The Dog Wizard DC

Rosalyn Greeley

2021-05

We have had a great experience with Scott at DC Dog Wizard! Our new rescue was having anxiety issues, fear based aggression and was not doing well calmly meeting other dogs. We ended up doing the training with both of our dogs so our older dog could brush up on skills as well. They both took to the training quickly and each week Scott was able to build on the skills we learnt the week before. The great thing about Scott's training is if you need a little brush up on training or just a little more structure after your training is done thats provided for you. We felt and still feel supported. With our second dog who already did well with commands we were still able to teach him new things and Scott gave us some additional fun tricks so he got a lot out of the training too. With Scott's help we were even able to teach Bentley to jump and balance on fire hydrants! What fun!

Tom Havener

2023-05

Austin is a miracle worker. I’ve trained many dogs, and had many trainers, but I’ve never met a trainer like Austin, who has an almost magical ability to calm our puppy down—but more importantly — to teach me to calm down while I’m working with her. Austin’s help was worth 10 times what I paid for it. And instead of 2 months of training, our puppy (not quite 6 months) “graduated” in 5 weeks. God bless her, I learned so much from Austin! And she was extraordinarily gentle in correcting my (rather know-it-all) mistakes. I could not even imagine a better trainer. N.B. We had private training once a week.

Nnaemeka Ekeanyanwu

2024-04

I was hesistant about leaving a review but I felt compelled to let anyone looking to use this company be aware that the cost is not worth what you get. My girlfriend bought the 2 week board and train for our then 3 month old puppy. We were told the cost of this would be $3000 but they gave us a discount to total around $2500. Looking back it wasnt probably the wisest decision for us but us being overwhelmed with being first time dog owners we implusively went ahead thinking for the price we had to be making a great investment with getting a well trained puppy. When our puppy was returned to us, the same night he had terrible diarhea, we didnt sleep for days and had to take him to the vet when he started having bloody diarhea alongside alreay being terribly ill. The vet informed us he had giardia. when i told the people at the dog wizard their initial reaction was to deflect the blame from themselves and make it seem like our puppy already had it before the board and train. While I understood that was a possibility our puppy was healthy prior to the board and train and had not gotten sick once since we had initially brought him home. My main issue with the result of this is that any training he recieved was out of the window after that it was almost worse than before he even went to the board and train. I'll give credit to the company forhearing our complaints and offering a video session with their lead trainer but the company didnt even offer any discount for our puppy getting sick during training, on top of paying around $2500, having multiple visits to the vet to pay for and medications to pay for it wouldve been nice to have some sort of compensation especially since our puppy essentially came back untrained. My advice is that for the quality of training you get here it is not worth $2500, we couldve gone to petco and paid $300 for the quality of training we got for the board and train. please dont waste your money it is not worth it.

Pete Paccione

2019-05

I was initially unsure about putting my dog through a two week training class, however he was a monster when it came to pulling on the leash, had major issues with jumping on people - so I sucked it up and sent him away with Scott. Man was that a good decision! When Harrison came back, he was like another dog! By that I mean his personality had not changed at all, but he was incredibly obedient. Before he'd nearly pull me off my feet, now when we walk, hes always at my left side and there is slack in the leash, even when we are passing other dogs. I frequently let him off the leash now as well, whereas before I would never see him again if I let him off the leash. Also, when he is off the leash, I'll allow him to run around, then all I need to say to bring him back to my left side is "heel" and hes back again, just like in movies.There were a multitude of other problems that were corrected as well with this training, like he seems to be much better now with other dogs. I don't know if it is the training or just being around other dogs for two weeks, but he seems to be far better.I was also initially unsure about going with Scott's e-collar, but I am glad I did. I have a bunch of e-collars but they are not good for the type of training you'll be doing with your dog. The collar Scott uses is much more humane as you can really adjust it to avoid over shocking your dog.I would hands down recommend this training for your dog, its the fastest way to get your dog trained and its very, very effective!

