Houston DogWorks

Edit: His response just reiterates the arrogance and unprofessionalism I sniffed in 24 hours... I found a great trainer for $975. Just wanted to let people know this guy doesn't seem to be the nicest. This guy may be a great trainer. I'll never know because I am not in the right tax bracket. Charge what you charge, I get it. But if you're going to charge 2x the average, be transparent upfront. The issue is the arrogance and gross unprofessionalism that was evident before I stepped foot in his facility. He also told me I'd have a dead dog if I didn't do something soon (but also said he was my only option). That's just manipulative salesmanship. In my initial discovery call with him (20min) he spent a good 5 minutes talking about how he is the only qualified dog trainer in Houston (3rd largest city in US) and everyone else is stealing your money and teaching your dog nonsense. Mind you, I had let him I know I've worked with other Houston trainers before. Felt like a bit of a waste of our time on the call. Seemed to be a bit of a red flag, but I hadn't met the guy so I was interested to hear what he had to say as he's the self-proclaimed "expert" in Houston. He sent me some dates. I asked what it costs before committing to that. I was expecting $1500-2000 with some payment plan options based on my research so far. He gave me a range $2500-$5000 with no standardized outline that determines where it would fall in there. No explanation of programs. When I asked about payment plans, he said he only does them for the more expensive packages and in any scenario, you have to have $2500 upfront. I volunteer at a rescue and am constantly taking in strays, I will never have that kind of money for one dog. I make a humble living. I didn't know dog training was for the rich. I expressed this, asking if he had anyone affordable ones he'd be able to recommend. He said no, everyone else in Houston is "junk." He also stated that because my 10 month old dog has attempted to bite me and my partner, "you have a very serious problem on your hands that is going to end up with a dead dog before he's 2 if you don't get on top of it." To say that, if you don't have at least $2500 tomorrow, you will have a dead dog in your home, is absolutely diabolical behavior. And I'm sure he would've insisted on the most expensive package on us and it would've been well into $4-5k. Trust me, I know everyone has to make their money, I work in tech sales myself. But to tell someone if they don't have a month's salary to drop on their dog they're essentially F'd and will end up with a dead dog is not only unnecessary but I'd say cruel and unethical. This guy needs a lesson on communication and morality.

There are simply no better trainers than Josh & his team. We tried many other training programs before finding Houston Dog Works and all other programs never seemed to work with our dog. So many other trainings were focused on treat based training methods which ended up with our dog just doing whatever he needed for the treat and us not fixing the long-term behavioral issues he experienced. However, at HDW, we have had nothing but success & long lasting, real results. Josh & his team provide true obedience training for you & your dog, focused on training methods that provide long term results, not just in the moment results. They don’t just teach you the skills you need as a dog owner but also the “why” behind all of their training methods. In addition to their traditional training programs, HDW continues to offer unique training sessions to further expand your dogs training skill set. What I love so much about HDW is that they are just as dedicated to the results & overall well-being of your dog as you are. With continued open session trainings & unique trainings outside of the "classroom", HDW ensures that they continue to assist you in whatever way possible. They do not operate as a "once & done" dog training - they are truly there to support you throughout the lifetime of your dog. While the training at HDW takes time, commitment & consistency, Josh & his team are with you every step of the way. They will provide you with the right tools & skills to ensure that you feel comfortable & operate as the best owner/handler of your dog. We have been dedicated to HDW for a few years now and we give it our absolute highest recommendation. Our dog (and us!) have grown so much over the years and watching our dog become more comfortable with himself & in various different environments has been incredible. We truly cannot thank Josh, Kennedy & Molly enough.

I started training at the BEST dog training facility in Texas when my puppy was 8-weeks old. Not only have I found a new hobby and community of dog lovers, the phenomenal obedience training at Houston DogWorks equipped Malakai for life in the real world. Though I love winning obedience competitions and seeing new clients learn each week in group classes, the best part of the training here is that it’s reliable enough to save my dog’s life! One day a cat darted out from a bush by my doorstep. Malakai sprinted after it with no leash on, straight toward the street and right in front of a car. Two words (“Malakai, come!”) was all it took for him to turn on a dime and run back toward me. There’s no way to quantify the relief I felt in that moment. I’m immensely grateful to Josh & Kennedy for the bulletproof, amazing and foundational obedience training that saved Malakai’s life and allows me to enjoy my dog both inside and outside of my home.

I joined Houston DogWorks when my goblin border collie (if you know you know) was 12 weeks. Now at 14 months, we've done the Power Puppy Program, General Obedience, and the Advanced Obedience programs. I can confidently say this training has transformed our lives. DogWorks focuses is on true obedience (not basic tricks), where your dog follows commands because they want to—not because you're a vending machine of snacks. It does require a little more work, but you get lasting results, even in high-distraction environments. My dog now obeys off-leash, no matter what’s going on around us. The training is as much about you as it is about your dog. It’s a joint effort that requires commitment, consistency, and teamwork. The trainers equip you with the skills and tools to lead your dog effectively, and the process ends up forging a bond between you and your pup in ways I've personally never had before. Their programs are designed for long-term success, with each stage building on the last. From foundational skills to advanced polishing, the transformation has been incredible—not just in my dog’s behavior but in the trust and connection we now share.

Houston Dogworks is the place to train your dog, hands down. We brought my 2 dogs in, different ages, and trained all the way through Josh's obedience program. We learned so much that it's hard to state the most important lesson. I can definitely say that Josh, Kennedy, and the whole Dogworks community have taught us more than we could have asked for. I think we am most proud of the confidence we have to take either of our dogs with us just about anywhere without fear that they will lunge for another dog, run away off-leash, or even break a down-stay at all. The private lessons, group classes, and off-site activities are awesome & allowed us to be around people who cared about their dogs in the same ways as us & brought us new friends. Side note, our dogs are both shelter adoptions with different backgrounds. Josh & Kennedy really tailored their guidance to our dogs' breeds & personalities, which really highlights their skills. Thank you Houston Dogworks! - Brenda/o