Ridgeside K9 Tampa

The one star for the training, and the lack of stars for unprofessional conduct from the owner (Brent). Our dog went through professional behavioral training through another company years ago. He had a solid baseline for learning and commands (sit, heal, place, etc.). Our primary issue was our dog’s reactivity. We needed more help on how we as owners could manage this better. We decided to go with Ridgeside K-9 based on their stellar reviews and 4 week behavior modification board and train. Brent picked our dog up and was very thorough on what the plan was. We received a picture/video just about every evening with minimal communication attached. We were trusting their process. During the turn over, everything went well. We did notice our dog had lost a good amount of weight. He was never over weight by any means, but now we can really feel his ribs, spine, and hip bones. Nothing unhealthy though. We also noticed his bark was very different, and we figured it was due to him barking in the kennel during the turn over. Just over a week went by, and our dog’s bark was still extremely weak. That coupled with our dog’s weight loss had us a little uneasy. When confronting Brent over a phone call out of concern for our dog he became extremely defensive. He heatedly said our dog about drove him insane for 2 weeks due to his barking (which he never thought to mention previously), and then asked if we see a difference in him considering the training. I said not significantly. As mentioned, we’ve worked our dog for years, and the technique Brent taught us regarding our dog’s reactivity is new to us. It had been just over a week and we were still learning to manage and get the results we need. However, before I could elaborate on any of this Brent completely flew off the handle. He was literally YELLING at me over the phone, saying I don’t know what I’m talking about, we are the problem, and that I am a person who worries too much. I simply wanted to talk to him out of concern for my dog, and I felt like that meant nothing to him. My husband intervened on the phone due to Brent’s disrespect toward me and it only got worse from there. We didn’t get a hint of this instability throughout our prior interactions with Brent, and this left both of us completely in shock. Once things cooled down, Brent went back into a mode of wanting to help. Although this was appreciated, the damage was done. Brent has a lot of passion and pride in his work, but his temper concerns us greatly. It was like a switch, and there was ABSOLUTELY no excuse for that level of disrespect towards us.

Our rescue Golden-doodle , Millie, spent 3 weeks with Kristin this month! Kristin was highly communicative and spent time learning about our goals for Millie during the training. She sent daily updates and pictures, I could tell how much Kristin cared for the dogs who are with her! Millie is a nervous dog, but came back with more confidence. She has not had one accident since returning and is obeying her commands we continue to work on. Kristin helped us set a solid foundation that we can easily continue to work on. She had a very thorough take home lesson for us and set us up for success. Thank you Kristin!

My 4 month old puppy, Max, did the 2 week training program at Ridgeside K9. I was lucky enough to get Kristin G. I can't say enough good things about her. She's very personable and professional and knows her stuff. She's also very accommodating. She sent me photos and videos every night of Max and his progress. These little gems she sent put me at ease about leaving Max so young and he even made some friends. Thanks, Kristin!

We cannot say enough good things about Kellen and Ridgeside. We sent our sweet 7 month APBT Peaches to Kellen for a 3 week board and train to help with some resource guarding and stubbornness. When first looking into board and train options we were very weary of Peaches being gone that long with no interaction or contact. We were also worried about getting Peaches back and her being a robot. When we met with Kellen he erased all of those nerves and happily answered every question we had. While Peaches was gone we got daily updates on what she was doing well, where she was struggling, photos and videos. When Kellen brought Peaches home he spent 3+ hours making sure we were ready to maintain and further her training Peaches is the same loving fur missile but now has an off switch. She sits nicely in place for hours while we work from home, has a fantastic recall and heel. These tools have enabled us to teach her more, learn the rules of the house and introducer her to other dogs for play sessions while maintaining control. We cannot thank Kellen enough - this experience has been life changing. If you're thinking about sending your dog to Ridgeside and Kellen you will not regret it!

We sent our 1yo golden retriever to Ridgeside K9 back in January of this year for just over 2 weeks. Penny is a very funny, energetic puppy who was having impulse control issues and was not trusted if left alone for a few minutes by herself. We were worried that training may lessen her big personality, but instead it truly just made her a better dog. While she was gone, we got nightly pictures and updates on how she was doing. She turned 1 while she was with them, and they sent pictures of her getting a special treat! She also was wearing a cute birthday hats and bandana. Although we missed her, we are so pleased with the final results. We can enjoy sitting on our front porch with her and she will happily play in the yard without running away, even if people, dogs, or cars go by. She listens so much better to commands and it has made us just overall enjoy her so much more. My husband and I just got married this past weekend and they watched her for us the last few days. She came back happy and excited, and it was a great stress relief to know she was being well taken care of while we were gone. I highly recommend Ridgeside to all of our friends/family in the area, it was one of the best decisions we’ve made!