Heart of Gold Canine, LLC

Douglas Donato

2024-04

From the moment my wife and I reached out to Heart of Gold Canine about our 2-year-old dog Ripple, who suffered from severe anxiety, we found not just trainers but true allies in Octayvia and Lauren. Initially, Ripple struggled with new environments, people, and other animals, making public outings stressful. We hoped for a change, but were not sure about where to start...From the start, Heart of Gold Canine’s team offered us hope. Over six months, through diligent work and unwavering support, we witnessed Ripple's remarkable transformation. From a dog who would previously shrink away from new experiences, she has grown into a confident, well-behaved young lady whose confidence has grown in new situations, enjoys outdoor adventures, and even participates in dog sports and competitions - her progress has been remarkable! It has also been a lot of fun for us humans too.Training with Heart of Gold was more than basic obedience; it was about communication, connection, and trust. Octayvia, Lauren, and their team guided us in understanding Ripple’s body language and needs, forging a stronger bond between us. Their approach, grounded in reality yet delivered with compassion and enthusiasm, equipped us with not only the tools but also the confidence to build a stronger relationship with Ripple.The team’s expertise was evident in every aspect of the training, from addressing our concerns about medication and muzzle training to tailoring advice to Ripple's specific challenges. Their willingness to share knowledge, stories and to support our journey was very meaningful to us. We always looked forward to our next training session.For anyone feeling at a loss on how to connect with their dog or discouraged by behavior or their dog's anxiety, Heart of Gold Canine is the place to start. We are endlessly thankful for making that call and for the positive impact it has had on our lives as a little family.Octayvia, Lauren, and their team have our highest recommendation. This journey with them has not only transformed Ripple but has enriched our family life in ways we couldn't have imagined. While the training adventure is never "over" we have found that it is a very special way to grow closer to our dog and each other.

David Paolino

2023-12

Heart of Gold was the best decision I made with my new dog Jr. I can’t believe the transformation and how great of a job they did and continue doing as I’m now learning what he knows. If you’re looking for the real deal in canine training look no further. Besides the training they took such good care of my little guy. Thank you to Octavia, and Lauren I would’ve never believed how good my boy could be without them. Also thanks to the rest of the team at HOG.

Alyssa Smart

2024-04

DO NOT RECOMMEND. If I could give 0 stars I would.I brought my dog to Heart of Gold for an initial consultation and within the first hour of being there, Octavia and team had put my dog in a muzzle, E collar AND prong collar with no prior conditioning to these tools (also given no reason- dog showed no initial signs of aggression/threat)She then proceeded to tell me that even with the most intense training program that they offer, he is likely not going to be receptive to it due to his breed (American Staffordshire Terrier) and past. She also stated that “life would go on with or without him” and “PETA won’t be at my door if I decided to get rid of him”…I found a new facility and trainer in the same area, and my dog has shown AMAZING progress in just a couple of weeks, proving everything Octavia said to be wrong.

Samantha B

2022-05

My spouse and I sent our 2 year old for a 4 week board and train program this summer for his reactivity issues. So far we are incredibly grateful that we made the decision to send Curtis to HOG. He didn't come back a different dog, he came back as his same crazy self, but with manners and the tools to succeed!The only thing I don't feel we were prepared for beforehand was how strict/serious the transition back home would be. It was difficult but not in a bad way, just different than we expected it to be.Octayvia & Lauren have been so kind to us with our calls and messages with questions with no judgement on how stupid they might be. I think the best part of the training programs, is the unlimited support they after to make sure you succeed! I plan to keep Curtis active with HOG for as long as possible to make sure we keep up on our training too. Really looking forward to them helping us have Curtis be apart of our wedding next month! Curtis loves Heart of Gold!

Silvio Sanchez

2023-05

Amazing trainers! Octayvia, Lauren, and the whole crew have worked wonders for our 2 boys. I refer all my dog owning friends here. It's incredible the difference a well trained dog makes in my life. I love what Heart of Gold does and what they stand for. Keep up the great work!

MySignsYourWords Art Studio

2020-05

We sent our boy Thanos for a 3 week boot camp with Octavia and when he returned, he learned everything she said he would! Prior to his training, he didn't know his own strength, I was unable to leash walk him, and he was very excited when company arrived, which could cause a scene. He now knows his boundaries, is aware of his surroundings, obeys commands, and is overall a happier boy because he can now go everywhere we go! I highly recommend Heart of Gold Canine. It's obvious that Octavia is doing what she loves, it shows in the results of these dogs.

