Brandywine Dog Academy & Supplies

TL/DR, I needed help with my human and dog aggressive rescue. I am thrilled with the result. If you’re having trouble with your dog, this is your guy. David at Brandywine Dog Academy is highly skilled, knowledgeable, experienced, pursues advanced training and consults with other experienced dog trainers across the country, not to mention so personable and a pleasure to be around. We are lucky to have him in Delaware. Whole story: I thought I could handle my new, spicy rescue dog. I realized I was in over my head when he grew increasingly aggressive with guests, even those he knew and did well with early on. Kujo (not his real name!) was great with my immediate family and other dogs but it was clear he would bite anyone else if given the chance. He also had separation anxiety and howled in his crate which made it difficult for me to have anyone over or work from home. I interviewed and had paid consultations with some local trainers that were highly recommended on social media and by my vet but I was not left feeling confident. I then stumbled on Brandywine Dog Academy. During a free consultation David took time to fully understand the problems, needs, environment, and my dogs’ routines. He gave me a realistic assessment of my aggressive guy’s prognosis. He outlined my options and the pros and cons of each, including the level of commitment required of me to be successful. I was impressed (albeit shocked and stressed out) when one option was a referral to a board and train on which he stood to make zero money. He went on to consult with that facility rather extensively on my behalf, also at no cost to me. Before I decided on a plan he spent quite a bit of time giving me helpful advice to manage in the interim. I didn’t always like what I heard and frequently asked him to explain his rationale. He patiently explained each time and turned out to be right in every case. My little guy’s behavior began to improve before the training began when I followed his recommendations. After much mutual deliberation I chose to place all three of my dogs with Brandywine Dog Academy in the 3 week day training program. We agreed this would create the most optimal conditions for Kujo to succeed. My own training began the first morning I walked my dogs from the car to the crate continued each afternoon as I got my own lessons (three!) at pickup to learn to handle each of my dogs and follow through with nightly homework. Because they accept 3 dogs at a time in the day training program, I was in the unique position to observe how he tailored his approach to the needs and personalities of each dog. He outlined options for management strategies, tailored his recommendations for each dog, and empowered me to make decisions. He also expertly instructed my shy, anxious teen, careful not to overwhelm. He’s respectful but direct and challenges me to rethink when necessary. If he starts a sentence with, “I’m being a dog trainer here,” I’m about to get pushback on my excuses! As I write this I’m approaching the middle of week three and I couldn’t be happier. At this point all of my dogs are excited to see David every morning. They act like they’re having a play date every day. I learned how to create better structure at home to meet my dogs’ needs and I can see that all three are not only better behaved but happier. Kujo is far less reactive, more confident, has bonded with more people, and is learning how to disengage rather than being immediately over threshold. I realized through training that another dog was also kind of reactive and he’s progressing beautifully, too. My home is calm, under my control, and quiet when it needs to be. I’m excited and looking forward to a future with my fur babies thats better than I imagined. I have confidence, tools, and am becoming more precise in my skills to continue to the progress David so expertly jump-started. We’re going to continue less intensive training, mainly to keep Kujo progressing, but also so that my other dogs can continue to see their new uncle bestie.