Leader of the Pack Dog Training, LLC

We found Mark and Leader of the Pack through Google/Yelp recommendations. We have a 4-year-old cattle dog who started to develop some reactive/leash aggression through the pandemic, causing us to try a few different training methods, relying mostly on positive-reinforcement. That path led to a very food-motivated dog that was still anxious in social settings. Mark has experience with cattle dogs and immediately set us at ease with his philosophy and expertise. We talked through the "whys" behind his style of training, which really helped me to understand that corrective training is not negative, but for our dog's and other's safety. After 1 training session our pup is already showing major improvement - able to be around other dogs and people without bark or lunging! She's already more at ease knowing that she doesn't have to be "in charge" all the time and that we've got her :). Looking forward to continuing our training with our dog and with Mark. I feel like we've already had a breakthrough!

We have used Mark’s services (classes and private sessions) for multiple dogs over the years and he continues to be our trusted resource for all of our dog training and obedience concerns. We have gone to him for issues with socialization, leash-walking of giant breeds, aggression and reactivity issues. Mark is incredibly kind yet no-nonsense, and he’s truly dedicated to this work. He takes the time to train our pups AND us humans so that we can have the full, happy family life we’re all looking for and deserve. I so appreciate that while he has fundamental “rules of the pack” he also customizes his approach of training and correction based on the individual dog’s personality. I feel more confident and connected to my dog after every visit with him, no matter how frustrated I come into the session. If you’re looking for practical, effective ways of modifying unwanted behavior as well as deepening your connection with your pup then Mark is your guy!

I called Mark after moving from a rural home into the city with my 70-pound Pitbull mix. My dog was reactive and lunged at other dogs on walks, creating daily stress and concern if she could be managed. Mark and Morgan immediately began training both my dog and me, showing me how to lead and to give my dog confidence for better behavior. We had an initial consultation, as well as 5 one-on-one sessions where we trained while walking in the neighborhood with real time distractions and other dogs. My dog now walks calmly in a heel, I understand her behaviors and can respond accordingly. You will find LOTP dog training to be an excellent place for both you and your dog to learn trust and confidence in your human/dog relationship.

I originally signed my dog up for 4 weeks of board-and-train. I was pleased because they could get me in earlier than most other businesses, and I liked that Mark (the main trainer) went by the philosophy that rewards for your dog should be love and attention, not just treats (since you can't always be carrying treats around). So I dropped my baby off, thinking I would have constant communication from them. My concerns started right away when I was told by Angela that I would get regular updates on my dog, including a website just for his progress and pictures, but I emailed and called several times over the next 6 days and got nothing. I finally got one short voice-mail response back on the 6th day. Then nothing again for a week. This continued the entire time. All responses came from Angela. I wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt that she was busy and couldn't answer the phone, so I often emailed. Even emails went unanswered (with extreme delay) or only partially answered. They extended his stay another week to "continue his training," but I was still getting reminders and invoices for the original pick up date. Because of the poor communication, I didn't feel secure in knowing whether they remembered or not, and were expecting me that day. In total, my dog was there for 5 weeks, the web page had 3 pictures on it, and there were a handful of short, vague entries on his progress. Definitely not what I expected or was told would be provided. It does look as though they have added other pictures to the page since pick up, but that's not reassuring during the process. My dog's behaviors have improved maybe 40%. I was told that when he wasn't actively training or on a walk, he spent the rest of the time in a crate for "insurance purposes." And that they would not be working on potty training issues because he was an adult dog (through a rescue). I think the facility (Mark's home) and the philosophy behind his training tactics are sound. Communication was a nightmare, though. A dedicated administrative person or hours each day would be greatly appreciated for clients.