Gentle Touch Pet Training

I’ve taken my dogs here a handful of times for workshops and puppy courses (both cattle mix rescues) and it was fun, but these courses are 90% tricks and obedience and 10% real life training. More than half the class was sitting on a chair with the dog on the floor listening to the instructors, if your puppy starts getting frustrated and barking-their solution is to put a divider panel in front of you. I was told that both of my dogs were reactive and was recommended the “Fiesty Fidos class” to learn to “manage” reactivity. Mind you I was told this about my 5 month old insecure puppy. I decided not to sign up for that course because I couldn’t imagine putting my puppy in a room full of reactive adult dogs would do anything for her. I reached out to a smaller, lifestyle based trainer and we started working with them. Their group classes are outdoors and based on real life situations, and the trainers view dog training as a spectrum rather than a singular set of outdated rules. (As well as actual professionals who have a background in dog behavior) My “reactive” puppy has since earned her Canine Good Citizens Award, been offleash e-collar conditioned, is neutral around other dogs, and learned to have an off switch all without much help from Gentle Touch. This training facility is not for everyone, if you want a dog that can perform in a classroom and earn some pieces of paper, this is for you! But if you want a well mannered, socialized, confident dog that knows how to behave outside of the classroom -I suggest looking elsewhere.

Gentle Pets Training is amazing! Maddie and Matt were so kind, helpful, and knowledgeable. They explained everything clearly and made the whole process feel supportive and stress-free. Their calm, gentle approach really works. Highly recommend them!

I’m so impressed with Gentle Touch! I called about some reactive behavior in my dog, and they called me back the next day for a thoughtful 20-minute chat to discuss the issues. She actually advised *against* enrolling in a class for now, confident her corrections alone could help - and one of them worked immediately. I’m writing this mid-dog walk, because I’m so grateful for her kind, expert advice. This is definitely where we’ll go for training moving forward!

I have taken 2 group classes-Puppy Preschool and Puppy Enrichment with my now 10 month old Chihuahua puppy. I am now taking Intro to Agility and we are having a blast. We have had the same trainer for all 3 classes, Maddie, and she is fantastic. She is professional, knowledgeable and fun. My dog is the only Chihuahua in all our classes and not the norm but we have been welcomed, encouraged and appreciated. The prices of the group classes are very reasonable and they run on time. I am very pleased with all we have experienced and will be taking more classes in the future. I have and am learning so much and so is my puppy.

Gentle Touch Pet Training has been amazing for us and our puppy. They have a great array of classes and really knowledgeable and friendly trainers. Would recommend them for anyone looking for dog training or even just a refresher for their dogs.