremely clear they prioritize health and cleanliness at Spring Forth. Almost every time I pick up my pup from school, they are cleaning something. There is also a small retail section when you first walk in that has treats, toys, training aids, etc. Staff: I've already mentioned a little bit about the staff, but my experience with them has been so incredible they deserve their own section! Katherine's passion for dogs and training is very clear, and shines through with the amazing programs and facility. The team's communication is remarkable with progress reports and updates on any changes to your pup's health - even a little cut. They're always a pleasure to interact with...I can't say enough good things about the Spring Forth team! Spring Forth has given my pup and I a great foundation for our future, and we look forward to continuing our training and education with the Spring Forth team. read more

Knowledgeable trainers and a great facility. I have enjoyed all the advanced classes offered there! Most classes are geared toward first-time pet owners, and are great for new learners (trainers will assume you have no knowledge of basic dog husbandry and behavior). For the same reason, classes might be frustrating for more experienced folks. The staff are friendly, kind, and dedicated. They're seriously the best, and this review has 5 stars so they can get some free pizza! And the retail store? Best product lineup and prices in Providence. Staff will hook you up with the ideal treats, toys, chews, and training tools for your pup. Prepare to be sold HARD on Day School if you're attending for puppy play group or classes-- it can be hard to resist the pitch. But please be aware: Puppy Day School might NOT be a good choice for every dog. If your pup has *any* trouble being crated in a busy environment, there is a good chance they will verbally corrected (loudly) or have their crate slapped for vocalizing. I have heard it happen in the morning on several occasions. My puppy went into Day School with a strong foundation in crate training, and came out with a lot of issues to fix. Overall: a great small business driving change in dog training culture to be more positive. Some improvements to be made to puppy programs, but Crossbones is always evolving and definitely worth checking out! read more

Amazing puppy program for our new puppy Binx (and for much needed help training first time puppy parents). We recommend puppy day school for anyone with a new pup! read more

Our 6-month old Doberman attended a 5-week ITP in October 2023. He loved attending school and adores the team. With the help of group classes and private lessons, which were included in ITP, we realized we had unintentionally encouraged some unwanted behaviours as a result over socializing him during his socialization period. Crossbones efficiently worked through them with our puppy as well as educated us on the matter, teaching us how to correct said behaviours and habits while building a strong foundation (and maintaining it), and they did all of the above without judging us on our first-time-dog-owners mistakes. We not only received (and continue to receive) training support but also general wellbeing support for our puppy, which has been extremely helpful. Our Doberman is now 9 months old and attends agility and toy play lessons, which he absolutely loves! Our only regret is not enrolling him in toy play classes months back. We're enjoying seeing our puppy's progress while watching him grow into a well-rounded dog. We've had a great experience at Crossbones, the classes are informative and fun, the team is fantastic, and we highly recommend it. read more

We're so happy and grateful to be part of the Crossbones family. We enrolled our mini Bernedoodle at 3 months old in their puppy day school and have received top notch support and care from their team. The unlimited group class pass for puppy day school enrollees is probably the best perk. We attended more than a dozen classes on self-control, loose leash walking, staying put when asked to, etc. They teach practical skills that will actually come in handy while raising a dog in an extremely urban part of town and I'm glad our dog learned this stuff while young/impressionable, as opposed to things like hand shakes or play deads which won't be useful if a high-speeding car is about to run her over. Note: Crossbones is a rarity out of all dog training schools in that they let the "whole family" attend the classes. This is helpful because having two people there to train our very wiggly, distracted puppy makes it easier to learn than one. Casey and Charles were patient and skillful instructors. They have very different ways of teaching the same thing but we actually appreciate that, because fur babies are a lot like human ones and need several approaches to learn something sometimes. A second great perk is the store, where they sell food & toys at the *SAME PRICE* as online merchants. It helps when the staff know our puppy and what she is like, because we feel confident buying what they recommend. You're also not supporting a greedy large corporation. #supportsmallbusiness Lastly, the parent-teacher conferences with Casey were extremely helpful, because she had the best tips to address our endless annoying questions, as anxious first-time dog owners. One note for area of improvement regarding COVID-19: We did notice that during puppy drop off (AM) and pick ups (PM), only one of several staff members regularly sanitized the drop off gate (which literally everyone touches) with a spray. So just in case anyone else was doing the drop off/pick ups, we had to bring our own hand sanitizer. Other than that, the COVID-19 safety measures were great and we felt safe for the most part. read more

