Active Dogs of Asheville

I cannot recommend Joey and Katie highly enough. We entrusted them with one of the most unique and challenging dogs we’ve ever worked with, a primitive breed with a significant trauma background who had been in our care for around 18 months. This was not a “standard” training case by any stretch. From the beginning, I made it clear that I had no expectations for outcome, only the hope that she could gain some exposure to experiences I simply couldn’t provide in our rural environment (things like car rides, walking in town, and navigating new people and surroundings). What Joey did with her in just three weeks was nothing short of remarkable. Instead of approaching her with a one-size-fits-all method, he took the time to truly understand who she was through her history, her instincts, her fears, and her pace. He adapted. He learned. He stretched himself as a trainer to meet her where she was, rather than forcing her into a mold. That alone speaks volumes about his character and skill. Because of his work, this dog made meaningful, tangible progress and was able to transition successfully to a new home with my sister, something that once felt completely out of reach. If you have a dog that others might consider “too much,” “too different,” or “too difficult,” Joey is exactly the kind of trainer you want in your corner. His patience, humility, and willingness to grow alongside the dog set him apart in a big way. We are incredibly grateful for the care, dedication, and heart that both Joey and Katie put into their work.

I truly cannot say enough good things about Joey at Active Dogs of Asheville. He has been absolutely incredible with our 1-year-old Shepherd/Malinois mix. When we started working with Joey, we were focused on building a strong foundation: basic obedience, leash skills, structured walking, and reliable off-leash recall. Not only has he helped her master all of those, but he’s done it in a way that built her confidence and strengthened our relationship with her. Not to mentioned, she’s built a strong bond with Joey and loves when she has training or boarding sessions with him! What’s been most impressive, though, is the emotional regulation work. Our girl used to be reactive when she saw other dogs — she’d get overstimulated and struggle to stay calm. Joey didn’t just “correct” the behavior; he helped us understand it. Through clear guidance, structure, and consistent training, she has learned how to manage her emotions and stay composed around other dogs. The transformation has honestly been amazing to witness. Joey is knowledgeable, patient, and deeply committed to both the dogs and their owners. He takes the time to explain the “why” behind what he’s teaching so you leave each session feeling empowered, not overwhelmed. It’s clear this isn’t just a job for him — he genuinely cares. If you’re in Asheville and looking for a trainer who understands all breeds and can help you build a calm, well-mannered, confident dog, Joey is your person. We’re so grateful for him and the progress we’ve made.

12/10 stars!! I adopted Starla about 18 months ago and she is nearly a perfect dog other than her dog-to-dog reactivity. Since Joey has been watching her for petsitting, he has actively worked with her to desensitize and acclimate her to other dogs through hikes and other pack activities. She is a different dog with so much more confidence since Joey has worked with her! There are not enough words to thank Joey for the work he has put in on behalf of a nervous dog mom. Give him a try- you'll be so glad you did!