Cervantes Dog Training & Rehabilitation

When we adopted our rescue puppy, our daily life quickly became chaotic. She was skittish, anxious and reactive toward my husband, which made for a tense home environment. We worked with two different trainers and attended one dog camp over a three month period. The training which was treat-focused did not work. We became more and more frustrated. We ultimately felt that we were incapable of controlling our dog and we were afraid that if she was still reactive and barking at my husband - what might she do next? Then I heard about Cervantes Dog Training through a friend and life with our dog completely changed. Francisco Cervantes is a gifted dog trainer. He closely observed our dog and determined what she needed in terms of training. Then he taught my husband and I how to be dog handlers. This involved understanding dog behavior, using effective tools to train, learning how to communicate effectively with your dog, and recognizing how different environments can impact a dog’s behavior. Francisco would model the proper technique and then we would follow his lead. Our initial hesitation in signing up was the cost. However, when we added up the money we had spent on training that was not at all effective, we realized that this program was well worth it. Training sessions lasted anywhere from 2 to 3 hours. Francisco worked with us at his studio, at our home and outside on dirt roads, fields and different environments where we go with our dog. These sessions were focused and interesting. The progress was slow but steady; as one lesson built carefully on the previous lesson. The results were tremendous and most importantly lasting. Today our dog is calmer and more confident and we are (finally!) enjoying our time with her thanks to Cervantes Dog Training.

If you’re looking for a dog trainer, stop searching. Cervantes Dog Training & Rehabilitation has been one of the best investments we’ve ever made. Rosie graduated from her training program tonight, and I honestly can’t put into words how transformative this experience has been for both of us. She came into the program as a reactive, unsure puppy who struggled with confidence. Today, she is a happy, secure young dog who understands what is expected of her, respects boundaries, and can comfortably enjoy the company of both people and other dogs. What makes Francisco so exceptional isn’t just his ability to train dogs, it’s his ability to teach people. Every step of the process is intentional. He coaches, encourages, and explains the “why” behind every technique, giving you the knowledge and confidence to become the leader your dog needs. The training is broken down into manageable, achievable steps that build both your dog’s confidence and your own. When we started, I had a list of goals I hoped Rosie and I might accomplish together. By graduation, we had achieved every single one, and then some. The relationship we have today is stronger than I ever imagined possible. Perhaps the biggest celebration of all is that we didn’t just find incredible trainers, we found incredible people. Amia and Francisco genuinely care about every dog and every family they work with, and that shows in everything they do. Their support doesn’t end when the program does, and that’s something incredibly special. This isn’t goodbye, it’s simply “see you later.” We absolutely plan to continue taking advantage of the graduate services they offer because they’ve become an important part of Rosie’s journey. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Francisco and Amia, for believing in Rosie, believing in us, and giving us the tools to build a lifetime of success together. We are forever grateful. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Without hesitation, I recommend Cervantes Dog Training & Rehabilitation to anyone who wants not only a well-trained dog, but a stronger relationship with their canine companion.

Charlie is a reactive dog. Before training with Cervantes Dog Training, he barked aggressively and lunged when we left the house or when one of our other dogs went out or when one of us entered the room where he was. He had bitten us twice during reactive episodes so we could not rehome him. We didn’t dare have friends come to our house. At times we were afraid of him and our other two dogs hid when he became reactive. Even though Charlie was medicated, life was very stressful. Training with Cervantes Dog Training was Charlie’s last chance before either being put to sleep or spending his life heavily sedated. Francisco convinced us that Charlie could be trained not to overreact. We were desperately hopeful as we started training but were doubtful that training could overcome Charlie’s frightening behavior. Even though we could actually see behavior changes, we were doubtful that the changes would last. Francisco taught us to build new learning upon prior work with consistency and use of essential tools. Francisco thoroughly explained training techniques using tools such as a crate, a training leash and an electronic collar to gain Charlie’s trust and focus. His explanations were tailored to our situation and incorporated research. He modeled training exercises, then observed us and gave thoughtful comments to improve our work. Francisco is a talented teacher both for dogs and their parents and is sensitive to people’s needs and feelings. He willingly adjusted his training plans to accommodate our needs and feelings. The two sessions when Francisco came to our home were very meaningful because he worked with Charlie in his context and included our other two dogs. Changes resulting from Cervantes training include: • Peaceful meal times without excessive barking and general chaos • We can leave our house without feeling that Charlie is going to attack us • Our other two dogs can come and go without Charlie over reacting • People can be out in the yard without Charlie lunging at windows and doors barking savagely Our lives are much more relaxed. We are confident around Charlie and believe his behavior will continue to improve. Thank you, Francisco, for your positive attitude and your confidence in us and Charlie!

This experience is my first time with any dog trainer. With my first visit, I learned in a matter of minutes that they were not training my dog, they where training me. They where teaching me to train my dog, and subsequently any and all of my future dogs. Cervantes staged education approach compels you the student to work with the tools they give you, to do 'homework', to practice and in so doing learn to train your dog, your dogs behavior and your families existence. My dog, a rescued female Akita who was very aggressive and nearly unmanageable is now a dog eager to learn more because it is me, her human teaching her. She craves each lesson. As soon as I even look at her training leash she is excited and ready to try something new. Cervantes commitment to you is unparalleled. When in their presence, they focus entirely on you and teaching you, giving you the tools, the knowledge and the will to train your dog. I will admit, the pricing will give you a bit of sticker shock. However I promise you after the training is over you'll consider it a bargain. Because as I said, they do not train your dog. If they did, when your dog passes, you would have to pay for it again. The pricing reflects YOUR education, YOUR newly installed knowledge, YOUR abilities moving forward. Thus, with this education you will be able to train your dogs for the rest of your life, your way, to meet and agree with your familes life style and growth together... That is what you're paying for and I personally attest it is worth every penny. If you need more proof, you can ask my neighbors who witnessed with their eyes the change in my dog and decided without even asking my opinion that Cervantes was going to be their choice for their new puppy. If you know me, and ask me in person, I will recommend Cervantes to you with the highest regards I possibly can. Thaddeus Severy