Front Range Dog Training

I highly recommend Front Range Dog Training for anyone looking to build a reliable foundation with their dog. I worked with Michael and John to transition my almost 2-year-old Australian Shepherd, Stevie, to being fully off-leash in Boulder, and the experience was top-quality from start to finish. What sets them apart is their structured, step-by-step process. They focus on clear communication and technical skill-building that makes sense for both the owner and the dog. The combination of exercises practiced during their day sessions and the specific homework assigned to me created a consistent feedback loop. This didn't just improve Stevie’s reliability; it significantly strengthened our relationship. Because of the training and the processes they taught us, I’m much more in tune with her, and she can be trusted to listen in high-distraction environments. This has given her so much more freedom outdoors. Michael and John are professional, well-organized, and clearly experts at what they do. If you want a training experience that is easy to follow but produces real, sophisticated results, this is the place to go.

I truly cannot say enough good things about Michael. We began working with him when Maple was just 8 weeks old. At the time, he confidently told me she would be fully off-leash trained by 6 months — I’ll admit, I was skeptical! But he was absolutely right. Now, at almost a year and a half old, Maple is exceptionally well trained. She consistently responds to both voice and hand commands and follows instructions beautifully on leash, whether she’s in a heel or on release. Her reliability and responsiveness are a direct reflection of Michael’s training approach. Michael is patient, calm, and incredibly skilled. He has a natural ability to connect with dogs and communicate in a way that truly works. The foundation we built with Maple as a puppy has paid off tremendously, and we are so grateful for his guidance. I highly recommend Michael to anyone looking for an outstanding trainer — he truly has a remarkable gift with dogs.

We cannot give Michael and John enough praise. We brought our dog, Goose, to Front Range Dog Training when he was about 4 months old. Michael takes the time to understand your goals with your dog and understand your dog’s current behaviors. They make sure that you fully understand the training methods, make sure you understand how dogs naturally behave, and make sure you understand ‘why’ the training methods work. We felt 100% comfortable with them during private sessions and their day camps. Our goal was to make Goose off leash trained and couldn’t have gotten to this point without them. Highly recommend them!

If you're looking for a trainer who will come to your home and guide you in training your dog, I would strongly recommend avoiding this service. Michael, the trainer, insists on making your puppy submit directly to him rather than helping you build a bond and establish authority with your dog. He is not comfortable simply demonstrating a technique and allowing you to practice it—instead, he insists on full control and submission from the dog himself. This approach is non-negotiable, and if you ask that the dog submit to you instead, he will walk out and refuse to continue. In contrast, I previously worked with a trainer on the East Coast who would briefly demonstrate a technique, then immediately hand it over so I could learn by doing. That collaborative and supportive method is not how Michael operates.