Fido Fidelis has truly made me a better person and a better dog owner--this review is long overdue. It's a long one, but worth the read. We started working with Fido Fidelis in 2022, and Pete has been training our dogs for nearly four years. His specialty is working with "challenging" dogs--those who are human-reactive, dog-reactive, struggle with separation anxiety, and more. Simply put, he is the best in the business. Pete is fantastic with puppy training and general behavior work. He helped train our blue heeler/schnauzer mix puppy in just two weeks and played a crucial role in helping our high-energy pup successfully integrate into our family. But his impact didn't stop there. Our older dog, Rio (a pit mix), had a difficult past--she was attacked as a puppy by a resource-guarding dog at a dog park, which made her reactive around other dogs. For over a year, we worked with Pete to help her tolerate others, knowing she didn't need to love every dog, but needed to coexist peacefully. When we decided to rescue our second dog, Bailey, in June 2023, Pete was our very first call. He not only refreshed Rio's foundational training but thoughtfully used that process--alongside Bailey's training--to help Rio understand that Bailey was a friend, not a threat. Within weeks, the two became inseparable. They now play, cuddle, and genuinely enjoy each other's company--something we once weren't sure was possible. Even more impressive, Rio has begun forming positive relationships with other dogs. With Pete's guidance, we've taken things slowly and intentionally, and she's now comfortable with select dogs. We've even started fostering, which would have been unimaginable before working with him. So how does Pete do it? His approach is incredibly well-rounded. He doesn't just train dogs--he trains owners. He uses a balanced, thoughtful methodology (including the four quadrants of training), tailoring his approach to each individual dog and household. There's no one-size-fits-all solution here--Pete meets you and your dog exactly where you are. We've been through a lot with our dogs, and honestly, I don't know where we'd be without Pete. If I could give Fido Fidelis 100 stars, I would. After four years of working together, I recommend him to everyone I meet without hesitation. read more

I've spent the last few weeks contemplating writing this review but I feel I need to in order to be honest with other dog owners about my poor experience. First, let me preface by saying the owner took full responsibility for this horrible employee and refunded me. He also did not treat my dog poorly, but did fail to review the videos before the awful employee uploaded them to my pets report card. I dropped my dog off for board in train based on all the reviews. The place was a bit beat up in side but I gave it the benefit of the doubt considering it's a dog facility. When I arrived, Peter the owner shared all the details about training. He was also quick to advise what he did or didn't agree with (dog parks, way to feed dogs, etc). But again fine, as this is his area of expertise, training dogs. So I left and went about my way, excited for my dog to be trained and confident. Well that didn't happen unfortunately as we picked her up a week early. On day six, 2 extremely disturbing videos were loaded to my account. This incompetent employee was calling the other dog in training really vulgar words, told her to shut the f up, and at the end of the other video said she "hates these fkn dogs" to my dog and the other one. It was really disgusting to watch as my dog and the other dog Mazie seemed terrified of her too. Once I saw this, I immediately called Peter to get my dog out of there. What happened was really unfortunate and again, not Peter, but he's reliable and responsible for his employees. I was out of town, had to arrange an early pickup for my dog, and at the end of it all my dogs not trained. It was a waste of time and I'm really disappointed this happened. I'm not here to bash a small business, but this was really negligent and I believe others need to know the negative experience we encountered and how this ultimately was an incredible inconvenience and much added stress. I really hope this monster of an employee didn't harm my dog behind the camera. That's what keeps me restless and the reason I was uncomfortable keeping quiet. I hope Peter assesses and evaluates his employees thoroughly moving forward. I believe his best interest is there, and he does train dogs well, but the entire team needs to be evaluated and closely monitored. read more

