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    Peak Performance Dog Training

    4.8 (38 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

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    Santa visit

    As a first-time German Shepherd mom, I truly had no idea how much there was to learn--but working with Makenzie at Peak Performance Dog Training has been one of the best decisions I've made. From the very beginning, she took us in and made us feel so comfortable being part of her program, which meant so much as someone new to all of this. She took the time to understand both me and my dog, and her knowledge and guidance have made such a difference in our journey. She helped me recognize what my dog truly needs, not just in training, but in having safe and healthy outlets for his energy and instincts. She also helped me adjust my dog's training in a way that he responds so much better, which has been a huge breakthrough for us. We also joined her group classes, which are really fun and interactive. They've helped us gain a better understanding of what we need to continue learning and growing so we can become the best version of ourselves for our dog. What stands out the most is how much she genuinely cares. She treats my dog like her own, and that kind of dedication is something you don't find everywhere. She is incredibly kind and loving, and she's always available to answer any questions I have no matter how small while always making me feel comfortable reaching out. I'm beyond grateful for her support, patience, and passion. She's not just a trainer--she's been a huge part of helping me become the dog owner I hoped to be. I highly recommend Makenzie at Peak Performance Dog Training to anyone looking for someone who truly cares and knows what they're doing.

    My dog at group training!

    We cannot say enough good things about Peak Performance Dog Training and Makenzie. From day one, Makenzie has been incredibly organized, knowledgeable, and genuinely kind--not just to us, but especially to our dog. Our golden doodle, Finn, is absolutely in love with her, and it shows in how excited and engaged he is during training. Makenzie doesn't just train dogs--she builds confident dog owners. She explains everything clearly, meets you exactly where you are, and gives you the tools and reassurance you need to be consistent and successful. Because of her guidance, I truly feel like a better, more confident dog owner. The e-collar training was a game changer for us. It is not mean or harsh in any way--it's a communication tool that actually strengthens the relationship between dog and owner. It gave Finn clarity, freedom, and trust, and it gave us peace of mind. Thanks to this training, Finn can enjoy more freedom while still being safe and responsive. Because of Makenzie and Peak Performance Dog Training, I can take Finn anywhere and everywhere with complete confidence. Walks, outings, busy environments--it all feels manageable now. If you're looking for a trainer who is professional, compassionate, effective, and truly invested in both you and your dog, Peak Performance Dog Training is worth every penny.

    Dominique R.

    Where do I even begin with how happy I am that I sent my at the time 7m old Pitty mix to Peak! When my boy Ranger got to her he was so shy and timid in so many different scenarios and lacked so much confidence. After her 4 week board and train he was like a new man! He was confident and loved going out in public. I get compliments all the time about how well behaved he is. He is my go anywhere dog and it is amazing to have that kind of dog in your life. Also, my favorite part is the weekly group classes and that she offers boarding for past trainees. (Always nice for them to get a little tune up here and there)

    Heather M.

