Ridgeside K9 NorCal Dog Training

Claire Ramirez

2024-01

My family and I have grown a lot as pet owners since working with this amazing team. It’s not just our dogs that need training, we do as well. The team at Ridgeside K9 is passionate, well educated, and in general a wonderful group of people. They have made us more confident dog owners, and have helped our dog Luca walk on leash more confidently, he stays on “place” with a full barbershop of people, he is neutral around other dogs, and is learning boundaries. We can’t wait to continue to learn more with private training so we can continue to build trust, crate him when needed, and get him comfortable with grooming.Thank you to Rich, Kylie, Shelby, Brett, Todd, Jacklyn, and everyone else at Ridgeside for all of your help and guidance, and for training us humans too! We are so grateful to have you as a part of our community.We highly recommend them for all of your training or boarding needs. Just remember to be consistent and follow through as pet owners with tools they give us, or it won’t be effective. We have a responsibility to set our furry family members up for success.Ps. They also have a great selection of dog food, treats, training tools, cots (which are a game changer), prong collars (also a huge help with a stubborn pittie breed), and crates for sale in their training facility.Pss. Also a plus to support a Veteran owned business.

Rose Bishop

2024-03

The staff and their facilities are top rate. This wonderful group of trainers and staff helped to teach my dog the foundational training he needed. They gave me the guidance and training that I needed to continue his training. If it hadn't been for their help I might have given up. The communication between the trainers and myself was excellent. I knew that my dog was well cared for and they were able to help me to understand what my dog needed. I highly recommend them for training. This has made my life with my dog much better, and I am looking forward to the follow up appointment and continuing to learn the fine-tuning that will be needed in the months and years to come. If I go on a long vacation I will definitely consider sending him back for more training instead of to traditional boarding.

Toni Renzullo

2024-01

Ridgeside K9 NorCal staff are the best! They care for, train well and love on other people’s pets as if they are their own.We were admittedly hesitant to put our Golden Retriever in a board and train BUT Todd took the time to explain the process, address any concerns we had and reassure us, based on our issues, they could help us. They did just that! They are a dedicated team that just love what they do. our sweet girl is back home after 3 weeks, the same pup but with more obedience and manners. She is also loose leash walking and even was part of their bike riding training! We are beyond pleased with the results. The investment is WELL worth it! Our girl deserved it and us humans needed to be trained too!Special shoutout to Shelby who is an amazing trainer!

Jeannie Mattos

2024-01

Thank you, Shelby, and the whole Rideside K9 family for having Zeus in your 3 week board and train program. The team at Ridgeside is absolutely amazing. They really do more than just train your dog they really go above and beyond, plus they take care of them and treat them like their own. Our sweet pup pulled on his leash, chased our chickens, and wouldn't always come when called, plus normal puppy behaviors. He has impulse control now and is so well mannered. They were so patient with us and took the time to teach us how to best continue the training at home and answer any questions we had. We couldn't be more happy with our decision to have our dog trained here after looking into multiple options. It's worth every penny!

Jose Ino

2024-01

I can’t say anything but GREAT THINGS about ridgesidek9They are so flexible and awesome at what they do. Driving 2+ hrs to come pickup/drop off my boy MAC for training and follow upI’ve worked with other dog trainers before but they seem to be the only ones that we have had success with. We would 100% recommend anyone and everyone to work with them as soon as they get a new pup.

cheryl Girard

2023-12

Sending our Hank to Ridgeside K9 NorCal was the best decision we ever made for Hank and ourselves. Despite being a sweet dog, he was beginning to display unwanted behavior primarily around other dogs and food. He went to the 4 week board and train and the trainers did a phenomenal job!! And they taught us people a few things too!! We thoroughly enjoy working with Hank everyday. Thank you for all you have done for us.

Yecenia Ocampo

2024-01

Ridgeside K9 NorCal Dog Training are fenomenal! Elissa is awesome! We boarded Rambo for the three weeks program, and he is a completely new dog. We love to take him to parks. Before he would pull us around uncontrollably. Below is how he behaves now!

RJ OLSON

2024-01

Ridgeside K9 did an amazing job with my dog. Maddie and Rich gave me a playful, social and hard working dog. I couldn't be happier with him and feel lucky to have a dog that they trained!If you're looking for a place to get your dog trained, look no further. They're the best!

