The Goode Dog

We are so happy with the program and results we've seen with our 5 month old puppy, Shadow. Maynard is incredibly knowledgeable and clearly knows what he's talking about and takes the time to explain what you're doing and why. He gives you all the tools and foundation you need to successfully train your dog. The key is putting in the work and being consistent at home and in the group classes. When you do, you can see the results instantly! I highly recommend The Goode Dog training if your looking for a knowledgeable, patient and effective dog trainer.

I needed a service dog after losing my best friend of 15 years. I got Carmy, a 4 month old, 40 lb, mixed German Shepherd from the shelter and I quickly put her in a 4 month Service Dog Board and Train, or that’s what they claimed to be. She was gone from November to February. They had also promised daily pictures and videos of her progress. I got 3, all of which had her in the background. When she came home, I was told she’d passed the test and was a full fledged service dog. I had given them a 3 page prescription from the doctor of what she needed to be able to do, paid them well over $10,000, and I got back the same dog, but she was now 100 lbs, not much less than me. They never involved me in the training. It wasn’t her size that was the issue, it was the compete lack of training. She had become more aggressive and I was literally in fear to walk her. I read every book, paid for on-line courses. They didn’t help. I had clickers and treats. We walked twice a day every day but she lunged at EVERY dog she saw. I was often dragged behind, scaring the other dog, its owner and damaging me. I knew the risks, but didn’t have answers. Someone needing a service dog probably shouldn’t be training the service dog. I broke my finger and ulna, got severe leash burns that got infected, and continual bruising everywhere. I tried to hide from dogs, but still often ended wrestling her down a hill in thistles (if I was lucky). I wasn’t going to return a rescue dog. I’d given up on her being a service dog and simply wanted a safe dog. Neighbors and friends were beginning to avoid me. I was at my wit’s end when I contacted The Goode Dog, in tears. Maynard, who not only owns the company, does the training with me. His voice is soothing and his demeanor always calm. He specializes in aggressive dogs, large dogs, too, but I know he could train any dog!! His price was no where near the price of the previous Board and Train, way less than even a tenth of it, and his goal was to teach ME to teach the dog! This is what I wanted all along. He stood by my side the whole time, starting out with learning the commands, to mastering the commands in my house, then at the park, with other dogs. I had been hiding from them, but he got Carmy to a point where she didn’t lunge, she stopped staring, and I didn’t have to hide. Carmy would sit and lie down, avoiding any contact with the other dogs, even if they were on the same sidewalk. I truly witnessed a miracle take place! Carmy became a completely well behaved dog in a matter of weeks, not months. He completely got her to stop jumping, biting, lunging at people and taught her boundaries. She is still my precious “Velcro” dog that never leaves my side, and she’s still the playful 1 year old puppy, but she’s aware of when she is working and when she can play. Even the “rough-house” playing with her “sister” has become non-aggressive. Maynard saw my need for help and spent the last part of the training getting Carmy comfortable walking me through a pet store and even a market (I have no way to get groceries) with her. This was a complete bonus! She was falsely given her service dog vest, tag, and license from a fraudulent company, but Maynard got her to earn it! If I black out or fall, she stays by my side. I cannot recommend The Goode Dog or Maynard higher. He truly performed miracles on a dog I never dreamed could be trained. I’m no longer embarrassed or in fear walking her. People smile at her when we pass. Neighbors, my nurse, my family, and my friends love Carmy now. It’s given her confidence and given me so much peace. His training includes lifetime group classes and activities, and continued training if new problems arise. Maynard is reliable, responds to texts quickly, and extremely patient. Dealing with training Carmy and me (a handful due to medical problems, memory issues, etc.) ,wasn’t an easy task, but he was always kind, always patient, and loves his job!

I cannot recommend Maynard enough!! We decided to start training Lyra when she was a little over a year old. Another trainer had told us it was too late for her, especially being a bully breed. I was sold on Maynard’s approach that “no dog gets turned away” and signed her up for training. Lyra started training classes wearing a muzzle, now she’s muzzle free and enjoys belly rubs! Maynard genuinely loves his job and wants to help dogs live their best life! His expertise, professionalism, and genuine love for dogs makes him a great dog trainer!