Greg M

2021-05

You CAN teach an old dog new tricks!My husband and I have had a 7-year love-hate relationship with our dog. He’s mini Australian Shepherd. We had him since he was 6 weeks old and he was thoroughly socialized until he was neutered when the behavioral problems began to manifest (aggression, separation anxiety). Walking him was nearly impossible. He barked and lunged at other dogs and unsuspecting passersby. Strolling in parks was always a drama-filled affair with him protesting anyone or anything within a 3-foot radius of us. He also barked at any sound beyond our door to the annoyance and dismay of our neighbors. Leaving home for any reason invited snarling, barking and the occasional bite, which has only worsened during COVID-19 because we do not leave home nearly as often as before. We needed help. It was either the dog or our sanity.I found The Dog Wizard online and enrolled our pup in the 3 week intensive training/ boarding program. Scott and his team were great. We received regular updates of our pup and his progress (though to be honest, I was so relieved and relaxed over the 21 days our dog was away that I would have happily paid The Dog Wizard staff to keep him!)To say that things have changed would be an understatement. I’ve always loved my dog, but I actually LIKE him now as well. Taking our pup for a walk is actually enjoyable and stress free. So much so, that I find myself spending much more time with him walking each day. No pulling, barking or drama—barely feels like he is there at all. When we took him to the closest park, he walked obediently by my side without distraction and then(!) sat quietly on a bench while six other dogs yapped and played nearby. That would have been unthinkable a month earlier. His separation anxiety has also dialed back considerably.Before The Dog Wizard, our dog was 70% unmanageable and 30% lovable. Now, he’s 90% lovable and his crazy side rarely manifests, and when it does, it is no where near the intensity as before. Scott and his team are miracle workers. They have given us training tips as well as the tools to keep our pup on the right path.The Dog Wizard is worth every penny. My only regret is that we did not find and enroll Barnaby in The Dog Wizard years earlier.

Savannah G

2023-05

We sent our 9 month old puppy, Theo, to The Dog Wizard for two weeks of board and train. Scott was incredibly accommodating when there was an issue having him trained locally, and drove from Asheville, NC to Washington, DC to pick him up. Scott took great care of Theo at his own home and kept us updated the whole time with pictures and photos — we were anxious to be apart, so having frequent updates made all the difference to us! We could tell Theo was having fun and making progress.While Theo wasn’t having any significant issues prior to training, his obedience and recall was on another level when he got home. We now feel very comfortable doing things with Theo off-leash due to his much improved recall, and we can tell he is more focused and attentive during everyday activities. Scott also trained us on the proper use of an e-collar for Theo, and he responds incredibly well to it as a training tool.Scott continues to check in on Theo’s progress and is responsive to any questions we have, despite Theo’s board and train being complete. We truly appreciate The Dog Wizard’s help in training Theo, and would recommend them to anyone looking to train their dog.

Heather Draddy

2023-12

I do not recommend Dc dog wizard, "Dogs by dancer" or any dog training program by Scott Dancer.Scott made unsafe choices for the dogs in his care. My dog was returned to me covered in feces/urine. The progress I made with my dog's challenges is gone due to whatever occurred with Scott.Communication was unclear & poor, Scott was incredibly unprofessional & disorganized. Save your money & go elsewhere.

Victoria Kalfas-Wulbern

2021-05

We contacted Scott after I looked over all the trainers in the DMV area and I could not be happier with the result. Our one year old Dalmatian was super shy and leash reactive towards most dogs and he started getting super scared of people wearing masks after COVID started which made it very hard going on calm walks with him.After working on a 6 weeks private classes with Thomas and Scott I feel like I have a completely different dog. We can go on walks and Cooper will heel and listen to us a lot more, he even meets dogs on the leash with no problem. We never had problems at dog parks but the "come" command is life-changing since now I don't have to worry about calling him more than once to leave the park.Thomas and Scott did not only train Cooper but also us to know how to handle every situation we might encounter and know how to deal with it.Worth every cent. I would definitely recommend it.

