Houndstooth Canine Training Reviews

Ellen Walsh 2025.08.18

     

I am very pleased with the excellent training that Harry, my bernadoodle, received at Houndstooth Canine Training. As a first time dog parent, I expressed to Olivia and Emme how I was starting from scratch and needed to make sure that Harry had a solid foundation in order for me to be effective. After the training program, Harry came back with excellent manners and is a delight to be with in the company of others. Olivia cares deeply about Harry’s success, and it is clear that she loves her profession. She was committed to making sure that I felt well-trained in my home, and I greatly appreciate that. This was a very good investment, and I am experiencing the valuable returns. Great job with my Handsome Harry!

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Neha Hippalgaonkar 2025.08.14

     

As a first-time dog mom, I wanted to make sure my pup was well-trained from the start. I knew people who had amazing results with Olivia and her team, so I felt confident this was the best choice for me and Bear. We enrolled in the service dog training program, and throughout the process Olivia kept me updated on his progress. Any time I had a question or wanted to check in, communication was clear and helpful. I also loved knowing that Bear was having fun with the other dogs while learning. When I got Bear back, I was honestly shocked at how well-trained he was. He could walk beautifully on leash, hold a down stay, come when called, and go to his “place” with ease. Best of all, he was still the same happy, playful puppy I knew—just with incredible manners. Now, as a service dog, he can go everywhere with me and behaves perfectly. What I appreciate most is the ongoing support even after training. The whole team has been so helpful in making sure I’m giving commands correctly, which is such an important part of keeping his skills sharp. I couldn’t recommend them more—it’s truly the best investment I’ve made for both me and Bear.

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Maylin Rivera 2024.09.13

     

I would NEVER suggest this place to anyone! I had to allot myself some time to actually write a review because I was so disappointed and in such shock after this training. Our 6 month old puppy was brought here for the (unnecessarily EXPENSIVE) 2 week training program. The staff promises, in writing, that they will not send a pup home unless they believe they have accomplished the goals of the program - this is a lie. This company does not share HOW they train dogs nor do they ask for permission. I don’t understand why anyone would put a prong collar on a puppy, let alone one that is TOO BIG! The staff does NOT know how to use prong collars, at all. Just go on their instagram, you can see that they are not placed where they should be. I’m no dog trainer and even I know this. My puppy had a prong collar when me and my fiance came to pick him up. During the private lesson with one of the trainers, the “trainer” was YANKING his prong collar and he went on to say “it’s ok, this doesn’t hurt him at all,” after my dog yelps. Yea, because dogs yelp when they’re having fun! Also, the private lesson was very unprofessional with the trainer hitting his vape every 5 seconds. This place does not even know how to use an e-collar the proper way. It’s intended to be used as a way to communicate with your dog, not “crank up the level and zap him when he does something wrong.” I am so furious with this place. I am sure there are many dogs they have helped and hopefully not hurt, however, I guess they did not care about my dog as much since it was only 2 weeks. It was quite disappointing that I also never heard back from one of the lead trainers, Olivia, after having reached out twice. Respectfully, don’t leave your dog with these people. They suck. I'd give no stars if I could.

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Reply from Houndstooth Canine Training 2025.07.14

Hi Maylin,
Thank you for your feedback. We’re really sorry to hear about your experience. We take all feedback seriously and genuinely want to ensure that every dog we work with gets the best care and training. We understand your frustration and would love the opportunity to discuss any concerns you have in more detail.
We also want to acknowledge your frustration with not hearing back. That’s not the level of service we aim to provide, and we’d love to make things right. Please feel free to reach out directly at 973-294-2702 so we can talk more and address any lingering questions.
We care deeply about the success and well-being of every dog in our program. Thanks again for your feedback, and we hope to have the opportunity to clarify everything for you!

Luis Querzola 2024.05.27

     

I cannot recommend Houndstooth Dog Training highly enough! They have truly worked wonders with my dog, transforming her from a troublemaker into an incredibly educated, polite, and well-behaved companion. Every aspect of their training program exceeded my expectations. Their team demonstrated exceptional skill in obedience training, ensuring my dog mastered all the basic commands and even advanced ones. They tackled behavioral issues with a personalized approach, addressing everything from leash pulling to excessive barking with impressive effectiveness. Socialization was another area where Houndstooth excelled. My dog, once anxious around strangers and other dogs, now interacts confidently and calmly in public settings. Their training methods are not only effective but also humane and compassionate, creating a positive experience for both dog and owner. The staff at Houndstooth are professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive. They provided regular updates and practical advice, making sure I felt confident in reinforcing the training at home. In every way, Houndstooth Dog Training surpassed my expectations. If you're looking for a top-notch training program that will turn your unruly pup into a model dog, look no further. They are simply the best!