Jessica Hewitt

2024-04

I cannot express enough how impressed I am with the exceptional service and care Ridgeside K9 provided, going above and beyond mere training to ensure Nova’s happiness and well-being. The staff here are not only highly skilled trainers but also passionate animal lovers who treat your dog as if they were their own. Shoutout to Kylie for being SO patient and caring for my nearly feral dog. They understand that every dog is unique and tailor their training programs according ensuring that each pup receives personalized attention and support. The facilities themselves are impeccable with spacious training areas and they use top of the line equipment. If you are looking for a place where your dog will not only receive top notch training but also treated with the love and care they deserve, look no further- Ridgeside K9 is your place- worth every penny!!

Melissa Marroquin

2024-04

We took our highly reactive dog that also needed leash manners and general obedience, and they definitely did not disappoint.I was a little wary on if it would really work with how crazy he was…well miracles happen and it worked!!We got back a totally different dog than what we dropped off, and we couldn’t be any happier!!!I would HIGHLY recommend using Ridgeside if you have a dog that needs work, whether it’s for individual at-home lessons or you do the board & train.

Mandy McClaine

2024-04

Review for 3 week board and train.I rescued a dog over a year and a half ago from a bad situation and realized over time I was in over my head with his behavioral issues, insecurities, fearfulness, and high prey drive.I felt I needed to leave a truthful review for anyone who is considering the Board and Train Program with Ridgeside K9. Money is extremely tight in my world, and I made the decision months ago that my dog needed an intervention, confidence building, and a professional to help me help my dog and I flourish together. I heard a lot of great things via fb about Ridgeside, so every month, I shoved money away for his training fund, and when I finally was ready, I gave them a call!My dog was thoroughly evaluated before entering the program by the owner himself,and it was determined he needed a three week program.During the board and train I was connected with a contact trainer (Kylie) who provided me weekly updates with pictures and videos to show his progress and to ease my anxiety from being away from my fur baby. This was huge, as I naturally had doubts that my dog could change the very nature of his fearful personality and slightly stubborn ways when his prey drive kicks in. These updates kept me connected and disproved my doubts every step of the way!On the day of pickup , I was required to go through a two hour training session. I believe this is truly the most important aspect of this entire program because without my training, I or anyone for that matter, can quickly undue all the progress, work, and confidence your dog has acquired! Kylie was so kind, so patient with me and helped me boost my confidence in myself and handling my dog. We took a long walk and she showed me the training tools and how to properly use them. She answered all my questions sometimes more than once as I was nervous and repeated my questions often!My dog that once cowered in fear in large crowds, who wouldn't stop for any command when he saw something he found valuable in eyesight was confidently walking through Chico State without fixating or chasing after things that trigger his natural prey drive!Kylie used different training styles with ME...she verbalized what she was doing, she showed me how to do it, and then let me do it under supervision...so I had hands on experience and my OWN confidence doing it before I left to go home with my now confident, obedient dog.I've been home with my dog now for almost 24 hours. The difference in my dog is hard to put into one review! He is confident, he is obedient, he is now calm in the house, and he can spend an entire night in his kennel and actually WANT to rest there! He heels with no correction. He does not fixate on things that trouble his mind, and when he is nervous, he now looks to me to handle the situation every time. Training is now fun instead of frustrating for us both. I have been provided all the tools I need both in a gift bag upon leaving and verbally from my instructor Kylie to continue flourishing with my dog.When I see the ease and calmness in my dog now my eyes swell from gratitude. Thank you Ridgeside K9 for providing my dog Ryder with a solid foundation so he can feel confident and safe in this world, and providing me with the necessary training so that I can continue to make him feel safe.If money is a road block to this training that you may find your dog needs...I hope this review provides you with the information that you need to feel confident that it's over 100% worth it, every hard earned penny saved!They have lived up to their reputation and I made the best decision for my boy by saving the money and putting him into training that will pay for itself every day of the rest of his hopefully long life, with a changed confident dog that no longer has to live with the belief the world is a scary place.Thank you Ridgeside, thank you Kylie and everyone who handled my dog, thank you to the kennel techs that kept my dog clean and safe, thank you Laura who was there to listen to my concerns and guide me through this entire process. Thank you so much!

