We boarded Kodiak here for 11 days and were extremely pleased to see him loving his experience with Kayla and the other dogs. I feel very comfortable leaving Kodiak at Thunderbird, knowing he is happy and loved.

Thunderbird Dog Training
Sedona, Arizona
About Thunderbird Dog Training
Compassionate and caring training that builds confidence in both owner and dog and improves the human-canine bond.
Training & services
How training happens
- Board and train
Support between sessions
- Follow-up support
Additional services
- Boarding
- Daycare
Confirm current programs and availability directly.
Questions & answers
From GoogleWhat people have asked about this business.
Can you explain what GRC is for me?
GRC is a relatively new dogsport created by Jay Jack that combines some competitive obedience with the drive sports of wall climb, spring pole, slat mill race, and weight pull. While pitbull type dogs tend to be naturally good at a lot of these elements, the sport is open to any dog with a good amount of drive! A love for the game of tug can also be helpful in training and motivating your dog in the sport. GRC stands for Gameness, Relationship, and Control.
Community answer · Thunderbird Dog Training · 2025-09-21
What is your favorite breed to work with?
I love labs, shepherds, and anything that counts as a terrier - especially pitbulls and staffies!
Community answer · Thunderbird Dog Training · 2025-09-21
Can you help me pick out a puppy that's the right fit for my family and lifestyle?
Absolutely! It's important to do the right research and temperament testing, and ideally gather as much information about the parents of the puppy if possible. My experience with and observation of dog behavior, personality, and temperament across breeds and ages, makes me able to help you select the puppy that would be the best fit for you and your needs.
Community answer · Thunderbird Dog Training · 2025-09-21
Is my pet too old to be trained?
While dogs under one year old are the most impressionable, you CAN teach an old dog new tricks. I have client dogs ranging from 3 months to 10 years old and they are all fantastic learners!
Community answer · Thunderbird Dog Training · 2024-09-21
Do you take clients from Phoenix and Tucson?
Yes! We have clients all over the state. Due to time and cost of travel, the only services we can offer to clients over an hour away are our board and train programs. Of course, you can also always travel to us for private or group classes or boarding and we'll be happy to accommodate you!
Community answer · Thunderbird Dog Training · 2024-09-21
What training methods do you use?
I am a balanced trainer with a solid background in positive reinforcement as well. I believe in training the dog in front of you and finding the method that works best for both dog and owner. I use treats, toys, and tools in my training. Feel free to reach out for any questions about specific tools.
Community answer · Thunderbird Dog Training · 2024-09-21
How long have you been training dogs?
8 years
Community answer · Thunderbird Dog Training · 2024-09-21
Will my dog feel like we abandoned him when we leave him with you for training?
We do everything we can to make your dog feel comfortable and fulfilled during their stay with us! They may be uncertain of what's happening at first, but they will quickly learn that their days are full of fun and learning, and they have a safe place to eat and sleep at night. Sometimes the separation from you is an important part of helping them build their confidence and work through unwanted behaviors. It is almost always more difficult for us as humans to be away from our dogs, than it is for our dogs as they are engaged and excited about the new experiences they are having. We will be sure to give you frequent updates, videos, and pictures so you can see your dog's cute face and be aware of how they're doing. We also offer mid-lessons for all our board and trains where you can visit them and see their progress in the middle of the program!
Community answer · Thunderbird Dog Training · 2024-09-21
Public community answers. Authors are not verified as business representatives; details may have changed.
Customer reviews
Google listingMentioned in reviews
- Confidence building 9
- Leash walking 5
- Dog whisperer 4
- More confident dog 4
- Intuitive trainers 3
- Calm dog 2
All 10 topics
- Customized training 2
- Dog socialization 2
- Gentle trainer 2
- Reactivity training 2
Google review topics, not confirmed services.
I was so lucky to find Kayla to solve the issue of panic attacks with my 10 month old Silken Windhound. If not treated properly it could have become a very serious issue resulting in my having to give up my “LOKI”. She had 10 days with him and it was amazing how quickly he g…Read full reviewClose full review
I was so lucky to find Kayla to solve the issue of panic attacks with my 10 month old Silken Windhound. If not treated properly it could have become a very serious issue resulting in my having to give up my “LOKI”. She had 10 days with him and it was amazing how quickly he gained confidence and the potential of any more panic attacks is resolved. Her lessons with me and his younger puppy brother “THOR” were so well communicated that I am able to report both of them are amazing as to following through on what they learned. I was referred to her by another dog trainer (retired) that felt she was the best. My Loki was a dog with special needs and he is needs were met by a special dog trainer….. Kayla!!
Kayla is so amazing at what she does. Zeus did her 4 week board and train. At first I did not think he was going to learn what was required of him. On our first check in at Home Depot I could already tell it was working. At the end of the 4 weeks he is a completely different dog thanks to thunderbird dog training. I wouldn’t hesitate to hire Kayla again and neither should you.
Kayla is so kind, knowledgeable, and patient! I was feeling very overwhelmed with the new puppy, and she took her time in helping us understand so much and I would highly recommend her to anyone!
I am amazed, impressed, grateful and excited to see how good my little guy is doing after only 1 week with Kayla. I thought there was no hope for him but she is proving me wrong, and I'm so very happy about that. She is a life saver!
Original customer experiences from the collected Google data. Ratings without comments follow written reviews.