    Makenzie, owner of Peak Performance came highly recommended by our vet, Dr Mauna. Several of the staff there at Sendero Pet Hospital also sang Makenzie's praises and the work she'd done with many of their patients that had wonderful results. This being our 1st German Shepherd puppy I knew we needed a trainer with knowledge and experience with this breed as our goal was for our pup to ultimately be a registered service animal. Makenzie is a true professional and has both a shepherd and a Belgium Malinois that are trained at a competitive level in the sport of IGP which requires not only superior obedience from the dog but a truly knowledgable and experienced handler/trainer dedicated to their craft. So I reached out to Makenzie to learn more. By this time I was becoming overwhelmed with the daunting task of finding the right fit as we sat through multiple presentations by trainers and I spent countless hours on the phone searching for that perfect fit. My interaction with Makenzie was different than the others. She really understood these dogs and how their brains work. I found her to be very genuine and passionate in her work and not transactional. I really appreciated her structured approach utilizing positive reinforcement with a focus on building a trust-based bond between dog and owner. I also appreciated Makenzie not imposing a one size fits all approach. She understands that every dog is an individual and concentrated on tailoring a program specific to our pups individual needs with our training goals, philosophy and lifestyle in mind. We decided the 4 week board and train was best suited for us and I can honestly say it was the best decision we could've made. Our boy, Saint left a wild and crazy puppy that was starting to exhibit some behavioral issues and he came home a completely transformed little gentleman. Makenzie communicated regularly throughout the 4 weeks sending cute photos of Saint being loved on, and even making friends with her little Corgi, Billie. We also consistently received videos of his progress that were absolutely jaw-dropping (in a good way) but I don't think any of us could've been prepared for the transformation in his behavior after training - No more biting, leash pulling, or shenanigans. When Makenzie brought him home to us she spent a considerable amount of time walking us through Saint's new repertoire of skills. We all went on our very first loose leash walk together (which was HUGE!) Saint knew all the basic commands - heel, sit, down, come, place, holding place (with distractions), free, as well as he was completely crate trained. For a 6 month old GSD puppy that was pretty crazy and unruly before Makenzie it was impressive to say the least. She had him on a daily schedule that fit our lives and accomplished every single training goal we had discussed prior to training and then some bonus stuff as well. It was truly an unbelievable transformation far surpassing our expectations, which is no easy task I might add. Almost 6 months later we continue to train with Makenzie. Saint loves to work with her and is excelling in his obedience as well as learning tracking and developing some other specialized skills along side her colleague Austin (who's also fantastic) We're having so much fun together, and looking forward to the future. I can finally say I have the dog I dreamed of. We've made friends within the Peak Performance family and love Saturday group training (which is free of charge after the PP training program) It's great to see all the different pups that've gone through her program and how happy and well balanced they are. Every breed, size and age, so well behaved and beaming with pride as passerbyers take notice. It's truly been an incredible experience and we are forever grateful to "Auntie Makenzie" for all her love and dedication to our boy. We would recommend her to anyone who's looking for an exceptional, no nonsense dog trainer regardless of the size, breed or age of their pup. From basic obedience all the way up to specialized skills. She's hands down the best out there!

    karen s.

    New puppy or just need to curb some bad habits? Look no further than Peak Performance! Our new puppy was quite the challenge for us- we sent her to McKenzie (owner) and she came back the best possible version of herself. This team works off positive reinforcement and our dog flourished. It is worth every penny they charge. Because of their top notch training- I feel confident knowing our dog is actually much safer listening to all commands. Our home is no longer a power struggle between our pup and us. Do NOT give it another thought and sign your doggo up today! She also offers lifetime/ongoing classes nearly every weekend for no additional charge. Thank you Peak Performance for all of your help with our VERY good girl, Scout!

    Sitting outside above sports park with lots of activity going on
    Melanie E.

    I am beyond glad that I found Makenzie and Peak Performance. My Pomsky was about 5 1/2 months old when I signed up for the 2-week bootcamp. She's a very sweet dog but it was very hard to give her much freedom inside the house and she was all over the place on the leash. I felt like I was managing her all day and unable to focus on work or anything I needed to get done. I was amazed at the pictures Makenzie sent where she not only had her attention outside but had her on long distance "sits". We ended up adding a week to her program so we could get her to a place that Makenzie and I would be more satisfied with. When she came home she was a different dog in that she can now live in the house with us without ever needing to use a pen. Now we can go on a true walk that is not just a constant challenge of fishing her out of the bushes or prying something out of her mouth. We just had a visit from Makenzie this morning where she taught me how to better work with her in the house in terms of "place" and "crate". It's so incredible to have a demonstration of how it should be and the reminder of how to stay consistent and in charge. I wasn't originally planning to do a boot camp but the investment has been very worthwhile in getting my puppy to a place where we can all live in peace together. I was really struggling with her before she left and though it still takes work, now I know exactly how to deal with it. The fact that there are ongoing Saturday classes so we can stay on top of things is really a game changer. This wasn't in my original puppy plan but it was absolutely necessary for my peace and sanity and both of our happiness. Makenzie is truly great at what she does.

    Jagger...at training

    I have a Belgian Malinois that was 16 weeks old when I signed him up with Makenzie for her board and train boot camp...and when I got him back a month later he was a completely different dog in ALL THE BEST ways! The experience has been amazing all around and the follow-up is incredible. I just participated in my first post-bootcamp group gathering and seeing my puppy interact in the training session with 8 other dogs of varying breeds and ages was awesome. ALL of the dogs were like eager students...no fights, no problems...there wasn't even any barking!!! It was unreal and makes spending time with my pup so enjoyable! Highest recommendation for Makenzie and Peak Performance Dog Training!!

