We have an older Boston Terrier "Bruce" that we always felt was skittish around other dogs; thus we…read morealways found it challenging boarding him solo. After a Rover appointment canceled our Thanksgiving arrangements, we contacted Ruff Ranch in desperation. Ruff Ranch is located off the 154 just before Los Olivos. It's in a beautiful, ranch setting. While we needed to have a free trial stay first, we took half the day off on a Friday, dropped Bruce off and had a nice lunch in Solvang. The facilities are spacious and perfectly clean with zero odor. All the personnel were happy and friendly, as were the dogs. We were skeptical at first when they said they would put Bruce in a group with older, mellower dogs. When we returned, they said he did great and even made some friends. My wife and I were both shocked and pleased. Ruff Ranch was on our way to a Northern California Thanksgiving stay. He boarded for 3 nights and we included the pre-pickup bath. At pickup, he was happy, squeaky clean, nails trimmed with zero issues reported. We are thankful and relieved to have a place to board Bruce in the future with people that really know and love dogs - and it showed in our dog's demeanor at pickup. They also offer obedience training, which I believe is how they can so quickly tailor an optimal setting and experience for your dog, and get them adjusted and safe. Ruff Ranch even offers a shuttle pickup service from SB. We are very relieved that we have a reliable and comfortable boarding solution for our dog in the future; I can't recommend The Ruff Ranch enough.

I would NEVER consider leaving my dog here ever again. I let them know that my dog was allergic to…read morebees, and always gave them Benadryl, just in case. When I picked him up nothing was said to me; however, within an hour I knew something was wrong because of the way he was acting, and he showed the signs of being stung. I took him to an emergency vet, and, as expected, they advised he had an allergic reaction to "something, most likely a bee." He was treated and released the next day. After I took him in, I called Ruff Ranch, and they admittedly said they gave him Benadryl, but again, didn't bother to let me know. Completely negligent operation at Ruff Ranch as our dog could have died had I not been home with him or preoccupied and was not closely monitoring him.

I sit here on my couch after doing my own morning training session with both dogs and I am in…read moretears. I cannot begin to explain the amount of relief from anxiety training my dogs with Ricky has brought me. No amount of therapy could touch how I felt previously. I have learned patience, clear communication (with my dogs), and appreciation of the minds ability to change after years and years of ingrained unwanted behaviors. Ricky does not sell a one size fits all package - each of my dogs are VERY different, and while the fundamental approaches and concepts in training are the same - the method and timing in which we applied and reinforced these were vastly different. Ricky is able to connect with two leggers and four leggers alike - he gives clear feedback to dogs and human and uses metaphors that we humans understand (driving the speed limit and getting speeding tickets haha) on how the concepts of his approach effects dog behavior. I couldn't be happier. I am humble and I know I need to continue management (and one of my dogs I am holding to higher standard so we are going to continue our own sessions based on what I have learned) but my dogs are completely different. I'm getting complimented by family, friends, and people on walks - impressed with how well behaved my dogs are. I smile and tell them "thank you it's lots of continued hard work" and move along. This morning in particular we walked during trash pick up, had lots of people distractions, and both dogs stayed heeled and attentive to me on their separate walks. Do not hesitate to consider Ricky for your training needs. Also, if you feel alone with your dogs behavior - please know you are anything but alone. The fact you are looking at reviews for dog trainers is a clear indicator that you want the best for your dog and intend to give them them best. :)

We have tried a lot of dog trainers. Ricky is fantastic…read more Apart from learning a lot at EPT, my dog now somehow seems a bit more mature, in a good way! Highly recommended.

I can't say enough about how much we love Hollon's Hounds…read more I've been boarding, my Bella, there for a few months. She has a blast and is well taken care of. My Bella has severe anxiety separation. But, has come to know Hollon's Hounds as a second home. Bella is always excited to mix with the staff and other dogs. Best of all, when I travel for work, I know Bella is safe and loved. Thank you Hollon's Hounds!

My dogs usually go the vet for boarding but I lagged and waited last minute so they were full. I…read moremessaged Hollon's Hounds on Facebook and they made room for my two small dogs. We went to the facility and were so happy with what we saw. It's spacious and comfy. Dog beds not crates. There's someone with the dogs at all times and my very spoiled dogs were cuddled the entire time we were gone. Hollon's Hounds will be definitely be our new go to for boarding.