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Colleen Tevlin 2024.05.22

     

I can not say enough positive things about Olivia & her team at Houndstooth. My sheepadoodle Lucas has done a complete 180 in the four weeks he spent with them. Their go home one-on-ones set you up for success at home and that is what I have continued to see since he has been back with us. I didn’t think I would ever have a calm household again, but they worked with Lucas on his confidence and now he is as cool as a cucumber in the house. Thank you Houndstooth!

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Jason Starburst 2024.05.03

     

"Exceptional experience with Houndstooth Canine Training! After completing their board and train program, my dog returned home transformed. Now, our walks with the baby stroller are a joy as our furry friend walks alongside us without pulling on the leash. The results speak volumes about the expertise and dedication of the team at Houndstooth Canine Training. Is always Highly recommend their services!"

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Melyssa Davis 2024.03.20

     

Words could simply never express how grateful, thankful, & blessed I am for the Houndstooth team. I couldn’t have had a better experience with any other training facility. I researched for over two years to try and find a good team who is actually reliable and would do everything in there power to protect my dogs as if they were their own. I can genuinely say I found that with the Houndstooth training team. After over a year of continuously sending my dogs to them for either tune ups or over night stays for when I go away I know I can trust them with my boys and I know no one runs their dog training operation as cautiously or effectively as they do. Their training, safety & entire operation are unmatched. Without this wonderful team my two dogs would never have been able to live together without a problem and my entire goal was really just that, for them to be civil together in the same home. Thanks to Houndstooth they have lived together and absolutely love each other to pieces. Jax needs to be corrected occasionally because of his high energy he gets overwhelmed but all around they are doing AMAZING together. I originally sent my two Golden Retrievers Jax and Chewy to Olivia + Emme in January for the 8 week service dog training. Jax was sent specifically for resource guarding and leash training and Chewy was sent for being reactive to other pups. Through this training program I learned along with the pups how to deal with these types of situations if they ever arise again which makes me a more confident and active dog owner.

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Lars Taavola 2024.03.15

     

Olivia and Emilee are amazing. When you bring your dog to Houndstooth, they treat the dog as their own. Our nervous puppy did the 8-week training. At the end, she came back very confident. She learned all of the basic commands and was still a joy to be around. She came back so confident that our puppy thought she was the Queen of the neighborhood. And she wanted the neighborhood to know it . Olivia and Emilee worked extensively to train us. They taught us how to properly walk with her so we can all enjoy walking through the neighborhood.

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J 2024.03.08

     

Olivia trained my 10 month old puppy and I couldn’t have asked for better results! Can now go without a leash and she won’t leave my side and never gets off place until released. My puppy had never really been around other dogs before sending her there and since coming back she is much more socialized and doesn’t bat an eye when other dogs walk by. Also the consistent communication and updates while my puppy was there made the process smooth and easy. I would recommend Houndstooth to anyone who is looking for a dog trainer.

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s 2024.03.03

     

Sent my very reactive dog to Houndstooths board & train and was so pleased to see what they were able to do for him in such a short period time. They communicate constantly, give so much support, and really set you up for success bringing them home. He came back able to go on walks without constant tugging, can walk past people/dogs without any reaction, able to do things he didn’t have the confidence for before, and overall happy and healthy. Already started recommending them to friends and family!

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Di’Amonique Burden 2024.02.28

     

Houndstooth was available to us when we thought we wouldn’t be able to find anyone. Our German Shepherd Odin has always been reactive but they handled him very well and now for his 8 weeks of training and now we have people that we trust that can take care of him while we’re away! My husband and I are so grateful for them!

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Emma Arricale 2024.01.21

     

Nash and Charli had the most incredible transformation!!! I truly could not believe how well behaved they became after training. Thank you guys so much!!

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Jeff 2024.01.20

     

Our dogs have been transformed. The results were amazing. The dogs are well behaved and happier. Thank you!!

