Verified Company
The years have blessed me with lots of experience with giant breeds, training, dog obedience trails and fun matches. Fast forward to my advancing age, military injuries and one of the strongest pups in the world, S. African Boerboel/Mastiff and I know I need help. Although my pup is perfect on our land, living up to his breeds expectations, he a giant Marmaduke in social settings, a real challenge to control him from meeting and greeting everyone. His size and strength makes him intimidating to strangers.
I bring my pup to interview the owner of Tactical K9 who explained that my dog would spend the day training and only be in the crate they provide during the staffs lunch and from 6pm until 6am. There was no other staff during this visit and all dogs in his care were in crates.
A few days before drop off for the 3 weeks of training in Tactical K9’s care I contacted him to secure a drop off time. He preferred I bring my dog early for him to have time to acclimate with the crate and staff. I delivered my dog at the time agreed (even sent a text an hour prior reminding him) only to find the owner in his pickup truck preparing to leave, saying he “forgot” and its fine to just put my dog in a crate that he would be back in 15 minutes. I declined as my dog has never been in a crate and said I would wait in my car w/my dog until he returns. 25 Minutes later he returns with takeout food and a small child. Again there is no other staff present and all other dogs are in crates and only addressed as “be quiet!, be quiet” as we bring in my dog and his supplies. My nagging feelings begin, but I have a plane to catch for the southern hemisphere and no other options at this late date. The owner does assure me that training videos will be sent via Whatsapp every 5 days. I look forward to the 5 training videos that never really materialized except for 2 only demonstrating things my dog could already do. Again, my dogs problem was approaching strangers for pet-athons in social settings, not walking past/playing with barn animals. After a few weeks of him not responding to my requests for the videos my daughter gets involved demanding proof of life videos at a minimum to prevent her from driving down from VA.
We agree on pickup time via Whatsapp just prior to my stateside return to include my training on the E-collar. He is not there, 2 women and a small child where in the driveway and mentioned he would be returning. Again all dogs were in crates. He arrives late, tells one of the women to walk the crated dogs and explains the e-collar to me. When I ask questions for clarification his responses are curt “You need to pay attention”. Additionally he takes 2 phone calls during our appt. Finally he says he will bring out my dog approx 20 feet from me and I can approach only if my dog remains stable by him. Wrong answer for a Mastiff! Instead of allowing for a meet and greet after 3 weeks absence to allow him to calm himself at seeing me he continually beeps/raises the infliction of discomfort on my dog until he is writhing on the ground rubbing the source of his pain. The trainer was only prepared with a prong collar and e-collar to inflict discomfort. No treats for potential good behavior. I’d had enough and took my dog at which he says “take your dog, if your not going to listen to me”. Nope buddy, I am ashamed that I listened to you as long as I did! His last words to me were, “don’t forget your have 3 additional trainings, if you want”. Are you kidding me? Bottom line, I don’t believe my dog was out of the crate long enough to fulfill the training promised, and if he was then the e-collar was used as a crutch for lazy training.
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2025.10.17
Kate, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. However, there are several inaccuracies that must be addressed.
You were informed that dogs are crated overnight (8 PM–6 AM), during staff breaks, and between training sessions — this structure ensures safety and focus.
Your claim that we “forgot” your dog at drop-off is false; we did not immediately recognize you because we had only met once months prior. Dogs are given quiet commands as part of training for calmness and control.
At your evaluation, you stated excitement around strangers was the only issue, yet your dog dragged you toward livestock — showing lack of control that required focused training.
Your board-and-train lasted three weeks with updates every five days. The longest gap was six days, and your daughter even praised the videos as “phenomenal.”
You requested an early pickup, and we accommodated you at 6 PM Wednesday. When you arrived early, dogs had just eaten and were beginning evening potty rotations.
During your e-collar session, you appeared disengaged and attempted to skip steps. Proper handling order is vital for safe use. At no point was your dog shocked “into pain” — the collar was used minimally as a communication tool, not punishment.
Treats were phased out because your dog had advanced to verbal praise and affection for obedience. When he jumped and tore your shirt, you were asked to remain calm and follow safety instructions — when you refused to follow instructions you were then asked told to leave.
