If you have an anxious or fearful dog, I can't recommend Proactive Dog Training enough! I have a smaller dog with some pretty significant anxiety and behavioral challenges. At one point, I was even advised to consider medication--but I really wanted to explore training options first. That's when I found Javier Mendoza and his team, and I'm so glad I did. The transformation has been incredible, especially in such a short amount of time. My dog went from being afraid to walk past even a single stranger on the sidewalk... to more confidently walking through a crowded airport. The difference is honestly amazing. I've also seen a huge improvement in how he responds to other dogs and people, and his loose leash walking has gone from a struggle to something we can actually enjoy. What really stood out to me was how knowledgeable and supportive Javier and his team are. They didn't just train my dog--they took the time to explain the "why" behind everything, breaking down the science in a way that made sense and answering all of my questions along the way. Of course, I know training is an ongoing process, and I'll need to keep reinforcing what we've learned (and probably come back for a few follow-ups). But the progress we've made so far has exceeded my expectations. If you're dealing with an anxious, fearful, or reactive dog, do yourself a favor and check them out. Total game changer. read more

Our dog Calvin has been home from his two week stay for about a week now, and we could not be more pleased! Prior to his stay at Proactive, walking him was exhausting and I'm amazed my arms were still in their sockets. He also loved to steal things and run through the dog door to the fenced back yard and either hide it (like a Christmas present he stole from under the tree until we wised up and moved them all) or just play chase (which we never won). He also would dig a lot (especially if it was wet and muddy!) and loved to make a snack of our other dog's poop. After he went through training at Proactive (we did the two week Ultimate Dog Package), he is SO well behaved. He's still his fun-loving self, but he listens and does what he is told. It only took two times correcting the poop eating and digging and he has stopped trying to do it. Walking him is an absolute joy, we've even been practicing dropping the leash in areas we feel it's safe to do so and he's been great. I HIGHLY recommend Proactive...all the trainers were great, and you can see videos daily of their progress while they're gone, as well as meet them for practice sessions. If you're at all considering dog training, just call them, you will not be disappointed! read more

Javier and his team are just the best! I trusted them with my precious pup Emma over the summer for a two week training period. Emma has pretty bad anxiety which is normal for a Border heeler. The training she received at Proactive helped with her anxiety and she came home a different dog. They post YouTube videos and send pictures which is so great when you are really missing your dog and want to see their progress. They also offer boarding and grooming for dogs that have been trained there so it's a win win! read more

Proactive Dog Training - Emma exhausted after spending two days with Javier and his team for a refresher. - Pet Training Near Me

Our dog Jillian just returned from her two week stay and train with Javier and we could not be more pleased with the results! Before Javier and his team Jillian's walks were daily anxious messes for her, me, and my fiance. Jillian didn't pay attention to us at all - she was busy sniffing, reacting to every single noise, and lunging at anyone or any dog that came near us. If I saw friends or other acquaintances out on our walk I would try to avoid them because I knew she would lunge at them, and while she has never bit anyone - she looked like she was going to. Every walk at Bass Lake was more of a workout for me than Jillian trying to hold her back from lunging at other dogs or creatures. She pulled me down more than once, and even tripped up my 6'4" fiance on a walk. We were nervous to have anyone over because she would growl and lunge at people as they came in the door. My fiance's grandmother even told us that Jillian made her nervous because she wasn't sure if she would attack her. We knew we had to do something - she's only three and has a long life ahead of her! So after much research and consultation with friends and our vetrinarian we decided upon Proactive Dog Training, LLC. Javier personally came to our home and walked with me and Jillian to describe what he was seeing. He showed us body language signs that Jillian was giving off that helped him to pick up on why we were seeing the behaviors that we were. He was patient and kind - with both Jillian me, and my fiance. We knew it would be a perfect match and made our appointment date. When the day arrived to drop Jillian off - I was a mess. She's my baby and what if this whole e-collar thing messed her up and made her MORE aggressive? As soon as we got there we were greeted by Joseph, one of the trainers on the Proactive team, and Jillian started showing her bad behaviors - she was growling and pulling at her leash to get at Joseph. We followed him inside, at a distance so Jillian wouldn't lunge, and I was surprised at the silence in a room full of dogs - not a single one barked or made any noise. Jillian immediately went to sniffing nervously and lunging at Joseph. Javier took the leash from me and she stopped lunging at Joseph. I knew we had made the right choice. While Jillian was with Proactive we received daily videos of her progress - which as a nervous mama gave me lots of peace of mind AND helped me to learn how to properly handle her to continue her training when she returned. She looked SO nervous at first - she was continuously shaking, but every time Javier said free she wagged her tail and received tons of love and praise. She was slowly learning what to do when. After three days with Javier there was no more shaking and she was a confident and calm girl. After one week I started to join the training sessions. I met Javier at Tractor Supply to start training with Jillian in a public space. I was surprised at how challenging the multi-tasking was and was glad I was getting a chance to practice. The training was as much for me as it was for Jillian. As we walked through the store Jillian stayed right by my side even when Javier squeaked her favorite tennis ball. I was able to train with Javier or a member of his team every day to improve my handling ability as well as Jillian's level of comfort. We trained in stores, at the park, and even at the lake. Jillian's confidence grew everyday and we could see her becoming more and more comfortable. I was the problem - not Jillian! I was so nervous around other dogs with her based on her previous behaviors with other dogs. Joseph coached me through - sit, down, stay - at Bass Lake and I was STUNNED when a dog came up and sniffed Jillian in the rear and she didn't have a single reaction but continued to hold her position. My heart was racing, but Jillian performed beautifully! The final test came when we went to the Raleigh Flea Market on Saturday and Sunday. I knew there would be LOTS of people and other dogs there - pre-training Jillian would be sniffing everything and lunging at everyone. As soon as we started walking she was perfect. She only received three corrections all weekend. She even got lots of petting from strangers - which I never ever thought would happen. Proactive Dog Training changed Jillian's and my life. She and I both are at a new level of confidence and comfortability on our walks, at home, and even to go to public places. She doesn't bark when someone knocks on the door or lunge at them when they come in - she quietly lays on her place until she is freed to visit. She walks right beside me on walks and doesn't break position even when I drop the leash or take the leash away completely. She comes when called - even at a distance of a 100 ft. The training was worth every penny! We will be eternally grateful to Javier and plan on bringing any dog that we own to him for training. read more

