I'm actually quite disappointed to be writing a 3 star review for this training. However I think it's really important to share my perspective. I have a now 14 week old puppy and called to ask about training, when a good time to start was and about what they do. Pat was nice on the phone and even though he (the dog) would be 10 weeks at the start of training she said it was perfectly fine. I found out otherwise though from many other professionals. The first day is a very long orientation with good info but she tends to get off on tangents so beware of your time.... she is also very affordable $150 total. the second class is the first day with dogs. Though we split into three groups, the young dog group is by far the biggest. Pat claims that she can handle the large group but you get very little one on one help from her. She demos and then watches sometimes from a distance but with a group that big 12+ dogs and even more people it is overwhelming. She also does very long talks throughout the class which is hard for the young dogs to stay still that long. The reason I am going to not attend the final 5 sessions is because my dog was singled out during the last session for being "reactive and aggressive." He is a 13 week old Labrador. He was barking and jumping, trying to go near the other dogs and it was about him wanting to play. He needs more leash training but is not people or dog aggressive. I do a lot of at home and at barn training with him on my own. That seems normal and there were A LOT of dogs. She immediately told her assistant to not make eye contact and not go near or touch him. The biggest problem was that she, using her microphone, pointed several times to us during her aggressive and reactive dog talk, and made many many assumptions about my puppy. For instance she assumed I had never met the parents of my dog or looked up the breeder. That is very wrong however as I spent a lot of time choosing my dog. Also... why would that matter? There's a lot of rescues at her training so would it be that bad if I didn't meet the dog's parents? He never once snarled, growled or tried to bite, ever. But he wasn't allowed near the dogs during their socializing time and we continually were referenced in very negative ways. She eventually sent someone to work 1:1 with us for his jumping but Pat never seems to do that herself. The other trainer is why I'm not giving 1 or 2 stars. The other trainer was great and was not even concerned about not touching him. She seemed to really like him. And at the end of class Pat again signaled to us and had me stay so that all of the other trainers could be aware of his "reactive and aggressive" behavior. She said I needed to stay to see how bad he was. The other trainers looked confused because he was not reacting at all. He could sit, lay down, watch and was so good. I should have just left. Of course she still wouldn't admit that maybe he just wanted to play with the other dogs. I think that group was far too big and there is way too much going on at that venue. I am disappointed to loose the affordable training but I left the class in tears because of her assumptions and dismissiveness of everything I would tell her about him. It's hard to hear that your dog is acting aggressive and even if he was, I don't think she needed to announce it to 15+ people on her microphone and reference him as what could happen to other people's dogs.... just humiliating. The instructions you get could be found on YouTube. Spend a little more money on training and try another place out. read more

Rav'n Dog Training - Pet Training Near Me

I have been training with Pat for more than 12 years. With my first dog Mac, she helped my learn how to masterfully manage his reactive behavior for his whole life (11 years). Pat was there for me any time I needed her. When I called her, she always called me back and spent so much time talking with me, supporting me emotionally and offering great advice. I love Pat! Now with my current dog, Malcolm, we are thoroughly enjoying her classes again. I also love all her trainers. Over the years they have also been amazing and supportive. I have trained in many of the offered classes, beginning through advanced 2, and also rally and most currently "nose work". So fun for me and Malcolm, and a great community of people! read more

Rav'n Dog Training - Malcolm - Pet Training Near Me

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There are much better trainers out there than Pat. I really don't understand the cult-like following. We took our then 7-month-old puppy for outdoor beginning classes and were sorely disappointed by the class. First, even though the larger class is broken down into groups, those smaller groups still had upward of 10 dogs in each (with only 1 instructor) leaving it difficult to hear and follow instructions. Pat (and some of the assistants) are the most condescending people I've ever worked with (especially given that we're the client, not the other way around). The exercises are nothing particularly innovative. We've continued training our dog mostly through techniques we pick up from reading, on tv, from videos, etc. The most telling sign of the complete disregard Pat et al. have for the clients is that we dropped out after only a few classes. Nobody followed up to check in. Pat takes roll every week, so it's not as though she doesn't know that we stopped going. By the way, there is a strict no-money-back policy, so once they've got you, they've got you. read more

