Elite Canine

This review was long overdue. With a new puppy, I thought watching YouTube and reading through dog forums was enough, especially since I was experiencing a unique challenge with my puppy Ruby being too trusting, overly friendly with humans, and eager to socialize with other dogs. I know it sounds crazy, but I was concerned! I found Geralyn and Elite Canine by chance while searching for the best dog trainer in the area. After rigorous research, I decided to enroll my puppy, and it was the best decision I’ve made. We started with the Puppy STARS class, which was incredibly informative and eye-opening for a first-time dog owner. Since we were experiencing issues with leash pulling, we then joined the Take the Lead class, which was very enjoyable despite being only three weeks long. The best part about Elite Canine is the weekly Yappy Hours for dogs and their humans to socialize and take a break from formal training. We recently completed Geralyn's new Canine Good Citizen program, which was a rewarding 8-week process. I now have a well-mannered dog who has earned official AKC CGC and STAR Puppy titles. It wasn't always easy, but Geralyn's training methods truly work if you put in the needed time and effort. As a result of earning this title, we are now also a volunteer Therapy Dog Team with Elite Canine's Comfort Dogs, which Geralyn also runs. Ruby's friendly, social personality made her a natural fit for therapy work, something I hadn't originally planned on, but couldn't be happier about! Elite Canine has a variety of classes and pop-up events to fit anyone's schedule. Geralyn is a genuine person who is deeply passionate about dog training, your dog's well-being, and everything canine!

I enrolled my dog, in group training with high hopes. After attending two classes, Geralyn recommended a behavioral trainer, I agreed. The behavioral trainer determined that group classes were not the right fit for his behavioral needs and recommended that he receive different training instead. My biggest disappointment is that this evaluation happened after I had already paid for and started the classes. In my opinion, an evaluation before enrolling dogs in group classes is a necessity. It could help determine whether a dog is an appropriate candidate and potentially save owners from spending money on a program that isn’t suitable for their dog’s needs. While I appreciate the honesty in recognizing that my dog needed a different approach, I was disappointed with how my refund request was handled. Although the classes were determined to be inappropriate for him, I was told the remaining balance would not be refunded due to the company’s no-refund policy. I was offered a partial refund and the rest as store credit, but that doesn’t help when the recommendation provided to me is to seek different training elsewhere. I understand businesses have policies, but I believe exceptions should be considered when a trainer determines their own program is not the right fit. I hope the business considers implementing evaluations before enrollment and offering more flexibility in situations like this. I encourage prospective clients to ask about the evaluation process and carefully review the refund policy before signing up.

Elite Canine and Geralyn are excellent! Callie Mae has been with Geralyn for 9 months, started with puppy class and we are working toward Canine Good Citizens. Geralyn was recommended by my vet Reynolda Veterinary - force free training is the best! Geralyn understands what I need from my dog - I need a service dog and that is Geralyn’s focus with me and Callie. Geralyn loves the dogs and they love her - she knows the name of every dog she meets. She understands each owner and dog unique needs and works with you to create a great living environment with your pet. And Yappy Hours are wonderful! Dogs playing, people petting dogs and talking about dogs! Pure happiness… I highly recommend Elite Canine Training!