The Reliable Dog

We started bringing our young Portuguese Water dog to the Reliable Dog a bit over two years ago. Our dog was pretty crazy and filled with energy. Previously, we had taken our dog to doggy day cares hoping to wear him out, but he would come bounding out as energetic as ever. Ian and his staff reinforced what training he had and continued to further train him, exercising his brain as well as his body. Our dog happily goes in to see Ian and his staff, tail wagging when he sees them. The atmosphere in the doggy room is quiet and calm, it's amazing to see them all relaxing on their beds waiting for their next activity. At home our dog is much better behaved and listens when we ask something of him. Needless to say we have been very happy at the Reliable Dog and would highly recommend them to anyone.

Ian’s passion, tremendous depth of knowledge and experience made my and pipers time with him priceless. His extensive experience in a wide range of training and behavioral situation is commendable. I cannot be more pleased with working with Ian and his staff at Reliable Dog. They are natural teachers. My dog piper was a very anxious rescue dog. I initially brought her to another trainer and was not pleased with the training curriculum. I found Reliable Dog and they had a very specific way of training. Ian offered a very structured 20 day obedience program layered in with private classes and group classes. I strongly believe that his combination of his approach of training paper along with me was the key to success and really made a big difference. The private and group class approach was invaluable because you can be hands-on and Ian will point out key successes in ways to modify if needed. With each session I could see Piper gaining more confidence. I’ve been attending/participating in training after the obedience classes ended and moved onto E collar training. Ian also offers additional group training workshops and I’m so thankful for the leap I took and investing in this program. I truly believe it is a combination of all of what he has to offer that afforded Piper such progress and such great training. He and his team are very respectful and their relationships with the dogs [and humans !] and I look forward to attending additional workshops as he offers them. I’m forever grateful for his guidance, experience and knowledge.

We discovered Ian & The Reliable Dog through Holly from Dog Watch fence. Having lived on the Cape our whole lives we have gone through several “trainers” with our past pups. To say Ian and Lecil have opened our eyes to proper training is an understatement. We have a turning 7 month old English Setter male pup. Not a common dog on the Cape. Our first one, we have always had Spaniels. Setters are a very sensitive breed. From the very start Ian worked with me, educating me on our pups behaviors and how to deal with them. Whiskey attended the day school, we were so thrilled with his progress that we signed on for 8 more sessions. And if it were not for distance he would be going all summer. He will definitely return in the Fall. We can take controlled walks, have learned to implement boundaries which I never would have done if we did not send to school. He has gone from crying at everything to being in control, sitting and waiting, and greeting properly in a short amount of time. And I have learned that he is a puppy and I must be patient. Training is as important for the owner as the dog, I feel. Something we have never experienced before. My husband and I cannot recommend Ian and The Reliable Dog enough, and of course Lecil. If you are looking for serious training and not run of the mill, look no further than The Reliable Dog.

My giant breed puppy just completed his semester of day school and what a difference! Before school, my dog pulled me down the street. Now our walks are enjoyable and fun for everyone. My dog has become calmer, more confident and is now listening to us (as much as puppies can!). My family has learned a lot on how to work, communicate and live with our dog in an environment that has set him up for success. Ian and his team are incredibly knowledgable and easy to work with. I cannot say enough great things about Ian and Lecil. Most importantly, my dog loved going to school so I know he's had a positive experience as well. If you're looking to give your puppy the fundamentals they need to develop into wonderful dogs, definitely work with Ian and his team!