Very Good Dog Training

I worked with Stephen years ago and right away I could see he is passionate about what he does. The individual care he gives to every single one of his clients and their dogs is incredible. To this day we keep in touch and talk about the behaviors we're seeing from dogs in-training. I'm a better dog trainer thanks to our back-and-forth conversations about behavior modification. Highly recommend Very Good Dog Training to anyone looking to better their relationship with their dog. He'll teach you and your dog a language that will transform the way you communicate with each other.

We’ve had GREAT outcomes from Stephen and Very Good Dog Training. I was initially skeptical at the thought of training our 3 dogs via a fully virtual platform. However, Stephen’s knowledge, guidance and accessibility for questions made all the difference. The live virtual lessons were instrumental for instruction and the ability to ask questions as needed was so helpful. Owners must take responsibility for taking the time and committing fully to the training, but what you get in return is a well trained dog (or crew of dogs!). Also, do the E collar, don’t skip the second phase. It’s life changing! Can’t recommend VGDT enough!

---- In response to the owner's reply: I get frustrated with irresponsible business owners like you - those that are unable to properly communicate and those unable to live up to what they said they'll do, such as yourself. I'm not angry at all. In case you don't know this, frustration and anger are two very different emotions. I just think it's incredibly important that others who read/see this review make a much better decision about who they choose to train their pups. And if YOU are able to change and treat your future clients better due to my review, then I've done my job. Please, going forward, do not treat other clients the way you did to me - saying you'll do one thing and not do it at all, and instead being only focused on pressuring your potential clients into a program when you haven't even properly introduced yourself nor spoken with the clients. I don't even need to type this all out - you know exactly what I'm talking about and I've posted proof of our conversation. The readers can just for themselves. I hope you can change for the better. ---- This is not a trainer that I recommend as this is someone who will eventually over-inflate himself in order to try to win in a negative situation. If your training doesn't work out, he won't accept the blame, but rather will be quick to blame YOU as the dog owner. Don't believe me? Read below and see attached images. Perhaps the worst 'initial experience' I have had with any so-called trainer. I do not doubt the feedback left by the 100+ others. I'm certain they had a great experience. I'm only posting the experience I have had with the proprietor - Stephen. I do not respect business owners that do not accept their own faults, and then go on to claim that they've done something when they have not. I reached out to Stephen of VGDT to "TRY" to learn about the service(s) he offers. Instead of getting on a call to quickly introduce himself and share the different training options he has available, he has me fill out a form first that asks for my personal information as well as my "level of commitment" to my pet. I asked him if we could get on a call first, he responds by saying that he needs this filled out to "keep notes in na organized manner through discovery calls". He does not fail to mention the "100+ 5 star reviews (no other rating)" and that they are "an open book". Doesn't make any sense, but okay fine. I filled out the form. He thanks me, and then says he'll call me shortly. 5+ hours later, he asks if I'm available, which by then I'm not. I have better things to do than wait 5+ hours for a "discovery call" that he doesn't seem to be placing much value in. Fast forward to today at 10:38 AM he says he's taking calls and that he has "one last minute spot that opened up for this upcoming board & train"... He chooses to use those words... "last minute spot". To end the conversation, he says that "[I] called with a problem and [he] has the solution. [He} offered to call [me] many times. [He] only works with respectful and open minded dog owners...". Yeah, he offered to call ONE TIME and now is saying he offered to call me "many times". I'm glad this ended where it did because who knows what else this guy will conjure up when he needs to. This is someone that DOES NOT accept blame even when the evidence clearly points to it. So glad we are "not compatible".

Trustworthy, professional, and passionate are just some words to describe Stephen and his detailed training program. After just a few weeks I immediately saw improvement in not only my dog, but my ability to continue the discipline and training at home. We now enjoy off leash walks wherever we go. Needless to say Stephen is one of the few individuals I trust with my dog and have nothing but respect for him. Thank you!