Nora Langan

2021-05

Original Post 2020:We sent our new rescue pup to Scott/DC Dog Wizard's two-week program and we are so glad that we did! Despite both working remotely, we both felt like it was too hard to properly train a dog during a pandemic. Millie struggled with leash fear-based aggression and needed to socialize with dogs. But with dog parks closed and social distancing in effect, we couldn't quickly overcome this issue ourselves.With the two-week program, Millie was not only taught basic commands and leash etiquette but also was immersed with other dogs. Scott was great and shared photos of Millie every day so it made the two weeks she was away more bearable :)Now that Millie is back, we see a HUGE improvement in how she reacts to dogs on leash. And his leash technique for heeling has also been a game-changer. It made our walks so much more enjoyable both for her and us.Yes, we will be responsible for continuing to train Millie and making sure she doesn't regress (Scott does a follow-up training to help), but what had me sold about his program is that we can call or text him for the rest of Millie's life if we have any questions or issues. I feel thrilled knowing I have this support from now on!Update 2021:Six months later, Millie is a transformed dog. We regularly pass other dogs on leash and Millie is unfazed -- she's completely fine saying hi or not saying hi. I cannot believe I used to cross the street when I saw another dog approaching!Scott recommends an e-collar which seems scary at first but it's worth it. Positive re-enforcement/treat training was NOT solving her leash/fear-based aggression. I made sure the vibration was super low by testing it on my palm. Yes, I assume Millie wasn't a fan, but we only used it for a few months and she is now so much more confident and happier. She no longer lives in fear of other dogs.No doubt in my mind, The Dog Wizard was one of the best decisions (other than foster-failing Millie) I made all year. I highly recommend.

cansu gunel

2023-05

Austin helped me with my puppy both when she was a baby (with the basics) and a young adult (with some behavioral issues). My relationship with my dog completely transformed thanks to Austin - we’ve become so much closer and in tune with each other’s needs and cues. Austin has been helpful with one off questions and issues through texts and support classes even after our private sessions ended. Both my dog and I love Austin and would 100% recommend her training classes to anyone struggling with bringing out the best in their dog!

Madeliene Tweito

2023-05

Austin is an amazing trainer! She helped us work on Larry's developing reactivity, because he is a majorly anxious dog in a new city. We gradually saw him gain more confidence and make good decisions every session, while Austin taught us how to pick up on his queues and how to support him. She's very punctual and helped us tremendously even outside our private sessions. Would give her more than 5 stars if I could! Your dog will fall in love with her, we know Larry did for sure. Thanks for everything, Austin!

Joe Garon

2019-05

We worked with Scott over the course of 6 weeks to address our dog, Edison’s, fear-based aggression issues. It was clear from day 1 that Scott is passionate about the animals he works with and devoted to helping them overcome any difficulties they have when socializing with people or other dogs. The sessions were a mixture of Scott demonstrating new skills, working with both my girlfriend and I to provide a consistent message when delivering commands, and socializing Edison with other dogs. At the end of the 6 weeks, Edison’s transformation was fairly dramatic. He still doesn’t get along with every dog, but he has more confidence and we have the tools we need to remove him from situations that could become problematic. Edison seemed to really enjoy the sessions and, on our end, we’re so pleased that we’re able to take him to the dog park again without fear of fighting with other dogs.

Kat Jackson

2022-05

Austin is amazing! I actually finished training with my dog Queen nearly a year ago and everyday I continue to marvel at how much the eight week at home training program changed our lives. After nearly 3 and a half years of waiting for Queen to outgrow her puppy phase I was at my wits end dreading every walk and every encounter she would have with someone new as her 70 pound body was simply too much for me to control. Austin made a 180 degree turn in our lives. Queen now heals and listens to commands on walks actually making me look forward to them!!! And though she's still excited to make new friends, her knowledge of basic commands keeps her nonreactive and manageable. Our lives and my relationship with Queen have fundamentally changed for the better and I could not be more happy that I made this investment!

Laura Waller

2022-05

I cannot recommend this enough! Jen was AMAZING with Moose and showed me and my twelve year old daughter how to train him to be a CGC support dog in my therapy practice. I would never have imagined that Moose would have such amazing impulse control. Each week Jen gave us something to focus on and taught us how to train Moose between sessions. I HIGHLY recommend The Dog Wizard and plan to continue attending classes just to continue learning how to support Moose.

Mark Gisler

2023-05

Scott is an amazing dog trainer. Our dog is a large Australian Shepherd mix. He had started to bark and lunge at other dogs and some people, especially delivery people and trucks. He would try to chase squirrels up trees. One time, his leash twisted and broke my wife's finger while lunging. After spending time with Scott at his farm, our dog is significantly calmer and no longer lunges. He now walks quietly next to us. He lets everyone pet him. He calmly greets other dogs and plays nice with them. He understands what we want him to do and is no longer anxious, aggressive or confused. He still needs more practice inside the house going to "place" when strangers enter, but he is getting there. He seems like a happier dog. And we are much happier dog owners. Also, Scott stays involved after the intensive training with refresher training if we need it, as well as group sessions near Glover Park. Dog training is a long-term process and it is not easy or instantaneous. But if your dog is anything like ours was before, you won't regret getting Scott involved.

