I contacted Ridgeside K9 after doing a google search for dog trainers in my area. My initial consultation with Taylor was great, she asked a lot of questions about my Malinois rescue and what I was looking to get out of training. I explained to her that there were a few areas that he and I could use some help in, and we got the ball rolling. Brent showed up on the day of pickup and walked me through the process of what to expect during the time he would be training Kona and what kind of updates I would get. I got daily pictures and updates on his status. All I can say is wow, when Kona came back, he was a different dog. Brent spent about 2.5 hours with my family explaining how to integrate the training he used into our lives and how to use the tools he provided us with to make sure Kona succeeds. I think he trains the owners more than the dogs (lol). After we went through his training it was time to put it to use, he had my wife, and I walk Kona, and he gave us tips on how to correct behavior and relax and enjoy the walk. Thank you to Brent and his staff for helping us help Kona be a successful rescue and a huge part of our family. read more

The one star for the training, and the lack of stars for unprofessional conduct from the owner (Brent). Our dog went through professional behavioral training through another company years ago. He had a solid baseline for learning and commands (sit, heal, place, etc.). Our primary issue was our dog's reactivity. We needed more help on how we as owners could manage this better. We decided to go with Ridgeside K-9 based on their stellar reviews and 4 week behavior modification board and train. Brent picked our dog up and was very thorough on what the plan was. We received a picture/video just about every evening with minimal communication attached. We were trusting their process. During the turn over, everything went well. We did notice our dog had lost a good amount of weight. He was never over weight by any means, but now we can really feel his ribs, spine, and hip bones. Nothing unhealthy though. We also noticed his bark was very different, and we figured it was due to him barking in the kennel during the turn over. Just over a week went by, and our dog's bark was still extremely weak. That coupled with our dog's weight loss had us a little uneasy. When confronting Brent over a phone call out of concern for our dog he became extremely defensive. He heatedly said our dog about drove him insane for 2 weeks due to his barking (which he never thought to mention previously), and then asked if we see a difference in him considering the training. I said not significantly. As mentioned, we've worked our dog for years, and the technique Brent taught us regarding our dog's reactivity is new to us. It had been just over a week and we were still learning to manage and get the results we need. However, before I could elaborate on any of this Brent completely flew off the handle. He was literally YELLING at me over the phone, saying I don't know what I'm talking about, we are the problem, and that I am a person who worries too much. I simply wanted to talk to him out of concern for my dog, and I felt like that meant nothing to him. My husband intervened on the phone due to Brent's disrespect toward me and it only got worse from there. We didn't get a hint of this instability throughout our prior interactions with Brent, and this left both of us completely in shock. Once things cooled down, Brent went back into a mode of wanting to help. Although this was appreciated, the damage was done. Brent has a lot of passion and pride in his work, but his temper concerns us greatly. It was like a switch, and there was ABSOLUTELY no excuse for that level of disrespect towards us. read more

I am so thankful I took the leap and did 4 weeks of training with Ridgeside K9! Charlie is a 2yr old Labradoodle, super hyper running around with his mouth open! It can make it hard for him to control himself around visitors and anything that caught his attention during walks. These photos show the progress he has made! What he has learned has given us the ability to give him commands and an environment where he can get excited but also relax. I can't say enough about how wonderful and dedicated the trainers with Ridgeside K9 are. They also provide lifetime guidance and support!!! read more

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Our Bernedoodle was having reactive issues to other dogs and just a lack of control. After 3 weeks with Brent and Carleigh, he is more confident and follows directions/commands. He is a pleasure to walk now and we will be able to have people over without excessive barking. Communication was responsive and immediate. The training for my husband and I was also helpful, clear, and all encompassing. They were also very caring and loving to our dog. Try them out! read more

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Ridgeside is amazing! Kellen helped our chocolate lab puppy with learning the basics (first stay) and then doing more advanced training (at about 7 months). Not only did our dog Stan return a more obedient and responsive dog, but Kellen provided so much warmth and care while training. We always knew Stan was in good, loving hands and Kellen provided ongoing communication with us through pictures and messages while our rambunctious little guy was away. We have been very happy with all services and cannot recommend this trainer more highly. Thank you for everything! read more

After having a less than stellar experience with another trainer, I contacted Ridgeside K9-Tampa on a Sunday and Brent called me back the same day. Took the time to listen to my concerns (difficult dog with some severe issues) and set expectations for training. Started Board & Train that week, received daily updates and 5 weeks later I have a dog who is behaved, knows her commands, doesn't bother my cat anymore and FINALLY walking her isn't an anxiety and stressful experience - the tools work and she understands the communication. During turn over he takes the time to explain, coach you through daily routines, etc. and available for support afterwards. Brent and Carleigh did a fantastic job!!! Thank you so much for taking on the challenge. Wish there was a 10 star option read more

