Upstate Dog Academy

There really aren’t enough words to say how grateful we are for Upstate Dog Academy, and especially for James. Our golden retriever, Gilbert, has been going for both doggy daycare and day training, and from the very beginning, James has gone so far above and beyond what we ever expected. Of course, he’s helping Gilbert learn all of the things a puppy needs to know, but what has meant the most to us is the way he has taken Gilbert’s training a step further. My mom has mobility needs, and James has taken the time to work with Gilbert on skills specifically to help her. This isn’t just checking boxes on a training list — he listened to what our family needed, cares about how Gilbert could make her life a little easier, and genuinely invests himself in helping us get there. That kind of kindness is something you don’t forget. James has one of the biggest hearts of anyone you could ever trust with your dog. Gilbert absolutely adores him, and it’s obvious that feeling goes both ways. There is such a sense of peace in dropping Gilbert off and knowing that he isn’t just being watched or trained — he is being loved, encouraged, understood, and cared for. Gilbert is still young and has plenty left to learn, but watching the dog he is becoming and knowing that James is helping shape him into a dog who may one day be able to give my mom more confidence and independence is incredibly special to us. Upstate Dog Academy has been so much more than daycare and training for our family. James has truly been a blessing, and we will always be grateful for the time, patience, heart, and love he has poured into our Gilbert. ❤️🐾 If you’re looking for someone you can genuinely trust with your dog, I cannot recommend Upstate Dog Academy enough.

We had a fantastic experience with James at Upstate Dog Academy and his Puppy Foundations program for our 4-month-old Boston Terrier, Hank. James did a phenomenal job giving Hank a strong foundation and helping him learn the basics he needs as a young puppy. Throughout the entire process, James provided great updates, communicated consistently, and was always responsive to our questions and requests. It was clear that he genuinely cared about Hank’s progress and wanted to set him up for long-term success. We’re extremely pleased with Hank’s progress and will absolutely continue working with James in the years ahead as Hank grows and his training needs evolve. Highly recommend James and Upstate Dog Academy!