From timid and holding back, to confident and playful! I adopted a German Shepherd-Husky mix dog from the pound a few months ago and while she has a very sweet disposition, she was not interested in training at all. She was a little shut down and honestly a little stubborn when it came to doing anything she didn't want to do. So when we started to look into training options, we came across so many options. All we knew is that we wanted to train her using positive reinforcement. Our dog, Ginger, was sweet and a bit timid and we didn't want her go through anything harsh as she had already spent 3 months at the pound and who knows how long on the streets. I reached out to a few different training companies, but after several disappointing calls, I got a call from Macey at Wag Mates Academy. From the start I could tell she had the best interest of my dog in mind. I spoke to her after having Ginger for 2 weeks, so she suggested I wait a bit longer to allow Ginger time to settle in more. She agreed that positive reinforcement would be a great option for Ginger. She was the only person to not pressure me to send my dog away ASAP. About a month later, she followed up and we talked about their board and train program. It was a tough decision, mainly because we would have to board Ginger for 3 weeks, but Macey was great at putting me at ease about the program and took the time to answer all my questions. Once we figured out dates that is when we were lucky enough to be matched with Njoud, who would take on training Ginger. We had a great call to discuss all of Gingers quirks, issues, personality and what I had been doing so far. We discussed logistics and what the goal for the program was. When Njoud came to pick up Ginger, I was immediately put at ease. Ginger was very timid with new people but she opened up to Njoud from the start. Njoud sent constant, daily updates, usually with pics, videos or both. She would walk us through everything she was doing so we understood. A big part of this is the humans being able to continue what is implemented in the program, so seeing clips of the training program really helped us feel like part of the training. Day after day and week after week we saw Ginger open up more and more and make such progress in her training. We Njoud talked us through at length anytime there was an issue or Ginger would struggle with something, so we would know how to handle it. The level of communication was incredible. We really felt at ease to ask anything. Njoud is truly amazing and super patient! When the 3 weeks were over, we got a completely different dog. We realized just how much she had been holding back. We got a detailed report and at drop off Njoud walked us through what Ginger had learned and she gave us the knowledge to be able to continue it. That timid dog that was holding back was no longer there and we got a playful, happy, well mannered dog back. She still has some issues she struggles with, but with consistency and the tools to work with her, I know Ginger will only continue to make progress. In the weeks since she has been home, Njoud has followed up with us and when I have questions about any issues I have with Ginger, I have been able to reach out and ask for advice on how to handle the situation in the future. They have lifetime support and you can set up time monthly to have a follow up session to discuss how things are going. It was truly had been a great experience and it was worth every penny. I can’t recommend them enough!

Instant change From the very moment at pickup I saw a instant difference in my dog’s leash behavior! Trainer Raul was very informative and patient with our puppy Chai. I could tell from the very start that he would make a huge difference in training and he did! Not only did he train our puppy but he trained me and my husband to keep up with her training! I am very satisfied and I appreciate the help! Thank you!!

A New Mochi, my Aussie Shepherd I cannot say enough about how pleased and happy I am to have Mochi, my almost 3 year old Aussie shepherd, get boarded and trained at Wag Mates Academy for 4 weeks. I cannot thank Erin enough, in particular, for having my dog stay with her and family. Erin was great, patient and loving towards Mochi whose biggest issue was reactivity. She came home almost a completely different dog. She walks without pulling on leash, does recall well, and obeys commands like quiet--when I ask her to stop barking. Although she is still reactive towards bikers and passersby after 11 days since return, she isn't as stubborn as she used to be when asked to stop. I believed that by reinforcing and following up on what Erin has started with her like more exposure, patience and affection, Mochi will continue to thrive and be a better companion to me. Overall, the board & training with almost daily video reports of Mochi's progress was and is still worth, all that I paid for. Thank you Wag Mates Academy!

Dog Training From the introductory contact with Emma to set up the training sessions to my puppy receiving the absolute top notch training from Max, I cannot fully express how pleased I am. Everyday communication via text & videos on my puppies daily activities & improvements were exceptional, concise & proves valuable as I need to continue what has been learned. For those reading this, I highly recommend Wag Mates Academy as they are professional, compassionate & caring from the office to the trainer.

Anthony is the dog whisperer!! Our German shepherd Bruno, who is 6 months of age. Went for 3 week intensive training with the trainer Anthony. Every day he will teach us new stuff about what he had being working with Bruno. Also how to approach Bruno since he’s still a puppy. He went in depth with all the helpful videos and tips. You can really tell the love and patience he has for dogs and he loves what he does. We are so please with all his work. Bruno came back as a brand new dog. When I tell you I couldn’t get around Bruno because he has a biting problem, now this morning I approached him the way Anthony told us too. He didn’t bite at all he just kept leaking me. We are very lucky to have him as Bruno trainer. I’m sure Bruno will miss him very much!!