Urban Dawgs

After trying out some puppy classes at another facility that were extremely unorganized and chaotic, I found Urban Dawgs via Google. After reading some reviews, I figured I would give it a try. BEST decision ever! more

We heard about Urban Dawgs from our vet, our groomer, our neighbor and a woman at the dog park! With that many referrals, we knew they'd be great and they were! We were dealing with lots of jumping, nipping, pulling on the leash, food stealing, chewing furniture and not coming when called. Urban Dawgs had wonderful suggestions and the techniques were so easy to get great results with. I've now been working with them for 2 years. My dog is super well trainer, but we take a class every once in awhile for fun and to keep our dog's training polished. Everyone who has a dog would benefit from even just one consult with Urban Dawgs. They are the gold standard for modern dog training. more

They seem to have no effective methods of dealing with standard bad behaviors, nipping, chewing, and jumping. The problems persist and the recommendation is to sign up for more training. The obedience is hit or miss and without food present, more of a miss. Problem dogs seem to be a problem for them. My vet referred to someone else who was far more effective in getting good behavior as well as good obedience. more

I have a hard time respecting a trainer who bashes other trainers, such as Cesar Milan, in order to boost their business and moral. I am a dog trainer, and I believe Cesar Milan is an excellent, and very humane trainer who helps thousands of people with their dogs. Urban Dawgs obviously has not read any of his books, or watched his shows to post such terrible things about him. Shame on you for acting in such an immature manner. more

We enrolled our dog in a group class and then took a few private lessons. I wish I would have found Urban Dawgs a year ago. This is by FAR the BEST training facility in NJ. The trainers are excellent coaches... kind, considerate, patient and effective! Look no further. If you want a humane, comprehensive, science-based approach to training your dog, Urban Dawgs is the way to go. We're going back for more! Pros: Knowledgable staff! FUN atmosphere! Cons: Not a one! more

My entire family attended classes here and everyone we've referred has come back raving about this place. I especially appreciate the small class sizes. They don't offer make-up classes but I am totally willing to trade that to have a small group. I took a previous dog to another facility and there were 15 dogs! Needless to say it was total chaos and not much was accomplished. I am not exaggerating when I say Urban Dawgs literally changed my relationship with my dog forever for the better. Sure I had to make some changes but the biggest difference was how much I noticed behavior-wise that I hadn't noticed before. They showed me what to do to get fast results. Amazingly enough, my dog started listening and I realized he wasn't stupid after all... it was me! Anyhow, I cannot thank the wonderful, caring, committed trainers at Urban Dawgs enough for all they've done. I will continue to refer everyone I meet with a dog to take a class or private consult with them. Pros: No pain or startle used to train... modern and humane Cons: Red Bank parking can be a little tricky more

This is by far the best puppy class!!! I've been to other places and none compare. Lots of one on one attention. I especially enjoy the off leash puppy play time and how the trainers taught us when to intervine and when not to intervine. My dog went from being shy and hiding under the chair to playing with dogs and sharing toys with them. Now my friends bring their dogs over and she does great with them. I cannot thank Urban Dawgs enough for their caring, knowledgable, gentle techniqes for training and socialization. I highly recommend this facility for all new puppy owners. Pros: Well organized, puppy groups arranged by play style. more

This is the most comprehensive, caring, knowledgeable group of trainers. My rescued dog Sampson was chewing up my house and soiling/ripping up my rugs! The trainers convinced me Sampson was a keeper that he simply needed to be taught ""legal outlets for his doginess."" They gave me an easy to follow WRITTEN PLAN to immediately stop the damage. I cannot even begin to tell you how pleased I am with the entire process. After having had dogs all my life, I thought I could do this on my own. If not for Urban Dawgs, Sampson would have been returned to the shelter because I could not live with his problems. UD helped me change my behavior and taught me how to set up Sampson for success. It worked and we are doing great... still working on some of the basics but my house is no longer being destroyed in the process. Thanks so much for teaching me about modern dog parenting. ;) Pros: fun, lots of individual attention Cons: classes fill fast.. have to register early more

I cannot say enough good things about my experience with this business. When I rescued Marvin from the local shelter, they gave me a choke chain and said good luck. After researching online, I found Urban Dawgs. I had to drive over an hour to get there, but it was well worth the effort. Within a week, the plan they gave me stopped the house training accidents and destruction. We got rid of that choke chain. Now my husband has stopped talking about returning Marvin to the shelter and they are bonding! What really sets this training school apart from the others is their dedication to their clients. I feel they really went above and beyond what we paid for and we are very grateful. Pros: Modern Style... No ""corrections""... just fun! Cons: Wish they had a location closer to me! more

