Dog Sense Unlimited

4.6 (70)

601-10 Dover Rd, Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 340-8766
dogsenseunlimited.com

Claimed
Dog trainer
Pet groomer
Pet supply store

From the business

  • Identifies as women-owned

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible entrance

Reviews

Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.

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John Durham

2024-04

You cannot go wrong enrolling in the training classes. I have been through several classes with different dogs. I can't say enough, just great. My family members also use Dog Sense for training. We would not go anywhere else. The staff is A-1. Thank you Dog Sense.

RJ

2023-10

My experience at Dog Sense Unlimited was life changing. I can’t even explain how incredible it was to see my dog positively change their behavior and habits in front of my eyes. This all happened in 1 session! The knowledge and training we received here is unbelievably good. If you want to improve your relationship with your dog and work towards a future where you both can thrive together, this is the place to be. 10/10.

Chelsy Thompson (Lhegacy)

2023-05

Awesome training experience. I took both of my dogs here. My younger dog is generally reactive around people while my older dog is overly friendly and exuberant with people. The trainers were able to adaptively address both of their individual problems, and there wasn't a single person in our class that didn't make serious progress with their dogs' obedience.These days, people are very emotional about training styles. So if you're looking for positive only training, this is not the place for you. Pinch collars, choke chains, and leash pops are used. The trainers have incredible knowledge of how to use these training tools, and the dog is never hurt in the process. They are simply held accountable, so they learn the difference between right and wrong. Consequences for inappropriate behavior are a tenant of the training. As well as lots of praise and treats for correct behavior.By the end of the basic obedience class, all of the dogs were sitting quietly in their Place command without moving and without the owners holding the leash. If that's something you're interested in having with your dog, I very much suggest giving Dog Sense Unlimited a try.

Josie and the Puppy Dogs

2023-05

I take all my dogs to DogSense for training, and then they can do anything! My well-mannered dogs go out to restaurants with me, hiking, stay at hotels, AirB&B, and are even allowed in some stores. All my neighbors are impressed too. I wish everyone took their dogs to DogSense!

Yung Stawn Shown

2023-05

Don’t ever go to Anna from Dog Sense, very unprofessional grooming service and very unprofessional customer service. They charged us $30 extra because my dog was natted- they never made us aware of the $30 surcharge until we came to pick him (after grooming) My dog is supposed to be a Golden Doodle not a schnauzer..very unprofessional….and even after them calling us to apologize they still didn’t get the principle of the unprofessionalism. STAY AWAY - Yours Truly Yung Stawn Shown

Lorraine McPartland

2023-05

I've been going to Dog Sense since 1998. I've brought 5 retrievers through Basic to Advanced classes. The trainers are experienced, very professional and understanding of new or first time dog owners. They are clear in their directions and explanations of how to proceed through training your dog to become a very well behaved family member. The dogs learn in a group class using lots and lots of food and praise how to behave around several other dogs and listen to their owner. It is clear the trainers understand different dog behaviors and temperaments and adjust the training accordingly.The classes can take you to either having a great family pet or going further with your training to compete in AKC competitions as did one of my Golden Retrievers. I firmly believe that the solid foundation and upper level training my dog received from Dog Sense was an integral part of her receiving her obedience champion title from AKC.

Mary Ann Eull

2023-05

Even though I'm only a recreational trainer, Dog Sense training has transformed my energetic Belgian Malinois into a great family pet who listens and behaves. Using consistent commands, praise and occasional corrections, the training sessions at Dog Sense are the best investment I've made for the past seven years. The instructors keep the sessions fresh with new routines and challenges. Highly recommended.