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Dan Riley 2023.11.16

     

Houndstooth did an amazing job training my Springer Spaniel (Clover) and she loves to go back to them for boarding. Clover had a specific problem with resource guarding and they solved it for us. I would recommend them to anyone looking for serious dog training.

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Jazzy C 2023.11.16

     

I always leave my dog here for boarding whenever I am away and they take the best care of him!!! He always comes back so healthy and so happy!

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Karen Carman 2023.11.14

     

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Emily N 2023.11.10

     

This organization popped up in my google search today. A few years ago when I was beginning to train my service dog I reached out to the owner. First she was extremely rude. She was dismissive or my valid questions and was vague about her training style. Eventually I got the answer I needed to know she was not the trainer for me. I talked about how I wanted my dog to eventually be off aversives. I talked about how he was sensitive to corrections. The owner told me my dog would be on an e-collar (a mini educator) for his whole career as a “seatbelt” for safety. She stated she wouldn’t do the training without the e-collar. Not so much “train the dog in front of you” if you say before even meeting a dog that it will be on an e-collar it’s whole career. My dog was not good with e-collar corrections when working and I realized it actually hurt his ability to task for me. I found a different trainer who was less aversive (LIMA/ truly balanced). Surprisingly once I stopped using a prong and an e-collar he showed natural alerts and were able to shape them into a nose bump. With aversives these “misbehaviors” that were actually natural alerts needing to be shaped, would have been corrected. I urge people lookin for a service dog to to look for certified service dog trainers such as a BUCS certified trainer. There is so much more nuance to training a service dog that a yank and crank B&T cannot cover. I also saved a major chunk of change not going with this B&T. Surprisingly a well respected service dog trainer certified by Bergin University and has worked with an ADI school, was far cheaper and beyond knowledgeable. My dog is working in a flat collar, has over 80 commands, and 20 distinct tasks. He is also very happy. Thank you for being rude to me in the phone so I didn’t mistakenly send my dog to you! Edit: how are you selling a 6 month old puppy with 8 weeks of training for $15,000 and calling it “certified”. Good gracious! Dog hasn’t even gone through being a terrible teen where reactivity could occur and a skilled handler is needed. There is no certification for service dogs according to the ADA. At best that dog is a SDIT. Other programs have STARTED service dogs under $10,000 at 8ish months old and provide very good followup.

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Reply from Houndstooth Canine Training 2023.11.16

Thank you for taking the time to write this review.
We have the utmost confidence in our training and take great pride in our canine graduates & the happiness of their respective owners. However, we’re happy you were able to find something that worked for you & your dog!

Sarajane BOYLE 2023.11.03

     

Scout, our 3 year old mini golden doodle, is the love of our family, but had issues with incessant barking, jumping, and resource guarding our bed, couch and especially me. We never knew when he would snap and scratch / bite. We tried many in-home trainers, but with four children ages 9-19 and a busy household, my husband and I were increasingly frustrated and concerned about Scout's behavior. When I started researching and visiting board and train programs, I soon realized that Houndstooth was the place for Scout. Emily, Olivia and Adrian helped me realize that Scout's behaviors stemmed from anxiety, rather than aggression, and told me that they would spend the first several weeks building Scout's confidence, rather than "throwing him in the deep end" and forcing training. Their compassion, concern and understanding of Scout's anxiety laid the foundation for the weeks of extensive training that followed. When Scout returned home, Olivia and Adrian taught each member of the family how to implement the training until everyone was confident. We were thrilled to find that with the love and training he received, Scout was now calm and friendly...and he rarely barks! His resource guarding has almost disappeared, and the one time there was an issue, Olivia gave us detailed instructions on how to correct the problem. I am so grateful to Olivia, Emily and Adrian and the entire team at Houndstooth for giving Scout the confidence he lacked so that the team could apply their expert training so that we can enjoy our beloved pet!

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Katelyn Fernandez 2023.09.23

     

My 5 month old puppy recently completed her training with Olivia and Emme & I could not be happier with the results! She used to jump on people and choose when she wanted to listen to me, but after her time at Houndstooth she is perfect! I can now bring her everywhere with me and don’t have to worry about a thing. Couldn’t recommend this company enough!

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Courtney Dinkel 2023.09.23

     

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