You also misquoted our statement about follow-up training. You and Mondo still have free lifetime refresher sessions available.
By the end of training, Mondo was performing all commands reliably and safely. We stand behind our program, methods, and results, and remain open to helping you succeed through your lifetime follow-ups.
— Tactical K9 LLC
You were informed that dogs are crated overnight (8 PM–6 AM), during staff breaks, and between training sessions — this structure ensures safety and focus.
Your claim that we “forgot” your dog at drop-off is false; we did not immediately recognize you because we had only met once months prior. Dogs are given quiet commands as part of training for calmness and control.
At your evaluation, you stated excitement around strangers was the only issue, yet your dog dragged you toward livestock — showing lack of control that required focused training.
Your board-and-train lasted three weeks with updates every five days. The longest gap was six days, and your daughter even praised the videos as “phenomenal.”
You requested an early pickup, and we accommodated you at 6 PM Wednesday. When you arrived early, dogs had just eaten and were beginning evening potty rotations.
During your e-collar session, you appeared disengaged and attempted to skip steps. Proper handling order is vital for safe use. At no point was your dog shocked “into pain” — the collar was used minimally as a communication tool, not punishment.
Treats were phased out because your dog had advanced to verbal praise and affection for obedience. When he jumped and tore your shirt, you were asked to remain calm and follow safety instructions — when you refused to follow instructions you were then asked told to leave.
You also misquoted our statement about follow-up training. You and Mondo still have free lifetime refresher sessions available.
By the end of training, Mondo was performing all commands reliably and safely. We stand behind our program, methods, and results, and remain open to helping you succeed through your lifetime follow-ups.
— Tactical K9 LLC
I personally had a bad experience dealing with Terry i never met him in person but we talked on the phone I told him that I was looking for a finished personal protection dog and he told me it would cost $16,000 and we talked two different times a very lengthy amount one was over an hour and he said he wasn't training the dog personal he sent me a picture what she said was an AKC Belgian Malinois but it had long hair and honestly it looked like a mutt it did not look like a Belgian Malinois that I had ever seen. And he said we were going to have a meeting and talk about everything and then he sends me a bill and estimated bill for $16,500 so he added an extra $500 on it that we never even discussed in the two linksy conversations that we had. And I made it clear I wanted to know the total price for everything so I could have the money ready and it was $16,000 for a finished trained protection dog. But at that point the dog he had sent me was not a Malinois and I even Googled it and it said melon was don't come in long hair i don't know and the dog look very small at least in the picture it did and it just didn't look like it it just looked like a mutt to me i've never seen that in any police dog pictures it wasn't even a dog that looked familiar to me and dogs are my life i'm into dogs I've been into dogs since I was little i've even worked for a trainer before that's why I knew I wanted my dog trained by a professional but when he up the price $500 without even speaking to me about it made me not trust him no more also sending me a picture of a dog that had really long hair and look like some type of mix. Anyway when I call a business and ask for a trainer he said he wasn't even going to be the one training the dog so that kind of threw me off cuz it's your business you know I'm just getting somebody you hired and 16,000 is a lot of money and it was the highest price I'd heard but when he tried to add that extra $500 on top of it I just lost Trust.
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2025.10.16
We take our reputation and professionalism very seriously, and we want to address your comments clearly and accurately.
At no point were you misled or charged for anything you did not agree to. The document you received was an estimate, not a final bill. The $500 difference you referenced was for an optional equipment package, which was explained to you both during your phone conversation and in writing. No payment was ever processed, and no hidden charges were added.
The photos and information you received were of registered Belgian Malinois with verified lineage. There are multiple coat and color variations within the breed, and appearance alone does not determine authenticity or quality. To suggest the dog was a “mutt” is inaccurate and dismissive of legitimate breed standards.
You also mentioned concern that the dog would not be trained by Terry. That is completely false. At no time were you told that the dog would not be trained by him. All of our dogs are trained under Terry’s direct supervision and instruction, and this was clearly stated during your communications.
Our policies are in place to ensure fairness and professionalism with every client. A deposit is required before any hands-on training or in-person evaluations—this protects our time and resources and ensures we’re working with serious buyers.