Zeljka M.

2023-05

It took me years to write this review because I wanted to put the whole thing behind me. It was a truly traumatic experience that has had lasting effects on my puppos quality of life. I left my perfectly healthy pug pup with Scott to be trained for two weeks while I visited family. A week in, I received a call that Scott was taking him in to the emergency vet because he was injured. The vet told me that he had massive trauma to his eye, a corneal rupture, and that he would need surgery or lose his eye. I, of course, got him into surgery and then raced back to DC to take care of him. All I wanted to know was what had happened and I was prepared to pay whatever bill necessary to have my guy back to a healthy state but Scott told me that I left him there with him in that condition...it was horrifying. Scott was defensive, rude, wouldn't disclose what happened, told me it was my fault that my dog was injured when I would NEVER leave him with anyone if he was showing any signs of being anything but 100%. Luckily, I had taken a pic of my puppo in his carrier (because he was being all cute) the day I left him with Scott. That was my only proof that both of his eyeballs were intact when I left him...On top of that, once my pup recovered, he became increasingly reactive to other dogs which wasn't even a thing before. It's been an issue we have been working on since. He will also spend the rest of his life on eye meds and has a patch over part of his eye.Please don't trust this trainer with your dog. If anything goes wrong, it won't just be a scarring experience for your fur baby but you'll be accused of not caring about your fur baby...

Fern Bartley

2020-05

We sent our dog Bella to Scott’s board and train program about 6 months ago. Bella is a large, high-energy lab mix who is very friendly but also has some anxiety. Before sending her to Scott, she struggled with listening to commands when there were any distractions around, and it was impossible to walk her on a leash without intense pulling or lunging at dogs. We were reluctant to have guests over because we couldn’t keep Bella from jumping on them.After the two week board and train program, Bella’s behavior is SO much better. She listens to our commands the first time, and we are able to have her greet people and be around others comfortably. She walks well on the leash, and we have been able to transition out of using a head halter to only using her e-collar. After training, we can finally trust that she is going to listen to our commands consistently.We really appreciate how well Scott got to know our dog, and how he’s still available to answer questions and do follow up lessons. We would 100% recommend the dog wizard to anyone that’s looking for help with their dog!

Francisco Ramos

2021-05

Scott did an amazing job with my rescued puppy, Mandy. She was extremely fearful of her surroundings and very protective. I thought it was going to go away once she grew but then the coronavirus pandemic made it difficult for her to socialize with other dogs and people. Scott worked on her confidence and kept me up to date with pictures and videos all the time. Mandy's behavior improved drastically. Now we can go on walks around the neighborhood and she no longer barks at the door when people pass by the hallway. I totally recommend DC Dog Wizard!

Alessandra Carozza

2018-05

Scott did an wonderful job with my 7 month-old boxer puppy Charlie. Charlie did the two week boarding program and the results were incredible. He still has the same goofy, playful personality, but he listens so well and is much more confident around new dogs. Scott took the time to explain to me how the training process worked and to teach me how to use the training collar. He was very responsive to all my questions and clearly enjoyed having Charlie around.When we went to the follow-up session Charlie was so excited to see Scott again. Charlie was listening to me while off-leash in an open field full of dogs and other distractions. I highly recommend Scott and DC Dog Wizard - I will certainly be sending my other boxer to Scott soon too!

Meghan Hathaway

2020-05

Scott and his team are excellent. We are so glad that we sent our 3 rescue dogs - 2 seniors and 1 adult - for the 2 week training camp. Our dogs were always sweet but not well trained, and they really had no training before they left. They came back happy and we are able to do so much more with them. It's made a huge difference in our lives to have responsive, well-mannered dogs and we couldn't have done it without Scott and his team. They truly care for the dogs and it's evident in our dogs' trust and happiness to see them. Highly recommended!

