HappyGentle Dogs

We have tried so many different trainers and programs over the past 8 years but never achieved real success until we found Happy Gentle Dogs. After changing our google search from “dog trainer” to “animal behavioralist”, we were on our way… Kermit, our wonder dog (as in I wonder why he’s act so protective of the other dogs in the house and so reactive to the doorbell and new people), successfully completed Happy Gentle Dog’s aggressive dog program, wherein the HGD team deployed Constructional Reinforcement Training (CRT) to assist Kermit with understanding his cognitive space opportunities as opposed to a reactive space risks. The HGD team, which included Dale and Madi as well as Roman, who specifically got to meet Kermit in one of his reactive states, worked closely and caringly with Kermit over a five-week on-site, evidence-based, ABA-informed training process. Just as important as the CRT that Kermit received was the training we received over four sessions that instilled knowledge as well as offered practice opportunities to work with Kermit in a safe & clam environment. We found this training to be so important that upon Kermit’s graduation, we immediately enrolled Dancer, another of our dogs, into the HGD process to help her with socialization, cognitive thinking, and overall training (manners & recall). HGD does what they say! They never suppress. They never intimidate. They build, one small success at a time, new patterns of calm and new confidence where fear used to live. We finally see real behavior changes and truly have happier, gentler dogs as a result!

I cannot recommend Happy Gentle Dogs enough! They went above and beyond to help me understand not only my dog, but also her breed, how she communicates, and what she needs to feel safe and secure. They empowered me with the knowledge and tools to help her become a more confident, calm, and happy dog. They helped me address her fear, insecurity, and anxiety with patience, compassion, and encouragement every step of the way. The transformation has been incredible, and I feel so much more confident as her owner because of everything they taught me. Every member of the staff is kind, caring, and genuinely passionate about what they do. Their love for dogs shines through in every interaction, and they truly want both dogs and their owners to succeed. I am so grateful for everything they've done for us and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for exceptional, compassionate dog training.

What impressed us most was the care and dedication shown throughout the entire process. Madi and Dale not only trained our dogs but also equipped us with the tools needed for long-term success. The detailed folder of instructions they provided has been invaluable in helping us reinforce everything our dogs learned. We are beyond grateful for the love, patience, expertise, and support we received from the entire Happy Gentle Dogs team. The positive difference they have made in our dogs' lives—and ours—is truly remarkable. We wholeheartedly recommend Happy Gentle Dogs to anyone looking for exceptional dog training. If we could give more than five stars, we absolutely would!

HappyGentle Dogs has trained two of our rescue dogs that were anxious, fearful and making very reactive decisions. It has been a life changing experience for them and us. The HG team uses gentle, positive methods that helped our pups build confidence and make cognitive decisions. Maybe more importantly, they coached us to better understand their behavior and communication, setting us up for success. We are genuinely grateful for the HappyGentle team and for their continued support . We are forever part of the HG family!