Crossbones Dog Academy - our pup after finishing puppy day school! - Pet Training Near Me - Providence, Rhode Island

My dog (italian greyhound) is currently enrolled in the puppy day school program here and I have to say, it is well worth the money! My husband and I decided to send him to the day camp to socialize him during covid-19 as well as help with his play biting and learn basic commands. That being said, in just 2 weeks he has improved so much! At first I was concerned about him playing with other puppies since this breed is small, VERY fragile and timid by nature. But, they do such a great job matching your puppy to other puppies with similar play styles and sizes that this experience has been worry free! Every time we drop him off he is wagging his tail with excitement to go play with his friends and absolutely loves his trainers! If you are looking for a great dog daycare or puppy school look no further! read more

WARNING: If you are considering this place for dog day-care, know the following: they follow what is apparently called the "crate and rotate" method, which in essence, means a substantial portion of the time your dog is in their care - at very high prices - will be spent in a crate. While I will not get into whether or not this is a smart and sensible philosophy and method of dog care, it is absolutely not made clear on their website, other than buried in a blog from the owner within the enrollment section of FAQ. The only reference to crates in the daycare section of their website is regarding "crated naptime." Which is a very different thing than several hours of crating at the staff's discretion. I paid $50 for an evaluation of my 14 month old black lab, and $100 for a fecal test - JUST to be able to schedule a 15 minute evaluation. My dog - who is highly energetic and highly sociable - was rejected because he barked when put in a crate after ten minutes in a completely foreign/highly-stimulating environment for him. Kind of like taking your five year-old son to a new playground, and then tying him up in the corner and expecting him to sit there quietly and color. Had I known this operation crated their dogs for a large portion of the doggy day care day I would never have considered it for my dog. They need to be much more upfront about what service they are providing. It's also incredibly maddening to fork out a $50 evaluation fee (plus a $100 fecal test), have your dog rejected, and then not be offered a refund. That is just wrong and sleazy. read more

I wish that I had found Spring Forth back when I got my dog as a puppy. Sorry in advance for my novel! I have only taken classes (and a seminar) here so far, so I only admire the puppy preschool from afar; my review is just for classes. 1. Katherine. What makes a great training class for me is primarily the instructor, and Katherine is *excellent*. It is immediately obvious when you talk to her that she is an expert in dog behavior and training, but she doesn't talk down to you at all. Very professional and kind, without coming off unsure or like she's going to agree with you to make you happy (which is something I have found some trainers to do, at the expense of the quality of dog training, in my opinion -- though I obviously don't want to be spoken to meanly, I didn't come to a professional dog trainer just to be told I'm doing things right all the time; I know that I'm not, which is why I'd like help!). Her commitment to keeping training purely positive is clear and appreciated. 2. The classes. I took intermediate dog manners, advanced dog manners, and have started taking some of the flex agility classes here. I also took a seminar by Amanda Shyne here. The class sizes are always small, which is something I really appreciate. Individual attention (and modifications to exercises so that you will be successful, but challenged, with your dog) is very high and feels almost like a semi-private lesson level of attention. You will be successful, and you won't be standing around bored because something is too easy for you. I even find this in the intro dog agility classes, though I've been taking agility at another facility for about a year! Katherine finds challenges for me :) 3. The facility. My first impression of the inside of Spring Forth was that it is adorable, which goes a long way with me! It's well decorated and branded inside, and the floor is orange! Beyond those (silly :)) first impressions, Spring Forth is one of the cleanest dog facilities I've ever been in. I don't mind a little dirt and dog smell in dog classes, but I can appreciate the effort gone to to keep it clean, and I think that taking the extra time to keep everything clean reflects an overall conscious attention to safety and health. The only thing I don't love is the parking, but honestly it's much better than you'd expect for being in Providence! 4. The experience of booking classes. Spring Forth has a very easy to use online registration system that works exactly the way I want/expect it to. They also respond quickly to calls/emails/messages. --- Spring Forth left me not just a happy customer, but an excited customer who wants to spread the word far and wide :) read more