Brittany Stahr

2023-05

Our GSD did the 3 week board and train here and I am blown away at her progress. She was a rescue and she had ZERO impulse control or manners. It took us months just to teach her sit and she still wouldn’t if there were any distractions. She was extremely difficult to be around because she lacked so much discipline and control. She came back from her 3 week training with Ridgeside a whole new dog with impulse control, confidence and manners. She walks great on a leash and she has so much more self control, which was exactly what we needed for her to be a good family dog for our children. The trainers and staff were friendly, helpful and communicated with us through her whole training. They exceeded our expectations completely. I read through so many reviews of different trainers before choosing Ridgeside And I’m so glad I did. Worth every penny!

John Ingram

2023-05

I made the decision to send my Mini Australian Shepherd to Ridgeside K9 NorCal because of the reviews and great outcomes. Daisy is full of energy and needed to learn basic obedience and recall. While Daisy was at her 3 Week Board & Train, I received weekly updates on her progress as well as pictures. Before Ridgeside, she was a squirly girl, only focused on what she wanted to do. Now she is focused on the person in charge of the lead and will perform when asked. All the staff were great and I was very secure in knowing that they were taking care of my dog like I would. Shout out to Elissa and all the trainers involved in her training. You did a fantastic job. I highly recommend Ridgeside K9 Chico. I am not a local and made the long trip to them….it was totally worth it!!

Xatz Barrera

2023-10

Thank you Elissa and the Ridgeside team for having Cooper on your 3 week boarding program! It is worth the time away from home. Everyone is supper helpful and kind. You can truly see they have the best interest for your pet.:) Would recommend to anyone in NorCal with a dog.

Estrella Perez

2023-06

4 Week Board and TrainWe adopted our (9 month)puppy Luna, a petite girl Husky. We did not know much of her background when we first got her at 4 months. The previous family were trying to re-home her as soon as possible. They didn’t disclose much information but that she was a sweet dog.Indeed she was a sweet dog and we were dealing with a high energy, stubborn and nibbling puppy. She wanted to pull for every walk, easily distracted, jumping on people and wanted to play with our two cats at home. The cats did not want to play with her. Luna would have high anxiety in her wired crate and even slobber herself. We even would struggle to get luna in her crate, a constant who can outsmart each other first. We also discovered with time that luna had issues with resource guarding her bone treats and soon her food. Luna had a lot of learning to do.We were a little fur family of in need of help to set Luna for success and ourselves to have the tools to have our obedient dog and sweet dog that we know she can be.Luna attended the 4 week board and train and they worked so hard with the issues we were struggling with Luna. I couldn’t thank Kylie and the whole Ridgeside K9 team enough. We were so impressed and happy when we saw Luna. She would heel and no longer pull on the walks. Luna does amazing with place and waiting until we tell her to get off. We are also impressed with recall. She is a stubborn girl and when we would call her previously she would not listen. A huge 180 seeing her come on command. Also helped us greatly with the resource guarding issue that we had. Since luna has been back home from her class, we have not seen this issue since. Also happy to see Luna go in and leave her crate on our command. The cats at home feel more comfortable walking around Luna and living civil together. We are super happy and working hard everyday with the foundations they provided Luna.Thank you so much again Kylie and Ridgeside K9 Team! Thank you for always being available when we need help or to check in if we are doing the correct steps of continuing the training. You guys rock and thanks for taking care of Luna. We can’t wait to share Luna’s progress.

Anja Grueterich

2024-01

What a wonderful group of trainers! I volunteer a lot and work with rescue dogs, trying my hardest to get them ready for adoption. When issues come up that are beyond my skill level, I trust nobody more than Ridgeside K9 NorCal!The classes I have taken in the past were top notch, and their results speak for themselves! Any behavioral issue or basic obedience is addressed with love and compassion for the dogs. Dogs learn through positive training yet are held accountable (not through punishment but small corrections that often just require a quick, vocal uh uh), so the dogs have fun and want to learn the right behavior.I have seen endless dogs succeed under their training and would recommend them any day! You can’t go wrong!Thanks for all you do, Ridgeside Team! Thanks to you, I can take my dogs anywhere ❤️

Mia Thornton

2024-04

Ridgeside K9 is incredible! They had a HUGE impact on our dog. She could not go for a walk without having a barking, fearful meltdown (she's a German Shepherd Mix). After their 1 month board/training program she is a completely new dog. She is more confident, calm, and able to go for walks/bike rides. Thank you so, so much Ridgeside K9!!!