Sarah is an excellent trainer. She really understands dog behavior and can help you establish an…read moreexcellent training framework. She won't disappoint!!

From the owner: Find us on Facebook @syvalleydog…read more Basic to advanced obedience, problem behavior solutions, manners and socialization, and experience working with fear/aggression issues. Private 1-on-1, in home training. Group classes are in the works but not available at this time. Email or call to be placed on a waitlist to receive notice when classes become available. Call, text or email for rates.

Holly was very nice, professional and really got our dog to stop pulling. She gave us helpful tips…read moreand encouragement. I would highly recommend her for training! We will be planning a follow up visit soon!

My little pocket pittie is reactive to other dogs, which makes walks a bit challenging. I knew…read moreHolly from volunteering when she worked at Old Yeller Ranch Rescue in Los Olivos, and always liked her calm, thoughtful, individualized way of working with the dogs. She's helping us learn to deal with the excitement of seeing other dogs when we walk, knowing how much space my dog needs and what to do to help her have positive experiences with other dogs, taking small steps and learning as we go. Holly has wonderful energy and has been so helpful! We're working with her regularly, doing well and feeling much more confident.

Very knowledgeable trainer. Positive training lessons. My dog really loves her and especially the…read moretreats she has.

She's one of the best dog trainers! She took a very stubborn young blue merle Australian Shepherd…read morewho was hyperactive, and turned him into a most responsive, friendly best pal. He even received his Canine Good Citizen Certificate thanks to her work. She provides the perfect balance of positive training and right amounts of limits. She also trains the owner, not just the dog. She's immensely patient and professional. Also, has regular group classes along with private lessons. We just moved from being able to walk daily off leash on 120 acres to a town setting where the dog has to walk on a leash. Thanks to Cornelia Martin, our dog is versatile and adaptable, He's the perfect gentleman on a leash too!

Been in this area many times but never knew this place existed. It's a rescue farm that's been…read morearound since 2005. It's by appointment only on weekdays, and open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. It's a guided tour that lasts about 20-30 minutes. Price was $10 per person with a $40 minimum at the time of our visit (7/21/2022). We got to pet and feed some of the animals. I may have forgotten some but there were chickens, turkeys, geese, goats, donkeys, small cows, a large tortoise, a rabbit, and even a zonkey (zebra and donkey mix). You can also purchase fresh eggs here for $7/dozen.

SEEIN' SPOTS FARM IN SOLVANG, CA. My Hubby - Tim with Chinese Goose resident of the farm - Mr…read more Bill!!!! We travel up once, sometimes twice a year to the Santa Ynez Valley (our FAVORITE region in the world)and we always make an appointment to visit at the Seein' Spots Farm while we're up there to spend time with all of the rescues/animal family members who reside with Linda (the owner) which always leaves our spirits lifted for months afterward. We were up there this past week. This video is of my Hubby - Tim with MR. BILL - the 25 yr old Chinese Goose who does NOT like females and won't let any females near him...just his thing https://youtube.com/shorts/8D5cqdhsELw?feature=share4 MR. BILL does loooooove my Hubby and will scream at him watching through the chain link fence when he leaves his area while pacing back & forth at the farm to join me with the Goats, Donkeys, Sheep and Pigs in the adjacent area. MR. BILL has climbed up the rocks in the small pond area of the enclosure space for the Avians & HUGE Desert Tortoise - Turbo - and when my Hubby sees his beautiful friend peeking over the 6ft chain link fence from the rocks he climbed up to keep calling him back he ALWAYS feels guilty and states, "I have to get back to Mr. Bill!" MR. BILL will face Tim, stand on his shoes, tuck his long neck and head down between my Hubby's legs while Tim sweet talks him and keeps petting him. MR. BILL gives my Hubby little nibbles (gentle love nips?) on his hands sometimes as he pets him and when MR. BILL decides to step off of Tim's feet and stroll he expects Tim to follow...and he does On this visit I sat at the round table about 6 feet away from Tim while MR. BILL had ventured about 10 ft away for a moment and when BILL saw me near my Hubby he gave me "the stare" as he waddled back over to move me further away from Tim....SHEESH!! LOL....MY HUBBY BELONGS to MR. BILL when we visit...we loooooove it!!!!! MR. BILL and my Hubby have long conversations & interactions while I am off with the Donkeys, Mini Donkeys, Sheep & Goats giving brushings, pets and "chatting" with the critters and the goat I have a special affinity for...S'Mores. If you are ever in the Santa Ynez Valley area, go visit and interact with Linda and her lovely rescues/animal family members. Linda has one the most beautiful spirits we have ever encountered and her love for all of the residents at the farm...many who they have rescued from kill pens or harmful situations...exudes from every cell of her body. Visit and soak in the joy of all the animals that are so lovingly cared for at the Farm and ask Linda the names of the beautiful babies... aaaaaaand each one does have their own story and Linda will gladly tell those stories if you ask. Seein' Spots Farm is a non profit and they ask for a very small donation per person when you visit and a slightly ( very slightly) larger donation for groups of 10 or more for a M-F appointment time. The hours M-F are 11AM - 3PM for appoinments. Open to the public on Sat 11AM to 3PM with no appointment time needed and a small donation per person requested.