    Andrea S.

    Connecting with Makenzie was the single best thing we could have ever done for our pup. When we adopted sweet Charlotte (German Shepard, Aussie Shepard, American Pit, Spaniel mix) we knew it would take a minute to work through her lunging and walking stresses, but it was clear we needed professional help. The impact Makenzie had on Charlotte's comfort level and confidence was immediate. It was clear that Makenzie's positive reinforcement, gentle correction, and consistent messaging made Charlotte feel safe and SO happy. It was remarkable to see Charlotte posted up by the front window, waiting for her training time with Makenzie. Even more valuable than Charlotte's training was ours - Makenzie spent time patiently educating us on how to best work with and care for our strong, energetic girl. I continue to regularly share the Peak Performance Instagram feed with friends and family, as well as strangers who've commented on how polite Charlotte is. I can't imagine a better experience.

    Christian D.

    Thank you for all the hard work that you and your crew have done to make our Buddy conquer some challenges. Him, my wife and myself continue to grow and learn and we appreciate to extra help we have received. If you looking for help with your pup, look no further. Mckenzie will guide you with options based on budget and training needs

    Wow, I don't know where to start because Makenzie has genuinely turned my life around. I got a German shorthaired pointer puppy (Dutton) on my own a year ago, fully knowing what I was in for. I started training him on my own while he was a puppy and it was going well, but as soon as he hit 6 months, it was like living with a terrorist. He was terrible, and was absolutely controlling my life and well being. I became so overwhelmed and realized I needed to either re-home him or put some serious work into training him. I began researching and talking to trainers in my area who all seemed great! But when I came across Makenzie and spoke on the phone with her, her enthusiasm, knowledge, organization and genuine God given gift for working with dogs shined through and brought me so much peace. I decided to go with the 2 week board and train, because I honestly needed a break from Dutton (bad mom). I knew it was very expensive to put a dog through good training where they're not just sitting in a cage all day, but still, the price tag hurt. I kept telling myself that this was an investment in my future happiness and would be well worth it down the line. Dutton went through his 2 week board and train with Makenzie (who so nicely picks up and drops off the dogs!) and I went to a spa to relax lol. She sent me pictures and videos of Dutton and his new friends on amazing field trips like the mall or beach where she trained him in the real world, with real distractions to make sure he really got it. It was so exciting to see these progress videos and also to know that Dutton was having fun and in such good hands. When Dutton returned, he was incredibly more controlled and obedient. He wasn't an INSTANTLY changed dog, and I think that's a misconception a lot of people have about training (especially with a breed like a GSP). Dutton came back knowing all his commands (sit, down, off, free, heel, come, place, etc) and could hold them for a while. He was finally walking without pulling on the leash and had great recall. But, and Makenzie will tell you this, the follow up and consistency is SO important and where I've really noticed the difference. It also takes time to train you, the human, how to work with your dog like Makenzie does. Makenzie came over for serval follow up training sessions (all included in my training package) and made sure both Dutton and I were getting it. We then started to go to her Saturday training classes (which are the best and so worth it!) and this is where we really began to see consistent improvement. Through the combo of board and train, follow up, and group classes, Dutton has become a changed dog. He is polite, he listens, he knows and respects his commands. He is known in my neighborhood as the "most well behaved dog" because he walks off leash every morning with me (YES, a GSP!!), stops and sits at each curb, waits for traffic to go by and for me to tell him we can keep walking. He sits so politely when we go into restaurants or stores and knows how to behave. If he is like this at 1 year old, I can't imagine how great he'll be as he grows out of his wild puppy phase. I'm so grateful for Mackenzie! Dutton and I have been able to bond and connect because I'm not constantly frustrated with him or having to discipline him. I absolutely adore this boy and have been able to see his sweet, goofy side. I just wish he loved me as much as he loves Makenzie.... All bets are off when he sees her at training. She is his favorite person in the world and that makes my heart so warm. If you're on the fence, just hire Makenzie. It's the best decision you'll make for you and your dog!