Vivian Leon

2024-03

I’ve been researching board & train locations for quite some time now. I’ve always been hesitate about board and train because of having to leave my babies with strangers and that makes me worry. I knew I needed help and I knew others who have recommended Ridgeside.I have a 2 year old male shepherd and 3 year old female lab mix. I signed up both of my pups for the 4 week board and train. Baltos main issue was leash reactivity and needing more confidence building. Sky needed obedience and confidence building. Since the first day of dropping them off I knew that I could trust them. When Todd gave me a tour I noticed that everything was clean and well kept. The whole team was very nice and ensured me that they would be ok.Elissa was my main point of contact and she made sure to send updates weekly. She updated me right away when they had diarrhea. They conduct weekly wellness checks and weigh pups to make sure they are healthy. They wash their bowls, give them baths, disinfect their kennels, and go at the right pace for the pup.When I picked up my pups I was very impressed on their progress. Kylie and Elissa took their time explaining everything. Even after I took them home they let me text them with any questions. I know how busy they are but they still made time to respond to all my questions! One very important thing is to continue training and providing structure to your pup so that you maintain the training and make more progress. Don’t expect to not do anything because then your pup will forget everything. I put in the work and saw major progress.About a month later Elissa and Kylie drove all the way from Chico to me for a follow up lesson. I’m about 4 hours away from Ridgeside. They were absolutely amazing and took our training to the next level which was off leash! They also gave me the confidence that I needed to lead my pups towards success. I was able to have my dogs off leash with other neutral dogs and recall them back to me. I was able to walk by other dogs with Balto and he didn’t react.They gave me the tools and knowledge to be successful. I never ever thought that I would be able to have my dogs off leash or walk by other dogs so close. I know we still have more work to do but I’m committed to training and getting better. I feel more confident as a leader for my pups and am willing to do more with them.Overall my experience with Ridgeside K9 was 10/10. I highly recommend to anyone that needs help. Special shoutout to Kylie and Elissa for all the work they’ve done. I truly don’t trust any other place. If I lived closer I would continue with weekly lessons. I learned so much and am so happy that I finally did it.

Kate Ginno

2024-03

Have you ever felt immobilized by lack of knowledge regarding how to effectively communicate with your dog(s)? We sure did, and sometimes we still do, but with the training both our dogs had at Ridgeside with their committed trainers, those anxious feelings have subsided. In retrospect, adding a puppy to our pack after the loss of our 15-year-old dog a year ago may not have been the wisest decision, but we did, and doing that exposed that we needed help. We lacked leadership and dog-training skills.After a consultation, Ridgeside suggested that our 9-year-old dog participate in a 3-week board and train program and later that our puppy participate in the 2-week, day- training program for puppies. Both our dogs gained confidence and security in their respective programs while we gained tools and confidence in ourselves to employ what we learned to live in harmony and have more fun together! We also learned that many of the initial “problems” we dealt with weren’t because of the dogs themselves at all–the problems were with the US as their owners, and as in most relationships, developing effective communication skills is a work in progress that takes daily practice.What is wonderful is that after your dog goes through training with Ridgeside, the trainers are available and approachable for further questions or concerns, so you truly gain a supportive community! And you can board your dog there and know that they are in the best of hands. Rich and the trainers and staff at Ridgeside could not change the lives, two-legged and four-legged alike, if they did not genuinely care for dogs and making a difference.We are forever grateful to Ridgeside K9 NorCal, and we will return for refreshers in the future!~Dave and Kate Ginno

