I have been bringing my dog here for six years and I love it. All the trainers here are incredible. They provide a fun, safe, environment for dogs to learn without overwhelming or scaring them at any step along the way. They are all about training in a way that is fun for you and your dog. Dogs are individuals, just like us, and respond to different kinds of praise differently. They understand dog language and don't push dogs into things they aren't ready for yet. They understand reactive dogs and, no matter the class, will give a reactive dog small opportunities to make good choices - with lots of rewards and praise. They also are always available to offer advice and suggestions for not just what you're working on in class, but behavioral issues you're dealing with at home. When I've been at the end of my rope, they always nod and smile and politely explain a better way to accomplish my training goal. They have shared their copies of dog training books with me which were enlightening. I now understand dogs and their language better than most people I know (outside of their classes). They have been an incredible asset towards my dog and me enjoying as much of each other as possible during our short time together, and I will never be able to express my full gratitude for them. Miracle workers, for sure. read more

We took our 2 year old rescue dog Tucker to Good Dog Rising. Tucker is a border collie and INCREDIBLY smart. We learned pretty quickly that GDR isn't necessarily to train the dogs. It's to train the humans. You as the owner have to know how your dog thinks. And the wonderful instructors at GDR did just that. We were doing some things wrong with Tucker, one was giving him a treat to get him to stop barking at people at the door. It worked to get him to stop barking. But he still barked. It was because of the training from GDR that we realized we had to treat him BEFORE he barked. Because we were currently reinforcing that bark = treat. It had nothing to do with the people. We also learned that the only way to tire out a border collie is to work his brain. I highly recommend this place for basic instruction for your puppy, young dog, OR old dog. And instruction for you too! read more

I love Good Dog Rising! Their trainers are very knowledgeable and patient, and even in group classes they are able to individualize the curriculum based on your dog's strengths and weaknesses. They keep up to date on the latest positive training techniques, and every single one of them is passionate about what they do. I wish I had known about GDR six years ago when I took my first dog to obedience class -- our experience this past spring was absolutely wonderful and I would recommend them to any dog owner. Classes are at convenient times, and honestly GDR's only downfall is that their classes are in such high demand (because they're THAT good), that you might have to wait a couple of months for an opening. They also support local animal rescue by offering free training classes to animals in foster care and sponsor rescue fundraisers. read more

Good Dog Rising is true to its motto: Enjoy your dog more! We first brought Maddie to Good Dog Rising as a puppy because we wanted to give her the best start in life to be a happy, well-balanced, well-behaved dog. We got that at GDR and so much more! Today, our miniature schnauzer Maddie is 7 years old and still going strong at GDR! She has found her niche in scentwork, but we've taken many other classes and they are all great. GDR uses only positive reinforcement training techniques and focuses a lot on giving dog owners the training THEY need to understand what their dog's behavior is telling them. GDR is Maddie's home away from home. The trainers are knowledgable and the environment is supportive and fun. We cannot imagine training anywhere else! read more

I started my black lab with GDR as a puppy and enrolled her in 5 classes in her first two years. Puppy, manners, scent, agility, tricks. All of the staff are great: they got to know Judo and I and have given me a lot of personalized attention. The best thing I've learned from GDR is how to look for brief, even accidental, good behaviors from my dog and reward those. This has worked wonders! She used to nip at my knee for attention: very annoying. Now she lays her head there instead: very endearing. Practicing GDR techniques made that change, pretty quickly. Much of what they model in class (with their dogs) seems too good to be true (for mine) but practice at home what they teach and your dog and your household will be happier! read more

I am so lucky I found GDR for my rescue pup Raven. She was feral (born/raised in the wild) and her breed (Carolina dog) is naturally skeptical towards people. With some hard work and the help of the amazing trainers, Raven has bloomed into a more trusting, happy pet! The classes have helped build the foundation and we were able to bring it home and incorporate the lessons into daily life. The instructors were incredibly patient and helped me learn to be patient as Raven moved at a comfortable pace for her. Raven always got excited as we got to class and it was nice seeing that, although it was outside her comfort zone, the setting was still inviting and patient enough that she enjoyed her time there. Definitely recommend! read more

