Proactive Dog Training, LLC

Javier and the whole training staff at Proactive are the best dog trainers in Raleigh. This is the place you have been searching for. I procrastinated writing this, and I’m glad I did. This review is 5 months after the board and train and the results have stuck. Proactive teaches you and your dog. The play-based approach has unlocked a new level of compliance and genuinely enhanced our relationship with our dog. Our dog was not an easy training case. We have a Shiba with aggression issues. Feeding was a nightmare, touch was a bite risk, and commands were met with full SpongeBob “I don’t feeeeel like it” energy. All this time later we have made a huge leap forward. Feeding is smooth and easy. Commands are listened to on the first ask. My little buddy comes over looking for pets. We could not be happier with our choice to work with Proactive.

This review is long overdue! I cannot say enough good things about Javier and his entire team. They are incredibly knowledgeable, talented, and genuinely caring trainers. They did a phenomenal job with Nieve, my high-energy Samoyed/Pit mix rescue. I finally have the skills and confidence I need to manage her training effectively.I was honestly blown away by how much Nieve grew during her stay. The communication was top-notch—I loved the frequent updates, the YouTube videos of her sessions, and the fact that I was encouraged to visit and participate in the training myself. Nieve came back from boarding full of energy, strong, muscular, socialized and looking happy, which says so much. I have boarded her elsewhere, and Javier and team are def. the few I would trust with my dogs, the care is there. I’ve used Proactive K9 for both Nieve’s board-and-train and private lessons for my new puppy, Myka. Thank you for everything, Javier! I think the smiles in these photos say it all. We can't wait for our next lesson!

Javier and his team have done such a great job with my puppy, Rowan. We started doing private lessons and then did the Ultimate Dog Package board and train program when I felt Rowan was ready for it. They really did a great job, Rowan is much better behaved than most dogs we encounter that are much older! Really appreciate all the love and dedication they put into training him. Will be recommending Proactive Dog Training to my friends/family!

I couldn't recommend them more!!! Backstory: I was raising a terrific pup, who learned well and always received plenty of praise from neighbors and friends. Unfortunately, every time I picked up my pup from an area top-rated boarding facility, his behavior was worse. Despite my experience with animals and behavior, I was overwhelmed with all the regression and the uphill battle I was facing as a single-mom with medical conditions that can flare up causing pain. With two massive trips on the horizon, I decided to seek help. I researched a ton and ultimately found alignment with Javier and his training techniques/approach. My dog just finished "graduation" and I couldn't be more proud of his work and the level of ease we experience on a day-to-day basis. His quality of life is improved because he is meeting expectations consistently and able to be go more places without feeling insecure or hyper-vigilant. We are so grateful to Javier, Amy, Kat, Breanna, Cam, and the entire team at Proactive! Additionally, Blitz can board with them where he won't be rewarded for poor behaviors like jumping up on people, nor will he be socialized with dogs that are imbalanced and poorly mannered. Do yourself a huge favor and work with this team!

If you have an anxious or fearful dog, I can’t recommend Proactive Dog Training enough! I have a smaller dog with some pretty significant anxiety and behavioral challenges. At one point, I was even advised to consider medication—but I really wanted to explore training options first. That’s when I found Javier Mendoza and his team, and I’m so glad I did. The transformation has been incredible, especially in such a short amount of time. My dog went from being afraid to walk past even a single stranger on the sidewalk… to more confidently walking through a crowded airport. The difference is honestly amazing. I’ve also seen a huge improvement in how he responds to other dogs and people, and his loose leash walking has gone from a struggle to something we can actually enjoy. What really stood out to me was how knowledgeable and supportive Javier and his team are. They didn’t just train my dog—they took the time to explain the “why” behind everything, breaking down the science in a way that made sense and answering all of my questions along the way. Of course, I know training is an ongoing process, and I’ll need to keep reinforcing what we’ve learned (and probably come back for a few follow-ups). But the progress we’ve made so far has exceeded my expectations. If you’re dealing with an anxious, fearful, or reactive dog, do yourself a favor and check them out. Total game changer.