    Thien D.

    Had my dog Zoro trained at Peak Performance with Makenzie and he has really learned to behave. I chose Peak Performance because of the in house training and their training style. My dog loves the trainers and loves the group classes every Saturday that gives us additional tips and tricks to how to keep developing good behaviors. Worth every penny

    Makenzie is on the left! Practicing our down and stays.

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    Ask the Community - Peak Performance Dog Training

    Review Highlights - Peak Performance Dog Training

    Makenzie also trained Molly for off-leash freedom using an e-collar in a thoughtful, clear, and responsible way.

    Mentioned in 27 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    My husband and I came to Brad with our German Shepherd who was dog aggressive. We saw a huge…read moreimprovement in our dog's aggression in the couple hours that we worked with Brad. Incredible results in such a short time! We would absolutely recommend Brad! It's a relief having a dog that we can now take in public without having to worry.

    Like many reviews have mentioned, we too were skeptical about seeing results within one in-person…read moresession. Nonetheless, we are so happy we found Brad! My boyfriend and I took in our cattle dog, Ollie, as a stray almost 4 months ago. Quick background: Ollie was found tied to a fire hydrant outside my work. Ollie is the sweetest boy, however is very reactive to other dogs and is a bundle of energy that presents as endless jumping and nipping. We have a senior Saint Bernard at home in which Ollie has been too rough/aggressive with her, even when our Saint Bernard makes it known that she doesn't want to be bothered. We tried water sprays at home and other attempts at training to no avail. We began to feel helpless as our biggest concern was his relationship with our Saint Bernard, as it got to the point where we felt we had to consider rehoming him. During our session with Brad, we immediately saw results which had us dumbfounded. Like other reviews have mentioned, his technique is not "mean," but is a firm mindset that Ollie requires. All the while, Brad emphasizes when to correct your dog and when to praise him, while stressing the fact that these techniques are not made to scare your dog, but rather establish a leader mentality while simultaneously letting the dog know that you provide love and safety. Of course, like any training, one can only be successful when carrying over these learned techniques at home, but Brad left us feeling confident and ready to continue the work. Even when we got home today, we already had seen a shift from Ollie. As for Brad himself - he is very approachable and really looks to understand both the dog and all the circumstances that come with them. You could really get a sense of how personal he is. We definitely recommend him. Thank you so much, Brad!

    Bark Busters Home Dog Training-South Orange County - BarkBusters pet training classes focus on everything from puppy training to behavioral modification.

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    I have 2 dogs, a chaotic puppy and a fear reactive German shepherd. Before working with Josh, I…read morefelt like I was always managing my dogs but still couldn't fully trust them in real life. Now they're calm, confident, and make way better decisions on their own. I can take them pretty much anywhere, which wasn't the case before. He also helped my German Shepherd become a lot more comfortable around people and other dogs. Biggest shift honestly was me. I'm way more confident, less stressed, and actually know how to communicate and teach my dogs without relying on tools. If you want a dog you can actually live life with, I'd 100% recommend Josh!

    USE JOSH - This guy is amazing!…read more My dog Nuggets, is a 6 year old 15 pound, timid, terrier mix, sweetheart, but when she is on leash she displays some pretty nasty aggressive tendencies and her demons come out. As a first time dog dad, I haven't sharpened my tools around understanding my dogs emotional state and how threatened she feels and how to react or treat such aggression. So its harder for me to empathize and as such know how to handle it. I ran into Josh while walking my dog. I always see him walking his dogs, and they are so well behaved and so focused on him. So, I inquired about their training and he and i scheduled a session. Josh shared tools to improve these behaviors first from a actual tools piece like replacing a harness with a collar and a firm leash rather than a flex leash. Next, he helped me understand the psychological state of my dog and why she does what she does, it was enlightening and helped me better understand Nuggets. Finally, Josh taught me exercises to employ to redirect Nuggets focus to me. I couldn't be more grateful for the service Josh provided. You can tell Josh loves what he does and it shows by how good he is at it. That being said, I struggle to understand how anyone could complain about Bark Busters, my experience was one in which Josh , an incredible professional, was trying to help me be a better dog parent, and for that I am eternally grateful.

