Jackie, the owner of "Paws on The Leash" , an in-home pet boarding and sitting service, is our…read morelocal treasure in the Clarksburg and Frederick area. And we do mean .....treasure. She is clearly a devoted and sincere pet lover, who provides lots of exercise, playtime, and quiet time for the pets left in her care, in a loving, caring, and well-organized atmosphere. Pictures tell the story.... and we do appreciate when Jackie sends us pictures of how our Labrador, Casey, is doing when we're away....whether he's playing with other dogs, running in the park, or snoozing after dinner on his bed. Casey has been cared for by Jackie for the last 2 years, and he "says" it best. When we drop him off for a short or longer stay, his tail begins wagging before the front door opens......and he DOESN'T LOOK BACK as Jackie welcomes him in and he runs to the basket of toys set near the door......knowing that a trip to the dog park is always on the agenda, too. Dissed by our own dog! Finally, this winter we had a family emergency that required that we find care for Casey on very short notice....within an hour. Jackie offered and then made arrangements and changes to her weekend schedule to be able to take Casey on immediately....for the weekend. How could we not give this wonderful lady 5++ stars for her kindness and professional service, both to pets and their owners?

Paws On The Leash has exceeded all of my expectations of someone who cares for my puppy and my cat…read more I would recommend Jackie to anyone who wants a company who cares just as much about your pets as she does her own. During out consultation, she spent the time to tell me how to set up crates and potty train my pup. I was completely overwhelmed with my new 11-week old puppy, and her advice was spot-on. Between her advice and dog walking, he has turned into a well-trained puppy. Jackie makes sure I understand any commands that she's working on with him (and vice versa) so we can both enforce his training. This has helped him pick up basic commands a lot faster. It's a great feeling to come home one day and your puppy finally understands sit when he didn't get it that morning. I've used this company for both dog walking and overnight stays. People (lovingly) tell me that I'm a helicopter doggy mom, and I trust Jackie 100% with both of my munchkins. Typically the best part of my work day is getting pictures of my pup or a funny story about something he did that day. Jackie has continually provided exceptional service for both my pup and cat. She is great with them, and continues to give great advice. She works my puppy hard to get out his energy during the day. Anyone who has a long day commuting and working appreciates coming home to a puppy who only needs a short walk and some playing. I am very fortunate to have found Paws On The Leash. I would recommend them in a heart beat to anyone who is looking for a business that always goes above and beyond what is typically provided.

I can't say enough good things about Brandi and Perry Bailey of RSK9. Their work has given my pup…read moreand I so much freedom and balance. Pebbles (blue heeler, 1.5 years old) would never listen to me, would not sit or lay still, and had a lot of other obedience issues that caused her to be stressed or confused. She was a TOUGH dog to train and I was concerned I couldn't find the solution for her to get basic concepts. This view has completely changed since working with RSK9's 3 week program. I would HIGHLY recommend them and their methods - you can tell they genuinely love working with dogs and it's made a huge difference in giving my dog the chance to find real rest at home. They send DAILY updates with photos and videos which was so nice. This isn't a regular class or something you just pay for; it's truly an investment that you and your dog will be using for the time you get to share together. Side note: it's worth doing 3 weeks versus 2 weeks. At the 2 week mark is when Pebbles really started to understand her marks and cues. From here there is so much more that can be refined and Brandi/Perry really capitalize on that threshold being crossed!

Brandi & Perry were amazing! Highly recommend working with them…read more We adopted a one year old mixed breed, Tuck, a few months ago. He's very sweet but started to get rambunctious to the point that my remote work felt challenging. He also started jumping or freezing when he saw other dogs on walks, and he occasionally barked or growled and men. We weren't sure if it was the start of aggressive behavior or just the result of a shelter dog that hasn't been exposed. After doing our research, we decided to do the 3 week behavior modification board and train program. We were really impressed from beginning to end. They shared a ton of information upfront, walked us through their facility (we opted to drop him off) and sent pictures and updates every evening. It became clear right away that they both have a very deep understanding of dogs, as well as a real respect and love for them. Tuck loved them! The best part was the "transition" day when Perry brought Tuck back and spent the day teaching us everything they've worked on together. We are first time dog owners so generally going in pretty blind. Perry gave us a 101 on dogs and the importance of clear and consistent communication. He talked through all of the layers of training and how/why it is effective. We felt this part was SO helpful for us to understand how to be better owners. Then we walked Tuck around the neighborhood with Perry guiding us and then spent time addressing indoor behaviors too. He was flexible and stayed until we felt comfortable with everything. This is a long review so the TLDR: finding a trainer is a big decision and investment so we wanted to get it right. Brandi & Perry were really incredible and beyond our expectations!! Truly worth every penny! Tuck has been doing really great at home and outside since being home. I've been able to work full days with him holding "place" on his cot, which would have been unheard of before!