Cristina Allgood

2023-05

When I brought up some concerns to our vet, Ridgeside was the only place they recommended. And now, I understand why!!We picked up Nike, our 2 year old Siberian Husky, from a 4 week board and train and I can not express how impressed we are!!We sought out help to combat her innate stubbornness, an unwillingness to listen, and essentially, basic discipline and obedience.Completely blown away on the amount of skills they were able to instill in her in just a short 4 weeks. She heels perfectly on a leash (no more sled dog pulling), has a command for her spot in the home (moves where you want it to or need it to) and she stays until we tell her she can move, sit and down to perfection, and truly so much more.She’s come back from this experience a completely different dog, in only the best ways possible.We have a second pup, who we thought was the well trained one, and now realize, we might need Ridgeside again!!We are incredibly grateful and would recommend Ridgeside for anyone needing that extra help and support with their pups!Thank you guys again! Truly means the world!And you might be seeing us again soon! :)

Zach Thurman

2023-09

Jamie did an excellent job of training Poppy, our 3-month-old Bernedoodle, at his home in a family environment. It was a two-week training session. Poppy is a well behaved, changed puppy! We just finished our follow-up date at six months and everything was great! I highly recommend Ridgeside K9 and Jamie.

Jennifer White

2024-03

I had a great experience today with Rich at RidgesideK9. It was very exciting to finally have confidence to learn how to help my Pup be successful. He was so informative and very patient in his teaching techniques. I can understand how some of us dog owners can confuse our dogs. We have certain expectations of our dogs but we are not teaching them correctly. I have a lot to learn and homework to work on and hopefully I can be consistent and learn quickly to correct unwanted behaviors so my pup, George can thrive , be confident, and mindful of his position in this world. I look forward to our walks and not being pulled around !!Thank you Rich & RidgesideK9……….Now, I am going to go have some fun with my dog !!!!

Alise Wood

2024-04

If you are looking around for dog trainers, you won’t find better people then those are ridgeside. We sent our 7 year old pit mix, Boon, to a 5 week board and train. He had started to show some reactive and aggressive behaviors that seemed like they were getting worse and worse. The staff at ridgeside talked to us at length, answered all our questions, and made the process so much easier. When it came to dropping Boon off, again Rich answered all of our questions. I was dreading the moment our dog would see us leaving, but he literally didn’t even turn around or acknowledge us because he was already so locked in with Rich. We got weekly updates and videos about his progres from Kylie who was amazing. And Boon did so well he got to come home a week early, when Ridgeside could’ve easily kept him the 5th week along with our money. These people genuinely care about your dog and the life you share with your dog. We got the training we needed to be better dog owners. And we have a happier pup because of it. Thank you Ridgeside!

Antonio Perez

2024-01

Kylie, Todd, and the entire Ridgeside team are amazing! I did the 3 week board & train for my 6 month old Boston Terrier puppy, and he came home more focused, follows direction consistently, and has a foundation that makes him so much easier to train further.

Felix Kline

2023-11

They are fantastic. My dog went for a 4week board and train program, and he is like a new dog. He walks on a loose leash, is obedient and focused, and calmer than ever before. The facility is beautiful, and the trainers are dedicated and knowledgeable. I definitely recommend them for anyone who owns a difficult canine. These people love dogs,and it really shows.

Sharona Epstein

2023-05

I don’t know how to thank Ridgeside K9 NorCal enough for what you and your crew did. It’s almost as if you rewired our very fearful and aggressive dog somehow to create a confident and happy dog. He is doing so good. He understands that whoever we let in the house, friends family, etc. is NOT a threat anymore. He used to growl and bite and run away from most people coming in the house. He loves going to his “place”. He’s great on walks . Just overall 💯 worth the money /investment and I jsut wanted to thank you so very much for saving his life by doing what you did. It is unbelievable .Highly highly recommend . Sharona

Frank Espinoza

2022-05

I have 2 words….. “Frickin’ Awesome”We brought our puppy in for a week training. The experience was great. You can tell that the trainers truly care for animals and they want you to succeed.Now we’re doing the doggy day care every now and then and our pup loves it. She comes back, socialzed, excercised and exhausted from a day of fun with other furry friends.If you’re thinking about training or boarding then this is the place to go. They will take care of your pup and give you all the tools you need to be successful.

