We've had a great experience with Houston DogWorks! Josh and Kennedy are fantastic to work with--knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely invested in both the dogs and their owners. They prepared us extremely well for the CGC test, which we passed with confidence. Training sessions are positive, well-structured, and effective. Highly recommend! read more

Best in the business! They don't just train your dog, they give you the tools to allow you to train your dog. The freedom provided by the training concepts is profound. While it does require commitment to the training concepts and the homework expected, do your and your dog justice by setting the dog up for success in all aspects of life. It's beyond enjoyable to be able to take your dog out in public and not worry about how they will react to all the environmental distractions or encounters with other dogs and humans. Can't recommend Josh and his team at Houston DogWorks enough! read more

Best dog training in Houston! Josh and the team have helped us train two independent dogs that we can trust in any situation.

Houston DogWorks continues to be the best place for my dog. He is safe and happy in their care. The progression in his socialization is evident by many family and friends, and it is due to their structured programs. read more

Houston DogWorks - Pet Training Near Me - Houston, Texas

Update: If you leave a bad review for Josh, be ready for him to repost it and call his friends to comment and leave reviews after yours (which is in his right just get ready.) You'll see in one of the comments they talk about suing me. Josh states I've been warned. The only thing that I have is after sending him the pictures attached to this review and asking what happened, he said I was harassing him. It's great that Josh has so many friends that believe in him. I'm sure he's a great dog trainer. I never said he wasn't. And I'm glad that his friends support him. He and I didn't click. I thought as long as he was a good trainer, that wouldn't matter. But it does. Below are my thoughts. I wrote what I thought was a fact based review. You can agree or disagree. Make your own conclusions. If you agree with me, then we all just save Josh some time so he doesn't have to deal with people like me anymore. If you agree with him, than you're one step closer in a solution for your dog and I'm happy about that. Josh didn't ask for any vet paperwork. My dog is current but there is no way for him to know that. I hope Josh proves me wrong... my consult included a 20 mins speech about his neighbor who left a bad review. And I'm sure now I'll be part of that speech. That's okay. Use it. Ask the questions I failed to ask. That's why reviews exist. https://www.facebook.com/HoustonDogWorks/posts/1616356398827849 _____ Took my dog for a 6 week board and train, a $5,000 program. There was no communication from the facility for 9 days. On day 9, I finally received my first update (after my 3rd text throughout 9 days). I was told my dog was "...explosive from the crate about dogs moving around in the same room...". I brought my dog in for training because he's reactive to other dogs. During my initial meeting, Josh said my dog would not get put in any situations he couldn't handle. He talks about this on his social media accounts as well. Yet after 24 hours, my dog was in a situation described by the trainer as Explosive. I immediately called to find out why my dog was put in a situation that could make him "explosive". I wanted to know what science was being used, what the rest of the training looked like so he wasn't put in a situation like this again and more specific information on what I would be doing when I get my dog back. Science: Josh rattled off something but I couldn't understand what he said so I still don't know what science he's using. Homework after board and train: Besides crate training, not allowing on furniture and keeping a tether on him at all times, that's all that was explained. I was told it wouldn't make sense until I picked up my dog. What doesn't make sense is how dog training is so secretive. I was trying to be proactive and learn during the 6 weeks my dog was going to be away and was told there was no possible way I would understand without Josh showing me after 6 weeks. Explosive: No explanation was given as to how they would avoid putting him in a situation that could make him explosive again. I pushed for answers and instead of getting anything additional, Josh just said he wasn't going to train my dog and I needed to pick him up. This entire conversation happened in 16 mins and 40 secs, and that includes making arrangements to pick up dog. When you're paying $5k, you get a message that your dog was explosive, 17 minutes doesn't seem unreasonable to try to get some answers. So just know that at any point during this training, if Josh doesn't agree with you, even in a situation he created, he'll just cancel you. My friend was able to pick up my dog the same day. Josh did provide a 100% refund. As soon as my dog got to my friend's house (just 10 mins from the facility) he was so thirsty he gulped down an entire bowl of water. I was on the phone with my friend and could hear him drinking vigorously. In addition, my dog has several wounds. When I sent the photos to Josh. He said my dog didn't have any wounds on him when he left and it must have happened at my friend's house. When I said the wounds were already scabbing over he then said that the wounds must have been there before the training. I'm not sure how it can be both of those answers. He says when he washed my dog there were no wounds but then somehow some of the wounds are from before my dog arrived? If you do decide to use Josh for board and train, I would take extensive photos and videos of your dog right before you go, and inspect him at the facility when you pick him up. read more

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Amazing trainer for dogs and people alike. Extremely knowledgeable people who do nothing but set people and dogs up to succeed. They will give you all the information you need to succeed in anything. They teach the foundations you need from pet dog to sport dog. read more

Fantastic training business. Worth every penny and the owner is a wealth of knowledge