Not sure how much of the problems had to do with logistics more than the trainer, but overall, I did not find the class that helpful. This rating is specific to the puppy / beginner class - looks like some people had good experiences with the advanced courses. I gave the whole class a go before posting since I wanted to be fair about the whole course. Firstly, the class is disorganized. The schedule was so poorly written / formatted that I thought the class began on the 28th, but it turned out the orientation (no dogs, just people going over logistics) was scheduled for the 21st. I called at least 3-4 times trying to speak to a real person, since I was not about to mail my registration check to a random stranger without knowing my dog could be enrolled in her class. It's the 21st century, folks - get a working email address for your business, a minion who can use email for you, or a cell phone that can be answered more regularly. But no matter, because the orientation got canceled anyways and was rescheduled for the 30 minutes before the actual teaching began on the 28th. So, we started with all the owners with all the dogs forced to sit quietly for 30 minutes before actual instruction began. As a former teacher, 30 minutes of children sitting quietly is a blue moon event. I'm not sure why they assumed that these dogs here for a PUPPY class would be happy to do this. Also, the schedule states the class is 7 weeks long but I was confused when the class ended on the 6th week and we were handed our certificates *scratch head*. The class is a mix of super young puppies to old dogs that have never been trained. My first problem with the class started in the first 5 minutes when she chose to single my 10 pound morkie out, saying that I was scaring my dog by pulling on the leash. That said, I slacked the leash (of course, while holding it). I was next yelled at for allowing my dog to come up to other people's dogs less than 5 feet away from me and "scaring" them, when it became clear in the next 10 minutes that one dog likes to lock eyes with other dogs and creep them out, and the other dog was aggressive with the owner, the trainer and all the other dogs in the class (and ended up dropping out). I get that as the instructors, you'd be concerned about dogs getting hurt on your watch, but as the students, we (dog and me) were confused and stressed. The class taught us a few basic things (i.e. recall, sit, stay, down, turn, u-turn, stand, basic heel) and that was useful. However, I would have liked to learn some commands that are important for safety such as Leave it and Drop it but to be fair, I'm not sure how that could be implemented in the setting. Many of the explanations were longwinded for simple acts and would veer off into stories or asides, which is tough for the attention span of this particular group of dogs. It was often hard to follow what we were being asked to do because there's no visual referent - it's like dance class without the mirror, lol. Additionally, the last 2 meetings were mostly devoted to demos of what dogs could do / learn if they joined the intermediate class which is a continuation of the course... kind of felt like a really long commercial. Some things about the class probably can't be improved due to the venue -- the address listed is not where the classes are held. In reality, it's on a lawn that every dog in the neighborhood has pissed on, and chock full of sticks from the trees = all of this is super distracting to any dog. I guess you could argue if your dog was learning, they would learn not to be distracted. I think it's a hard place to start learning. (discuss). The location itself is near a high traffic parking lot, with screaming kids in the park, a skateboard area, another class is right next to it, and since it's a beginner class, every dog with his / her unique issues is in the same place. Because of all of this, they need to give instructions through a mike and the amped up voice freaked out my dog for the first month. The class is highly food motivated, which is understandable. We're talking nearly a bag of treats per class, which isn't the healthiest so scale back your dog's meals on class days accordingly. Behavior would go downhill throughout the hour once my dog got full and tired of treats. I'll give 'em 2 stars for being patient with our puppy who and for simply being cheap, particularly if your dog was adopted from Pets In Need who seem to have some kind of deal going on with them. It is certainly one of the cheaper options in the Bay area and we live nearby. I had high hopes this class would work out due to the cost, these reviews, and the proximity to home, but unfortunately I cannot recommend them for, at the least, the puppy class - maybe better luck with their more advanced classes. read more