Ridgeside K9 Tampa - People, dog, squirrel watching - calmly! - Pet Training Near Me

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If I could give 0 stars I would. Over 3300 for this 3 week fraud training. Brent is no dog trainer whatsoever so avoid this place. Absolutely zero change after 3 weeks out of my daughter's dog a dachsund. Took him in October all you got were a few dog walking videos and stay in place videos. Dog still after we got him back acted horrendous around other dogs and people. No change whatsoever. He was there 3 weeks and week 3 Hurricane Helene came and tampa was told to evacuate. My daughter said she could pick him up and continue when its over. He kept saying no don't worry. Well his house got flooded to the point they had to leave and who knows what the dog went through. After she got him back he was no different than when he left. It was as if we handed 330 over and he just boarded him. Still can't stay in a crate without screeching and going nuts. When she and her boyfriend kept texting and calling him he never replied and kept avoiding them. I don't know about any other trainers there but Brent sucks and so does this place. Good luck if you use them you'll need it read more

If I could give more than 5 stars, I absolutely would! I was overwhelmed by all of the different dog trainers I had found online when doing my initial research and could not be more glad I went with Ridgeside K9 and had Kristin train my 1 year old golden retriever. The entire process from initial outreach all the way to graduation from training school was an absolute breeze. They are quick to respond, incredibly communicative & really take into account the specific training needs for each dog rather than providing a blanket approach. They even drove to my house to pickup and drop off my pup, so I didn't have to lift a finger! Kristin truly cares so much about the dogs she's working with and I cannot thank her enough for the time spent with mine. Everyday I received text updates with what they were working on as well as photos/videos so I could admire from afar. We went with the 3 week option, so outside of the daily training, she even incorporated field trips to public places like Home Depot and Armature Works, to practice in real life settings and make the transition out of a training environment that much easier. My main concerns were leash manners & jumping on guests, which Kristin was able to correct with ease. Overall, an 11/10 experience that fixed all of my dog's "problem areas" and improved his general obedience in ways I didn't even know existed. An investment that truly will make a difference in our lives going forward. read more

Ridgeside K9 Tampa - Pet Training Near Me

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I was very hesitant to send my 7 month old GoldenDoodle to a board and train. I am so happy I did! She was wild....out of control. She came back with new tricks, new commands and more of a enjoyable disposition. She still gets wild but it's controllable. This was the best thing I could have done for our family! I received updates daily...either photos or videos. I cannot recommend Ridgeside K9 Tampa enough!! It's worth it! read more

Ridgeside K9 Tampa - Pet Training Near Me

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Our 15 week Golden Retriever, Cash, transformation has amazed us. We sent him to the puppy program with Kenzi for 10 days and we are very pleased with the results. He is more relaxed, walks great at heel, and is listening better than ever before. We are so happy with his behavior and cannot thank Kenzi enough. Cash goes back when he is closer to 1 year old for 3 weeks and we can't wait to see what he and Kenzi accomplish. Thank you again Ridgeside K9 Tampa and especially Kenzi!! We appreciate you. read more

It was a pleasure working with RidgesideK9 Tampa (Kenzi). I only have positive things to say about about the company as well as Kenzi. She was very communicative and knowledgeable throughout the process. My puppy (Rocky) was with her for a few weeks and I must say that he's a totally changed dog after the training. I was having some issues with him earlier but he's a very well behaved puppy now. It was a pleasure working with her and looking forward to the next part of the training. Thank you for all your time and help. read more

I have two Cane Corso puppies. With my female who is now 15 months old, I have done 16 weeks of training with another dog trainer to only end up with a dog that understands commands, but only does them for treats. She doesn't listen when it counts. I am not one of those women that treat my dogs like babies, I understand they are dogs, and I treat them as such. This is what they need. I met Jay, the owner/trainer of Ridgeside K9 in Ocala Florida, through a coworker that recommended them. I attended a group class and was so impressed with how he treated the dogs in the class, but also understood the larger breed dogs and the issues that come with owning these dogs. His methods also mirrored all the books I have read about training, I just need some help putting them into action. I learned a lot during that class and decided to do some private lessons with Jay. It's a slow process with me. She listens to him, no problem but with me, there is this rebuilding process of our relationship where things are changing, and she is learning to respect me. She is 140lbs, I am 148 lbs., so having control of her is a must. I am able to walk her on a leash, 95% of the time with no pulling, she knows place and is learning to heel. We are making so much progress. I am so confident in Jay and his wife Nikki that I am saving up so I can do the board and train. I have always been opposed to sending my dog away to train because of the horror stories I have heard from other people with other trainers. I whole heartedly trust Nikki and Jay to take care of my dog as if she were their own. If you have a problem dog, bad behaviors, or just want to start your puppy out right, this Trainer is the way to go! I highly recommend. read more

Ridgeside K9 Tampa - Freya- 12 months old - Pet Training Near Me

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