Dewayne The Dog Guy

I invested around $3,500 in a 3.5-week board-and-train program for my dog. She did come back knowing basic commands, which I’ve maintained, but overall the experience did not match the level of investment. From the beginning, communication did not align with what was promised. I was told my dog would be featured in the trainer’s Facebook group with regular updates, photos, and progress posts. While I was added to the group, my dog was never posted at all during her stay—even as other dogs who came in after her were. I also had to repeatedly reach out myself for updates and only received minimal photos/videos. This lack of communication, especially when something different was promised, was disappointing. I also have physical limitations that affect how I handle tools like an e-collar and leash, and I do not feel this was ever taken into consideration. The training felt very one-size-fits-all rather than adapted to my situation. After she returned, there were still noticeable gaps. I actively sent videos back and forth asking for feedback and consistently worked with her, so this was not due to lack of effort on my end. I was also under the impression she would come home fully “graduated,” which was not the case. Additionally, I was told while she was in training that she lacked confidence, but I was never given clear guidance on what that meant, how it would present long-term, or what I should be doing to improve it. When I later reached out about her reacting to loud noises, I was told again that it was a “confidence issue.” That was frustrating, as it had been identified early on but not clearly addressed or followed up on in a way that helped me understand how to manage or improve it. The GroupMe chat and pack walks (I attended two) were not very helpful for addressing specific issues. The walks felt more like social interaction than structured training, and there was little opportunity to get guidance. When I later reached out for help with a specific issue, I was given text instructions that were difficult to apply. A “complimentary” session was offered, but when I had to reschedule due to a legitimate medical issue, I was told any future help would now be paid. I provided over six hours’ notice before the appointment. During peak allergy season, I experienced breathing complications related to a pre-existing airway condition and recent surgery. Per my doctors, this is non-negotiable—if I begin wheezing or struggling to breathe, I am required to go to urgent care or the ER immediately. I offered to provide documentation and even pay a cancellation fee, but that was not considered. Overall, while there was a basic foundation, I do not feel the level of communication, customization, or follow-through matched the cost. For this price point, I expected consistent communication, a more individualized approach, and support that extended beyond the initial program—not an experience where I was left troubleshooting issues on my own months later despite actively doing the work.

This needs to be said plainly so nobody else has to experience what we did. Dwayne, your behavior was not just unprofessional—it was disgraceful. Dwayne, my overwhelming feeling here is disappointment. Your conduct was not only unprofessional—it was deeply inappropriate. Telling an individual with a disability that they have “memory issues” is unacceptable under any circumstance. To then use that as justification for your own shortcomings as a trainer crosses a serious ethical line. You told a person with a disability that they have “memory issues.” Let that sink in. Instead of taking accountability for your own failure as a trainer, you chose to insult and diminish someone with a legitimate physical limitation. That is not just rude—it’s unethical, disrespectful, and completely unacceptable in any professional setting. Let’s talk about your actual job performance. A board-and-train program means the responsibility is on YOU the owner operator of DWAYNE THE DOG GUY to produce a trained, reliable dog and properly transition that training back to the owner. You failed—plain and simple. You were fully aware that Nala had confidence issues AND that her owner has a serious disability (no hands). That should have demanded a higher level of skill, patience, and adaptability. Instead, you delivered the opposite. What you produced was weak, fear-based obedience that completely collapsed where it actually matters—real-life function. The dog cannot reliably sit, hold duration, down, or heel under stimulation with her owner in public. That is basic. That is the bare minimum expectation. And it wasn’t met. Even more alarming—who puts a 13-week-old puppy on an e-collar? That is a massive red flag. At that age, the focus should be confidence( you alerted Megan to nalas lack of confidence) so at 13 weeks training should be centered around confidence-building, clarity, and trust building and engagement, not pressure that risks creating long-term behavioral damage and avoidance, in fact Nala is avoidant due to your training. That decision alone calls your judgment into question And then to top it off, your communication style—thinly veiled condescension disguised as politeness—was obvious and insulting. You didn’t just fail the dog. You disrespected the owner in the process. For full transparency: I am a professional dog trainer, and I was physically present during one of your sessions with Megan and Nala. This is not speculation—this is firsthand observation backed by industry knowledge. You failed the dog. You failed the owner. And you showed a complete lack of professionalism and accountability. Anyone considering working with you should seriously think twice.

I highly recommend Dwayne the Dog Guy!! Dewayne taught me how to handle my spunky Doberman Nirvana! Now, when I walk her down the street, folks stop their cars to let me know how beautiful and well behaved she is!! (I’m not kidding!!) Dewayne doesn’t stop with a few training sessions. He invests in the life of your dog. Going to Dewayne’s Saturday pack walks reinforces the training, and connects you with other dog owners. These connections are so helpful because some of us need the repetition and practice week after week. Dewayne is there to continue to support you and genuinely cares about the welfare of your dog!!