Webster's Dog Training

We’ve just started training with Jake of Websters Dog Training and our 12 week Boxer pup is having a blast. He’s learning 10 Hand Commands and 20 Vocal Commands, he already knows the Basics: Sit , Lie Down, Sit Up , Stand, Come and Wait. Jake’s introducing Ardy to” Confidence Building” challenges like walking on Bubble Wrap and walking through lots of Water Bottles hanging at different heights in our apartment doorways. Thursdays lesson was an introduction to Scent Training ( Odor/Nosework ) and Ardy was really curious and took to it like a champ.We’re enjoying the process and can’t wait to see what’s next for our little guy. Once our Basic Obedience is complete we are enrolling Ardy in Scent Detection Program . Thanks Jake and Websters Dog Training for all the creative ways your stimulating our young pup..!!

We first started training with Gordon, of Websters Dog Training, when our dog Turk was 12 weeks old. We put Turk through the 6 week Obedience Program and were amazed at his progress under Gordon’s guidance. First Gordon established a relationship based on Hand Signals. Once these were understood and practiced, he then taught multiple vocal commands. We were given lesson notes and homework after every visit, easy to follow and very detailed, which we practiced until the next lesson. What we clearly noticed was Turks bond with Gordon; it was a relationship of trade, based on fair but firm handling. Not only did our dog enjoy these lessons - he excelled at them ..! Websters Dog Training Philosophy is based on the dog offering you taught behaviors in any given situation in exchange for reward; food, toys, tactile and verbal praise, instead of you asking the dog for them. Positive Reinforcement is Gordon’s primary instruction but firmness is often required with adolescent dogs and Gordon uses just enough for your dog to refocus without losing your dog’s respect or trust. Turk is just over eight months old now and we’ve just begun the Intermediate Obedience Program. Turk is learning to : Walk Backwards. Pivot Into Heel Position. Orbit Around Our Bodies. His confidence and focus is through the roof..!! Thank you again Websters Dog Training.

We had a good initial meeting and decided to go with his program which required 10 sessions. He was very stern yet friendly, and created clear boundaries with the dog. He made it clear that he was not going to give in to her begging and that she was going to have to meet him where he was. We were impressed. The day before our first lesson, early at six 6am, Gordon sent my wife (excluding me despite the group text thread) an invoice that was due at 10 AM that day. Unfortunately, she was working early and did not see the text. Later he sent a text canceling our session and saying he didn’t wanna work with us because we weren’t prompt in answering his Invoice. Human beings are not dogs and invoices sent before breakfast should not be expected to be paid before lunch. And now we are left looking for another dog trainer last minute.

EDIT: Appending to my first review [UPDATED REVIEW] This is our second time working with Gordon and Webster‘s Dog Training. Our dog Lexi had an excellent experience when we completed the Basic Obedience nearly a year and a half ago and we wanted to build on that. We’ve just completed the Intermediate Obedience Program and we also added Odor Detection to that training as well. Just a side note, the Odor Detection is EXTREMELY fun to watch your dog use one of their best assets but Gordon also opened our eyes to something that is invaluable – teaching Lexi to track the scent of our 2 daughters. Now when taking them to the park, the girls love playing hide and seek but as a parent, it’s comforting knowing this is a tool that I pray we never have to use on an outing, but she can pick up their scent once the command is given so be ready to start running with her. Websters Dog Training is the only business (that we know of) offering Scent Detection in our area, specifically within a 5 mile radius – we could have driven an hour or so to get the training but not sure of the quality to comment on that. Gordon expects and gets a lot out of your dog. He’s fair but firm (much needed with Lexi) and they know it’s going to be exciting if they focus (Lexi gets so excited she starts spinning in circles for me to open the door when she hears Gordons car pull up). Some of the things Lexi learnt during the intermediate was to walk backwards, pivot into heel position (both sides of us) and orbit around our bodies. On the days we need to get a little extra energy out, Gordon trained Lexi to run around an object that we specify (cone, tree, ball, etc), and once you give the command it’s off to the races to get the fun interaction as her reward. Lexi was also taught to “down” on command at any given time (amazing to see her do this while sprinting) and again, something invaluable if there was ever a danger, I can yell that command knowing she will stop and lay down right then and there until released. An extra perk is Lexi participated in the “famous scented trail” (after doing the above training), which is a beautiful hike that is pre-scented by Gordon and Jake. They lay a trail of Fox & Coyote Urine beforehand (yes, they do the hike laying it before we even get there) and then guides us on tracking the various scents, one of the activities that Lexi LOVES. Please note, all the above takes time and effort on the owners behalf. Gordon has been very helpful with reviewing videos of my training Lexi alone and given me pinpointed tips for Lexi to understand what I’m asking her to do. When training, Gordon and Jake encourage you to video their techniques to reference when you’re doing the homework alone, another piece of invaluable information. I promise you, if you work the system the system will work! Trust in them, do your homework (BIGGEST PART) and you will have a dog you NEVER thought possible, our entire family is grateful for their training. Lexi is a happy, healthy and balanced dog that my toddlers love to be around. Gordon, Jake and the Websters Dog Training Team – Keep up the amazing work and don’t change anything! The girls love Lexi because of your training, we never thought we could have a dog “like this”. Thank you again!! [FIRST REVIEW] Gordon is EXTREMELY punctual and leaves room after the session to talk through things, answer questions and give any requested feedback. Our dog LOVES him and as soon as he pulls up, she runs to the gate with a wagging tail. At the end of sessions you can tell she's satisfied and not jumping off the walls. Highly recommend if you want a fair working relationship with your dog trainer.

We just finished our five-week puppy training program with Gordon and are thrilled with the outcome. As first-time puppy owners, we completely underestimated the amount of work it would take to teach our pup basic commands! After trying a few online programs with limited success, we found Gordon, and the difference in learning speed was remarkable. In just over a month, our Cavapoo, Rufus, has mastered all the basic commands, laying a solid foundation for intermediate training. Gordon's approach goes way beyond small tricks; it's a comprehensive framework that teaches both dogs and owners how to communicate effectively with each other. His expertise, patience, and engaging teaching style have been invaluable in our journey. Highly recommend his services to any dog owner looking for real results!