Yaya

2023-05

Stay far away from Dog Sense Unlimited.This first red flag should have been that there is no information available online about the certifications of their trainers or even their names. Another red flag was that they did not require me to submit rabies/vaccine information before attending the beginner group class. They only required me to submit a no-refund clause. The other red flag was that the FIRST thing they taught me was to ‘pop’ my dog’s collar to punish them because apparently, this was how you tell your dog they did bad. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior denounces the use of punishment for behavior problems, especially as the first-line of early-use treatment. ‘Popping’ the collar, or forcefully yanking back on the dog’s collar is NOT a healthy way of telling your dog that what they did was wrong. This is an old, outdated, and frankly harmful way to train your dog. Please look at accredited resources, it is unanimous. If the trainers at Dog Sense Unlimited were certified in dog training, they would know this. But they did not provide dog training certifications online so I can only assume they are not properly certified dog trainers. The final red flag was when I mentioned to my veterinarian that I went to Dog Sense Unlimited and wasn’t pleased with the way they were teaching dog training. I was advised to go somewhere else, specifically Your Dog’s Friend, because my trusted dog professional knows that punishment is not a means to effectively train a dog and Your Dog’s Friend has certified dog trainers.My dog ended up getting diarrhea and I could not bring him to class. I called to let them know and they offered to email me the homework which I was appreciative of. I did not hear back from them. I realized that night I was done with them. After 3 classes, I learned that they do not care about the health of your dog because they do not require vaccination proof before attending class (I checked my emails), they do not care about the behavior of your dog because they encourage physical punishment (repeated yanks on the collar during demonstrations on other people's dogs!), and they do not care about you learning their material because they did not follow up and provide the homework for me. Do not go to Dog Sense Unlimited.

Sheri Hall

2023-05

I've been training my dogs at Dog Sense for over 19 years. I have never failed to be extremely satisfied with the training my dogs have received or how this training was accomplished. Most telling is the fact that my dogs have never failed to be enthusiastic about being in class. I have recommended Dog Sense to numerous friends and relatives and they have all have had positive experiences. I highly

Stefania Schuller

2023-05

Dog Sense has been such a lifesaver in my relationship with my very active Labrador. Through all our classes I was impressed by how every week built upon the last, until I had a clear focused relationship with my dog as well as a very well behaved dog. The homework is clear, concise and so easy to refer back to. I have felt encouraged and supported all along the way, and I love the weekly "maintenance" drop in sessions which help keep me (and Stella) sharp. Before we started I had an unmanageable puppy and felt that I wasn't up for the task. Today I am proud to take this well behaved, well mannered dog in public, in stores, and on occasion have been asked if she is a service dog. Thank you so much- I am forever grateful.

Pups Lover

2021-05

I brought my dog to Dog Sense for grooming regularly, and always very happy about it. Sometimes, when you do things regularly, you forgot to review, :)I'm very happy about grooming results, and know that my dog will be taken good care of. My dog seems to like the owner and the groomer, which is good sign, although once she figure out what's a head, she would try to run out of the door. But every time, she got out super clean, and smells so good. It makes our life much easier since my dog has those curly fur and needs regular trim. Would definitely recommend Dog Sense.

Lisa Kristiansen

2023-05

Dog Sense is an amazing place to get your dog trained. Bella participated in the beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes and then maintenance for a while. She is so obedient. Our 5 year old grandson was here this week and he would tell her to "sit" and she would sit right down. He would say "down" and she would go down. He was thrilled with her behavior and so were we. We love dog sense.

John Peters

2023-05

As a more than 40 year veteran of dog training, I find Dog Sense to be a well run and excellent training site. All dogs and breeds are not the same, and this is considered in the recommendations Nancy and her staff make re training your dog. There needs to be a balance of positive and negative feedback to help the dog understand what is necessary for living among humans. Dog Sense generally achieves that balance. This is important to me as I have also worked in the ASPCA and have seen the tragedies created by owners who fail to properly train their dogs. It is always the dog that suffers. Dogs want to do "the right thing" in living with humans, but the humans must show them through reward AND discipline what is "right". Failure to do this will lead to problems in the future. Dog Sense can help you to better bond with your dog and better understand how to discipline and train for a wonderful companion. They do a great job.

