Canine Ph.D. Dog Training, Inc.

I came to canine PhD with an elderly rescued dog who had seemingly random moments of aggression. I had worked with him for a few years but there was a point when my expertise was just no match for the problem. Through the wonderful trainers at Canine PhD, we were able to start unraveling the things keeping my old hound from living his best life. We were able to manage what turns out to have been a lot of discomfort and help him blossom into a much happier hound who is still learning every day. The proof is in his excitement when I get out the special training bag and leash! He can barely contain himself!!! Don’t give up on your dog. Make the investment no matter how old your dog is. It seems like a lot… I get it. I held my nose and went for it and the investment was completely worth it. Learning with Cooper was a critical part of our partnership so I didn’t make things worse inadvertently. The comparative peace and quiet in the house is blissful. Cooper has blossomed into a big moosh, wanting kisses and hugs at all times. These folks know their stuff and their candid analysis and transparency are stunningly refreshing. Not only that, but they have a superbly professional team. There are no shock collars, shaming, or hidden agendas. They use the latest research to inform their methods. Their creative problem solving will turn your life around. I will bet dollars to donuts you will carry those lessons with you forever! If you have a young dog, go to their classes!! If you have an older dog that needs special help, reach out to them!!! What are you waiting for?!?

I have had excellent experiences working with Meredith and her team! I adopted a rescue dog, and learned that he had dog-reactivity especially while on the leash. Through private lessons and group reactivity classes, Meredith taught me and my pup Lobito how best to handle and improve this behavior. With time and her expertise, Lobito and I have developed a closer and trusting bond, and he has really matured into a calmer and responsive pup. But Meredith is still there immediately when we need her for emergency issues and training brush-ups! She is very kind and understanding with dogs, and instills confidence not just in your pup but also in you as the owner. We have also had tons of fun with various classes like barn hunt, nosework, and basic manners for both Lobito and my other non-reactive dogs. We love working with Meredith and her team - you can't go wrong seeking behavioral support or classes to expand your dog's horizons!

I started working with Meredith last year and I am not exaggerating when I say she changed my life. We were having serious issues with my rescue dog and I was completely at a loss of how to handle it. She was knowledgeable and patient and made sure to explain the reasoning behind her methods. It is so hard to find a good trainer who not only knows how to work with dogs, but can work with the people as well. I cannot recommend her enough!

I’ve always had dogs- toy breeds. That changed on Mother’s Day 2021 when I met Rocket: a 56lb Lab/Doberman/Pit mix who was rescued from living on the streets in Memphis. He was a year and 3 months old and in foster care when I met him. Our bond was powerful and immediate and in spite of my better judgment, I brought him home with me to Atlanta. Rocket’s first 3 months living with me, in a gated leash community, was an eye opening and painful experience. He has an extremely loud and frightening bark (in spite of his gentle nature)… He’s territorial, protective of me and quite strong. He didn’t know how to walk on a leash when I got him and barked aggressively at EVERY dog, cat, person, squirrel and child even (gasp!) we walked by. I sought out professional help. Two trainers later, a destroyed crate, frightened neighbors, and a $250 shock collar in the trash, in my darkest hour (in which I was heartbroken at the thought I couldn’t make this work) I found Meredith Minkin and Canine PhD. We started working together in August 2021. In my first session with Meredith, I learned so much about Rocket - signs I was mis-reading- I quickly realized I had found the right place, trainer and dog loving person to help me through. I tell everyone that Meredith is a dog psychologist/trainer/whisperer. She speaks Canine and it’s very impressive how she does this. If you want to know what your dog’s behavior is telling you, you need to see her. Canine PhD’s approach and philosophy is 100% reward based training. After the the initial one on one sessions recommended for us, I enrolled Rocket in their day training program. After each weekly training day I receive a detailed email outlining the day’s training focus (and how he did) which include videos of him being trained. The videos are extremely helpful as they give me a visual to emulate. They show me how to practice and support what he is learning between sessions. It is so much more helpful than to be given instructions and sent home to figure it out. Today, Rocket’s transformation blows my mind, frankly. It took time, patience and practice, but it has paid off tremendously. We have gone from taking only a few steps out of my front door and hurry up and pee to actual walks around my neighborhood. My neighbors comment about the change they see in him as they remember the early days. My response is always the same: I found Canine PhD. I am now thinking of the future with my boy. I want to agility train him and maybe even shoot for a service certification. The sky is the limit with Rocket because of Canine PhD. Honestly, 5 stars is not enough. If you’re struggling with your fur baby, you have resources here.