Excellent trainer with an unbelievable knowledge of canine behavior as well as who's who in the dog…read moretraining world.

I sent my two year old pit bull mix, Layla, to the two week Board and Train program with Amhursh K9…read morefor extreme reactivity issues and I cannot say enough about how thrilled I am with the results of the program. I had all but reached my wit's end in trying to address Layla's problem behaviors on my own. Annemarie came to our home to evaluate Layla to ensure that she would be a good fit for the Board and Train program. Layla's reactivity issues were a big source of stress in my life, and I was worried that she might have grown into an aggressive dog. Daily walks around the neighborhood and hosting guests at our home were daunting because Layla would drop her otherwise sweet, cuddly demeanor to bark and lunge at people, dogs, and really just about anything that moved. Annemarie assured me that Layla was in fact a great-tempered dog and was simply lacking confidence and structure in her life. Because Layla is a pit bull mix, I am extremely picky about who I trust with my dog, but Annemarie expressed that she has ample experience with the breed. Her confidence in Layla's ability to learn correct and acceptable behavior really put me at ease. After Layla completed the training program, Annemarie brought her back to our home for an extensive lesson on her new commands, proper reinforcement and correction, etc. It was immediately evident that Layla was a "different" dog in the way that she carried herself. Instead of constantly scanning her environment for things to bark/lunge at, Layla was focused and calm. She walks beautifully on a loose leash and is respectful of people's boundaries (before training, Layla always had to be the CENTER of attention. Everywhere. All of the time.) Not only did Annemarie assist in Layla's confidence building, but Layla's progress has helped me feel more confident handling her - a self-perpetuating cycle. As it turns out, while I was worried that I might have created an aggressive dog, Annemarie was able to show me that Layla isn't an aggressive dog at all, but an extremely sensitive and emotional one. Amhursh K9 didn't just train my dog, they educated me on how to better understand my dog. I have a completely new relationship with Layla, and I am so extremely grateful for the results of the training. We are now talking about taking Layla on a trip to Petsmart - something I previously never dreamed of being possible. Amhursh K9 also offers boarding services, so I now also have a place I feel comfortable sending Layla to stay anytime I need to travel out of town. If it isn't already evident, I really cannot say enough good things about Annemarie and Amhursh K9.

We sent our 3 year old golden to Controlled K9 for a board and train program because we were having…read morechallenges with her on walks and when guests would come over to the house. From the initial consult with Kenzie, we felt very comfortable with how she approached training and her experience. When Charlie came back after 4 weeks, it was such a big change! No longer did we have to worry about leash pulling, picking up trash on walks, and being overcome with excitement whenever guests would visit. We can now enjoy our dog all of the time. We take her on long walks, she joins us at restaurants and events around the neighborhood, and overall is a much better behaved dog without losing her personality. We could not be happier with our experience with Kenzie.

My husband and I can't say enough good things about Controlled K9! We recently adopted a two year…read moreold German Shepherd who was well behaved in the house but a true terror to walk on leash (pulling and severe reactivity towards other dogs). Controlled K9 came to our home to evaluate her and recommended a four week board and train to work on basic obedience, leash manners, and off leash recall. We loved that she was taken in as a member of the family during her "boarding school," and they provided regular photos and updates on her progress throughout. She returned to us her same happy, sweet self in the house, but basically a new dog on leash! The Controlled K9 team trained us on how to continue her training, and remained super responsive to our follow up questions. It's incredible to see the transformation and we're so grateful to the Controlled K9 team for changing our lives - and Zoey's - for the better!