As a first-time dog mom, I am so glad that we connected with Crossbones Dog Academy (formerly Spring Forth Dog Academy) for positive reinforcement-based clicker training for our adopted mutt, Luna Pinna Roo Beyonce Hufflepuff Goldstein-Voorhees. Luna was found on the streets of Mississippi. After a somewhat traumatic transport, Luna took some time to settle in with us. She is my first dog, and I felt incredibly responsible for ensuring she leads a long, happy, comfortable life. Training was a primary cornerstone of our plan, so after a few weeks of adjusting, my husband and I bought a 15-class package through their Flex Class Program, and we got to work! Luna is one-third cattle dog. These highly intelligent, stubborn dogs can be a real challenge or amazing (depending on the pup and how the owner/trainer harnesses all their energy and attention). We feel incredibly fortunate that Casey Raposa happened to be the trainer for most of our evening and weekend classes. Casey is very familiar with cattle dogs, and she quickly got to know Luna and ALL her quirks. I was a little hesitant about group-based dog training. If your trainer isn't attentive and assertive, dogs can learn bad behaviors from their classmates. This was NEVER an issue at Crossbones. Casey or the other instructors would show us a skill and then come around to individual dog/human dyads to give us specific feedback and offer tailored solutions. I truly think Luna only learned good behaviors from her time at Crossbones. We went through all the basic classes, but my favorite was Casey's trick training classes. It was such a perfect fit for my funny pup. Casey showed us some tricks, but she helped me learn what Luna likes to do and then suggested tricks that she would most likely be able to master quickly. I'm not sure that I would have figured this out on my own. For example, she showed me that Luna likes to boop objects with her nose, which quickly turned into kiss (cutest party trick ever, and I probably do this 30x/day), getting her to turn on a push light with her nose, etc. She even taught us a trick that has Luna file her own nails! It was such a clever way to help my dog learn something new, strengthen our bond, and work on useful, life-saving, or cute skills. I'm very excited to try out the trick training workshops this year. My husband and I both wanted to learn how to train our dog. We both attended the orientation, and then we attended some classes on our own (+ Luna) and all 3 of us attended a few. I really liked this flexibility, which was different from a few other places I looked into. It's just so practical, and I don't know why others don't do it this way. The whole Crossbones team helped me understand my dog way better than I could have anticipated. I really enjoyed our Canine Good Citizen Prep class with John, who was SO patient with Luna. He helped me refine my expectations of Luna, and he has turned out to be 100% correct. Luna was seeming a bit reactive to other dogs, and I was really concerned. He helped me realize how early we were in Luna's adjustment phase since her adoption. Sure enough, she now doesn't bark at other dogs while we are on walks (90% of the time), even if they're barking at her. I never would have guessed that, and I'm so grateful for his guidance. Sometimes dog training is training dog parents what to pay attention to, and they do a really good job of that. I wished Crossbones offered more intensive training programs, similar to Puppy Day School. Since our dog was adopted, we didn't know how old she was at first. By the time we figured it out with genetic testing, she was too old for Puppy Day School. They have a few other programs but they are pretty expensive. They're about to open another large space and offer programs like Day Care, so I'm looking forward to exploring those options. I find them to be priced higher than I was expecting or more than some other options I looked into. I wish they had a few more options that might make their programs more financially feasible (e.g., offering more packages with discounts), but I respect what they're doing and understand that they need to cover costs of paying high-quality trainers. If their intensive training programs were a little less expensive, I'd have definitely done one by now. Be advised that they offer great workshops, but attendance can fill fast! I had a few issues getting a call back when I left messages, but they are EXTREMELY responsive on Instagram! I regularly get messages back within the hour...it's nuts! You must follow them; the post the cutest pics! They also run fun contests with giveaways. Their space was always comfortable and clean (I always saw Laura, who is hysterical, cleaning before/after classes). We love Crossbones and refer all our friends there. They're exceptional, and I'm so glad they're a part of the RI dog community. Thanks for helping us enjoy our pup! read more

I honestly cannot think of a more incredible place for anyone to bring their puppy than Spring Forth. Our little pup Mishka had a rough start to life and was bit of a baby shark who wasn't properly socialized due to an early separation. She spent 3 months in the puppy day school program and I wish we could have kept her there longer - the price tag looks steep but it is worth every penny as long as it fits into your budget. She was thrilled to go to school every day and always came home happy and tired. The staff are all exceptional and clearly love the dogs in their charge. Our pup learned a ton and constantly surprises people with 'how good she is for a puppy' - all of which is due entirely to Spring Forth (and no thanks to us at home for undoing their hard work). We try to keep up with her in puppy flex classes which are also great - Casey is a fantastic trainer and constantly has tips to help us be better puppy parents. The small class sizes are better than any I've seen elsewhere and make a huge difference in the quality of the training. Bottom Line: If you can swing it, Spring Forth is without question the best option in the area for your puppy. You won't regret working with this incredible place, and your dog will thank you! read more