If you are looking for an effective training, this is not the place. Pat talks way too much. During the first session she talked to us for 3 hours!!! while having her dogs crying in her van all the time :(((( The training is cheap, but I think you can get out more information from YouTube videos. We left after the first session because I figured that I would rather pay more money for a decent training. After I told her that I don't want to continue the training and wanted my payment back, Pat got extremely aggressive and protective... overall, a pretty bad experience. read more

I love Pat! She makes the class fun. She is so tuned into your pet. She gave me a lot of insight into some of my puppies behaviors. She is also very accomodating. I signed my pup up and have missed a number of classes. She will let me make up the classes when I can. I have referred a couple of my friends to her. I plan on taking the next series of classes with her. She uses her own dogs for demos and boy are they cute. She has a terrier and a lab and both of them could be in the movies. read more

Our jubilant Flat Coat/Border Collie mix had a blast in Pat's puppy class. Kudos to Pat and her team of trainers (Mary, Erin, Kathy, Vicki, and Arlene) who made sure that we got a full workout, answered any questions with kindness and consideration, and sent us home with plenty of great advice. We continued to see improvements each week with our cheerful mutt and look forward to more training. A lot of practice and patience were key in getting our pup to where she is now - we'll be back for the next round of classes. Pat and her team are very tuned into not just the pups and adult dogs, but to the two-legged ones at the other end of the leash, too. They're paying close attention so that we stay focused and safe so we can all have fun and our dogs (and us) get the training we need. It's hard work and a continual labor of love, but well worth the time and effort. read more

Pat and her trainers are the best on the Peninsula. I've been going for 25 years and have trained four dogs with her. She and her trainers understand that all dogs are different and each dog needs to be trained differently. They also love training dogs that aren't the usual obedience breeds. They also know that training the humans is 50% of the job. I couldn't imagine my life without her. read more

This is a great obedience class for dog owners. Pat is the main dog trainer and she sometimes doesn't give the greatest first impression. but she knows her stuff and I think she means well. Once you get to know her better you can see she is just very passionate about dogs. Pat's other trainers and assistants are a dream to work with. Mary and Erin are the best, they are patient and explain each exercise well without making you sit for too long (the dogs get bored). The training philosophy is reward/lure based with all positive reinforcement and very little "corrections". I admit to be a skeptic when we first signed up, but after a few session + lots of practice I've seen such an improvement in their behavior, not just with obedience but manners around the house. The dogs really enjoy it too. I plan on continuting with the intermediate I and II when we're finished. So come to class withan open mind, be prepared for some lectures but overall this is a wonderful class. read more

It's a good program especially love Erin the trainer. Lots of dogs and lots of experienced trainers

Pat Rohde is awesome. We've taken three dogs through her classes (one puppy is just starting).

Pat's classes are excellent. She takes the time to give individual instruction as well as group activities. Her approach is positive with comments that encourage and train the handler as well as the dog. I have two mini American Shepherds with very different personalities, and the training advice and guidance I get from Pat and the other Rav'n Dog trainers is personalized for each dog. My dogs get excited every week when they see we are on the way to a training class! read more

I cannot give enough praise to Raven Dog Training, Pat Rhode and her trainers who have successfully trained me and my dog for several years. When I rescued my dog, she had never seen a leash or collar. With their professional and gentle guidance and patience, we now have a wonderful addition to our family. This last year we have entered several competitions in obedience, and my dog earned an obedience title. The results of their knowledgable training far exceeded any expectations I had for my dog. Kudos read more