My puppy Remy just returned from five days of training and I could not be any happier! I never thought I would be able to have my puppy off the leash, and with only five days of training I am confident that she will be 100% off leash soon! I highly recommend! read more

I had a big problem. My lovable Border Collie / Aussie mix became anxious. She acted as if she wanted to kill anyone who came to our door and was aggressive to random people and dogs on our walks. There was no way to predict who would set her off. This was coupled with a strong prey drive towards squirrels and cats. The first trainer believed in the distraction and reward approach. I invested lots of time and money into this before giving it up. The second trainer was a proponent of strict walking rules. No go. My veterinarian strongly recommended Proactive Dog Training. Javier came over for a consult and my dog was furious and barked for the full hour. We agreed to start with training by the hour and would do the intensive training if we didn't see progress. After the first hour Moxie would go to her couch and stay there unhappily when someone came to the door. After the second session Moxie was happy to have others in the house and we started walking manners. After the third session she was walking very nicely and pretty much all aggression or prey behavior was gone. The fourth session was in a restaurant and store; key success criteria for me. The fifth session was to show my wife that the dog would behave for her also. Our quality of life is so remarkably better due to Javier's training. We can confidently take her on walks and are working on her being off leash. She has no interest in cats anymore. We are able to go out to a pub or restaurant with her and be relaxed. Best of all she appears much happier and has a richer and more interesting life. We can't express our satisfaction or appreciation deeply enough. Javier has had a huge impact on our lives. read more

We recently sent our dog for a two week ultimate training and could not be more pleased with the results ! Javier and his team work so hard with our very anxious and misbehaved cavalier. I was very impressed with the entire team of trainers, the communication, and the care & love my dog received while he was away. We are able to take our dog on walks and we have the tools now to maintain his training ! The only thing I regret is not doing this sooner !!! read more

Joseph and Javiar provided excellent training to our dog Maggie. WE want to thank both of them. Maggie is a good dog, but required some training too make her the best dog! Anyone who has a need for training...please go too Proactive. And their staff is very good and responsive to questions. thank you. Clyde and Karin read more

Javier, Joseph and the rest of the crew are amazing. They are extremely professional, fun and really care about and enjoy working with your dog. read more

I could not be more impressed with the work Javier and his team at Proactive Dog Training do! Our dog had some behavior issues that we were having a hard time correcting and after her stay at Proactive, she came home eager to please and listening perfectly! Javier uploaded videos of her progress daily so we could see how well she was doing (it helped with missing her terribly too!) and in every single one of them he was very loving and patient with her so we knew that she was getting the best care. Afterward, he was very patient with us in going over everything she had learned and how to keep working with her going forward. I highly recommend Proactive Dog Training - you won't be disappointed! read more