Canine Ph.D. Dog Training, Inc.

When I adopted a 7 year old, 80 pound hound mix from a local shelter, he proved to be a bit of a challenge. To say that Baxter is “reactive” is an understatement. Formalized training has been an ongoing process. That’s where Canine PhD comes in – they understand dogs; heck, they even speak “dog”. The staff and the variety of classes make Canine PhD a wonderful training center. Baxter and I progressed from private training sessions with owner Meredith Minkin to group classes for reactive dogs with trainer Bethany Gardner. There is something perversely reassuring in being amongst a group of people with dogs as reactive as mine. It has been a slow road with Baxter, but it has been well worth the time, expense, and effort. From the original “don’t touch me” dog, Baxter has shown himself to be an absolutely delightful, funny dog, who has come to love being petted and even seeks out affection. With techniques learned at Canine PhD, I can almost always distract Baxter before he commits to charging the fence. On leash, he usually walks without straining to chase whatever has attracted his attention. Don’t misunderstand. He’s not perfect, but then neither am I. We intend to sign up for another reactive dog class in a couple of months, from which I have no doubt that we will both benefit. I thank Meredith and Bethany and the entire staff at Canine PhD for providing me with the tools to help Baxter become less fearful, more confident, and less reactive.

I'd give six stars if I could. We've had a fantastic and successful experience with Meredith at Canine Phd. Last year we adopted a "shy" dog from the shelter and she turned out to have high anxiety and virtually no training. With patience and top notch training, Judy Jetson has become a happy, healthy dog with a family pack who adores her. We worked with CPhd through in home training sessions, then at the facility. Meredith's expertise and positive-only training approach was incredibly effective, helped us see what Judy is capable of, and gave us the tools to work through Judy's issues. Judy Jetson had anxiety of leaving the house, getting in the car, being left at home, adults, children, other dogs, loud sounds, trucks, wheels, and workmen. She had no house training, leash training, or command training. With mood stabilizing meds, and extensive training, Judy can now leave the house, go on walks, get in and out of the car, meet and enjoy other dogs (and some people). She is sharing toys with our other dog, engaging in play and responding to command training and scent training. See before and after pics -- a very worried girl, to a happy, confident one.