We understand that misunderstandings can happen, but your review misrepresents our process and the information that was provided to you. We operate with transparency, integrity, and consistency, and we stand by how this situation was handled.
We wish you the best in finding a protection dog that fits your expectations, but we will always uphold our standards and policies for the benefit of our clients and our dogs.
Sincerely,
Tactical K9
At no point were you misled or charged for anything you did not agree to. The document you received was an estimate, not a final bill. The $500 difference you referenced was for an optional equipment package, which was explained to you both during your phone conversation and in writing. No payment was ever processed, and no hidden charges were added.
The photos and information you received were of registered Belgian Malinois with verified lineage. There are multiple coat and color variations within the breed, and appearance alone does not determine authenticity or quality. To suggest the dog was a “mutt” is inaccurate and dismissive of legitimate breed standards.
You also mentioned concern that the dog would not be trained by Terry. That is completely false. At no time were you told that the dog would not be trained by him. All of our dogs are trained under Terry’s direct supervision and instruction, and this was clearly stated during your communications.
Our policies are in place to ensure fairness and professionalism with every client. A deposit is required before any hands-on training or in-person evaluations—this protects our time and resources and ensures we’re working with serious buyers.
We understand that misunderstandings can happen, but your review misrepresents our process and the information that was provided to you. We operate with transparency, integrity, and consistency, and we stand by how this situation was handled.
We wish you the best in finding a protection dog that fits your expectations, but we will always uphold our standards and policies for the benefit of our clients and our dogs.
Sincerely,
Tactical K9
Terry was my last hope with my German Shepherd, and he completely transformed him! You can tell he truly loves and cares for dogs like they’re his own. I’m beyond thankful for the patience, skill, and heart he put into helping my pup. Absolutely the best!
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2025.08.10
Thank you so much for your kind words, Chelsi! We're thrilled to hear about the positive transformation of your German Shepherd. Terry's dedication to caring for dogs is what sets us apart, and we're glad you could see that. Your happiness and your pup's progress mean everything to us. We appreciate your trust and support!
We cannot recommend Tactical K9 and Terry enough! We have a loving yet strong headed and slightly anxious 3 year old dog (rescued at 5 months, American Pitbull) who would pull and was reactive towards strangers who would stop to chat while out walking as well as anyone approaching our home. After spending time with Terry and his wonderful staff, he now remains calm towards other people while out. He also has a calmer demeanor which we can tell makes him a happier dog. We are comfortable when taking him into public places and having guests in our home. Terry also provided us with the tools and knowledge necessary to continue his training at home. We believe this is very important to continue these exercises in order to achieve maximum success. Terry has been more than willing to answer any questions we have. We strongly recommend his services and really appreciate his calm, gentle demeanor.
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2025.06.18
Thank you for your wonderful review, Linda! We’re thrilled to hear about the positive changes in your dog’s behavior and that you feel more comfortable in public and at home. It’s great to know that our training tools and guidance have made a difference for you and your pup. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to supporting you as you continue your training journey. Your feedback means a lot to us!
I was initially hesitant to send my 1-year-old Dogo Argentino for basic board and train, but the results were absolutely amazing. Terry communicated thoroughly every step of the way and made sure nothing was left unknown.
Having a 100+ pound mastiff in public isn’t always easy—especially with the stereotypes around large breeds—but thanks to Terry’s help, we’ve been able to challenge and change many of those perceptions.
Now, I can take him to restaurants, walk him in public, and he stays completely focused on me. This review is long overdue, but I also want to mention that I reached out to Terry a year later for some information, and he responded without hesitation or delay.
I’m looking forward to working with him again in the future and definitely recommend his training services!
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2025.06.18
Thank you for your fantastic feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Terry was able to help change perceptions and improve your experience with your Dogo Argentino. It's wonderful to know that you can confidently take him out in public now. We appreciate your recommendation and look forward to working with you again in the future!
