Dogs By Dancer

tl;dr The Dogs by Dancer program has changed my dog's life and strengthened our bond. The lifetime in-person support, a part of their graduation package, was a decisive factor for me. The investment is substantial, but the outcomes are genuinely life-changing. ---- As a dog owner who has previously invested in multiple board and training programs without satisfaction, I approached Dogs by Dancer with hope and skepticism. My retriever, suffering from fear-based behavioral issues, had been through a lot from a previous owner. Despite thousands of dollars worth of consultations with animal behaviorists and prescribed medications, progress was not where it needed to be. The financial and emotional toll was so immense that I considered rehoming my beloved dog. Dogs by Dancer stood out in my extensive search for a solution. Their reputation as a last resort for desperate owners caught my attention. Although apprehensive about the high cost, especially compared to other local services, I decided to take the plunge. The 2-week board and train program began with an initial assessment, which was crucial given my dog's history. The training philosophy at Dogs by Dancer, which focuses on various reinforcement methods and understanding canine psychology, was a standout aspect. Their approach is centered on building trust rather than instilling fear and it was exactly what my dog needed. Instead of simulated environments, they expose dogs to real-life scenarios, preparing the pet and the owner for everyday challenges. This method proved more effective as my dog learned to adapt to unfamiliar settings more easily. The program was transformative. Not only did my dog emerge with a newfound ability to regulate impulses, but I also evolved into a more intuitive handler. The coaching was instrumental in this dual development. There was a noticeable reduction in his fear-based responses, and he became more sociable with other dogs. He started responding to commands more effectively in various settings, more calm and confident demeanor. Many companies promise lifelong support for your dog but fail to deliver. Dancer's commitment to ongoing, tangible support is genuine and effective. Post-graduation, the free weekend group classes have been invaluable. These sessions, lasting about an hour, reinforce the skills and bonds developed during the intensive program. The program introduced me to a community of other dog owners who had faced similar challenges.

If your dog needs training, call Dogs by Dancer. Scott is a highly knowledgable and effective trainer and has helped transform my rescue, Pumpkin, into a very confident doggo. When I adopted Pumpkin, he struggled with leash reactivity, leash-pulling, and a lot of anxieties dogs grapple with all the time in the city. We started weekly lessons with Scott a few weeks ago and practiced our homework daily. Pumpkin now walks on a loose leash, faithfully minds commands, heels when passing other dogs - and most recently, waits for permission to walk out of elevators. Trainers often say dogs want to do the right thing, but they just need to be told what to do. Scott’s approach to training builds on that by using communication tools between human and dog that add a deeper level of trust and confidence between the two - and that bond is priceless. I also appreciate Scott’s responsiveness and help whenever issues arise between lessons, ongoing group lessons after private lessons end, and the lifetime support Scott guarantees for Pumpkin. If you’re looking for a trainer, Scott is your guy.