Training That Lasts

Ethan, we did receive your review, and I want to respond for clarity and accuracy. Training That Lasts did not provide “service dog training,” and your puppy was not enrolled in a service-dog program with us. From the beginning, it was communicated that you already had a separate service dog trainer lined up to start her formal service dog training between 6-8 months of age, and that program was described as a long-term plan(over a year). Our role was to build a foundation, you continue to work and build around that foundation with daily work until she was to go to the formal service dog trainer. She stayed with us from 11/07 to 11/28 so it has been over 2 months since she was with us. To be very clear on expectations and timeline: she was approximately 16 weeks old (about 3 ½ - 4 months old) during training. At 16 weeks, the goal was not a mature, experienced, “service-ready” dog. The goal was building puppy foundations: leash handling and communication, engagement, structured exposure, neutrality, boundaries, and repeatable patterns that the owner/handler maintains daily. A strict, uninterrupted “perfect heel” doesn’t get installed once and then run on autopilot, it’s built through repetitions, real-world experience, maturity, and consistent handling outside of those three weeks. For anyone reading who is considering a service dog path: legitimate service dog development is typically 1-3 years long, because it requires advanced public-access reliability, temperament predictability, and consistency across all environments, not just basic obedience. Also, the claim that we “only worked two locations” or did “no outdoor work / no structured public work” is not accurate. Public neutrality was a major focus of this board-and-train. We worked Josie in multiple real-world environments including Costco, car dealerships, Home Depot, and other department/retail stores, multiple of them on multiple days, back to back. We went above and beyond to get her exposure and used to multiple different environments specifically tailored to your needs and requests. We have photo/video documentation of this work as well. Throughout the process, we provided progress updates and handling expectations, and we also received positive feedback from you during and after her stay, including photos and videos you had sent to us afterward showing how well she was doing in a busy public setting. That’s part of why the public framing here doesn’t match what was communicated during and after training. Regarding “socializing with children,” this is a common misunderstanding. Socialization is not letting a puppy pull toward kids or rehearse excited, uncontrolled greetings, interactions or “play time”, that creates the exact habits most families later struggle with. Our definition of socialization is calm neutrality: the puppy can observe children, movement, noise, and busy environments while remaining composed and attentive to the handler. And to address the specific claim about “McDonald’s play places”: we never recommended that, mentioned that, nor would that ever be part of the training process for you or any dog we work with. We also do not consider indoor playground environments an appropriate or responsible way to socialize a puppy. Our approach is controlled, intentional exposure that builds stability, not placing a young dog into chaotic with uncontrolled interactions. The statement that you were “threatened” to remove a review is not accurate. We reached out after feedback, to address concerns and offer a resolution, never intimidation. We were given an ultimatum, either take the puppy for several more weeks free of charge or refund your money. We offered to move forward rescheduling the second transitional training, which you had cancelled the morning of, and give a complimentary 3 session 1-on-1 training package. This offer still stands so if you would like to move forward, we would be happy to schedule the 1st one. Let us know.

Kimberly, thank you for trusting me with Louis at such an important age. He’s a fantastic pup and you’re already doing a great job using the tools we went over to build that foundation. I’m excited to keep working with you all in group training. See you again soon! – Tyler

Lexi was a joy to work with, and I’m really glad the in-home consultation felt rewarding for all three of you. Being able to walk through the process in your own environment is a big part of why the training “sticks,” so it’s awesome to hear she’s already adapting and responding to the changes you’ve made. I’m especially happy the nutrition piece was helpful, what we put in our dogs really does shape their behavior, energy, and long-term health. If any new questions pop up as you keep practicing, or if you’d like to build on this with follow-up sessions or structured walks, don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks again for trusting us with Lexi’s training!

Thank you Lauren for your kind words and great review. Please dont hesitate to reach out if you have any questions as were here for you.

Brian, thank you so much for the kind words and for trusting me during such an important stage of your puppy’s life. Those early weeks are where habits, confidence, and communication are formed, and you did a great job staying engaged and open to learning. I’m glad the nutrition guidance and higher-value rewards made an immediate difference. Food quality and motivation play a much bigger role in training than most people realize, especially with young puppies. You’re setting a strong foundation now that will pay off for years to come! - Tyler The Trainer