We adopted our Rottweiler Hank from a rescue. In his previous living situation he was in a crate for 8-10 hours a day only to be let out for walks. He was sent to a different board and train facility a few times to correct bad behavior but unfortunately when he got home there was no follow through. After a few months he was surrendered and we took over ownership. Having had Boxers previously and knowing a Rottie's personality we knew what we were getting into as Boxers and Rotties have similar stubborn personalities with a size and power difference. After a few days in our home Hank started to become a product of his previous living environment. He was jumping, nipping, herding and creating situations that were not yet aggressive but potentially could be as he is 102 pounds. He started to become reactive on walks to trucks, busses and other dogs. We decided we needed help. He was previously trained on an E-Collar and a prong collar. I researched on the E-Collar website who uses this and Fido Fidelis came up with great reviews. We got on a call with Kayla where she spent an hour on the phone discussing Hank's issues and what we were looking for. We ultimately decided a 3 week board and train was going to be what Hank needed. Upon drop off Peter and his team met us and went over exactly what was going to be done and expected of Hank. To say I was nervous would be an understatement. I was dropping my dog off for 3 weeks not knowing. During the 3 weeks we received videos almost every day and progress reports twice a week. If I had a question I emailed and received a phone call back almost immediately explaining in depth what they were doing and why they were doing it. There was complete transparency between them and us. After the 3 weeks, myself, husband and my daughter went in for a 90 minute go home training. We were trained on what Hank was trained on. How to use the commands at a very specific time, how to use the Ecollar, prong collar and leash handling on walks. We were told what to do in Hank's more reactive situations and to understand that he is not going to to be 100% perfect and he will try to test to see if he can get away with things so his commands and collar were of the utmost importance or else we would end up back where we started when we first brought him home. Peter came to our house a week later to make sure everything was going well. We went in the backyard and worked on Hank's boundaries and went for an hour long walk. Peter helped us with making sure we were correcting Hank and when to use the E-Collar at specific moments in order to correct Hanks behavior. Peter coming to the house made us feel even more confident in our walks, backyard and house. Hank is living his best and most healthy and safe life. He has acclimated back into our house beautifully, plays in the backyard and goes for walks daily. There is no more biting, nipping, stealing and counter surfing. We are doing things with him we never thought possible like walking into town, going for hikes, sitting at cafes, going to softball games and meeting people in the outside world. We are able to walk past busses, trucks and bikes with ease. He can respectfully walk past other dogs. We can now go for calm car rides. Being in the vet's office is a pleasure especially when the office loves on him and calls him the best Rottweiler they have ever met. Hank going to Fido Fidelis was the best and most responsible thing to do as an owner. If you have even the slightest bit of hesitation on whether or not to send your dog here..don't. He has come back a completely different dog who respects us, his home and the world outside. We have also put in the work we were taught and continue to do so on a daily basis. It is a pleasure to have him inside our home and outside of it. He has finally become the dog that he is supposed to be. read more

Pete and his team are absolutely incredible, i brought my 1 year old pit bull/husky mix milo here and he came back a new dog. when i first dropped him off he was all over the place on walks and in the house, pete and his team taught my dog great obedience and how to nicely walk without pulling, i received videos every other day and updates, thank you guys for training milo into being a great dog, wouldn't choose a different place to train my dog again thank you pete and his awesome team. read more

Fido Fidelis Dog Training - Pet Training Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

It's been a little over a year after my experience here, and I'm ready to talk about it After recently hearing (and seeing video evidence) of another incident, I want to share my experience, too. I signed up my then 2-year-old pomchi for lessons, I specifically had saved up my money for this. I put down a deposit and took her to her first session. I must preface, I have always been against prong collars & e-collars. Our session was with the owner (Peter), he went over a bunch of stuff and I listened to everything carefully, not agreeing with everything but open to listening. When he brought out the prong and e collar, my heart dropped. This was against what I believed, but against my better judgment and encouragement from Peter,I reluctantly agreed to use the prong collar. My poor girl was shaking the whole time. During the session, Peter would take moments to stop and yell at the other dogs there that were crated and whimpering or crying. He did this several times. When I left the session, it was with a heavy heart. I wasn't happy and just wanted to take my girl home. Peter told me she should be wearing her prong collar 24/7 except when she was in a crate. I did not agree with this and could only see this as a scare tactic, and I don't think that's how training should be. A few days later, I picked up the collar to grab something else, and my girl ran to her bed, shaking and peed in her bed. She is fully trained, so this was out the norm. I immediately realized what made her do that, and I was done! I text Peter and told him we would not be returning. He gaslight me and said I was using it inconsistently and improperly. No sir. I returned the collar at his request, gladly! He ended up keeping my deposit and a partial payment. I worked hard for that money and only went to 1 session. Fine, keep it. Nothing is worth my girls happiness, and I am ashamed I even put her through that. Recently, videos have surfaced of one of their trainers yelling profanity at one of the board and train dogs there. Saying to shut the F up, and saying I hate these F dogs. Not sure if they have been fired. I just want to warn others of what's going on here, maybe you don't know because you do board and train but yelling at dogs, using these types of collars to basically scare them to do as you like is not right!! read more