Dianna took our overgrown German Shepherd, that was overwhelming in every aspect, and help us turn…read morehim into a member of the family. He was impossible in every way until we had the privilege to work with Dianna. She taught us how to train him, and how to work with him so he wasn't dog aggressive. Dianna has such tremendous love for animals, and it reflected in how compassionately she helped us learn to communicate with Jonah. Dianna helped him became a cherished member of our family. I fell so blessed. Sherry Been

From the owner: Gentle, science-based training and behavior modification by a nationally certified trainer and…read morebehavior consultant. Shy and/or Fearful dogs are my specialty. Conveniently scheduled, in-home obedience training and behavior modification. sessions Problem prevention counseling and behavior modification protocols. American Treibball Association sanctioned Treibball classes. New puppy ABC's/Potty training. New Dog 101 Basic Manners training for your new adoptee. AKC Canine Good Citizen and Star Puppy Training and Testing.

Pack Place K9 has been treating my baby boy, Benito, the absolute best. He's a puppy with so much…read moreenergy and very confident in himself, so I needed a place to teach him basic obedience and other areas we were struggling with at home. He has been working closely with Julia (thank you Julia!) who has taught my baby boy so much and she is able to keep up with his crazy energy! After he completed his 3 week new member orientation, Julia patiently demonstrated to us the training to continue doing at home so Benito can enhance his skills. I continue to use their daycare/training service so Benito has the opportunity to continue learning and socialize with other pups. Plus, Benito is always so excited when we walk up to the front door of the facility, and always greets staff with excitement-- which is a definite green flag when putting trust in leaving your fur babies all day somewhere without you there. Pack Place K9 has staff who are very professional and trustworthy.

This is my third dog I have brought to Pack Place K9 for training/agility/daycare. Bentley is a…read morevery active pup at 1.5 years old! As he was a stray, he knew no boundaries. During the new member training sessions, Julia did a fantastic job in curbing this as well as increasing Bentley socialization skills. I loved seeing the many videos/pictures during this period, which kept me informed and showed me Bentley was having a blast! Julia, you are like a dog whisperer! You know what Bentley needs to be able to thrive to be a good and happy pup! Julia reviewed all the training tips with us so we can do the same at home. Bentley even had a little graduation, which was so nice. Everyone at Pack Place K9 works hard to care for and love all the pups! I will continue to keep Bentley here to continue his training and to just have fun with the staff and pups!

Awesome trainers hands down and New facility location nestled in the Potomac Valley shopping…read morecenter! While the location of facility is just recently opened, the business itself has actually been around since 2017. We decided to go with them in 2022, signed up for the Board and Train and hands down, the best investment I've ever made for my pooch (and myself ofc). I wish I knew them then with my first doodle. We had David then for our 2 weeks B&T, fast forward 2 years later we are still getting on going support from Caroline, David, Dylan (aka the treat guy for Bailey..lol) with weekly pack walks, pop up training class, group lessons, etc. If you are serious about getting your dog trained and better behavior or you simply need guidance to be a better dog owner, get in touch with them! Signed, ~Bailey, the pooch with attitude who used to bite/tug on his leash during walk, to a confident dog who can behave in public and proudly earned his CGC after :)

From the owner: Balanced dog Trainers that offer Private Lessons, Reactive/Aggressive Dog Training, Day Train…read moreProgram, and 2 Week Offleash Board & Train

l like it a lot because they attend to my puppy promptly and do keep him caged like in other places…read more they are very professional

The trainers are really nice and understand dog and human behaviors! Walking our dog is much more…read morepleasant and we've learned a lot of tricks to practice at home. Highly recommend Dog Sense for your pups training