The PAL puppy school has helped us socialize and train two puppies now ... The puppy wrangler…read moretrainers are professional, dedicated,, and fun -- and our puppies adore them! The school is just that -- organized and calm, not a free-for-all. It's a place you can trust.

This was a wonderful investment for me as a first time dog owner. I did the AKC STAR puppy classes…read morewhich came with 6 private lessons and 2 half day PAL socialization sessions. Our trainer, Kelly was thorough and very knowledgeable. Going in, my puppy was very energetic, jumpy and all over the place. By the time we were done with our individualized classes, I felt so much more confident in my ability to care for him and keep him safe and felt like I was in so much more control. My puppy was super excited as soon as we turned into the parking lot each time, he loved Kelly and enjoyed the PAL program. I still continue to take him to PAL for their half day socialization when I can! I love knowing that the play time is supervised and they'll do what's necessary to ensure proper socialization! We definitely recommend K-Nine solutions!!

Updated review after using Jacquie for her training, daily sniff therapy walks, and pet sitting…read more Our boy Ahun has loved every time she comes into our home. She works so well with him and Jacquie has become like family. We trust her explicitly. She knows him sometimes better than we do but I wil always recommend her to whomever has animals especially those struggling trying to get a good routine down. She is the best. You will not be disappointed adding her to enrich yours and your animals lives!

10/10!!! We are so grateful for the amazing training and guidance Jaquie has given to our new…read morelabrador puppy Audrey. Feeling deflated and frustrated that Audrey was fearful of being harnessed and leashed, Jaquie has helped with her feeling comfortable and confident going on walks. We are amazed by Jaquie's kindness, patience, and incredible talent with training dogs. There are some people you meet and witness greatness, while also knowing that they are doing what they are meant to be doing to make the world a better place. My wife and I believe that Jaquie is doing this with Kind Choice Behavior Consulting. Do yourself and especially your animals a favor and hire Jaquie to help your pets become the best version of themselves; like she is doing with our beautiful Audrey!

Wow! Our dog has been transformed since completing his 4 week training camp. We are so grateful to…read moresuch an amazing staff from start to finish! Destiny helped set us up and gave us all the info we needed to make us feel secure sending our quirky dog off to camp. Destiny has extraordinary attention to detail! Along the way we got frequent updates, reports and pictures of our little guy off at camp. He was getting lots of love and attention and even made new friends. Thank you Gerianne for loving our dog and teaching him how to get along with others. We did not get to meet one of his favorite trainers Josué, but we are so happy with the results of the hard work Josué put in. The transition at pick up was done expertly by Santigo! He really made sure that we felt comfortable and confident when came to us taking over all the training our dog learned. We will definitely be bringing our dog back for boarding care when we are out of town. We would 100% recommend anyone bring their dog here for top tier training.

Highly recommend! We…read moreneeded help with our nearly 2 year old Olde English Bulldog! Though overall our dog is friendly, she is stubborn and needed help to follow commands, stop jumping on people and harassing other dogs into play. DDG has the most amazing trainers. They worked daily with our dog at Doggie Camp for 28 days and never gave up on her. All of the staff told us how much they loved her and can't wait to have her back for daycare and boarding! We appreciated the detailed weekly reports on how she was doing. As a camper grad, we also have free private lessons at the facility for her lifetime! It's a great way to brush up on all the skills we all learned. Special shout out to Santiago for training me and my husband so we can be the best dog parents for our furry kid.