My experience with Lara was very positive and productive. She was able to help me understand my dog…read moreand how to clearly communicate with her. She kept us both really motivated to practice and the results were awesome. Not only am I happy, but my pup is much happier too! Now we frequently receive compliments on my pups behavior. We go for long walks without pulling or acting crazy when she sees another dog. She was jumping, nipping, not listening and destructive. My grandchildren were frighteNed by her. Now they are able to play with her and life is good! I highly recommend Lara without reservation!

Those who know me know that my entire world is run by two miniature schnauzers…read more Granted, they are cuddly, cute, and have personalities the size of St. Bernards, and because of these reasons (amongst many), they have turned me into one of those crazy dog ladies that swears up and down that I'll never be able to have children because how -- HOW I ASK YOU?! -- could I possibly love anyone or anything more than I love these two creatures? Yes, Harry & Daxter are the fluffy little loves of my life, and boy oh boy, do they know it. It's not that they're bad dogs, really, it's just that they know how to get away with all the bad things that they do. Because, you know, they're cute. And while they have both gone through basic obedience and already knew how to do all the "normal" dog things like, sit, stay, and even high-five (Daxter gives excellent high-fives, FYI), a few commands does not a perfect dog make. And between the barking at every living thing (and sometimes even non-living things -- hello UPS truck) that passes by the house, Harry's penchant for eating my leftovers straight off of the coffee table, and how Daxter literally backs away from me when I say "come," it eventually got to a point where I needed to call in some professional help to turn my pups into more than just cuddly bed buddies. So thank GOODNESS for Lara and For Pup's Sake training! Under Lara's patient tutelage, my dogs now actually know how to go to their "place" before mealtime, and we're working on sending them there when folks come to the door as well. Their recall is better, they're generally more obedient, and, heck, better mannered, too! After all, a tired pup is generally a well-behaved pup, and with Lara's training these boys definitely get a mental work out. Lara comes and works with you in your home, so your dogs are learning in their environment, and gives you all the tools to continue the training when she's not there in person to guide you through it. We've worked on everything from leash-training to place-training to perfecting their patience and willpower with variations of the leave-it command I didn't even know existed. Beyond that, Lara truly cares about your dogs and wants to make sure they're set up for success from the get-go. My boys still have a bit of a way to go before they're truly the perfect pets (and I have a LONG way to go before I'm the perfect owner, hehe), but I'm so happy to have Lara and For Pup's Sake leading the way there.

Joanne McMahon is my dog Katie's trainer. Katie is seven and was re-homed to me by her senior…read moreowners who were unable to care for her anymore. Katie had picked up some bad habits that I hoped to get corrected. After unsuccessful tries by me, I found Joanne' company and promptly signed up. We are finished with a few of our training sessions but much progress has already been made. I am very happy and thrilled Jo can work with both Katie and me (it seems I need training more than Katie, as many dog owerns do!). Joanne has been very patient, never showing any sign of frustration, and never at a loss when Katie has difficulties. My knowledge base for working with Katie has expanded, making me more confident and successful. The skills Jo is teaching are precisely what I was hoping for. Katie and I are both happy to see Jo arrive for a training session. She tailor made our plan and listens very well. I highly recommend Joanne McMahon and 360 Animal Training and Behavior.

From the owner: Transform Your Pet’s Behavior with 360 Animal Training and Behaviour!…read more Located in Richmond, VA, 360 Animal Training and Behaviour is your go-to source for compassionate, effective dog and cat training. Led by certified expert Joanne Bignoux-McMahon (KPA-CTP, CPDT-KA), we use science-based, positive reinforcement methods that build trust and lasting results. Whether you're struggling with leash pulling, jumping, barking, or reactivity, or just want to give your puppy the best start, we offer personalized training that fits your pet’s unique needs. We even specialize in cooperative care—making vet and grooming visits easier and less stressful. Work with someone who truly understands animals and is committed to helping your pet live their happiest, most balanced life. Let’s create harmony in your home—book your consultation today!

My shy rescue pit/Great Pyrenees mix has grown so much with the help of Ms. Kasey and the rest of…read morethe staff. It's work but worth it!

I have been training with 2SpeakDog since just before the COVID 19 pandemic. Kasey, the master…read moretrainer, is amazing at what she does and how she is able to connect the how to do the things with the why they are done the way she teaches. She not only focuses on obedience but how the relationship with your dog is the key to success and when your dog trusts you the two of you can do hard things. Being the pet parent to a reactive dog her methods have helped us immensely be able to be successful out in public, learn how to set appropriate boundaries and learn how to be an advocate for my dog. I would recommend her 100%.

