Best Paw Forward K9 Training

Pat is truly the best dog trainer around! We knew we wanted to hire a trainer before we picked up our puppy and saw amazing reviews for Best Paw Forward K9. Her training program was a perfect fit for our puppy, Grayland. Before Grayland’s 3 week board and train program, Pat stayed in contact with us and helped answer all of our questions. When it was time for Grayland to start training, we asked Pat to help her with basic obedience skills, leash training and dog socialization. Pat exceeded all of our expectations and Grayland came back a well-trained puppy! We looked forward to the regular updates from Pat and could tell how much Grayland was progressing in training. Pat has amazing dogs that she has trained and they became best friends with Grayland. We have a lifelong friend and training resource in Pat and I have enjoyed staying in contact with her since Grayland has been home. Pat offers boarding to dogs who previously trained with her, which is an added bonus! I feel at ease knowing that Grayland will get to spend more time with Pat and her pups while we’re away. If you’re looking for a dog trainer, do not hesitate to reach out to Pat!

Pat is the BEST! Her training is 100% worth it! I’m extremely grateful for her kindness, expertise, and love for dogs! In three weeks, she completely changed my dog. My dog was extremely reactive when seeing other dogs, animals, people, etc. It was impossible to take him on walks or leave him at home alone. There was a point where I thought I’d rehoming him because my anxiety was through the roof, and I would find myself in tears when I saw the destruction he made in my home. I called her in a panic, and she calmed me down. She didn’t hesitate, and explained to me why my dog needs boundaries and rules. She gave me tips and training before the official train and board. She transformed him in three weeks and kept me updated throughout his time with her. He is now a completely different dog. He is walking beside me, listening to me, and is now an extremely calm pup. I can’t believe how much of an improvement he made.

We adopted our pit bull/lab mix, Merry, as a 1-year old puppy and have had challenges with leash reactivity for the last two years we’ve had him. We tried multiple positive reinforcement-based classes but became discouraged from not seeing any progress. It had gotten to the point where we were not walking him consistently because it was a highly stressful, and often overwhelming, experience. Pat provided us with additional tools and the mindset adjustment we needed to begin to better manage his leash reactivity and improve his impulse control. We worked with Pat via phone for several months to begin to establish more structure and clearer expectations for Merry. He just returned home from his 3-week board and train program and we’ve seen a noticeable improvement in his leash manners, reactivity, and general obedience. While we know his ongoing success is dependent on our consistency and change in lifestyle, we feel much more encouraged and prepared with Pat’s guidance and ongoing support. We are very grateful for Pat’s help and would recommend her program to anyone struggling with their dog’s challenging behaviors. Thank you, Pat!

I HIGHLY recommend Pat and Best Paw Forward K9 Training! From the moment I spoke to Pat it was obvious that she loves what she does and truly cares about each and every dog she trains. We spoke multiple times on the phone before our 6 month old Shih Tzu, Rosie, attended a 3 week Board & Train program with Pat. She gave us things to work on ahead of time and then we met once before the board & train for Pat to give us a book to read and Rosie's new collar and leash. Our Shih Tzu is smart but also tenacious and we were still having trouble with her sleeping through the night in her crate. She also refused to do certain things (like go down the front steps to our house to use the bathroom). Not only was that addressed during training but Rosie came home calmer, more obedient and was able to keep her commands like sit, down and place instead of popping up. We now feel confident taking her places like restaurants (that allow dogs) and making her a bigger part of our lives. The best part is that I know if I ever need anything, Pat is only a text or phone call away and she will be there for us for the years to come. There aren't any trainers I know of like Pat (and we've used some in the past). If you want a well trained, calm dog, don't hesitate to contact Pat and do the board & train program!!

We did a 3 week board and train program with Pat for our puppy Luna (7 months), Luna has made huge strides on heal and good behaviors at home. Luna was a little sensitive to the training and came home a week early, but Pat came and did a private lesson with us twice and has been great at responding to calls, texts and emails as we continue to train. Luna will go back for one more week to finish her board and train in about a month. I feel confident that Pat will stay with us throughout our doggy journeys and is an amazing support system to have as your dog changes and grows and learns.