Our French Bulldog puppy needed behavioral training and obedience training as he was biting us. Our home environment was constant chaos with his presence. We had tried local trainers but none were able to help us. Our vet even talked with us to consider behavioral euthanasia as an option. We are so grateful that Terry and his staff took this mighty little terror and instilled boundaries and commands during his six week stay that we now use daily to help him be the best boy he was meant to be.
On his graduation day, we were trained to use his ecollar and verbal commands in our home life with our puppy. I cannot tell you how important this ongoing training is as he tested us to see if Terry’s rules still apply at home. They do!
We now have a well trained gentleman and peace restored in our home. Please do not hesitate to employ Terry and his staff to train your pet! You will be so glad that you did! He saved our boy’s life.
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2025.04.26
Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're thrilled to hear that Terry and his team were able to help transform your French Bulldog into the well-mannered companion you always wanted. It's heartwarming to know that our training methods made such a positive impact on your home life. Your kind words and recommendation mean a lot to us, and we’re glad that peace has been restored in your household. We wish you and your now well-trained gentleman all the best!
While searching for a puppy trainer, we found Tactical K9, certified veteran owned and blacked owned. As a black female veteran, I thought we would support this business. We expected our puppy to be fully trained. We did not expect our dog to be subjected to negative reinforcement training with a choke collar. Off of this punishment, Hemi does not follow simple commands. We paid upward of $1800 for boarding and a choke collar. When we contacted the owner and "trainer," he said that he would get him back and retrain off the leash. It's an hour and a half drive. Who pays that kind of money to have a pooch only trained negatively on the leash. We understand that he did babysit and buy a collar, so we expected to have paid something, but for you to guarantee a product, then tell us to continue training after we picked him up is just absurd. Petsmart is literally 15 minutes away, offers weekly training, and for a 6-week program, it's $200. When you guarantee a product and don't deliver, you should be open to render a solution that works for your client rather than yourself. PLEASE DO NOT USE THIS COMPANY!!!
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2025.04.16
Hi Brittney,
We’re sorry to hear that you feel this way and would like to take a moment to clarify a few points regarding your comments.
At Tactical K9, we are a balanced training company. This means we use both corrections—such as correction collars—to address unwanted behaviors, and positive reinforcement, whether through treats or praise, to reward desired behaviors. This approach was clearly explained to your husband, William, prior to enrollment.
William was provided with a Herm Sprenger prong collar during the initial session, and he did not express any objections. He was also shown all the commands that Hemi was taught and actively participated in reinforcing those commands. This included both rewarding Hemi and correcting him when necessary. William was asked if he had any questions or concerns about the training and if he felt confident in continuing the reinforcement at home. He confirmed that he did and stated he would review the training with you. We also recommended that you come in to go over the training with us in person.
On Sunday, we spoke with William again, and he shared his frustration about Hemi needing to be on a leash and wearing a correction collar. We explained that it is normal for a dog to test boundaries during the first week and that consistency from the owner is key to success. At that time, William stated he did not have the time or desire to reinforce the training and was expecting a "finished product" without the need for ongoing use of a leash.
We explained that all training requires reinforcement, particularly when it comes to off-leash obedience. William had previously only expressed interest in protection training and basic obedience training. However, after evaluating Hemi, we found he was not a suitable candidate for protection work. As a result, we moved forward with basic obedience training. William never indicated interest in advanced obedience until recently. Once he communicated that goal, we let him know we would be happy to help train Hemi for advanced, off-leash obedience.
We understand that you're disappointed with the outcome of the initial training package William enrolled in. However, we are more than willing to work with both of you to help Hemi achieve off-leash obedience, should you choose to pursue that route.
Please also remember that Hemi is eligible for free refresher training for the basic obedience he received here at Tactical K9.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Tactical K9
We’re sorry to hear that you feel this way and would like to take a moment to clarify a few points regarding your comments.
At Tactical K9, we are a balanced training company. This means we use both corrections—such as correction collars—to address unwanted behaviors, and positive reinforcement, whether through treats or praise, to reward desired behaviors. This approach was clearly explained to your husband, William, prior to enrollment.