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    Malibu the Rescue Dog quickly became part of our family. Her separation anxiety caused some issues…read moreand I found Sit Means Sit at the Mission Viejo Farmer's Market. From the complimentary in home consult I realized Kevin knew what he was talking about! Much to my surprise, everyone love Malibu and is so kind! I had to work in San Diego this week and they agreed to keep her during the day and do training. She was so happy to get dropped off- this is a girl who lives to be in my presence so seeing her happy and "at home" made my day! I can not recommend this place enough! Thank you to the entire SMS crew! You are all amazing! Kind, caring, intelligent and empowering! Malibu has gained confidence and some more!! I loved the weekly photo and video and the process reports! We missed her so much and the 10 day boarding and training was so worth it!

    Cannot recommend this facility enough. They took our unruly pup and turned him into a lovable…read moremember of the family. We dropped off Grizzly for board and train not sure what to expect. When we picked him up, he had some semblance of manners and was able to walk without pulling! They offer additional weekly sessions to ensure success, and we try to attend as many as we can. Kevin has been Grizzly's main trainer, and Grizzly is always so excited to see him. What I love most is that we can board Grizzly with them when we travel and know he is getting great care while staying with them. Sit Means Sit was well worth the time and investment!

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    Matt is a very professional trainer!…read more Our golden retriever had so much puppy energy that it was too much to handle as he grew. Our dog would jump on us, nibble on us, chase after anything blowing in the wind (nearly taking off our arms), and would never listen to our commands although he knew them well. My husband and I hired a different trainer (with good reviews) before Matt and he basically told us to get toys and play hide and seek with his dog food to mentally drain his energy. That lasted for like a week and we were back at square one. Then everything changed once we hired Matt. Our dog did the 4 week program. What was effective about Matt's training is that he would come and pick up our dog to do training around our neighborhood. This makes so much more sense than to send a dogs to a boarding facility which they may be great there but then right back to their bad habits once they return home. We noticed a huge difference after just only a few days. Matt taught our dog leash manners, how to remain focus despite distractions and how to listen and follow commands. Before Matt's training, it was difficult to walk our dog in high traffic areas and it seemed easier and less stressful to just allow him to stay home. Now our dog can enjoy his life to the fullest because we can take him to places confidently knowing that he is going to behave properly. If you're struggling with your dog or you want to give your dog a more fulfilling life, train with Matt. He is truly a professional trainer. We wish we had hired him sooner! Bonus: Matt takes such great photos of the dogs he trains- check out his instagram @black.collar.dog.training

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    Tommy came for our first private session and it went better than I imagined. My husband and I…read morelearned a lot from Tommy. He is very relatable and has a unique way of teaching that is very enjoyable and actually entertaining, all at the same time! Now that is talent! Tommy was made for this job and well worth his price. You get what you pay for. He definitely does not watch the clock and gives you more than 1 hr and does not leave until he has answered all your questions. My dog is already doing better on our walks. Tommy teaches but you have to do what he says or you have wasted your money. I signed up for 5 lessons and looking forward to the rest. I will update when we are finished.

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    The Dog Listener

    (128 reviews)

    We hired Emily to help us with our newly adopted puppy, Nala, an American Staffordshire Terrier…read moremix. As Nala approached 9 months old, she began showing signs of reactivity toward people and other dogs, especially on walks. We couldn't have anyone new come into our home without her barking, growling, and displaying dominant behavior. Walks became stressful--she would lunge at certain people wearing hats or sunglasses and at other dogs. We were starting to lose hope and knew we needed guidance to help Nala trust us and feel secure. We reached out to Emily, and from her very first consultation, we knew we had made the right choice. Emily arrived calm and relaxed, allowed Nala to approach her at her own pace, and immediately showed us how Nala should properly greet people. From that moment, I knew Emily was the perfect trainer for us. We've been working with Emily for 3 months, focusing on how Nala approaches people entering our home, and the progress has been incredible. Nala is now a very obedient dog, and we feel confident managing visitors. Walks were our next challenge, and Emily guided us through trying different collars, learning how to use our body language and tone of voice, and properly using the leash and collar. She emphasized praise, play, and rewarding Nala when she succeeded, which helped release her energy in a positive way. We have since enrolled in group sessions to work on properly introducing Nala to other dogs. Thanks to Emily's guidance, Nala has truly transformed into a completely different dog. Emily gave us the tools to feel confident, comfortable, and capable as dog owners. She doesn't waste time--she gets results while ensuring we understand what we're doing and why. We are so grateful for Emily and will absolutely continue working with her as we keep practicing and doing our homework. She is truly amazing, and we owe Nala's progress to her dedication and expertise.