Danielle Trapani

2023-05

4 WEEK BOARD & TRAINWe sent our 7 month old bully mix puppy to Kacey and Jason from Ridgeside K9 NorCal, and couldn’t be happier.We felt so comfortable leaving our dog with them. We could tell immediately how much they cared for dogs, and they were so warm and understanding.They came to pick up our dog, and we sent her off with all her favorite things. Jason and Kacey were so communicative during the 4 weeks she was gone. We always knew she was in good hands.The day she came home was amazing. We were blown away with the skills they were able to teach her in such a short amount of time. She is able to walk perfectly on a leash, has a moveable, designated place, her recall is incredible, along with sit and down.We are so grateful for this incredible team, and would refer ANYONE with ANY dog to them. We know have a happy, calm, and confident dog and she still has her goofy personality!We will be clients for a lifetime. Special thanks to Kacey and Jason, you guys changed our lives!

Kymerie Mayhew

2022-05

Wow, where to even beginFirst, let me start by saying Ridgeside K9 Norcal changed our lives in all the best possible ways.To give you all some background information, we have a 17-month-old Pitbull named Jax in our care since he was just seven weeks old. During his first 17 months, we made one significant move from living with my parents to getting our place, backtracking to even before the big move; Jax slowly starting showing anxiety and aggression. These behaviors included snapping at people who tried to take toys away, having panic attacks anytime we would go outside of the house, including (going on walks and car rides). Saying my dog was afraid of the world would be an understatement. The anxiety and aggression grew even worse once we got settled into our new apartment. He was so fearful of even going outside to use the bathroom that the number of accidents he had inside increased. Taking him out on a leash to use the restroom was always a very challenging situation. he would use a very high-pitched bark/scream and continued to pull himself until he was back in front of our apartment door. His aggression peaked when my boyfriend attempted to remove a toy that he had broken up into pieces. Upon trying to remove the toy from him is when Jax bit his first human.The days following the incident were very stressful and very heartbreaking. We questioned ourselves as dog owners and asked what kind of life we could give our dog if these were the types of behaviors he would continue to present. That’s when we found Ridgeside K9 Norcal. We signed him up for the 4-week board and train program. Setting him up with his program was an easy process. Everyone I spoke with was professional, polite, and reassuring. Fast-forwarding to our pick-up day when we met Jason (our trainer) and his wife, Kasey. They came to us to get Jax safely from our apartment to their own private home for his four weeks of training.I can’t say enough good things about the fantastic work that Jason and his wife did with my dog. Not only did they train tirelessly with him every single day, but they kept me in the loop the entire time and loved having him there. It became abundantly clear that they were passionate about what they were doing with him. Although four weeks was a long time to be without my dog, Jason and Kasey were terrific at sending pictures or videos or answering any silly questions I may have had at the time. After four weeks, Jason and his wife came to do a private session with me. I could tell within the first five minutes that I was dealing with a different dog. My dog learned so much from them while away, and the improvements only continued as the days went by. they made my boyfriend and I better dog owners and made it so much easier to understand how to listen to my dog's cues to understand his needs better. I can’t thank Ridgeside K9, Jason, and Kasey enough for completely changing our lives and completely changing the life of our dog Jax. If you were trying to find excellent trainers, kind and compassionate workers, and a safe, controlled environment for your dog to learn to be the best dog he can be, then please do not look any further than Ridgeside K9.

April Whitley

2022-05

Highly recommend! We sent our dog, Frank, for two weeks training in the day class, and we could not have guessed the dog he turned into! Frank is a black German Shepherd and went into training with little-to-no manners, and we needed help because he was a big boy and hard to control - 10 months and 85lbs! Rich, Jeremy and the rest of the trainers were absolutely incredible. Although they clearly had other dogs in training and/or boarding, they treated us and Frank as if we were their only clients each day. They introduce their dogs in training to a variety of real-world settings - field trips to local businesses, restaurants and walks and bike rides through busy downtown Chico - it has made a huge difference when we take Frank out to be social. We have continued to take our 13 year old daughter with Frank to the weekly drop-in classes and not only does Frank continue to excel, the trainers work closely with our daughter as his handler and she has learned so much and absolutely loves going to "dog class"! I encourage you to check them out if you're looking for dog (and people!) training!