For a Civilized Dog

I have done 4 training lessons with Cary and it's like night and day for how my dog (Jojo) was before we started vs. now. Jojo is a 9 year old reactive cattle dog / lab mix. We lived in a house with a big yard and in a neighborhood without many dogs, but then we moved to SoCal and into an apartment complex. Jojo's reactivity became much more pronounced and our walks became a source of stress for us both. Enter Cary! He's given both me and Jojo so many tools to create a safe and successful environment on walks, around other people, and around other dogs. 3 months ago, Jojo wouldn't have been able to be within smelling distance of another dog without barking and lunging. Now, he can sit calmly as dogs pass at a distance. When dogs and people are close, he's able to listen to me and follow redirection away from the trigger. That is a HUGE improvement in just 4 lessons! I won't say Jojo is a new dog because he's still the same dog I adopted with the same goofy personality; however, the training Cary has taken us through has allowed that personality to shine over what used to be stress and reactivity. All of this to say that I highly recommend For a Civilized Dog and Cary!!

For A Civilized Dog is truly the best when it comes to training, boarding, and daycare. Our dog, Dodger Boy, has been a part of their family since he was just 6 weeks old, and now, over 4 years later, it’s still his second home. What makes this place special is the sense of community—most of the dogs have been there for just as long, and it’s heartwarming to see Dodger playing with the same friends he grew up with. The trainers are exceptional. We’ve asked for help with specific corrections several times, and they always exceed our expectations. Their expertise and genuine care for each dog are unmatched. Thank you, For A Civilized Dog, for being Dodger’s second home!

Cary and his team are excellent. He is a dog whisperer. Excellent for doggie Boot Camp day care and in-home training; highly recommend without hesitation. Fun salt water pool time and training during day care sessions as an add on option. Our dog Moose loves going there.

FACD is amazing! Danielle trains with us weekly in our home. I don’t know where we’d be without her guidance! She has taught us so much about managing our crazy pup. We started when our doodle was around 11 weeks old and she’s now a 6 month old nugget we’re obsessed with. Recently, we went out of town for a week and decided to board our pup with FACD. They trained with her while she was there and we received report cards with details of what they were working on. She also goes to their daycare a few times a week while we’re at work. I don’t think I would have made it through the first two months without Danielle! She’s so knowledgeable, patient, and kind. So grateful she has helped us learn to be better dog parents and train our daughter! Highly recommend everything about FACD.

This review is long overdue. I would not have survivors 3+ years of crazy doodle energy without the patience, care, and love of the entire For A Civilized Dog team. Danielle worked with Dodger since he was a 10lb pup, transitioning him from a rambunctious, pushy, and REALLY mouthy ball of energy… to a civilized and well behaved 50lb boy. Well, when he’s not in zoomies mode, of course. Doodles will be doodles. 3+ years later, we turn the corner and he still jumps up with excitement, wags his tail ferociously, glues a giant smile on his face, and jumps out the car to greet his favorite people and dog friends. Cary, Jaclyn, and Danielle always welcome him with pets and praise - and we are so grateful. We LOVE our Civilized fam!