    After several awful experiences with other dog trainers--some so harsh that my dogs would literally…read morerun and hide at the sight of them--I was honestly hesitant to try again. But finding Emily of The Dog Listener has been one of the greatest blessings for me and my American Bully puppy. From the very first session, Emily brought a calm, confident energy that completely changed the way I relate to my dog. Through private lessons and her incredible monthly Pack Walks, she has helped my puppy grow into a balanced, well-behaved companion. Most importantly, she's helped me grow--into a more confident, peaceful, and capable handler. What truly sets Emily apart is her compassion. My dogs don't just tolerate her--they adore her. The excitement and joy they show when she arrives is real, and it speaks volumes about the kind of person and trainer she is. Her love for dogs is genuine, and they feel it. I get emotional thinking about where we started and how far we've come. Emily is a true godsend, and I can't recommend her enough to anyone looking for a kind, effective, and empowering trainer who truly understands dogs--and their people.

    Posh Pets Concierge - There's nothing better than a Bernese Mtn Dog puppy!  Loving Mr. TANGO!!

    Posh Pets Concierge

    (10 reviews)

    I contacted Posh Pets to ask about pet sitting our cats for an upcoming vacation. I spoke to Gail…read morewho seemed less than enthusiastic, but told me she would loop in an employee of hers who is great with cats, so I felt better about proceeding. Gail told me they could come by Sunday afternoon to meet my pets but couldn't give me an exact time (which I found odd) and that she would text me that morning and give me more details. Sunday rolled around, NO TEXT, NO CALL, NO SHOW. I guess they really didn't care about getting our business! Extremely rude and a complete waste of my time.

    When we decided to get a puppy we worried about what we would do when we traveled or even on…read moreoccasional long days where we weren't able to be home. I did a lot of review and found Gail Louie at Posh Pets Concierge. Gail got right back to me, answered all of my questions and right away I could sense her knowledge of puppies and felt comfortable with her right away. We made a trial visit to her home and our puppy fit right in. She goes above and beyond while caring for her dogs. Sends pictures, makes daily local dog park trips, walks, spoils with treats and even helps with some training issues. She truly loves what she does. I feel like our puppy is at a family members house while we are gone. I love that our puppy is in a home environment and is cared for in an individualized manner. She really gets to know each of her dogs. Romey loves going to Aunt Gails and really misses all of his furiends when he comes home. We are so blessed to have found such a wonderful second home for our puppy. We never worry about a thing when we are away.

    Camp Opie Dog Daycare & Training

    Camp Opie Dog Daycare & Training

    (99 reviews)

    My fiancée and I have a German Shepherd who's been skittish and nervous about many things in her…read moreenvironment, which caused her quality of life and general demeanor to be not the best it could be. We heard about Camp Opie, specifically about Andy, one of the trainers there, and decided that boarding her at the facility and receive some training from Andy could help with her. We dropped her off around mid-February, and the staff and Andy on arrival couldn't have been more welcoming. They treated our Shepherd as one of their own. Andy was very open about how he would be training her, and what to expect. During her stay, Andy sent many videos and messages about the progress our girl was making. He showed us what he was doing, how our Shepherd was doing, and overall stayed connected and communicative during her stay. Upon her return, we could see the difference that Andy had made for her. She seemed to be so much more confident and more like a dog. My fiancée and I couldn't be happier with the results that Andy and Camp Opie made for our girl. Not only did he pass on what he taught her to us, he also gave us the tools and training techniques to continue her training journey for our baby to keep making improvements. If you're thinking about training or boarding your fur baby, I would highly recommend them.

    My Bella loves the team at Camp Opie. Camp Opie is the only place I trust my dog to stay during our…read morevacations and just to stay the day with dog friends and the team . Thank you for caring for Bella like I do

    Peak Performance Dog Training - pet_training - Updated May 2026

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