Camden Geiger

2021-05

Cannot say enough about what a great job Scott did training our dog! Our dog had been having a lot of issues pulling on leash and getting too excited when seeing distractions while on walks. Scott not only returned our dog to us much better trained after the 2 week camp, but the follow up classes and instructions Scott provided to us have been really helpful in getting the training to stick. Highly recommended hiring Scott if you need help training your dog!

Rachel Harrison

2022-05

We sent our 7 year old Jindo/Lab mix to the 2 week board and train. Bella was a highly reactive and anxious dog and came back as such a confident girl! Of course, it’ll take time- she can still get reactive based on the energy of the dog that may be approaching her but the difference is night and day! Gone are the days of leash pulling and snapping at passing dogs and strollers!Jen, our trainer has been so responsive and helpful. She even sent me a video of Bella playing with another dog during training and it made me so emotional to see her thriving!! 10/10 recommend!

Megan Nelson

2021-05

2018: So it’s been about 2 months since Mosley was in training & I wanted to wait to see how she did before writing this review (I never write reviews). But in true honestly, this is the best training program! It is hands-down the best improvement I have ever seen in my dog. Shes about 5 years old & was attacked by a dog while at the dog park & slowly her social skills with other dogs became terrible. She would attack dogs over nothing at the dog park and then would lung, bark & growl when we were walking by other dogs. She became extremely reactive in about a year & half after the incident. Having her as a dog was challenging & upsetting. Even at one point she got off her leash & attacked another dog walking by (its almost all display not actual hurting another dog) but I was starting to get concerned over lawsuits. I tried numerous trainers (a total of 5) all over the DC/MD/VA area & saw little progress. Most trainers just told me that "some dogs are just not dog park dogs" even though she had loved the dog park before she was attacked. I was very skeptical this program would work & expected it not to because of my previous experience. But she's been truly amazing since this program! She's having so much fun with other dogs playing at dog parks (back to her old self), never barks at other dogs while we are walking by & is truly much happier and calmer. I will also say that it did take time to transition from camp to home (some of her behaviors were still briefly there) but I stuck with Scott's advice & was consistent and eventually all those fleeting behaviors went away. The price tag is a lot, but I would have saved money if I didn't try all the other trainers first. I highly recommend this program & it's important to stick to Scott's advice! The other good news is that they offer unlimited life time training, so if there is ever an issue you can always sign up for additional training sessions (which I have done twice now)!Updated Review:I wanted to give an updated review since 3 years ago after Mosley received her board and train. Where do I begin! First of all, the program is expensive BUT ITS WORTH EVERY PENNY. I am/was not paid for this review. Her whole life has changed. Keep in mind that it is up to you as an owner to keep up with training and keep practicing but she’s a totally different dog than when we went into training. Basically, she was extremely dog reactive and now she ignores dogs which is 100% my goal. I just want her to be able to walk and not engage other dogs. When we are walking, I want her to focus on me and not worry if a dog is barking or trying to get her attention. So many people (I honestly cannot count the number of people) comment on how well behaved she is and how well she walks (she is always in a heel). Every person I see I want to say “it’s training - it’s not her personality!!!” However, she’s not perfect. Scott was able to take her to dog parks and I was for a short time, but to be honest, I’ve never been that comfortable taking her to a dog park (I get too nervous). She can engage with dogs one-on -one and be in houses with dogs she knows, but I (it’s my nerves more than hers) can’t risk going to a dog park. But other than that, she’s an angel. My hope for writing this review is if you’re on the fence but really stressed about your dogs behavior - it’s worth it. Take the financial burden and do it. I am so thankful having her at this point where I feel like she’s very successful. So thank you to Scott, and DC dog wizard because my pup was a rough candidate (being a feral stray, chow chow/malamute mix) but I’m so happy with the result!Also, every dog is different BUT I haven’t needed the collar training for almost 2 years. Any socialization that Scott did, was really outside any of the collar training. That was a tool to help but in my case, didn’t end up being necessarily long term. I kept with the training for about 6 months and slowly decrease the use of the collar. She walks 100% now without the collar, responds amazing, doesn’t react, but also not all dogs are the same.