Makayla from Fido Fidelis is the best. She knows how to handle difficult dogs and is not afraid. She is hands down the best trainer I have found for dogs who have been damaged by society. read more

Chico, our three year old Rottweiler, had gone to Off-the-leash training at around 1 years old (our first mistake). As he grew older, he was becoming more and more leash aggressive, stubborn, wouldn't listen and was becoming difficult to manage. We found Fido Fidelis and based our decision on continuing with them after our initial meeting with Peter. Who had Chico standing at attention and listening to him within the first 10 minutes of their interaction. We sent Chico to stay with the Fido Fidelis team for a four week board and train. My only stress was delays in response, but after getting our Chico back, and seeing the results I am able to completely overlook that. Peter even had Chico and the dog of our best friend (another dog he has been training) meet in his presence so they could learn to be around each other and make sure everything went smoothly. And it did! Fido Fidelis will also do separate follow ups as needed to check in on your pup. Our results: Chico is obedient, calm, and walks on the leash without frustration. Are there times he gets excited? Sure, but he's a dog. He's allowed to. But he has become manageable and we get compliments on how good a dog he is all the time. He comes to the gym with me, where there are a lot of loud noises and people running around. He happily sits on his bed and watches or chews on a bone. Something he would have never done in the past. LET THEM DO WHAT THEY KNOW HOW TO DO! Not only do the dogs need training, but so do we as owners. Be open to their work and watch your dog be transformed. THANK YOU to Peter and Donna for getting our big, happy boy into shape. I definitely recommend Fido Fidelis. We are so grateful. read more

Fido Fidelis Dog Training - One happy Fido Fidelis pup! - Pet Training Near Me - Rutherford, New Jersey

We brought our 1 year old Doberman for training and we are very satisfied with the results. All the staff were very nice and informative. We recommend them if you don't feel comfortable training ourself. read more

Update: 1.5 + years of well behaved relaxed pits! Pete from Fido Fidelis was the best thing that happened to our house...6 months after adopting our 3rd pit, emergency vet visits, bites, drains and lots of stress we had a choice, give up our new 1yr old baby or find help...I found Fido Fidelis and after committing to doing the work as Pete clearly explained we would have to do...we turned our situation completely around. If your dealing with aggression, put your trust in Fido Fidelis, listen and do everything they say, even when some of the training is challenging (on many levels)...it's worth it! read more

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Phenomenal trainer. My wife and I bought a Doberman puppy and knew she would get big and difficult to control. We wanted to get her trained early before learning any bad behaviors. We found Fido Fidelis online and thank goodness. After only about 8 sessions she is unbelievably obedient. At 6 months old we have already been hiking off leash without any issues. The best part about this company is even after your pets training has finished if any obedience issues should arise in the future Peter the trainer will come back to help get rid of the bad behavior. We will be working with them again that is for sure. Thank you guys!!! read more

Donna is not only a highly competent dog trainer, but she also utilizes great compassion and empathy for the dogs and their people! She is a wonderful people person AND dog person. While she trains in New Jersey, she and I had the opportunity to work together with some rescue dogs. Her patience, persistence and consistency was great and I saw massive changes in the dogs just within a few minutes of work. Meadowlands Dog Training = Highly recommended! read more

