The Dog Wizard - Dog & Puppy Obedience Training St Johns

Our experience with Dog Wizard was exceptional. We came to them needing help with a rescue pup we'd had for six months. Ken was a tough case and even as very experienced dog/rescue parents, we didn't know to help him. We were paired with Mallory who gave Ken amazing training and attention over a three week stay. Ken gained communication skills and commands that have made having him home again not only manageable but enjoyable! The investment was worth it because the behavior issues Ken was having were so unmanageable that we were sadly considering placement alternatives (none that were great for Ken). Mallory provided pictures and video while Ken was away to assure us and keep us connected to our lil guy and we received once a week training to help us gain the skills needed to communicate with Ken. Mallory took a lot of time with us, answered our questions thoroughly and really listened to our concerns and fears. We know we still need to do our part to help ken feel safe and understood, which is what we do for our other fur babies, now we just have new skills to do it! We highly recommend Dog Wizard and Mallory as trainer and look forward to continued "tune up" sessions and group outings that Dog Wizard facilitates to enhance Ken's skills over time.

Here are the things I wish I had known before paying $1,850 for this program. 1. Although the website promises a customized training for your dog, this is not entirely true. Our dog is a sensitive breed and does not do well with aversive training techniques. I made the mistake of calling and speaking with Mike who explained that they use a work for food approach to training. I did not ask enough questions. If he had told me the exact techniques they used I would not have signed up. He is a very good salesman. Per the trainer, they can make some small adjustments but overall, they follow a specific program and use specific tools. 2. MAKE SURE TO DO THE FREE EVALUATION. I just spoke with Mike, who is a great salesman, and signed up. 3. DO NOT PAY THE ENTIRE AMOUNT BEFORE ATTENDING A SESSION. I am a person who does not like to have an owed amount. I paid my deposit and then paid the remainder thinking this was a great fit. After the first session I realized it was not. However, when I called to speak with Mike to see about stopping the program, he spent an hour using high pressure sales techniques to convince me to continue. He said he would not refund money. We attended one more session. I used the techniques the trainer recommended and our dog had a pretty extreme stress response. I emailed Mike and tried to get at least a partial refund but he refused to give any refund. He stated his concern for our dog, however, I am pretty certain he cares more for the money. We did find a trainer who uses only positive training techniques. After one session in our home, our dog has made tremendous progress. It was only $250. The trainer is Chrissy at All Fur Pets. She is amazing.

We signed up for an 8-week training course for our dog Luna. Luna was suffering with fear-based aggression. For the 8 weeks, we attended a 1 hour class. The first several classes were held at the Dog Wizzard location. The next several classes were held at a pet store, 2 parks, & a restaurant. Our trainer, Kaylee, did an exceptional job walking us through each lesson plan, making sure we had a grasp of the techniques & that Luna was responding appropriately before the session was concluded. Honestly, at the midway point, Luna's demeanor & behavior had really changed. She was appearing more confident. We practiced the techniques at home & on walks everyday between sessions. Dog training is as much for the animal as it is for the humans. It is important to work with your pet so these techniques becomes habits for each of you. Thank you, Mike, for providing a quality program.

Mallory was absolutely amazing with my puppy, Roary! She was so patient, kind, and knowledgeable, and Roary clearly adored her. His tail started wagging the second he saw her each week, which said everything. She made training feel positive and encouraging, and I could tell she genuinely cared about helping him learn and feel comfortable. I’m so grateful for the time and attention she gave him and would highly recommend The Dog Wizard to anyone looking for wonderful dog training!