Best Paw Forward K9 Training

Simply put, we can't recommend Pat and Best Paw Forward K9 Training enough. We brought our Bernese Mountain Dog puppy, Gus, to Pat for a 4 week Board and Train. Some of the issues we were hoping to work on included responsiveness to commands/general listening, pulling on the leash, some territorial behavior with toys, etc. Pat really gets dogs – she understands the challenges they're having and works incredibly hard with them. At the end of the 4 week period, the progress she made with Gus was incredible. He looked to us for permission, he was consistent in listening to commands, we were comfortable walking him – overall, we felt like we were more in control and could communicate better with Gus (meaning a happier and better life for him and us)! What was most important to us is the fact that Pat's method is rooted in an absolute love for dogs. Gus adores Pat. She trains them in a way that is consistent and dedicated but also loving and fun. She also goes above and beyond to make sure the dogs (and their families) have the tools they need to succeed. She's always been willing to answer any questions we've had since our Board and Train, we've brought Gus back for overnight stays, and we've enjoyed keeping up with Pat and sending her updates on Gus. Pat truly is the best, we will continue to recommend her to all of our family and friends for dog training needs!

Pat is seriously a magician with every dog she crosses paths with. Pat teaches dogs the foundational skills and communication skills that I'd say are essential for any dog and their owner(s). You and your dog both benefit a ton. She trained both of my mom's dogs, who especially needed help with anxiety and severe leash reactivity, and was so successful. My partner and I then decided to send our 1 year old dog Luna to board and train too. Luna had TONS of chaotic energy when we got her -- like we are talking full sprints around our apartment doing parkour off of furniture. It was stressful for us, and she also seemed stressed -- she was restless and anxious, and never really knew how to relax and sleep. After the training, she now knows when to let out all her crazy zoomies, versus when she needs to be calm and respect the boundaries of our 10 year old deaf dog (Archie), us, and strangers she meets on walks. Luna also seems much happier now that she understands communication. She now goes off leash with us on hikes, goes on runs, walks and rollerblades with us, plays much more gently and snuggles with our older dog Archie, and still regular lets out her craziest zoomies at the park. The training itself is also great for any high energy dogs -- the mental stimulation of doing a 'structured walk' practicing their training is as much stimulation for Luna as 3 hours sprinting at the dog park. We still bring Luna back to Pat's anytime we are going out of town, and she loves it. Pat remains connected with you far past training too. I'd recommend Pat to everyone.

We started using Pat with Best Paw Forward K9 Training 7 years ago when our dog was 9 weeks old. Pat has been an amazing resource and friend to our family. Throughout many stages of our dogs life Pat has helped including puppy training, obedience, bringing home a new baby and adjusting our dog, moving to a new home and adjusting our dog, and the most challenging recently has been handling our dogs anxiety. Pat has a very structured program that will give your dog and family everything you need to be successful. I highly recommend Pat for all dog training needs. She is the best!

Pat is the best dog trainer out there. When I brought Luna to Pat, she was extremely wild and hardly knew her own name. Now her recall allows her to be off leash and trusted on hikes and things of that sort. Pat provided me and Luna with the skills and knowledge to live a better life. I am able to have complete trust in my dog because Pat built an unshakable foundation. Even if I moved across the country I would drive all the way to Pat if I got a new dog. She is phenomenal at her job and extremely responsive. Even though board and train is three weeks she creates a lifetime relationship with the dogs and the owners. She is always available. Trusting her with my dog was the best decision I ever made.

Pat has helped make our dog a part of the family! Our Golden Retriever puppy guarded food and toys at 10 weeks of age. At his first puppy well check, our veterinarian recommended immediate training. We sought help and worked on puppy socialization as best as possible during the pandemic, but our puppy continued to guard, snarl and even bite. My children were fearful of our dog. We were constantly vigilant and our family was divided as to whether we could keep him. We looked into rescue groups and considered surrendering him at about the same time Pat was recommended. She immediately gave us information to read and helped train our family. We learned to be consistent, more assertive and, most importantly, how to use a prong and e-collar to walk him. Our pup responded immediately and obediently. He respects us now and seeks affection and companionship from us. Thanks to Pat, with lots of consistent work, we have learned to care for him in the manner he needed and, in turn, have gained a beloved pet.