William was provided with a Herm Sprenger prong collar during the initial session, and he did not express any objections. He was also shown all the commands that Hemi was taught and actively participated in reinforcing those commands. This included both rewarding Hemi and correcting him when necessary. William was asked if he had any questions or concerns about the training and if he felt confident in continuing the reinforcement at home. He confirmed that he did and stated he would review the training with you. We also recommended that you come in to go over the training with us in person.
On Sunday, we spoke with William again, and he shared his frustration about Hemi needing to be on a leash and wearing a correction collar. We explained that it is normal for a dog to test boundaries during the first week and that consistency from the owner is key to success. At that time, William stated he did not have the time or desire to reinforce the training and was expecting a "finished product" without the need for ongoing use of a leash.
We explained that all training requires reinforcement, particularly when it comes to off-leash obedience. William had previously only expressed interest in protection training and basic obedience training. However, after evaluating Hemi, we found he was not a suitable candidate for protection work. As a result, we moved forward with basic obedience training. William never indicated interest in advanced obedience until recently. Once he communicated that goal, we let him know we would be happy to help train Hemi for advanced, off-leash obedience.
We understand that you're disappointed with the outcome of the initial training package William enrolled in. However, we are more than willing to work with both of you to help Hemi achieve off-leash obedience, should you choose to pursue that route.
Please also remember that Hemi is eligible for free refresher training for the basic obedience he received here at Tactical K9.
If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Best regards,
Tactical K9
Highly satisfied with Tactical K9! Our dog Gracie came home a different dog! They were very easy to work with and even came to our home when we needed a lil extra guidance! Would highly recommend!
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2025.03.11
Thank you for your wonderful review, Kristy! We're thrilled to hear that Gracie had such a positive transformation. It's great to know that our team was able to provide the support you needed. Your recommendation means a lot to us!
Sonny wasn’t living his best life. He wasn’t playing well with others and didn’t get to enjoy the beach and playing with our many neighborhood dogs. As he became more and more isolated this only worsened. Terry took a look at Sonny and knew he could be rehabilitated. And was he right!! The best way to describe my relationship with Sonny now is TRUST. I trust him implicitly to listen to me, to meet new friends, and this has given him more freedom and I can say I am now giving him his best life!!
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2025.03.11
Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience, Carreen! We're thrilled to hear about Sonny's transformation and the trust you now have in him. It's our mission to help pets live their best lives, and we're glad to have played a part in that. Your success story is truly inspiring!
I have had two dogs trained from Terry and they were well trained. He is great to work with.
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2025.03.11
Thank you for your kind words, Ashley! We're thrilled to hear that Terry was able to train both of your dogs successfully. It’s always our goal to provide great service, and we appreciate your trust in us!
Tactical K9 absolutely delivers on what they advertise. We sent a stubborn, head driven 8 month XL Bully who enjoyed chasing cars down the highway. He was bound to a leash for walks and outside play time in order for us to keep him safe and in the yard. While he was away at training, we received countless updates on his progress and recently have returned back home with our well mannered pup. He is sharp on understanding commands and we feel confident in his training. After several months of leash walking, our pup has enjoyed several long walks leash free. We are so confident in his training and are very grateful for Terry and his ability to train.
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2024.12.22
Thank you for your wonderful review, Emmaline! We're thrilled to hear about the positive transformation of your pup and that our training met your expectations. Terry and the team are dedicated to ensuring every dog receives top-notch training. We appreciate your trust in us and look forward to helping you and your pup in the future!
I dropped my dog off for behavioral modification because he was aggressive around people and animals and wouldn’t listen to me. Now he is responsive to my every command regardless of the environment around us. Couldn’t ask for ask for a better result, thank you!
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2025.01.02
Thank you for sharing your experience, William! We're thrilled to hear about the positive transformation in your dog's behavior. Your trust in us means a lot, and we're glad we could help you achieve such great results. We look forward to seeing you both again!
Extremely knowledgeable, patient and committed. I had no idea I would receive life time support. Couldn’t have chosen a better trainer
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2025.01.02
Thank you for your kind words, Nichol! We're thrilled to hear that you found our services knowledgeable and supportive. Your satisfaction is our priority, and we're glad you're pleased with your experience. We look forward to supporting you in the future!