Jennifer Silvestri

2023-05

We love Octayvia and Lauren and the whole crew at HOGC! Our dog came back from 4 weeks with them a very polite little lady, and most importantly for us, able to stay home alone in a crate. Before sending her away, I was told she had separation anxiety and needed to be medicated but Octayvia had a hunch that wasn’t true and she was right! It was so hard for us to send our dog away for that long but it made such a huge difference and we have no regrets. We highly recommend them.

Cheryl Sousa

2023-05

I can’t thank HOG enough for the transformation of my little pomchi! Sitting at about 9lbs she is able to follow all basic commands after spending 3 weeks with these amazing trainers!! She used to be so shy and nervous walking outside and now she is a spitfire with confidence! Will recommend them everytime!

Archie Vieira

2023-05

I put my dog through the service dog program when she was two and trained her through the pandemic. She’s now five and I was able to graduate high school and was accepted into college. I have full trust in heart of gold when it comes to my dog, she’s my life line and when she retires I’ll be going back.

Elizabeth Mercier

2021-05

Octayvia and Lauren are amazing!!! They worked wonders with my Great Dane puppy! When Apollo came home he was so much calmer and with a set of commands that he knew. That alone was worth every penny, however, the true value comes from the follow up they provide. I have weekly appointments to help me learn all that my pup knows and to continue to work on new commands. They are flexible with their schedule and always there for questions, concerns, and celebrations. By far the best investment I could have made for my dog and my family. I absolutely recommend them!

Kathy Pokrywka

2021-05

We adopted a submissive yet reactive dog who was afraid of most things. We decided after a few in home sessions to send our gal to Heart of Gold’s 3 week training and obedience program. This decision was not easy financially or emotionally yet we made a commitment to this dog to give her a good life after adoption.Here we are a full 3 months after training saying over and over WOW we never anticipated how well adjusted our rescue would become.Truly the post session training is for for us as our dog shows us daily how smart she is. We humans need to be consistent and the more consistent we are the more content our gal is.We highly recommend Heart of Gold - you will not be disappointed. Thank you

Emma Brodie

2021-05

I cannot recommend Heart of Gold highly enough. Our puppy had unique training needs after a long illness, and Octayvia and Lauren went above and beyond to help him adjust to life in the wide world --and he adored them from the second he met them. Their knowledge, compassion, and agility based on the needs of our dog made the whole process safe and fun. The whole HOG community is also really warm and welcoming--pack walks are a must.

Meagan Nedela

2021-05

My wife and I contacted Heart of Gold after adding a puppy to our family that already had a 6 year old dog. We found that the puppy was often more than we could handle, especially with our busy schedules, and wanted to get her to a place where we could all live in harmony together. We ended up sending both our dogs to the board and train program. Our golden retriever, the puppy, spent 3 weeks with Octayvia and Lauren and quite literally came home a different dog. There is still a lot of puppy energy in her, but she loves to learn and is always willing to work. The difference is night and day. After she came home, we sent our 6 year old pug. We were apprehensive to do so because we figured that he was set in his ways, but by the time he came home 3 weeks later he had learned things that we had tried to teach him for years. He was also now properly crate trained after many unsuccessful attempts on our part. Octayvia is a miracle worker and Lauren is a fantastic addition to her team. They are both kind, patient, and their love for dogs is incredibly apparent. I had no reservations about sending by babies to stay with them after only meeting with them for a few hours. They will truly treat your dog like their own while instilling lifelong obedience. 12/10 would recommended.

Ashley S

2022-05

Our training with Octayvia & team has been transformative on many levels. I sent Yuba, my one year old Shepherd mix to the three week board & train program and we had a number of follow up sessions once she finished. It’s almost hard to remember the struggles, embarrassing moments and tears before training.I do wish she had come home with a better mastery of commands such as "STAY" (or holding any position — sit, down, place), COME, etc. Even on the very day she came home, she wasn't holding a stay. Perhaps because it was winter when she was with them and they don't have a proper facility, they only practiced in one small house, indoors most of the time and therefore didn't have a variety of distractions and locations to test her skills?? When I asked Octayvia for a refresh to improve these commands (considering her contract "guarantees them for life"), they essentially blamed me and my lack of training! So buyer beware. I practice with my dog, according to the guidelines in HOG's paperwork CONSTANTLY! I couldn't believe the tone. Their communication and "bedside manners" could use some work. And I might also suggest removing that line in their contract if they're not ready to uphold it. It means nothing.Regardless, our life together has been changed for the better.

Melanie Mitchell

2021-05

Amazing trainers who truly care for their dog (and human!) students. A variety of services, classes and group experiences. I can't imagine where my dog and I would be without them!

Karen Caramelli

2023-05

Made all the difference with their training from unruly to well behaved. Thank you!

Shelby Lynn

2021-05

Octayvia trained my puppy Charlie and he has become such a wonderful pup with all the help of her, wouldn’t recommend a better trainer.