#1 voted trainer for a reason, my dog has come dp far in such a short time , thanks to Dave and his excellent team read more

Dave McMahon Dog Academy - Best trainer #1 voted for a reason, my dog learned more in his 1st 2 classes than 7 weeks with his old trainer, - Pet Training Near Me - Niagara Falls, Ontario

Nothing but praise for Dave and his team of profeesional trainers ! my Samoyed pup has been transformed through the Novice level, learning basic manners and commands. So much so that we are immediately moving on into the Intermediate and Recall levels to devlop him into the dog we know he can be.... thank you Dave and Dave's Team ! read more

We attended Dave's Novice class Sept/Oct 2019 with our recently adopted rescue. We were eager to attend as we quickly realized our young dog needed work. The 10 week course was great. Yes, Dave's jokes can be cheesy but I got a kick out of it and found they broke the tension of a group of dog owners stressed by their often uncooperative pooches. I never once heard him remark about other trainers. The emphasis turns out to be training the handler. Leaving your ego at the door and trusting the system will earn your results. Yes, you are watched by several coaches. We had a group of about 15 with 3-4 coaches observing. I never saw any rudeness from anyone but they will correct your technique as this is paramount to your dog avoiding confusion and learning properly. Dave leads most classes and one on one meetings can be booked to discussed specific issues but don't expect to pull him aside after class as he's usually rolling straight into the next session. Yes, it's cash and there will be several pitches over the duration of the course for additional training, boarding, etc. It's a business so not an issue. Cash, well, from what I can see there are always those folks who arrive thinking they've got 50% of it already figured out. They take a few lessons, don't like the fact they have to do homework with their dog and quickly fall behind (there's LOTS covered). They decide to drop out and want their money back. I'm guessing years of experience with the public have lead to this decision. In the end, our dog did great. We continue to build and master what we learned and will attend again this year for our free repeat course so my husband can catch up Go with an open mind, check you ego at the door, relax and enjoy! read more

I cannot begin to describe how thankful I was to have found Dave when we had our first puppy. His novice class walked us through all of the important details of training our baby. We enjoyed many many years with our golden boy because of the foundation Dave gave us. My girls attended class with me and they learned how to train their new brother. When we had our second puppy 14 years later, Dave was the first person we went to. We changed breeds this time and while the training was similar, he taught us about breed specific behaviours to look out for and how to respond to them. We are just so thankful for his guidance and help. This man is passionate about the work he does. read more

I have trained 4 dogs (3 dobermans & a Golden doodle) with Dave over the last 10 years. All four dogs have flourished under Dave's methods. His classes are instructional, and just plain fun. Dave is consistent, but innovative as well. New techniques are added continually. My favorite thing about Dave's methods is the fact that he recognizes that every dog is unique. Each has it's own strengths and weaknesses, and Dave can help with any issue a dog may have, as well as help us build a lasting bond with our dog. read more

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I have been training at Dave's for over 5 years, his method is proven and successful! His classes are direct yet entertaining at times. I would highly recommend for anyone to come watch a class as he has an open door policy, and see for themselves. Dave is the best as far as I'm concerned! read more

Admittedly, not sure what to expect from a group dog training class but this wasn't what I hoped for. They only take cash which is a little sketchy for such a successful business. Most importantly, it is clear that there are time tested and successful methods for training your dog offered here. The trained dogs on display are more than proof positive of that. I learned many new skills and my dog and I are better for the experience, no doubt. So why 3 stars? The tone and presentation leaves something to be desired from this professional service. My class was jam packed with dogs and most of your time is spent stationary (in a freezing cold gym facility) while listening to instructions because it just too crowded to do much more. Movement for drills and practice is really challenging if you attend at a time of year that requires the class to be indoors so sign up for sumer class if you can. The focus is on at home practice. For the practical and demo in person hour + you attend each week you don't really need a dog. It's a lot of listening to methodology but also rehearsed jokes and derogatory comments about other (think famous Spanish or big box chain suppliers) dog trainers. I'm sure it's meant to entertain but can be counter productive, even unprofessional. For example; A LOT of heavy innuendo references to "balls" whenever tennis balls come into play. Jokes are fun but if that energy and time was reallocated onto the dogs and owners or even hands on practice it would be time better spent. Not to say this is offensive, it's cute, just a little much and clearly an frequently repeated stand up routine. There is also an ongoing $20 book up-sell, again, time and energy that could be better spent teaching and helping. I fully expected there to be an Alpha personality involved in a professional dog obedience outfit but it translates in a lack of appreciation for your dollars spent. It is implied that it is your privlidge to be there rather than your decision spend to attend. Even Alphas can spread a little gratitude here and there. Here you will be told if you are seen on the streets not performing as you should Dave will fire you for being a bad example of his methods. Hm. That's a little more balls than I bargained for as a customer. I don't have issue recommending this service but if I had to do it over I would spend more for private / semi private instruction or a spot in a smaller class somewhere with heat. Thing is, there are SO few options to choose from in Niagara this school has an easy to obtain large market share and very little competition. read more

Dave is good with the dogs, his instructors are awesome. I would say his training is as good as it gets!

