The Dog Institute of Williamsburg

Having worked with Elizabeth with our first dog who is now 3 ½ years old, and now virtually with our newest addition to the family, a mini Golden doodle who is now three months old. Our experience both in person and virtually have been equally exceptional. Elizabeth has helped our dogs and us so much to learn how to be good pet owners and how to help educate our dogs to have a life that is filled with structure, treats, cuddles, tricks, toys, love, and fun. I think that virtually Elizabeth has been able to see the dynamic and moments in our family. It's been awesome both in person and virtually. While Elizabeth is helping us to train our puppy to be an amazing family dog and to help us navigate two dogs, ultimately, Elizabeth works with each member of our family patiently and points out all of our strengths so we can continue to work as a team. We are so grateful to have the Dog Institute in our lives, in person and virtually. Elizabeth is really incredible, and we cannot express enough of our gratitude and how much we recommend her. Ruby, age 14, (Romi and Scarlett the pups)

100% agree with the review from John D below - this place is more of a doggy day care than a place for you to truly learn how to train your pup. The only thing you will be taught in the puppy "classes" is sit, basic lures, potty training, and play time. Elizabeth and team's solution for everything is chews and treats (which my puppy threw up from multiple times after class because the amount of treats prescribed is excessive), instead of balanced positive + corrections training so that your dog actually knows what they should and more importantly SHOULDN'T do. Definitely would not recommend if you have any type of strong-willed breed that requires mental and physical structure - shepherds of any kind, Germans, huskies, etc. Using strictly positive reinforcement training may fly for small toy dogs, but dog breeds like the ones I mentioned (I personally have an Aussie) require much more structured training where a professional teaches you how to become a leader in your dog's life. Because of the positive-only reinforcement training I was taught here, my dog developed severe separation anxiety and dog reactivity and I had to spend a lot of money to undo it with a board and train program in California. PLEASE take your hard-earned money elsewhere and educate yourself on how to truly make your pup the best they can be! And don't feel bad if the positive-only training here makes you feel like something is wrong with your pup. That's not the case, the problem is that this type of institution does not address any real issues in dogs

Truthfully a doggy day care, not the place for training. Elizabeth along with her staff are nice people, however they are realistically not professional dog trainers. The "training classes" that they offer will merely address small issues with the main answer (and I mean the only answer) always being to give treats. Treats for every single problem or affirmation. We experienced unorganized classes that are pretty much a hang out for the locals and their dogs. We actually attended both the puppy and teen classes mistakenly giving them the benefit of the doubt--only to find out the same rhetorical info to be constantly churned out: treats, treats and chews. My dog learned more socializing with the other puppies than the actual class. If you are looking for actual intellectual training and valuable insight for your new puppy I highly advise looking elsewhere (not to mention the high price). Elizabeth is a nice lady but its very obvious that she is not an experienced trainer with the right teaching strategies. Not to mention, she went on a 3 week long vacation (and doesn't teach most classes) while she allowed her clearly under qualified staff lead the non-productive classes wasting our money. Again, in all honesty, this place is about location--a Williamsburg doggy day care for the less educated locals who have never owned a dog looking for a place in the neighborhood. Lots of better options elsewhere

We adopted our dog during the Pandemic and quickly realized we needed help and direction with training. There are so many resources online but so much of that advice ends with dead ends and doesn't use applicable examples. Elizabeth responded right away and assured us we could handle this newfound responsibility. The remote classes, given over FaceTime, are highly effective. Every week it seems like a new behavior pops up, and not only are we able to address that but we effectively cover and progress on previous lessons. Sit, stay, crate training, leash reactiveness, shaping - it helps greatly to have someone who is seeing and reacting to your specific dog and guiding you along the way. Our relationship with our dog has grown tremendously, and Elizabeth is always going above and beyond to ensure we're comfortable with the lessons and that we're getting to each concern. I can't recommend the classes enough - don't torture yourself by waiting through problem behaviors, the online classes work and you'll be so much happier with your canine companion!