Josh is one of the top dog trainers in the country (and I have met dozens of them). He offers real results for obedient dogs both on and off leash in a no nonsense approach. I met Josh when I wanted help with my reactive rescue husky. Instead of offering a "quick fix", he offers long term solutions which teach you how to train your dog...Josh has helped give me the tools and coached me how to train my dogs to be both well behaved in the house, polite around other dogs, a pleasure to walk on a leash and off leash reliance. More importantly, he has taught me how to train and teach my dogs on my own when I need them to do something new. Definitely more of the "If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime" approach. I think where a lot of people seeking dog training go wrong is they want the fish for the day. They don't want to learn how to fish because that requires a lot of time and effort to get results. They get upset with the results they didn't get for the work they didn't put in and then blame the trainer. Josh has made his knowledge and coaching available to me whenever I've asked. We now compete in dog obedience because of how much I enjoy training my dogs. read more

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I could not be more happy with my experience at Houston DogWorks. We have a very high energy Brittany and while I thought I was prepared, I was not. At all. By seven months old, Ziggy had the run of the house and my husband and I were exhausted. We tried e-collar training (don't go to that place if they come up in your research) with zero results, which left me even more frustrated than before. No kidding, I was walking five miles a day, doing the dog park and STILL had the most hyper dog ever. Enter Houston DogWorks. Josh, Kennedy and the whole team really focus on education not just control. There is a process and if you do your work with your dog, it is REMARKABLE. They also explain the WHY behind things, which I love. I feel like I now have an actual relationship with Ziggy, and my husband and I aren't going on 50 walks a day. Ziggy understands expectations and I'm finally comfortable taking him places. He makes real eye contact while waiting for commands and isn't just begging for treats. We loved the learning process so much and have stuck with it. I wish I could give a million stars. Seriously. The team at Houston DogWorks will change the way you think about dog training. The way they train (you and your dog) is set up in a way that is absolutely best for your dog to live the most fulfilled life. Fun fact. What your dog needs is time with you that stimulates their brain and makes them think. I'm not talking about puzzle toys. I'm taking about training together WITH your dog. Not just a long boring walk. read more

My wife and I got our first dog together and wanted to make sure he had some basic level of obedience. We wanted to make sure he can go out with us in public and not be a problem. Well Houston Dog Works delivered. Josh is an excellent teacher and dog trainer. The training has really helped with the bond between owner and dog. The results have been excellent and we highly recommend! We can't wait to get him off-leash trained!! read more

We have a 80lb AmStaff, Lab & Husky mix, Venchi. For 2 years, he dragged me on our walks and we were always on his agenda. We have done other "trainings" before and were not seeing any results. We reached out to Josh and had a great long chat with him and thought his approach is different than what we have done but we wanted to try based on all the great reviews. Well..long story short, his methods are legit and the positive reviews are true. 10 months later between private and group classes, our relationship with Venchi has changed and grown- he respects and trusts us. He walks right by my side when we go on walks. He doesn't get distracted or startled by other dogs or squirrels. He constantly checks in with us and seeks permission and guidance. I am comfortable with walking him by myself, without the husband. Josh truly has a great understanding of the psychology and behavior of dogs. The result-driven cirriculum does work. Honestly, life-changing. read more

Houston DogWorks - Us & The goodest boy - Pet Training Near Me - Houston, Texas

I was recommended Houston DogWorks by my vet. Took the puppy classes and let me tell you, super worth it! Josh and the team here do an amazing job and don't fluff things up or sugar coat anything. They give realistic and doable training tips. Their approach might not be for everyone, but if you're not overly sensitive, you'll appreciate it. Josh will be the first one to make sure you know his style isn't for everyone. The puppy classes are a BASE to more training later on. They do a great job of setting a base for your puppy to become a successfully trained dog LATER ON. If it wasn't for me and my pup moving back to NY, we would be here for the more behavior focused trainings they offer. Thank you again to josh and everyone at Houston DogWorks! read more

If you want a dog that is happy, balanced, attentive, along with the tools and concepts to maintain and continue, come see Josh and the folks at Houston Dogworks. Honesty, generosity, and professionalism are a big part of the experience. read more

I'm so excited to have the opportunity to work with Josh at his new facility, Houston DogWorks. I drive in from Austin once a week to attend his group class and observe his training. If you're looking for help to train your dog, this is an absolute gem of an opportunity and I cannot recommend it enough. read more

Quick update, was looking for could never find a signed contract, all verbal, except for invoice. As for his diatribe, we understand what is in our control and outside of it. We have a nutritionist and she is understanding that life gets in the way. She also charges us per session and not up front. For those that we have had to pay up front (outside of Houston Dogworks) they follow up and help their clients. To each their own. I do think his training may be good for some, but for those who may not have the time to do dog training straight for two months, then don't use Houston Dogworks. As I have realized from three previous dogs, you don't necessarily need a trainer if you treat the dog as you would your own child. Don't let it do what it wants and be the pack leader. Thanks read more