Terry and his Staff are very supportive throughout the whole training process. Rosie is a different dog coming home. Though she still has her feisty moments, overall it is a great improvement compared to when I first sent her. I also know that they are there to support going forward as we continue on our journey together. I’m very very grateful for all they did for us. Money well spent.
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2024.11.01
Thank you for sharing your experience, Georgina! We're thrilled to hear about the positive transformation in Rosie and appreciate your kind words about our team. Your journey with us is important, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Thank you for choosing us, and we look forward to continuing this journey together!
Terry and his staff worked well with my shy and stubborn pit bull / Corso mix. I enjoy spending time with my pet after her training; we are off to a long and peaceful time together.
I recommend this excellent group for your dog.
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2024.11.01
Thank you for your wonderful review, Sue! We're delighted to hear about your positive experience with Terry and our staff. It's great to know that you and your dog are enjoying your time together after training. We appreciate your recommendation!
Overall Tactical K9 is a very professional and engaging. The staff is amazing and very communicative. They did a great job working with my German Sheppard. I’ve seen a complete turnaround in her behavior. I would definitely recommend, it is worth every penny!
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2024.09.18
Thank you for entrusting us with Lyla. It was great working with her and bringing out the potential we both saw in her.
Terry did a great job with my six month old lab nova. I sent her in for the three week board and train program. and he even kept her for an extra week free of charge to get her commands even more polished up to his high standards. nova never really listened to me. as a first time dog owner, I didn’t really know how to train her as i thought i would. I would go off the Internet so I knew I needed professional help. Terry did exactly what I thought he would, he has made it so much easier for me to live my life with nova and be able to take her places knowing that she’ll act right. he trained her with such a good recall on leash that I was able to easily train her with an E collar so that I can trust her off leash. She also is much better at walking as she heals with a loose leash and now even with no leash. The basic obedience package that I chose, includes all commands being done on leash, but Terry did such a good job enforcing those commands to my dog that it was easy for me to convert the leashed methods to off leash. that has made it so much easier for me to take nova out and have fun and let her have fun as a dog doing dog things. I love seeing her in her element out at the pond or the field free roaming, sniffing around swimming or chasing wildlife and I know when I say nova come, she will come. before the training, i couldn’t even imagine having her off leash. she would run off and never come back. not only that nova actually understands what no means and she understands what I want done from her. It’s like Terry unlocked a new understanding for her brain. she learned to sit or lay down and stay at that position until I say come or free. I could walk very far and she would stay at the spot until I release her. She was also crate trained during the Four weeks And I can’t forget the climb (place) command that he taught her. which is very useful when we’re in the kitchen or eating at the dinner table. He also included a place mat aka elevated dog bed for her, which was great. Also, a Herman Springer collar, which she Was trained all commands with by him so she is super super good when she’s wearing it. She is now good at ignoring other dogs and people while we are walking in public, which is also a great plus. she heels great and it’s also very cool that she will auto sit when i stop walking. i definitely reccomend taking your dog to terry if you are in the area. She is my family’s first dog and due to his training She is much easier for all of us to deal with. Every day it impresses us even more of what she’s capable of now. It wasn’t easy sending her off at first, but Thank you terry and your team for getting nova right.
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2024.07.09
Thank Danvir for entrusting us with Nova. We had a wonderful time helping her reach her full potential and we look forward to seeing you both again.
Staff were very knowledgeable and very patient with our lily. She has a lot of anxiety and nervous issues and they were able to make real good progress with her. I would recommend taking your dog here especially if they have anxiety, the staff will take their time and make sure your fur babies are comfortable. Thank you tactical k9 for your help with Lily.
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2025.10.17
Thank you so much, Rachel! We’re glad to hear Lily made such great progress. Dogs with anxiety need patience and understanding, and we’re proud to provide that kind of care. It was a pleasure working with you both — give Lily some extra love from all of us at Tactical K9! 🐾
We entrusted my Miles to Terry as he came highly recommended and we are so glad we did. He went from dragging us down the street to calmly walking next to us. We will definitely be keeping Terry in our lives.
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2024.05.03
Thank you for training and trusting in us. We look forward to updates of Miles and seeing him in group classes