I brought in a very sweet but stubborn 1 year old Havanese named Pudding who not only ran me ragged but ruled the house and the office. After just five sessions we both learned what is expected of each of us and how to reinforce proper behavior. My husband and I then drove to Florida with a puppy who knows what "no" means, comes when called, walks on a "heel" command, obeys "sit" "down" and "place." I was afraid it would be traumatic for both of us stopping at rest stops along the busy inter-state highways, but I was in charge and Pudding knew it. We had one last session before our trip setting boundaries so Pudding would not dart out the door whenever it was opened (one of his less endearing behaviors). As we left the following day, I was not able to reinforce the behavior but when we settled in Florida Pudding remembered the rule and after 2 weeks has not crossed the threshold without permission. Peter and Kayla are great to work with, knowledgeable, understanding and supportive. read more

All I can say is thank goodness for Donna! She was the 3rd trainer I've been through for my little doxie/mix Tobi. Tobi had problems with barking at male family members/visitors, chewing anything he saw fit and as small as he is he would drag us down the street when we walked. Donna was extremely patient with us; while we ourselves as people were trained to help understand Tobi. She provided us with so many tools (and not hot sauce, bitter spray or shock collars!) to help our pup be the best dog he could be. We no longer worry about coming home to anything torn to shreds by our little man and he walks like a dream now! Even after our contracted time was up with Donna she honored her promise ( and called me back and helped me with Tobi when we had an additional issue come up). When we had a nephew visit and Tobi didn't take too much of a liking to him (with Donna's additional help, my nephew and Tobi were snuggling together on the couch :D )! Needless to say Meadowlands Dog Training was my answer after 2 very unsuccessful attempts at training our pooch. Now we and Tobi are as happy as we can be and we've got to thank Donna for that! read more

Cannot say enough good things about Peter, Donna, Kayla and the whole team at Fido Fidelis. We got our german shepherd, Lady Bear, at 2 years old from a family member that wasn't able to care for her any longer. She had no training up until that point and was a real handful and stubborn as anything. We sent her to a board and train at a facility that will not be mentioned and had very disappointing results - ended up with a family member bitten and a very high anxiety pup who wasn't able to enjoy basic things such as going for walks. After struggling for months we decided to bite the bullet and try again and after a lot of research and a long, helpful conversation with Donna, we gave Fido Fidelis a try and could not be happier that we did. Peter and his team have taken her anxiety levels way down (even taken off of anxiety meds) and most importantly, gave US the tools we need to keep Lady safe and happy. We are now able to invite guests to our house with confidence that both Lady and our guests will be safe and comfortable, she is loving (for the most part) going for walks again and she lives in a much calmer and happier state of mind. Peter is always available to answer our questions and gives us the tough love we need when we get off course. AND we now have a place that we can board Lady and know she will be safe, comfortable and well cared for. read more

We have a 1+ year old French bulldog named Libby who has always been very stubborn, we raised her from a puppy and never had any luck getting her to listen. She would bark for attention, jump all over people, rush the door, and just refuse to behave. After talking to a few trainers around north/central Jersey we decided on Fido Fidelis, and we're so glad we did. From the very first time they came over to meet us & Libby it was obvious they really care about what they're doing, and that care shows in their work. We gave them a barking, pushy, bratty, stubborn dog and got back a dog that was well-behaved, calmer, and willing to listen to us. We still need to work with her on what she was taught, but her change in behavior is very obvious to anyone who's been around her lately and we've received several praising comments about her drastic change. Fido will also continue to work with you after the board & train has completed, whether it's 2 days, months, or years later they are there to assist with any issue that may come up. We got our Libby back about two weeks ago and her behavior still isn't perfect, we will need to continue to work with her to reinforce what she learned with Peter and Donna, but we are truly amazed with what they were able to accomplish in the two short weeks they had her. It was worth every dollar we spent and if you're on the fence about doing something like this for your dog, don't be. Give them a call now and let them help you. read more

I did not find Donna or her services to be helpful. She was rude as well. I would not recommend her and her company to anyone.