I have a pit lab rescue that used to spook easily, bark and lunge on leash, and was reactive around people and dogs. It escalated into aggression and biting. I'd attempted positive reinforcement training and taught Crosby basic commands, but he still didn't know how to manage himself on his own and I didn't know how to help him. My family learned of Houston DogWorks and for 2 years, we did board and trains, private lessons, and group classes. Josh and Kennedy are very knowledgeable about the psychology of dog behaviors and break the training down into specific skills that build on each other throughout the lessons. What they do goes much deeper than just eliminating problem behaviors and obeying commands. They help you build a strong relationship with your dog that creates reliability through all kinds of distractions. Josh and Kennedy always encouraged questions and helped problem solve through things that came up along the way. Now, Crosby looks to me for guidance and thinks through decisions where he used to just react. He adapts easily to new environments and is confident and playful in situations that used to terrify him. When in public, many people comment on how well-mannered and tuned into me he is. It took a lot of time and practice, but was well worth it. I'm so glad I found Houston DogWorks and I highly recommend them to any dog owner! read more

We did the puppy training and then the adult dog class. The adult class is $1500+ by itself (all must be paid upfront), doesn't have a set class time or program duration. Josh Wiggins (the owner) makes you sign an acknowledgment listing a bunch of ways they can upcharge you or unilaterally cancel on you while keeping the money (e.g. "at the discretion of Houston Dogworks, services may be terminated for failure to continue and/or apply the training work in the prescribed manner and/or on the prescribed schedule and/or if 21 days has passed between lessons.") The "class" was a series of boilerplate email lessons for you to do on your own, then you have to schedule a time to meet in order to get the next lesson. Because payment is made in full at the beginning, there is no incentive for scheduling to be easy. It took multiple emails to get a response (many times more than 21 days). For example, I sent scheduling email requests on Oct. 1, 11, 20 and Nov. 3 before finally getting an appointment on Nov. 7, 2021 (Josh wasn't even present for this). One time they canceled the meeting same-day so I had to start scheduling all over. Based on some other reviews I've seen, it looks like my experience isn't an isolated one. read more

I purchased Houston Dog Works 6-week board and train program at a VERY HIGH price. During the 6 weeks, my dog spent most of his hours and days in a small individual crate in a room with other dogs. I was told he was trained about 30-45 min. per day. Not having any experience with methods of dog training, I was apprehensive about this method but thought it was common. At the end of 6 weeks, I saw minimal progress in the dog's behavior. Next, I followed up with 8-10 individual sessions in which I learned more about working with the dog. I found these sessions somewhat helpful. My dog continued to make progress as I worked with him at home. Most recently, I joined the group class working towards CGC. I missed the first class and was told I needed to know the expectations and asked the trainer to send them by email. He never did. His mode of communication is poor. There were repeated unanswered texts and emails. After the third 45 min. group class I received a TEXT telling me that I was uninvited to continue in the group because I had "broken the client agreement". I was not told HOW I broke the client agreement,(only that I was rude and disregarded their coaching twice). I was not given an opportunity to discuss HOW I broke the client agreement or hear what exactly I did or didn't do. The news was delivered by text which I consider to be very unprofessional and cowardly. In the TEXT, the trainer also noted, "other students also gave numerous negative comments about me". I attribute this to the trainer's habit of talking about people when they are not present. During classes, both the owner and his staff repeatedly use foul language. They use rude tones of voice" barking" out commands to the handlers. Yelling at the handlers both in and out of the building. More than once I witnessed dogs being corrected by the trainers, twice nearly asphyxiating the dogs on the end of the choke collars. The trainers are regularly telling negative stories of other clients, demeaning both the dogs and the handlers. At this point, I am appreciative that I was "uninvited" and happy to not be returning to this toxic environment. I should have discontinued earlier. People are not treated with any decorum or respect in this organization unless they bow down to the authorities. It seems to be more about "how great the trainer and his staff are" than about actually working with clients to get the best from their dog. Both the owner and the staff trainer need lessons in communicating in an adult-like professional demeanor with their clients. When I was "uninvited" in this amateur manner, it made clear what underlying personal issues the owner/trainer and staff have. I would not recommend this organization. Now I know there is a reputation in the dog training community which is contrary to most of these positive reviews. read more

The team at Houston DogWorks provide clear, concise, and professional dog training instruction that get results! Josh at HDW provided an extremely helpful remote consultation to evaluate our dog and in-home living situation. Since then, we have immediately seen quick progress in our pup's behavior as well as a greatly improved quality of life for the human members of our family. read more

Can't say enough good things about Houston DogWorks! Friendly team, super clean facility and most importantly, top notch dog training. Josh is an extremely knowledgeable and talented trainer. He'll be the first to tell you that success will require commitment, but what's awesome is he strives to make the training process enjoyable for both you AND your dog. Definitely recommend! read more