This review has nothing to do with Dreamy Skies training capabilities as unfortunately I never got…read morethe opportunity to work with her.   I reached out via the website and picked a time for a :15 phone consultation, I was looking for an immediate slot, but settled on the first available which was a week away. I booked and waited to be able to chat through options that were available for my pup.  As many do, I work in an office setting, I waited for the call to come in which was minutes late (3 minutes if we're looking for details, 11:48 AM) I quickly listened to Karen's message and immediately called back (within 3 minutes of the missed call). There was no answer.  Within 5 minutes I'd also sent a follow up email explaining that I was still available and eager to discuss my pet, no response. Ever.  I should note, the message noted that I'm outside of her service area. Her website advertises D.C. training opportunities, lists an address in Mount Airy, where I'm from and where my family resides, I can work remotely from anywhere and can easily be available no matter where she requested to meet.  She also advertises boarding and training packages on the website which sparked my initial interest.  My family owned and a well known local kennel in the area for more than 30 years, I love the setting of Mullinex Mill Road (which is rural) and I thought it would be a better setting for my dog's training than some other businesses located in busier settings.  Put simply: I specifically sought out this trainer for their location.   After calling late for our scheduled consultation and no follow up in spite of a follow up email and phone call(and message) from me I'm bummed.  My family has owned and operated two local small businesses. I know things can get lost, but the lack of customer service was really disappointing.

We highly recommend Dreamy Skies!! Our 3 year old rescue dog, Sammi, had fear aggression and…read morereactivity towards strangers and other dogs. We worked with Karen for 8 sessions over the past 6 months and we have seen a tremendous amount of improvement. The first time Karen met Sammi, she immediately noticed her high anxiety and she explained how this attributes to her aggression and reactivity. She showed us step-by-step methods to teach Sammi to be more relaxed and less anxious. It's incredible how much her anxiety has improved since we first started. As Karen explained to us in the beginning, this is a slow and steady process and we still have much more progress to make with Sammi. But we have all the tools and knowledge we need to allow her to succeed. This type of training is not quick and easy - it is important to do the work and stay consistent, but it is so worth it!! It truly does work! We have a much better relationship with Sammi and we're so grateful to Karen!

This is like Disney World for dogs! My dog gets so excited to go there. He wiggles and cries as we…read moreget closer. He comes home happy and tired! Love this place

PART 2: (Owner of…read moreGretchen the Saint Bernard, if you're reading this: yes, she also yells at and punishes your sweet OLD dog for barking. Gretchen only barked because Gina was around and she didn't like her.) Also, they'll throw the dogs GETTING humped out of group instead of removing the humper. A number of times I had hyper dogs in group -- shepherds and huskies like Sierra (if Sierra's owner sees this, yes, she's also a hump victim they won't protect) -- that just wanted to zoom around and play. But because they don't know shit about dogs, they get mad at the DOG and remove it from group, sometimes trapping it inside in a crate during yard time. Multiple times they came to take dogs from my group and I told them I already had them under control, they were literally just speeding around and playing. But Gina gets mad when dogs bark and excite other dogs, so inside crate time it is. Also, just for the record, most of the good dog pictures on their site/social media were taken by me. Again, unprofessional as hell because she makes staff use their personal phones to take pictures for the business. Not all the dogs get their walks every day because there simply are not enough staff for that to even be possible. If your dog barks, best believe Gina is punishing them for it when she's there. They also give dogs weed/CBD drops without consulting owners because they want them quieter. The regular hourly staff are mostly good with dogs, but they all get fired arbitrarily -- or not even officially fired. They just get removed from the schedule out of nowhere and ghosted. Happened to at least four staff members while I was there. And the ones who didn't get ghost fired? Gina screamed and cussed them out until they quit. At LEAST two employees. The dogs love the regular come-and-go staff because most of them actually care about the dogs and are good with them. But I would NEVER trust my dogs left in the care of Connor or Gina. NEVER NEVER NEVER. And the rest of the staff could be fired literally any second for nothing. The owner is basically a spoiled rich little girl who used rich little girl money to open a kennel but has absolutely no idea how to run a business or properly care for dogs. She likes dogs because they're probably the only creatures capable of caring about her and because she can control them through abuse or paid trainers. But she hates dogs that don't like her. And all this is relatively recent. I wasn't even there THAT long and I still saw all of this. One more thing. Theyre not very careful about making sure the food and water bowls are all dry and clean of the bleach theyre washed in before feeding and watering dogs out of them. And when i was there and careful about they stopped me cause "it was wasting time and we dont have enough dishes to wait for those to be dry of bleach water."