Very Good Dog Training

From the moment we met Stephen until the time we got our puppy Fred back, it was like dealing with an old friend. Down to earth and personable, Stephen knows his stuff. We chose to allow Stephen to do a “board and train” as that seemed like the best option for Fred. We sent him away as a wild puppy and got back a well behaved, responsive puppy. Any/all questions were answered professionally - in layman’s terms. We were kept in the loop via texts and social media posts and, although we missed Fred terribly, we knew he was in the best hands. We highly recommend Very Good Dog Training!!

Stephen is a very good dog trainer (ha. ha.) but maybe even better at training humans. He's taught us how to interact with our dog in a way that will maximize everyone's happiness. He's made dog training practical and accessible without sounding overly complex. He doesn't rush through his time with us and makes sure we're feeling comfortable with everything along the way. We started working together when we got our puppy and we would recommend anyone getting a puppy give him a call. It's been a great experience!

Working with Very Good Dog Training was awesome. I was hesitant at first when I began researching what to do with my young puppy who had me wrapped around her paw. She’s super cute and got away with more than she should. I met with Stephen who explained how the training would go and 2 days later I signed up. Stephen is a master of his craft. He’s smart, professional, super kind to both humans and dogs alike and is on point with his training. He spent 3 weeks of training with my puppy in what I called puppy bootcamp and did an outstanding job. He set my puppy up for a successful life as a puppy/dog. I know that sounds silly but it’s true. I’m a fan of well behaved dogs who are eager to please with their obedience and that’s what my dog is now. Thank you Stephen and Butters for taking care of my Bella and doing an outstanding job with her training. Pleasure working with a class act! Sending you all good vibes for much success.

Just short of a Miracle All I kept saying was, “I don’t believe it can be done,” over and over, during and after speaking to Stephen Murphy of Very Good Dog Training. We got an adorable German short haired pointer puppy from an award-winning breeder and we needed serious help. We faithfully attended 2 different Puppy kindergarten programs in New Jersey never missing a class. We trained him at home as they taught us, but if we didn’t have food in our hand or pocket, he ignored us completely. Dakota screamed endlessly whenever crated even though we made it cozy with toys. He jumped onto the countertops for scraps of food or an entire pot roast. He ripped up anything he could get his mouth on. Nothing was safe anywhere, Training was getting way too frustrating and so was our life. We both felt we may not be able to even keep him. Fast Forward 3 weeks later: My husband and I took a trip to Florida and left our precious wild one with Stephen, to board and be trained. We got back to a well behaved, attentive puppy, no more crying in the crate, no more jumping on the counter eating our dinner, and he actually listened to us. At first, he tried to go back to the “old way” but Stephen’s guidance in follow up home visits reinforced our dog handling skills to maintain Dakota’s training. We now take him anywhere and everywhere, he heals and sits when we stop walking, I can go on but I think you get the gist. Now, all I can say was I DO believe it because I see it. We are so grateful. I could never thank him enough for taking such a rambunctious puppy and giving me back an obedient and loving friend. Very Good Dog Training is indeed Very Good and so is my puppy now.