Joel Rom

2023-05

I went to dog sense to get a board and train, I would be leaving my dog for 2 weeks. I paid $1,500 for the training. The first day me and my wife were excited cause we’re hoping to see some improvement with him. So the 2 weeks pass and we go to pick up our dog. Me and my wife go to pick him up and the trainer gave us only an hour to go over everything he did in 2 weeks. And right before we go into the back room we had to pay the remaining amount before we even go to the back to practice the hour. Me and my wife left very underwhelmed with the full experience. We followed everything the trainer and my dog is not more disobedient so we are getting another trainer.

Taylor Croyle

2022-05

My boyfriend and I put our 1.5 y/o golden retriever in the 2 week board and train program with Michael and he was very responsive during the 2 weeks and Maverick came out a completely different dog— in the best way!!! It was worth every penny. We are so so satisfied. I would recommend to anyone who is having trouble training their dog— he will do it and do it very well. That’s for sure!

D V

2023-05

My wife and I adopted a great dog (Brisco) who at first needed constant supervision to keep him safe in the house and couldn't be calm enough to walk on a leash in the neighborhood. My wife was afraid to walk him for fear she wouldn't be strong enough to keep him from running after distractions.We scheduled a one-on-one training session with Dog Sense (based on a friend's recommendation). After that one session, Brisco could walk on a leash without pulling, and was much safer in the house. We immediately enrolled in the basic obedience class. When that class finished, Brisco could be trusted with any person of any age, could wait patiently for me in a stay position, could attend dog-friendly restaurants without being a nuisance (to the point that servers and other customers often didn't notice him), and could walk on a leash safely.When we finished intermediate and advanced training, Brisco was a reliable off-leash dog, instantly obeying voice and hand commands. I could walk with him in a heel position on a busy city street without any concern about him bothering others or leaving my side.The training at Dog Sense did not turn Brisco into some kind of joyless robot. He was an enthusiastic companion who loved to play and snuggle. We traveled together extensively, and he enjoyed many experiences that would have been impossible without the expert training we received at Dog Sense. He was an older dog when my son was born, but showed infinite patience and love to the newest family member.Dog Sense's approach emphasized positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and human.We have also made use of Dog Sense's grooming services, and have been pleased with their quality and value.

Tom Tatham

2014-05

I highly recommend Dog Sense Unlimited to anyone interested in having a well-mannered, happy canine companion! I first brought my Aussie puppy here when she was about six months old. I was becoming pretty frustrated by Maggie's rowdy behavior, leash pulling, play biting and other issues. My vet suggested Dog Sense (she trained her dog there and was happy with the results) and I now recommend the business to others. I enrolled in a group class and I was immediately impressed by the practical approach taken by the trainers and I was thrilled by the immediate improvement in my dog's loose leash walking skills (as well as other skills). I was also impressed by how much the trainers enjoy what they are doing -- it is far more than a job for the trainers and owner. Another very salient thing I have experienced is that strangers constantly comment on how well behaved my dog is and how frustrated they are with their own dogs (and typically they have taken their dogs to training at "big box" stores). This inevitably winds up with the dog owner asking for my secret and me suggesting that they take their dog to Dog Sense.Although I generally groom Maggie on my own, she has been groomed at Dog Sense and I was very satisfied with the results. DSU also specializes in private training to correct severe problems, such as aggression.After taking 3 structured classes I became involved in AKC Obedience competitions and we now train there twice per week through the Maintenance program.As you can tell, I am a highly satisfied customer.

Linda Morris

2021-05

My dog and I had a wonderful experience at Dog Sense Unlimited. The trainers trained me to guide and teach my dog with no nagging, just great results. With their guidance, my dog and I successfully completed training for therapy work as well. Would recommend!

Paul Heller

2018-05

An absolute MUST for new dog owners: Dog Sense elementary obedience class. Fun for dog & owner, owner is being trained as much as the dog is, result is much happier relationship with your new dog. You can continue to higher levels of obedience training if you want, but the basic level is a must. They also provide fantastic grooming services at reasonable prices. Have been a client for 20+ years, can recommend with no reservations.