I've had dogs for 20+ years. I've been to many different training classes over the years, but nothing like this. At other places there were too many dogs, too much barking and too much chaos. At Urban Dawgs, we had what I basically considered a private session in a group atmosphere. It was incredibly productive and FUN. The trainers tailored the class to each dog. These trainers truly go above and beyond to create an exceptional experience. Everyone is my class had a blast and we are all signing up for the next level of classes. I can't wait to go back! Pros: Lots on one-on-one attention! Cons: Not one! more

I regret it tremendously. Total waste of money, and damaging to my dog. I started taking my dog to another trainer. (Positive Reinforcement too) I met a couple who attended Urban Dawgs. They had the same complaints. Inconsistent with the methods used. Horrible timing with corrections, and rewards.Very rude, and arrogant. I am not one to write negative reviews. I just don't want to see others make the same mistake I did. My dog is doing great again:) more

Something is seriously wrong with this facility. Please don't waste your money. more

If you are looking for a knowledgable, professional, school that cares for dogs, Urban Dawgs is not the school to choose.? more

These methods may work for teaching commands, but do not resolve serious behavior issues and made my dog worse, in my opinion. So bad, in fact, I considered bringing him back to the spca where he would have been put down. Like the German Shp owner, this was a waste of money. I was able to train the dog myself using a different training philosophy and he is very well behaved now. All it took was the purchase of a few books, time and patience. (And there was no physical pain or intimidation either.) more

I had such an awesome experience working with Urban Dawgs. I have 2 very active lab mixes who were borderline out of control. We enrolled in group classes and private lessons (for the one with aggression) and I am more than pleased, surprised even, with how far they've come in such a reasonably short period of time. Even my neighbors can't believe the difference! Now I can have them over for tea without them getting jumped on and nipped at. This type of training does not rely on treats exclusively for training, but the trainers had a point... since we have to feed our dogs anyway, why give it for free when you can make them work it? And you have to motivate the dogs with SOMETHING - who wants to shock or choke their dogs? NOT ME! The trainers helped me achieve every single goal for my dogs, including resolution of the aggression, without any shock collars or choke chains. One of my friends took her dog to an old school trainer with 20 years of experience and the dog returned fearful and aggressive. I heard about Urban Dawgs from a friend whose dog is a model citizen and who also heard about Urban Dawgs from another friend. I happened to mention Urban Dawgs to some of the parents at my kids' school and I was amazed at how many families I knew who had also used them to train their dogs too. Avoid the old-school pain-based approach and choose the modern, science-based approach of Urban Dawgs. The team over there has what it takes to both build brilliant basic obedience and resolve complex behavioral problems. If you are unsure, look no further! Pros: Experienced, Certified Trainers Cons: Must schedule in advance because they are in high demand more

I tired this service for my ill behaved and difficult German Shepherd. It was a waste of my time and money. Cons: ineffective with problem behaviors more

At first I was unsure about reward based training. But I realized there is a whole lot more to this than just throwing cookies at the dog! Urban Dawgs taught me how to communicate with my puppy in a sophisticated manner. I was amazed at the results. The trainer arrived on-time, taught us how to train our dog and provided written instructions!! I recommend this company. Pros: Smart, Professional Trainers more

We recommend Urban Dawgs above all other trainers in NJ. The first trainer we called wanted to put a shock collar on our 10 week old puppy!!!!! Then we called Urban Dawgs. The results were amazing and the process was so much fun. Our dog gets non-stop compliments and our friends who welcome him as a houseguest. Everyone keeps asking us how we trained our dog and we are proud to tell them, Urban Dawgs! Save the money and go to the best trainers the first time! These trainers really know their stuff! Pros: humane and science-based Cons: none! more

I learned much more than I ever thought possible from the initial session. These trainers really know dogs and trained me well too! My dogs and I are doing better than ever and we are very thankful to have found this company. Pros: experienced, good teachers more

I have had the pleasure of working with both Vyolet and Drayton of Urban Dawgs. They are amazing trainers of both dogs and people. Their reputation is well known -- ask around -- chances are you know someone who has hired them. I've heard nothing but great things about their professionalism and dedication to what they do. Unfortunately there is usually a wait to schedule with them because they are in such high demand. They've helped me reach goals with my dogs that I never thought possible. There is a reason why they are known as the best in the area, they are. Pros: Professional, Experienced, Great Reputation Cons: Sometimes the wait is long to get an appointment..... more