Just finished the novice class with our "special needs" dog, Kegler. I recommend Dave McMahon's training course for ALL dogs and all owners. Although our boy still has his "issues" he is now obedient and enjoys his training sessions with me. We were able to have a personal session with Jay which I will never forget. Good job. Julie and Dave Bacon read more

I have a rottweiler puppy and know how much training is needed to keep my pup well rounded. Daves class offers a training class that is positive and really works! He stands behind his training 100% and can help with any issue! read more

5 star - Full service Dog training school. It is evident that Dave McMahon has 32+ years of experience. These years of hard work have helped develop Niagara's premier dog training academy community. It's this kind of depth and knowledge that sets Dave's school apart from others, it has the ability to deliver all that's required in making your amazing dog be the best dog it can be. I highly recommend Dave's training. I have trained at other local training schools and have had private sessions too... We learnt alot with each and everyone, but Dave and his entourage of instructors and apprentice trainers, plus all the access to all kinds of dogs, has been the help we've needed. This full service approach, single handedly meets our needs in helping me to handle the behavior modification and obedience training we've needed. The attention to detail, the step by step systematic approach to technique, and criticism are constructive and so helpful. Everyone takes the time to ensure you know what you are doing, and are very encouraging, not only for the dog but for the human, as well. The school is VERY GENEROUS offering 1 free one to one consult's for the Novice program which is really beneficial, helping you to learn what method, what technique, if private sessions are needed, if Intermediate membership is right for you, or if a board and train is for you? The options are endless at Niagara's premier dog training academy. I'm confident in knowing for year's to come that this Academy will not close it's doors and will be available to serve my present and future needs. read more

Amazing training,Dave and his team explain the training methods and techniques so all can understand. I have trained two of my dogs at Dave McMahon dog training academy over the past years with great results my dogs are happy and obedient. I will always recommend Dave McMahon dog training academy. read more

We've been in novice for just a few weeks and have noticed great changes in our pups (and our) behaviour. We enjoy our walks now that she no longer lunges at cars and others.Thanks to Dave and his team, we are on our way to a fabulous future with our pup. read more

There were pros and cons to Dave McMahon's training sessions. Pros - 1. Dave and his trainers do a good job of giving you info to train your dogs, but to be honest, I thought the trainers were better than Dave. Not that he doesn't know stuff, but he likes to tell you how good he is - and lots of times just talks and talks. The weeks when he wasn't there were more productive. 2. Dave offers a free consultation if you are having behavioural issues with your dog. But it's not always Dave who gives the consultation - sometimes it's his "trainers in training". 3. If you go through the beginners class, you can take the class over again for free. That's a nice bonus especially if your dog is younger. 4. You can sign up for additional classes at an additional fee. This was one-on-one training with a trainer for 30 minutes. We did this several times and it helped with the regular classes. I think it was $20 for the class. Cons - 1. Class sizes start off big (I saw between 25-35 dogs and people in different classes). I think he expects a lot of people to drop out so it gets better as the weeks go by. Since the classes were so big, I sometimes felt lost and wasn't always doing things properly. 2. Because this is a business, there are classes booked one after the other. Therefore, there wasn't time for questions after the class. You had to sign up for an additional class (at an additional fee) to get individual attention. 3. If at all possible, take the classes in nice weather when you are outside. Otherwise you are crammed into the training room and there's literally no place to go. Plus you are standing on a concrete floor for 60 minutes - most of the time listening to Dave talk. 4. We signed up for one set of classes at 6:00 pm and another set at 8:00. We learned that by 8:00 pm all of the trainers are pooped and really not that helpful. I was giving advice to the people around me to try to help them out. Overall we were generally pleased with the classes but I wouldn't go back for further training. I have found another trainer who limits the class size to 5 dogs and who willingly stays and answers any questions you have. Plus, she likes the dogs to have fun. Dave's training is that the dog doesn't do anything unless you tell the dog to do it. I am not sure I agree with that philosophy, but it probably works for some people. I want my dog to be wagging his tail and to be happy that we are together. read more

Be forewarned that Dave uses a repeated quick choking corrective method that can be shocking to watch and can be frightening to dogs with a gentle temperment. In addition, although you are encouraged to bring family to the lessons, his language is highly offensive and completely inappropriate for young children. The sessions are ridiculously long with Dave speaking loudly (expect a headache at the end) and repeating himself a phenomenal number of times. It becomes difficult to listen after a while as you are just hoping he will stop. One of his assistants is also very loud and completely disrespectful if he has something to talk about in the background...eg. Flip is booming his voice and Dave is booming his voice, both trying to speak over the other and the headache just gets worse, and the poor dog just shakes more. read more