I can't praise Ashley and Calm K9 enough for turning my dog life around. I adopted my 5.5 year old…read morePug/Chihuahua mix from a rescue back in February after she was surrendered by her previous owner. She was incredibly timid, anxious, and didn't know even the most basic command. Sit, for instance, was next to impossible. She would lock her back legs if you tried to guide her little butt to the floor, refusing to do it because she had no idea what was going on. Fast forward to a month out of the Board & Train with Ashley. She sits. She stays. We don't use a leash on walks anymore. She stays right by my side on walks or within an arm's length in front or behind me, constantly checking to make sure I'm still close every few seconds. At every curb she sits. I used to have to tell her, but now she just knows to sit, and not to move until I tell her "come". The best part for all of this, however, is that it's all a result of her overall confidence being boosted by knowing all of these new skills. She used to be super skittish and bark at people, jump when cars passed by, and freak out. Every person who walked near us on the street she would lose her little dog-mind over. Now she not only glides right past them, but if they're friendly and she sees that I'm ok with it, she'll wag her tail and allow them to approach (assuming I've given her/the person permission). She actually walks better and is more calm off-leash, which is also a huge advantage for me now that it's getting cold because I can keep my hands in my pockets. I still do bring a leash in my pocket just in case, but I haven't run into a situation where I've had to use it once. Lastly, I was really apprehensive about using an e-collar. Not only because I thought it was going to be cruel, but because of how big the thing looks on my 10lb. dog! I can honestly say that the brand of collar they have you purchase is so adjustable with it's settings that she's never shown any sign of it hurting or even bothering her. She actually gets excited when I put it on her in the morning because she knows we're about to start our day and go for a walk! Calm K9 came recommended from a friend, and I think since seeing the positive change my dog has experienced as a result of the training I've recommended them to anyone and everyone who's interested in getting their dog towards a better place, behaviorally. Lastly, it's been amazing to feel what her being trained has does for me, mentally. With everything else one has to deal with in their day-to-day life, having a happy, calm, well-behaved and confident dog-companion has been overwhelmingly positive. A+ from me. Highly recommended.

They state that they get back to you in 24 hours.. but both mine and my wife's form submission on…read moretheir website (which states that is the fastest response) have gone unanswered for the last 3 - 4 days. Very disappointed that they didn't even have the courtesy to call or reply.

If you have a special needs dog, there is not another daycare on the Southside like it. I have a…read morevery anxious dog. They go through a meet and greet process every single time he comes. No other day care in the area (we have been to most) cares about the special need dogs. The just deem your dog non compat (because they don't have the training, supplies, or staffing) and send you away. If you want the best, you want this location Dogtopia! A Quality, caring staff for your precious fur babies.

Pit bulls are allowed at these facilities, are not kept separate from other animals, and one…read moreattacked and injured my much smaller dog. Staff at first claimed my dog mounted the pit bull, which I have never seen him do to any dog or anything, then later corrected themselves and said he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time... at pick up they started telling me "when this usually happens..." indicating it's a repeated occurrence at this facility. Absolutely unacceptable.

Julia was absolutely incredible with our hyper anxious dog. I can't recommend her and her partner…read moreenough! We did 3 sessions with them and it made a huge difference in our doodle.

Dawg Boss is extremely knowledgeable in what they do. They can train any type of dog and really…read morelove what they do. Your dog is safe with them and exceptionally cared for. They have helped me many times with my dogs and I know if I have a question I can always turn to them. Definitely recommend!!!

So glad I called Zach to help me establish a solid relationship with my cane corso/pit bull mix…read more Zach was beyond helpful during our month together, and my dog quickly became his biggest fan. We did training sessions at the park, the dog park and the farmers market together to work on training in real world scenarios. Since working with Zach I'm much more confident in my role as my dog's owner and I'm more confident in handling different situations that come up. As promised, Zach has remained available as questions have come up since our month wrapped up, and it feels great to know that I have an expert in my corner as Bodhi grows and continues to change. The things Bodhi and I learned from Zach continues to help us today and I know they will help for many years to come! I continue to teach Bodhi new things using techniques that Zach taught me. I highly recommend Zach for a training approach customized to your family and your dog, rather than some cookie cutter approach from a bigger company.

Zach is exactly what we were looking for! Most trainers were pushing board & train and/or using…read moree-collars, and we'd just adopted a 3-month-old puppy. We're not using an e-collar on a puppy and honestly, we didn't need her disciplined. We needed to establish a relationship and be given proper communication skills. Enter Zach! He gave us this and more! He has given us skills that we will carry with us all our lives and has transformed our relationship with our puppy. We will forever be grateful to him.

Wyatt is terrific and the positive reinforcement training is top notch. We got a rescue dog that…read morehad a few issues and Wyatt is working with us - retraining both the dog and the people - for a better life. Really appreciate the great information he imparts and the calm, effective training he's doing with me and the dog. We've already seen improvement after only a few sessions. He explains that our job is to get the dog to "want to do what you want them to do." We accomplish this through lots of love and positive reinforcement. Kuddos Wyatt!

Thank you Wyatt for helping us with our 4 legged big baby. At 125 pounds, it's so important that…read moreour girl is socialized, obedient, and a good canine citizen. You're training for our pup as well as our family has been invaluable.