Rob Bercaw

2016-05

First, I am not easily impressed, but the folks at Dog Sense are awesome and have exceeded all my expectations! I initially took my 3 year old Lab mix there to be groomed and signed up for their group training class. I signed up for the class to teach me how to break some of my dog’s bad habits and in just two classes my best buddy is a different dog. We still have a long way to go, but I am sold on these ladies.

SJ H

2018-05

Excellent experience for myself and my dog. Took the beginner obedience class and found it to be very well staffed and organized. The trainers are all friendly and have lots of suggestions for any issues that you may be having with your dog. They also have a well stocked store with dog food and supplies. I would highly recommend Dog Sense!

C W

2022-05

They train with the negative reinforcement of a yank on the collar. Yanking on the neck, period, can lead to all sorts of health problems and injury. As well, negative reinforcement is absolutely no longer an accepted dog training practice. This place needs to update! They cover this harmful yank by calling it a seemingly harmless "pop." It simply us not harmless. Not to mention the negative effect on the dog. We know of a dog "trained" there who went from playful happy puppy to scared and hiding in all social environments now.

Devon Allen

2018-05

I have trained 3 dogs at Dog Sense from Basic Obedience (a must for all dogs!) thru Advanced. All 3 of my dogs have been well-behaved, excellent family pets due to our time taking classes at Dog Sense. All of them were happy to go, and the blessing of a pet that behaves in the house, around other people, on walks, etc. helps to fully enjoy your dog. The staff is caring, conscientious, incredibly experienced and know what they are talking about. You will get a no-nonsense approach that is well worth your time. If you are getting a puppy or want to train or brush up on the training of an older dog, I recommend giving Dog Sense a call. It is time well spent!

Darcy Dailey

2019-05

They really care about the dog/human relationship. I took basic obedience several years ago with my then GSD puppy. I learned so much that when I started having trouble with dog reactivity I called expecting to set up (and pay for) private lessons. Instead Nancy talked me through how to handle the problem and I could tell she really cared about helping solve our problem and not just wanting money. The original obedience class fee is well worth the care I was shown.

XxSxX Carolina

2023-05

Came here a few months ago and was pretty happy with the grooming of our dog. Called for another appointment months later and had to wait 3 weeks. When the three weeks came, we went for the appointment and was told there was a Covid exposure with the groomer and would be closed for a few days. I was told they would call me to reschedule. This was three weeks ago. Still haven’t heard from anyone. What a waste of time

Pat Talbert Smith

2018-05

We have been clients since 2001 and can't say enough good things about the pros at Dog Sense Unlimited! The excellent advice we get and the care and training our dogs have received can't be beat. This operation is top-notch, and we recommend Dog Sense to everyone we know!

Wayne Meyer

2020-05

The first impression is one of a lonely warehouse park, but it is what inside that counts. Here, they love dogs, and they give you the tools so that you and your dog(s) will be better together. A happy experience for all. I have used them several times over the past several decades, and they have been consistently excellent.

Mike Johnson

2018-05

I have trained dogs myself for over 10 years, and won both locally and regionally , as well as competed nationally. These folks are the best, period. They care about you and care about your pet. a great place to take you dog for obedience.

Joseph Colandreo

2019-05

This is a Professional Dog training facility. They are not amateurs. I have had 6 Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and a Mini Pin trained there in the past 25 years. I have referred dozens of owners and never hear a complaint. I cant recomend them enough. They are the best of the best.

Joaquin Beltran

2021-05

The instructors are excellent. Their approach is to provide common sense direction to have an obedient best friend. Our high energy dog is well underway to becoming a little gentleman thanks to them.

Opening Hours

Monday 12-9 PM
Tuesday 12-9 PM
Wednesday 12-9 PM
Thursday 12-9 PM
Friday Closed
Saturday 9 AM-4 PM
Sunday Closed

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