Signed our puppy up for puppy school for socialization and can say it's worth every penny. We did three sessions and took the classes offered at least 2 or 3 times per week. All of the staff were amazing. Very friendly and knowledgeable. I'm pretty sure Casey could teach any animal to do almost anything. I thought the pick up and drop off times were perfect. Highly recommend. A socialized puppy is a happy puppy. And the classes are a great way to bond with your puppy and reinforce what they learn at school. read more

Do you have a dog? Do you live on the South Shore? Then you need to give Spring Forth a call. They offer a wide array of dog services from walking to training...even transportation for extremely reasonable rates. The trainers, Cat and Dan are a lot of fun (which is super important to me) and extremely professional. And they get RESULTS! read more

After moving to Providence from a more rural area, we were feeling pretty stuck about what to do with our increasingly reactive German Shepherd. We were at our wits end, but called Spring Forth because of their commitment to training using positive reinforcement. We started with the Total Training Program, as we were hoping/needing to see major improvements. Through John's help, we made lots of environmental changes to help her training. Though my dog turned out to have more "issues" than we realized, John always had individualized suggestions for us. He validated my frustration and encouraged us to keep at it. Spring Forth recommended a veterinarian for us who works with reactive dogs, which was super helpful since we are newer to the area. Casey also worked tirelessly to set my dog up for success in group classes. Finally, Katherine reworked our training program to include the Reactive Recovery linear program. So far, my dog is showing small (but meaningful!) progress. As an aside, we have another dog who does not have the needs of our other, and he is absolutely loving the group flex classes. We love that group flex classes are tailored to the needs of each dog, so you can work on more or less advanced steps to each skill. Thank you, Spring Forth, for your flexibility and commitment to positive reinforcement, even with dogs who can be difficult! You continue to instill hope in two (at times, frustrated) dog owners, and we feel so fortunate to be working with Katherine, John, Casey, and all staff at Spring Forth! read more

I can't say enough good things about Spring Forth. All of their methods positive based and you will see results quickly. Katherine and her staff are very approachable and easy to communicate with. You can tell that their passion is training dogs and guiding their owners. Their Puppy Day School is a must for anyone wishing to get their pup into a daycare like environment. They work on socialization and appropriate play, basic manners, as well as crate and house training. The weekly report cards are a great way to see the progress your puppy is making and the frequent Facebook posts allow owners to catch a glimpse of all the fun the pups have. I also highly recommend their group classes. Class sizes are smaller than other places I have been allowing for a less chaotic environment but still plenty of socialization and time for one on one guidance. Overall my puppy and I give Spring Forth two paws up! read more

When we first got Buddy we were in a bit over our heads -- looking back on those first few months we laugh at all the things we could have done better. But one thing we have never regretted is the two months of Puppy Day School at Spring Forth. In fact, we wish it could have been 3 or 4 months instead! I grew up with dogs, but not in the city, so "puppy training" consisted of letting the dog bark until it wore itself out, putting the dog outside when it was in the way, and a bunch of other things that just don't work when it's a city dog and both me and my wife work full time. More than just training for the dog, Spring Forth also trained us on how to work with Buddy. Flex classes gave us the skills we need to continue working with him at home, reinforcing the good behaviors he learned in school and even teaching him new tricks. He loves training and the mental stimulation makes him a tired, happy boy. It's been a year since Buddy was enrolled in Puppy Day School, and we know that his good habits and trainability are the result of the hard work of Kat, John, Casey, and the rest of the spring forth staff, and his shortcomings are all from us not keeping up with his training. And those shortcomings are minimal -- everyone tells us what a wonderfully behaved boy he is, we just know from our experience with Spring Forth that what a great capacity he has for learning new things. We recommend Spring Forth to everyone! read more

My pup Hazel just finished up 2 months of puppy school and she loved it. Everyday when i dropped her off she's excited to be there. She gets excited around all the trainers and staff. Learned so much about pups and handling them as owner doing FLEX classes. Maybe the most important part. I highly recommend crossbones for puppy school make sure you take flex classes for full experience. The staff is friendly. My pup is currently attending day care 2x and I'm sure she wishes it was still 5x a week! Great place. Very structured. read more

The dog loves going here. Once we say "daycare" to him in the mornings he goes nuts. I just want my dog to be happy.