Jess C

2023-05

(Writing this review about three months out from our board and train with DC Dog Wizard.)We did the board and train program with DC Dog Wizard and could not be happier with the results. Jen helped build our dog Mo's confidence and ours as well.When we initially signed up for the board and train program, our dog's anxiety was a huge weight on his and our day to day lives. He didn't want to go for walks in our neighborhood, he would bark at anyone (person or dog) who walked by, and would routinely have big reactions in new circumstances. He's about 60 pounds, so these big reactions were pretty scary for him, us, and our neighbors!Not only that, before discovering DC Dog Wizard we had spent 6 months and probably $1,000 in lessons from other trainers, homeopathic anxiety supplements, and calming gadgets. Our previous trainer had emphasized the need to prevent our dog from being exposed to 100% of his triggers. We live in DC, so that's just not possible or reasonable! We devoted hours and hours every week and nothing worked. Mo's anxiety was actually getting way worse, and we were feeling so downtrodden and inadequate as owners. Even though the board and train with DC Dog Wizard was pricey, I wish we would have committed to DC Dog Wizard sooner because we would have saved a lot of time, emotional stress, and money!Jen is so in tune with dogs. She communicates effectively, provides helpful tools, and expertly adjusts her methods to each dog's personality. Not only that, she's really emotionally intelligent when she speaks to owners. She won't make you feel guilty or dumb. In our initial phone consultation, she took great care to learn about what our concerns were and what our goals were.Our pup is pretty fearful but also very food motivated, so Jen determined that e collar training wouldn't be as effective for him. She relied exclusively on positive reinforcement training with treats, praise, and exposure to new situations to ensure that he would build his confidence and help Mo become a happier, less reactive pup.As an added bonus, the weekly sustainment training every Saturday in Glover Park has been amazing. We've taken Mo several times and he's built his confidence on pack walks with other dogs, in the agility course, and also in drills that mimic real life scenarios. We've learned how to be better handlers and owners of Mo. These lessons are open to us (with no additional charge) for the rest of Mo's life!Jen and Austin are kind, courteous, and well informed trainers who adapt to each dog's personality and specific needs.Mo will always be a bit apprehensive about new environments, but with training, consistency, and some medication from our vet, he is back to his happy, curious self. We cannot believe the transformation and we feel so much gratitude to Jen and Austin for everything they have done for us.

Greg “EHazardFan” Schaner

2023-05

Thank you DC Dog Wizard, and especially Jen! We did the board and train program for our 1 and ½ year old cocker Clover in April. While not inexpensive, we found it very worthwhile. This was the first time we had really committed to a training program, and Clover being older, we knew that we needed to basically go all in with an intensive program. DC Dog Wizard came highly recommended by my sister. I can now see why. Jen was incredible, and continues to be available to help us with questions and pointers.Clover is still not perfect, but she is so much better than she used to be. We now have a system that we stick to and continue to make strides at the things that drove us to the training, like her jumping up on the table, begging for food, and barking hysterically if I leave the house. We are definitely heading in the right direction, and we enjoy having her more, which is a huge benefit. Plus, I continue to reach out to Jen, and she responds immediately with helpful tips and reassuring guidance. I highly recommend this program if you’re in a situation like we were.

Carolina Cid

2015-05

Scott Dancer, DC Dog Wizard worked wonders with my pup Juno. She had some major fear anxiety and behavioral issues including dog aggression. While things are still a work in progress, Scott has taught Juno how to be a much more confident and happy dog! We are still working with her using a muzzle on interacting with other dogs but just going for a walk now is a much more pleasant experience for everyone involved. The best part about working with Scott is that he continues to advise and work with you after he works with your dog. You can really tell that he bonds with your dog during training and cares about teaching you how to continue where he leaves off. I would happily recommend him to anyone who needs help with training their dog!

Eva R

2015-05

My dog is a six year old rescue German Shepherd who was aggressive towards other dogs. Lunging, pulling on a leash, hair rising, the whole works. I came to Scott, the DC Dog Wizard, after already going through two dog trainers and after being either flat out turned down on the phone by others or lectured about different styles of training. Not only did Scott accept the challenge of training my GSD, but he brought his own dog, a boxer, to the very first lesson. I was very apprehensive about my dog meeting his, given my dog's history, but Scott managed the whole situation and by the end of the FIRST lesson, my dog was sitting calmly next to his dog. We continued working through our sessions and during the last session, I found myself in a dog park with dogs loose off leash all over the place, walking through with my dog as if nothing was happening. I feel a lot more confident with how to handle my dog and about being around other dogs now. Scott did more in those 6 weeks than all the trainers combined did before. I am planning on returning to Scott for an intensive at home boarding and training program that he offers. I am 100% confident in his skills. Highly recommended!!!