We recently moved to NJ from NYC. Our Bernese Mountain Dog, Bruno, had high anxiety about the move and his new surroundings. Even though he was scared of his own shadow, he barked at everyone and destroyed our new home when left alone. We had already invested hundreds of wasted dollars on dog trainers who only added to Bruno's anxiety and intimidated me and my husband, so we were skeptical about starting again. We did our research and found Donna and Meadowlands Dog Training. My husband has Parkinson's Disease and needed TLC when being instructed. We knew Bruno needed TLC too, and Donna delivered beyond our expectations. Bruno sensed he could trust Donna instantly. Sure he barked a bit, but in no time he was literally eating out of her hand. He trusted her and so did we. Donna spoke so gently to my husband, not condescending like other trainers we have had. My husband soon became confident in his ability to carry out the commands he needed to give Bruno. With Donna's patience and instruction, Bruno is doing phenomenal!! I can't thank Donna enough for all that she had done for us. We needed help and not only did she supply it to our dog, but to both of us. Donna gave us the tools we needed to succeed. Donna T. read more

Donna is the best! She has been a trainer for my black lab and he boards with her when we go on vacation. She is an excellent trainer - she is firm but loving. He just loves staying with her. She is so loving with the dogs, but at the same time facilitates good behavior. My pup is never as well-behaved as when he is with Donna! I highly recommend her. read more

Beware of Fido Fidelis Dog Training. I was recommended to send my puppy there in order to be trained. I expected top quality care, a lot of attention paid to my dog, and noticeable results. However, this seems to be the opposite of what occurred. After my six week old puppy there for two weeks, which was three days longer than I had been promised, I came to the house about half an hour earlier than I was expected. The owners verbalized their discontent at my early arrival. When I entered the home, I discovered my puppy to be sitting in a tiny crate in the corner of a living room with a blanket covering him next to a few other dogs in the same position. When I asked why there was a blanket covering him, I was told that it was cold last night, but at this point it was 3 in the afternoon. Once we brought our puppy home, he was significantly more aggressive than he was when he was sent there, he peed all over the house several times, and he followed none of the commands we were promised he would be taught. When I reached out to them, they had already been paid in full and did not answer my calls. Ultimately, the entire experience was a huge waste of time and money. I was also worried that my puppy was neglected under their care. If you love your dog, this is not the place to send him/her. read more

Donna from Meadowlands Dog Training is amazing. She worked hard with my mom, the dog and myself. The dog is a 1 1/2 year old golden doodle with a mind of her own. But with Donna working with us, the dog is calmed down and Mom and the dog are best buddies. Kudos to Donna. read more

Pete and Donna from Meadowlands saved my dog! They are terrific! I adopted Milo, a Shepherd mix and then found he was very aggressive. He would chase cars, lunge at people and even bite. After a few agonizing months and almost giving him away, I finally found Pete and Donna. They came to my home and worked with me step by step on simple but consistent commands and techniques. I followed Pete's program to the letter and in 2 weeks, I had a completely different dog! Pete was very supportive, patient and knowledgable about training. This program allowed me to become pack leader and gave Milo a chance to be a secure member of our pack! Thank you Meadowlands for changing our lives! read more

I have two boston terriers. One who is ten the other twelve. My twelve year old is blind, deaf, and a tripawd! My dogs were very rabid when it came to other dogs. I never wanted to spend the money on a trainer because I never really thought it would work. I thought my dogs were pretty well behaved with the exception of meeting other dogs. Then one day my son rescued a beautiful puppy. I knew we had to do something as I wanted my sons doggie around! I called around, Donna responded and we had her over to meet my Jerry and Francis. When she came for the first time, I was still unsure. But before we even agreed to use Donna, she already had my Jerry sitting and behaving! She made me feel comfortable! The price was reasonable and although we technically are done with our"contract". She checks up on my boys often. What she changed for us is our behavior, which still allows me to be a silly mom... And the dogs are now no longer the alfas!! Me and my husband are! They are not necessarily friends with my grand doggie, but they are definitely tolerant of him! They can be in the same room together! My neighbors are in awe when they see me walking my two! They can't believe that jerry can now walk without the leash! I never ever thought that would happen! It's still a work in progress, but I know if I need any guidance or accolades, Donna is just a phone call away!!! read more