Very Good Dog Training

When I say Stephen changed my life, I’m not being hyperbolic. Felix, my dog, was always pretty well behaved inside, but outdoors he turned into a different animal. He would eat food of the ground, constantly getting giardia, he would pull constantly - and he had no recall. I worked with other trainers who said “some dogs are just on leash dogs” and that some breeds just pull. Well, not Stephen. We did the board and train and Felix goes off leash, hasn’t gotten sick, and has turned into a pleasure to walk. Stephen also has continuously provided feedback and has been in constant communication with us/answers our questions. He is truly a magical dog whisperer and I’m so grateful he was able to help us with Felix. Stephen changed both mine and Felix’s life for the better!

Stephen changed our lives with this program. We had a cute, loving puppy that did not know how to play with our kids without hurting them on accident. He was an escape master and would almost get hit by cars. Our kids could not walk him because he pulled so hard and violently went after squirrels. He now roams around with us in the yard- no fence or leash. He walks without a leash, and if he has one on, he sits without being told when he sees another dog or a squirrel. He is now the greatest addition to our family rather than a burden. He is also the happiest dog, he has wonderful freedom to explore and play. We are so grateful Stephen helped us get here through the virtual program. It was a TON of work but if you put in the work, your dream dog is on the other end.

*2025 I wanted to leave an updated review for Stephen at Very Good Dog Training. As my previous review mentioned we worked with Stephen when we originally brought home our dog when he was a puppy and we loved the program. Over the past year our dog Cooper started showing resource guarding tendencies and became more reactive to strangers. We decided to reach back out to Stephen to have our dog go through his board and train program. Stephen really cleaned up Coopers obedience and dove right into working through and stopping his resource guarding. What I would say stands out about Stephen is his ability not just to teach the dog, but to teach the owners how to have a successful and happy relationship with their dog. Over the past few years Stephen would answer any questions or concerns I had that would come up. It is so helpful to have a dog trainer who continues to provide support even once your training program is finished. I am so grateful we decided to work with Stephen in 2022 and once again in 2025. He has helped us become so much more confident in our dog handling skills and our relationship with our dog continues to grow. Thank you again!!!! I can’t recommend Very Good Dog Training enough!! *2022 We recently completed a 2 month training program with Stephen for our 6 month old puppy named Cooper. I am so happy I decided to work with Stephen and his team. My puppy went from a scared uncertain pup to a well behaved gentleman. Cooper learned all his basic obedience, learned how to be neutral and calm in all different environments, he gained so much confidence, learned the art of doing nothing and how to relax and also learned how to be off leash and enjoy all the things dogs should be doing. Stephen was always available for any questions and concerns and we felt very supported along the training journey. So happy we decided to work with Very Good Dog Training !!! Thank you Stephen & Team!!!

Words cannot describe how thankful I am to Stephen and VGDT. I brought both my dogs to him with each of them being on opposite ends of the spectrum. Olive was a skittish dog who was not comfortable in her own skin and was practically scared of her own shadow. Odin was an enthusiastic puppy who didn't want to really listen and just wanted to play, like all puppies, but lacked a lot of structure that needed to be instilled in him as soon as possible. I brought Olive to VGDT With hopes that she could change, but fear that it would be impossible. She did the four week boarding train, and I was nervous that she was going to be a lost cause, but by the two week check-in, I could already see a great change in her demeanor. Stephen Let me know that she was stubborn, but was slowly beginning to come out of her shell and was already doing great improvements, just by listening to basic commands. By the end of the board and train, she was practically a whole new dog. Although She still was slightly skittish, she was a lot more confident in herself, and in me by knowing that I had learned how to provide structure to her. Olives change was a complete 180°, And I'm still in shock. When I brought Odin, I knew he was in great hands. He also did great and gained a lot more structure when working with Stephen. One of the best things about VGDT, Is that they not only focus On teaching the dog, but it is also a learning experience for the owners. I learned so much about my dogs and how to become a better owner. These lessons have helped me provide a better environment for my dogs and allowing them to feel safer and more secure with me and my family. I will recommend Very good Dog Training To any dog owners who need any type of help with their dogs! I cannot thank Stephen and VGDT enough for all the hard work and help they have given us!