The Balanced Dog

We had such a wonderful experience with Joanne at The Balanced Dog Training! We sent our 7-year-old Border Collie, Rio, to her two-week Board & Train program, and the difference it has made for both Rio and our family has been incredible. Before training, Rio struggled with several behaviors that were becoming difficult for our family to manage. She was constantly jumping, herding our kids, taking their toys, resource guarding, and was so overactive that she seemed unable to simply relax and settle around the house. From the beginning, Joanne really took the time to understand Rio, but just as importantly, she understood our family dynamics and what we needed in order for Rio to fit comfortably into our home. She was clear, direct, knowledgeable, and incredibly helpful throughout the entire process. One of the things I appreciated most was how involved she kept us during the two weeks. Joanne continually sent us videos showing what she was working on with Rio, explaining why she was doing it, and teaching us how to continue the same training once Rio came home. It never felt like we were simply dropping our dog off and getting a “trained dog” back—we were learning right alongside Rio so we could actually maintain everything she had learned. Rio came home noticeably calmer, more responsive, and much better able to relax and be part of our family. We also understand her so much better now and know how to communicate with her in a way that makes sense to her. The biggest difference is that we genuinely enjoy being around her so much more. She feels like she fits into our family in a way that was difficult before, and that has been invaluable to us. I would absolutely recommend Joanne and The Balanced Dog Training! The two-week Board & Train was completely worth it for us, and we are so grateful for everything Joanne did for Rio and for our family!

Before training with Joanne my one year old Bernese mountain-Golden retriever pup had zero recall and struggled with personal space boundaries. After three weeks with Joanne we're now able to do off-leash hikes without worry and he settles down when asked. This was the first time I've sent a dog to training and I was nervous it would change his personality; he's a goofy, charismatic character and I wasn't sure if he'd come back different. But that didn't happen. He came home completely smitten with Joanne and the same ridiculous pup he was before, just one with manners. Joanne kept me in the loop the entire time and sent training videos so I could learn along with them. I would absolutely recommend The Balanced Dog to anyone!

I can’t recommend this board and train program enough! The difference in my dog has been amazing. Walks are now enjoyable because he no longer pulls on the leash, and I can finally relax with him while he calmly stays on his place command. We also kicked several other bad habits, and he has been so amazing to take into public places since being home. Thank you for all the hard work and for giving us the tools to continue his success!

We recently sent our 2.5 year old Vizsla back to Joanne for ecollar training so we could begin to work with her off leash. Given she is a hunting dog, we were definitely concerned with her being off leash and running off in the outdoors. She was also struggling with consistent recalls. Hazel returned to Joanne for three weeks for intense 1:1 training. Joanne provided training videos to us so we could learn during Hazel's training. At the end of training, Joanne trained us for a few hours and left us with written details and expectations. Hazel is doing amazing on her recalls and very infrequently needs to be "buzzed" on her collar. She is building confidence with each excursion and is loving her freedom. She is thriving and such a good girl. Thank you Joanne for sharing your expertise, making it simple and logical, and helping our family raise such an obedient and fun loving active pup. You are the best!