I knew this was the right place for me when I observed a class and saw how supportive they were of the dogs and their humans. Since that first experience over two years ago, I've taken multiple classes at Good Dog Rising with our dogs. Both of our dogs are easily stressed out - one is sensitive to people and other dogs and our other dog has space issues with people and has few warning signs. Every class, the trainers worked with us so that we as the humans were comfortable and supported and they helped us to best support our dogs. I appreciate that all the trainers I've had in class worked with us so that we, humans and dogs, could be successful. read more

The trainers at Good Dog Rising have helped me turn my terrified young doggo into a rock star dog that I can take to any event with confidence that he will sit, stay and focus or relax, whatever the situation requires. He enjoys life so much more because he has the confidence in himself, has built a trust relationship with me, and knows what is expected of him. The classes are fun for both of us! I'm a repeat customer at GDR for over two years and recommend them to anyone who asks. I'll be taking my second dog there starting next month. I can't wait to see my crazy hound grow with the same trust and confidence! read more

I have taken several of my puppies to classes at GDR. The new facility is amazing and the instructors we have had for puppy classes have been amazing. It's rare to find people who will tell you when your dog isn't happy with your actions and make suggestions on how to make your training more effective. It is appreciated more than they know. I am looking forward to taking my new puppy to GDR and another of my older ones for basic manners. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable, and continue to educate themselves. read more

Good dog rising is a great dog training facility. I have taken my own dogs there for many classes including obedience improv, canine freestyle, basic manners and nosework. All of the dog trainers are amazing and great to work with. They are really concerned with helping you and the dog form a better relationship together as well as helping the dogs behavior in whatever way is needed. I have known Ann and most of the other trainers for many years and would recommend only Good Dog Rising As the place to go!!! read more

We have done a little bit of everything at GDR - from private instruction to Reactive Dog to basic manners, nosework, and more. We even did Dogs and Storks with Ann while we were preparing for our first baby. The instructors at GDR are extremely knowledgeable and experienced. Classes are always well organized and the instructors' passion shines. They truly live up to their motto: "Enjoy your dog more." read more

We have been taking our German Shepherd Jericho to Good Dog rising since he was a puppy. He has attended basic manners and has been attending agility class for several years. The staff and instructors are polite and professional. They are extremely friendly and love all of the dogs that attend their classes. I have recommended Good Dog Rising to many friends and co-workers and will continue to do so. read more

GDR is an amazing training facility. They really helped with our foster dog Quake through Furry Friends Network. As well as help us to handle an alpha dog. We were impressed how quickly Quake picked up on the lessons. We recommend any one taking these classes to get more comfortable with their dog and have forever lesson to use in the future. Thanks for everything Laura and Corey read more

My dogs have taken numerous classes from puppy, basic, advanced to different dog sport classes. The instructors are knowledgeable, patient, and fun. They have helped me be a better trainer/owner/handler and improve the bond I have with my dogs. All methods are positive reinforcement-based but it's not a one size fits all approach. My dogs love going here. Highly recommend! read more

I took my granddog, a lab/pit mix for basic manners and to help him get over his fear of unfamiliar dogs. The staff were very knowledgable and the classes helped a lot. Of course you've gotta follow through with practice and socialization. I enjoy their Facebook posts about the "graduating" dogs and the thoughtful articles about positive training. read more

I recommend them all the time! We have done 3 classes through them now with all different instructors and they all are fantastic to work with! Dog training is my favorite day of the week. I've signed up for agility and we have done basic manners, advanced manners, and intro to sports. read more

Knowledgeable and kind staff in a nice clean facility. I highly recommend God Dog Rising to anyone looking for a training facility that utilizes "fear free" methods and positive reinforcement vs prong collars, shock collars, and negative training methods. Your dog will thank you! read more

I absolutely love this company and the services they provide. They helped my barky dog learn how to calm down and helped me be a better dog mom! I especially loved working with Janelle and Carlene. I can't recommend Good Dog Rising enough!! read more

Great place. The trainers really know what they are doing and truly love dogs. They are invested and take the time to talk to you after class about your needs or concerns. I highly recommend them for your dog's training! read more