Leader of the Pack Dog Training, LLC

After two years of frustration in unsuccessfully dealing with the aggressive behavior of Sam, our now 7-year old Chihuahua rescue, we found Mark at Leader of the Pack. We "committed" Sam to Mark's 5-week live-in training program - and now wish we had done it much sooner. We are often in disbelief with Sammy's improved behavior...he is indeed a changed dog. We are improved parents as well, though we know we can always do even better for Sam's benefit. It is such a pleasure to go out for his breaks and our regular neighborhood walks. Sam walks right at our side on a short, relaxed leash and does great when encountering other dogs on the sidewalk. He has either no reaction and looks straight ahead or responds perfectly to "leave it" if he needs a reminder. Last week, we encountered a large black lab, off leash (owner says "don't worry, he's friendly"). Lab walked right up to Sam and he stayed perfectly calm; no growl, no hackles, just nonchalant. Wow! Sam is now very comfortable in a large open park area nearby, where there are often many other dogs, and even seems to enjoy himself walking around in the grass or, his favorite, standing in the sun :) Prior to training, we always had to carry him there and he would want to leave immediately. A few days ago, we met Daisy, a Chihuahua mix. Sam wanted to sniff Daisy. She was very chill and all was well until she turned quickly to also check him out. He responded immediately to "leave it" and we wrapped up the visit and moved on. We're also having positive elevator experiences at our condo. He has ridden with another dog on board at least three times with no reaction - astounding compared to pre-training behavior. He also behaves much better in the lobby, meeting other dogs going in and out as we stand with him. Other residents who, through experience, had become familiar with his reputation have commented on his improvements or are quite impressed when we tell them how "boot camp" was the best thing we've done for him. We could make note of other positive experiences, but the above comments should provide all the evidence needed to support why Mark and Leader of the Pack was such a positive experience for both Sam and us. Thanks for all you've done for Sammy, Mark. We know he's a happier guy because of this experience.

I saw mark for the IN-PERSON Initial Behavior Modification Session for my human/dog reactive Australian Cattle rescue dog. My dog has a fairly severe bite record that I have done a lot of previous training, research, and have made sure he is never in a situation that he can potentially harm someone again. Although I have found a way to manage it for the most part it isn’t fixing the problem. I came to Mark to get my dog to the point that I can leave him with a sitter or a boarder. To gain confidence and trust with others bedsides myself. The first session was great. He listened to our story and cared about my dogs wellbeing and mine as well. He’s a tough love type of guy, which I appreciate. Just don’t go in expecting to be validated on how you are currently dealing with your dogs issues. That’s why we pay him, to tell us what we are doing wrong and to work with us to help both of our qualities of life. The first session my dog was muzzled but mid through the session Mark encouraged me to take the muzzle off. Although my dog was still unsure of him.. Mark does have a really calming and caring energy that my dog definitely picked up on. My dog didn’t bite him WOO WOO, first win. Honestly wild because my dog HATES tall men. After we talked about past training, bites, home environments.. literally everything that has happened up to this point.. he brought his doggo out in a separated gated off part of the yard to just observe how my dog reacted. It is LOVELY that he has a dog of his own that he uses in training dogs with fear reactivity with other animals. That’s hard to find. I have never been safely able to do training with another dog. His dog was so sweet and didn’t react to my crazy boys barking or lunging and by the end he was laying down feet away from him completely chill, WIN #2. He gave me a list of things I need to change in his everyday routine and I have scheduled a follow up for about 2 weeks from now. I will absolutely keep this review updated to see how my boy improves. I know that the initial consult is pricey but in my opinion it was absolutely worth it.

Mark and Team at Leader of the Pack are skilled trainers of dogs and teachers for us humans. They were able to fit our dog into the Live In training last minute and accommodate around our new born baby. The transition was life changing. Our Dog and baby now thrive together and our relationship has never been better. I high recommend Leader of the Pack Dog Training for any and all dog training needs.

LOTP was the best decision I could have ever made for my dog. My pup was reactive, and I wasn't sure if we'd ever be able to have the life we wanted being out in public (especially in such a dog friendly town), and after going through the training his reactivity is almost completely gone and we're able to go to the dog park, go on walks, and do all the things without the fear we had before. I was afraid this wouldn't be possible without fear based training, but LOTP was able to train him in a loving, non-fear based environment. As testament, when I picked my pup up after training was done and his initial excitement to see me had passed, he was back to playing with the owner/trainer like they were best friends. I strongly recommend taking advantage of the packages they offer, as my pup was SO excited to spend a weekend with them for follow up training. As soon as we arrived at the house my dog could hardly wait to get out of the car and be back with the owner. I highly, highly recommend LOTP. I love my pup more than anything and made the right choice in sending him there. If traditional classes didn't work for you, you're scared about leaving your dog in the hands of someone else, and you're nervous they're going to change the good in your dog's personality to make him behave, don't be. It is worth every penny, and can give you a life with your pup that you didn't think possible, without the use of fear or trauma or pain like you see in other training/militant facilities. LOTP changed my family's life for the better and can do the same for yours, too. Perks: They set your dog up with a personalized page for you to visit complete with updates, videos, and pictures, so you can track your dog's progress. Pictures below were taken at actual training and uploaded to his page. We learned he LOVES the jolly ball so we got him one and he plays with it all the time. The trainer sits with you when you drop your pup off to give you the full rundown so you're aligned on expectations and everything. You can tell right off the bat he knows what he's talking about and will love and take care of your pup. And when you pick your pup up you have another session where they set you up for ongoing success. Thank you Mark and team for everything!!!