Deeba Izadpanah

2019-05

I am a little late in writing a review as my pup was finished with training a month ago. With that being said, DC Dog Wizards is amazing!! I can't emphasize enough how efficient each session was. I speak with people at the dog park all the time about different trainers and a few people have told me they have tried multiple trainers before they saw results. I saw results with our trainer instantly, like within the first 3 sessions. Scott was extremely patient with Apollo and I. Walks with Apollo are so much easier now that he doesnt pull as much. We did the 6 week course so Of course i still have to work with him on a daily basis but we understand each other much better now. His overall behavior has improved as well (less destructive). He's still a puppy but I couldn't be happier with the results! 10/10 deff recommend.

Dawnmarie Shipley

2022-05

Jen was amazing with our dog. She took a shy rural dog, socialized him, and made him big city ready. Great skills for both the dog and the owners, much appreciated!!!2/16/22 UPDATE - I wanted to come back and make sure anyone reading these knows how wonderful Jen really is. It's not a one and done service. Whenever I have a questions or need help, she comes to my home and works with both me and my dog until we have the skills we need to continue to progress. I didn't think it was possible but I love my doggo more now because of the skills we have learned together with her help. Saturday Support Classes are such a bonus. I can't say thank you enough!

Erika Rice

2016-05

We have nothing but good things about Scott and the team at DC Dog Wizard. They are wonderful!A little background on Cody - he was a rescue from a kill shelter in South Carolina where he was found in a hunting trap. He practically had no socialization with other dogs or people before we got him and had obvious fear aggression (nipping, growling, lunging, you name it). Over time, it was just getting worse. Not only did he have fear aggression around other dogs and people, he was terrified of EVERYTHING. Even the shadows on the wall. It was awful. We reached out to Scott after Cody jumped the fence and bit the dog across the street who wasn't on a leash. After this incident, I honestly didn't have much hope. We knew the best program for Cody would be the home away program (that was not easy!) because he would have constant socialization with other dogs and people. We got updates on Facebook daily and progress reports regularly. Cody looked like he was having so much fun and was making such great progress, I almost felt guilty making him come home.The minute we got Cody back, we knew he was a different dog. We were glad to see that he was more confident, but his personality didn't change a bit. We did his first at home training in the front of the house, with no leash. He did perfectly! He didn't pay attention to the dogs walking by up the street, and didn't flinch at any cars that drove by. The next day, I took him running and while he normally would "stalk" other dogs, bark, and growl, he just heeled next to me the entire time. I took him to the park and he placed in the middle of the grass and just watched people play tennis. He paid no attention to the little kids running around and screaming, or the other dogs. I was so impressed!It's been a few months since we've had Cody back and we now take him to the dog park where he plays with new dogs and meets new people almost daily. We re-introduced him to the dog he originally bit, and he doesn't even pay attention to him anymore. They actually get together to play sometimes! We can leave the door open when we get the mail, because we know he's going to stay when we tell him to sit, and I'm no longer terrified of what's going to happen when I take him on runs or walks knowing we're going to encounter another dog. We're still working on the jumping the fence the problem, but it has been less and less of an issue, which is comforting.Not only has Scott helped us with Cody, but he's helped us with our other dog Jack. Jack has a disability (one of his legs is in a brace indefinitely), so training him traditionally is almost impossible. Scott taught us how to teach Jack place and help him build his confidence which will in turn help with the incessant barking. We just starting working on that, but with the outcome of Cody's training, I have no doubt it's going to work wonders.After putting Cody through the program, we now get unlimited training sessions for him with Scott and can join the group training on the weekend when we want. Just the fact that we know we can call Scott and have him come work with Cody when we need it is extremely comforting. It's not like it's two weeks away and then you're on your own. Scott really cares about Cody's progress and his well being. We recommend Scott and DC Dog Wizard to anyone we meet who is having trouble with their dog(s) and we hope our experience helps you too!