I have been taking my dogs to Pat Rohde for training for many years. Pat's extensive and thorough knowledge of canine behavior, current training techniques as well as her ability to problem solve make her classes fun and informative. Pat offers constructive training tips without demeaning you or your dog. I especially find her demonstrations with her own dogs very helpful, and funny as Pat never hesitates to point out her own dogs' antics! I compete with my dogs in obedience and Pat has taught me to read my dog's behavior better and thus improve our working together. I highly recommend Pat Rohde's classes either through Rav'n Dog Training or through Pets in Need. read more

Pat is a super trainer who cares for her people and the dogs they bring to class. Both of my whippets have done very well in her classes and that is saying something as this is not a breed that trains easily. We've taken classes both at this location and at the outdoor location where she teaches the Pets in Need classes. Pat does have a strong personality which may be off-putting to some but I think this just adds to her ability to teach. Pat really knows her stuff and has many times taught us a different technique if my dog is not learning well with the general technique. I really like that Pat is actively training her own dogs which I think shows her continuing enthusiasm for her chosen field. What one may feel as being called out is what I take as individual attention which I appreciate. I have taken classes with many different trainers and while most have something to give you, I find Pat is best all around for pet and competition training. read more

We have been taking classes for over a year now (with some breaks etc). We started with beginning/puppy training and are now doing advanced. Our labradoodle is our first dog ever (we have teenage boys but never had a dog due to allergies etc). We began with a puppy at 3 months old. I see alot of good reviews but disappointed to see a couple of bad ones. True, Pat- the main/head trainer seems quirky, but she knows her stuff. And her team of trainers are fabulous. The beginning class and advanced are with Pat but our intermediate classes were with other trainers. We had a private trainer come to our house a few times before we went to group classes and the two experiences are very different but both good for us and the dog. True, the park is distracting, but don't be discouraged. It is good for you and the dog to train on how to focus with real life distractions. Your dog should get used to other cars, children, other things with wheels going by. It is ok if not every moment of every class is perfect (and everyone has an off day); you and the dog are still learning something. The park and the other dogs make it a different experience and remember: the price is reasonable because it is a group class at a park. Pat truly cares about dogs and wants everyone to have a good experience with their dog. Or every dog to have a good experience with their owner? :-) sometimes she is busy because she is teaching classes one after the other but she is helpful with advice if you can get her before class. Also the other trainers are helpful and they are usually free before and after their classes. Maybe it is because we never had a dog, but I think it REALLY helped to take intermediate after beginning... Mick (our dog) learned all of the basics in beginner and is still learning - when he is not learning I know it is only because we do not practice at home or I am not sure of what I am doing. This is why it is good to go to and keep going to classes. I see Pat going over specifics with other people in class when they are not getting it (in advanced even) and she has done this for me in and out of class. If you have specific issues, you should consider getting her for private lessons. I think that is what I will do- and I'll post to let you know how that goes. read more

We have been taking classes at Rav'n for over a year now. We started with the beginners and are now moving into Adv II. Pat and all her trainers are fantastic! They are always willing to answer questions and are helpful dealing with each dog's issues. We have taken most of our sessions with Cathy and I can not say enough good things about her! read more

Pat Rohde's many years of dog training experience in the Bay Area have made her an invaluable resource to dog owners. She is an expert in the dog child relationship as well as in solving any other behaviorial issues you may encounter with your dog. Training is only one part of the benefit of signing up for one of her classes. She offers you the opportunity to ask individual questions at the end of each class. No matter if this is your first dog or you have owned dogs all your life, there are always new questions that arise in your relationship with each dog. She also offers individual training if that works out better for you. I have been in her classes for the last 30 years and have owed two or three dogs at a time throught the years. I still always learn something new each time I attend a class. I wholeheartedly recommend her services to anyone in a relationship with a dog. read more

Great training. We have trained three dogs with pat through her advanced training and used her to evaluate a new dog. In all case we were better for her help. Her program is always fun for both dog and us. So much better to train dog in Pats class where the dog has to learn to deal with multiple other dogs and distractions. Pat is a believes in positive reinforcement and I have never seen her be in the slightest bit harsh with a dog read more