Argos Dog Training

We had our dog Clarice take the Structurally Harmonious 5-Day Board and Train course recently with Martin and could not be happier with the outcome. This is our third dog trained at Argos which speaks in itself to the performance and talent of Martin & the Argos team. We are engaged dog owners who love to learn about dog care and how to provide the best and safest environment for our dogs and family. Structure and energy is a major part in achieving that family goal. Claire is mildly anxious and had several triggers that ramped up her energy on walks and in the house. Our goal for this training session was to be one step ahead of her triggers and notice energy shifts to temper her reactions. Being able to recognize energy shifts early will create a better environment for Claire and our family. With the book provided and Martin's training we feel we now have the tools to achieve that goal. Claire came back from training with a lower baseline anxiety level that we are working on daily with her to keep down. Her leash reactivity has improved and overall energy levels are working toward the ideal position. Lastly a note on Martin. He is very engaged and truly cares about the outcome of his training. He also is constantly aiming for improvement in his methods and figuring out best practices for different dogs and situations. No one dog is the same and our three dogs have had different training techniques. Highly recommend Argos!

When I required a trainer to help my dog's on-leash walking, I selected Argos due to the number of high star reviews. To share perspective on why I believe this number is so high - at the last session, Martin has you scan a QR code and asks you to write a review on the spot while he is present. This guarantees five stars. He also on the spot wanted me to provide a positive recommendation for him for a certification program he is currently in which I did not feel comfortable doing. The positive: Martin made a very good recommendation on a leash that helped my dog's walking (gentle leader). The overall experience however wasn't up to par or the reviews I read. Martin is a seller. In the initial consult he takes his time (hour +) and he sells you on his services. Once you have signed a contract and have paid this begins to wear off. What was initially a two week board and train for 4k became a three week board and train for 5k on the day I arrived to drop my dog off, before he had any sessions. The results delivered with my dog, outside of a better leash recommendation that assisted walking, do not add up to the cost. Other points to note if it bothers you - this is a high traction cigarette home. Martin always smelled of cigarettes. I once arrived in the pouring rain and he had me wait outside while he smoked his cigarette. When I took my dog home it looked like his ear had been tapped by a cigarette. Martin likes to talk over you if you are a female. When I asked questions he told me to work with him I had to wait for him to talk. I also noticed him frequently cut his wife off and talk over her which I found disrespectful as she usually had helpful things to say. Martin asks you to send videos to provide feedback on techniques, however I don't think he watched them as feedback was not provided on the videos I shared. He sends you videos but they are not particularly helpful and usually the audio is cut out. There is a Circles program you need to join for training. Without notification they will charge you on subscription three months after training without email notification. In short from my experience the recommendation I can provide is do not fall into Martin's sales pitch without comparing other trainer's techniques and prices, do not allow him to upsell you for his profit, double check you aren't being auto billed, and double check your dog hasn't had any injury from cigarettes made to them. If you do proceed with his service my additional recommendation is to not write a review on the spot and to take time to write one on your own to share your experience with others. I am happy to share my experience with anyone in the Google community; I have been advising others away who have asked me for training recommendations.

My wife and I were increasingly struggling with two reactive dogs. Walks became more difficult and for my wife who is pregnant with our first, downright dangerous. We knew we needed help and had enrolled Champ in weekly dog training courses with little benefit so we found Martin online and reached out. In the matter of days we connected with a preinterview phone call and shortly after met with Martin. He conveyed such an understanding and level of empathy that we knew we could entrust Champ to him for a ten day board and train. He gave us pointers and support before, during and after the board and train. The daily videos while Champ was being boarded served as a tutorial to follow. He was able to put Champ into a routine that focused on creating calmness to combat his reactivity that we are able to continue. Progress has been tangible. We finally feel like we have confidence in a plan that will help us get to where we want to be as long as we stick to it. We highly recommend Martin and his program!