Off Leash K9 Training Harrisburg

Nada Dontthinkso

2024-04

I took my mixed large dog to their program in Scranton. We had a fully paid program that we opted out of after 3 lessons because the trainers idea of "counter conditioning " was to approach the trigger and then when my dog reacted to High Stim (60-100) her e-collar until she stopped reacting. By the 4th time through that drill she refused to even walk. Most of my dogs behavioral issues stem from fear and lack of socialization (rescue). She did not need to learn to be afraid of one more thing. We never went back.

Gillian Dolen

2022-05

We used off leash k9 training for our 11 month old pup and we are absolutely thrilled. Our trainers name was Courtney and she treats your dog like her own. She is very knowledgeable and skilled in dog training. We had a wild pup who we could not train on our own so we opted for the two week board training. Courtney brought us back a brand new dog but with the same sweet personality. I am amazed at the progress is two weeks. We were worried at first about sending our pup away but she kept us updated with photos and videos and little messages about their days together. We can not thank her enough for giving us our life back! Thank you off leash k9 and Courtney! We are forever grateful for your help with our sweet girl.

Sherri Blum

2020-05

My dog, Willow has been completely transformed! Chris was absolutely amazing! He took my 7 mo old GSD puppy and by the end of two weeks, returned a well-behaved dog. She is happy, obedient, and understands her commands very well. She is eager to please us. Chris is our "dog whisperer" for sure! I highly recommend his services.

Peter Piepmeier

2020-05

Our sweet, adorable labradoodle, Harley, had gradually turned into this two-year-old troubled terror! My husband and I were extremely devastated and embarrassed. How could two retired school teachers, who managed entire classrooms filled with children, be unable to control and manage one dog? On walks, Harley would bark, and growl viciously at our terrified neighbors. Visitors to our home would be assaulted as Harley continuously jumped up and barked at them. He repeatedly failed to listen to commands we had earlier trained him to obey. We had to keep our blinds closed during the day so Harley didn’t bark and fly full-force at the window for every passer-by and delivery person. His behavior eventually kept him, and us by and large, housebound and miserable.With very heavy hearts we were considering giving him up and admitting defeat as dog owners. As a last resort we decided to call Off Leash K9 Training. It was the best decision we could have made for Harley and for us!Our trainer, Sabina, was and is such an understanding and caring person. She listened carefully to ALL of our concerns. She reassured us that Harley needed the confident, structured training that she and Off Leash K9 Training could provide. It was difficult to say good-by to Harley for the two week boot camp, but Sabina eased our minds with daily texts and/or videos of Harley’s amazing progress. It was heartwarming to see our anti-social dog suddenly playing and training with Sabina’s other dogs. When we saw him riding in a kayak and walking unleashed in the mall, we couldn’t believe our eyes!At the turnover, Sabina worked with us for several hours showing us how to manage Harley’s behaviors. Harley has been back home with us for over a month. We practice his commands every day and are thrilled with Harley’s new normal. Neighborhood walks are delightfully uneventful. Visitors enter our home without fear of being assaulted. He is such a gentle, loving and obedient dog now. We have enjoyed taking Harley along on various trips and have even taken him with us on our pontoon boat!We touch base with Sabina whenever we have a question, but usually we are bragging to her about his fantastic behavior. She has become a good friend and mentor to all of us and we know she is always only a phone call or text message away. That fact is so very reassuring to both of us. This training program is outstanding! We wholeheartedly endorse and recommend Off Leash K9 Training Harrisburg to all our family and friends!

Kristen Bailey

2019-05

I cannot stress enough how wonderful Chris Darhower and his team of trainers are at Harrisburg PA Dog Trainers: Off Leash K9 Training. We just picked up our Mako from a 2 week board and train this past Sunday and the results are amazing. We truly could not be happier. He is still the loving, cuddly, sweet dog we dropped off, but with much better manners. We can enjoy a walk around the neighborhood with out being drug around, he listens when we call and he is eager to continue his training with us. During the training Chris always provided daily updates, pictures and videos. He treated Mako like his own and integrated him with his family. We cannot express how much that meant to us to know he was loved and well cared for while away. I was starting to get concerned Mako wouldn't want to come home, he always looked like he was having so much fun...especially with Ben and his fellow furry friends! I have and will continue to recommend their services to others. You will not be disappointed. Well worth every penny. We would do it again in a heart beat!!!!

leesa day

2023-05

My pitbull graduated today. I want to say it was a great experience. Chris and Courtney treated my dog like family. I got daily updates on his progress and pictures. I saw my boy enjoying himself after working hard at his lessons. Before finding Chris and his training I couldn't walk my dog due to his size and weight because he would pull me down the street and I was afraid he would break away from me at anytime. I had him since he was 7 weeks old and he was my first puppy so I had no idea they didn't automatically know how to be walked since he was younger it was not a problem but as he reached adulthood I wasn't able to handle him. I am so thankful for Iff Leash K9 because now my boy can get walks and go places with me. Family and friends won't be afraid to visit because he would jump on people and we eye to eye with you and be able to knock you on your behind. My dog looked happy and healthy when I picked him up today. I definitely give Chris and Courtney 5 stars. Keep doing what you do because your services are definitely needed.

Danielle Leiby

2022-05

Chris at Offleash K9 is hands down the best dog trainer you will find! we just got done with our last lesson today and our dog is a changed dog. We opted for the in person private lessons and through a lot of instruction from Chris and many hours at home practicing we are now able to confidently take our dog anywhere and everywhere! Chris is down to earth and very personable. He goes above and beyond to help you with your dog. My fiance and I cannot say enough good things about the training. I also want to say thank you to trainer Courtney who stepped up to train with us at 1 lesson when Chris had an emergency. She was also fantastic and did a great job with our dog, Vader. Thanks guys!!

Brittany Panov

2023-05

Our dog, Maisie, was an absolute nightmare to take in public with her jumping and pulling on walks. It was embarrassing. Courtney with Off Leash K9 Harrisburg really helped our dog improve over the past two weeks. The difference I saw just when we picked her up and did the training in-person was absolutely astounding. I never thought I’d be able to take her into a store and see her ignore the other people around her, enough to walk around off-leash. Obviously, there are still areas to improve on, but I totally recommend the board & train program to anyone that is on the fence about it. Thank you so much, Courtney! I am so excited to see how Maisie improves as we continue with her training at home. 😊

Susan Nee

2023-05

Chris has been very gracious in helping us with our dog. He knows dog reactions and can help with training in most scenarios. We were struggling to the point of almost giving up on our puppy. We now have a more obedient, well adjusted, happy puppy that will be with us for a long time.

Liz B

2023-05

We have a young pit bull who can be reactive, and were very hopeful when a friend recommended Chris and this facility. Unfortunately, the communication with Courtney has been a pain point. We frequently had to text her multiple times to try to get a response about setting up training. Their website states a 100% satisfaction guarantee which was a big selling point, but at our $100 evaluation we were told there was no guarantee. In the end, we decided not to move forward with such a significant amount of money paid in full when we weren’t confident in our ability to keep connecting and having sessions. Most of their reviews are based off the 2 week board and train which seems to be their bread and butter - I think if that’s what you’re looking for, this place seems to have good results. But if you’re trying to do in person training, you won’t find the prompt communication needed to make it successful. We are back to the drawing board with $100 down the drain. Disappointing experience.

Terry Kreiser

2020-05

Our 1 year old Border Collie - Raven recently spent a week with Chris who went over her basics and prepared her for future therapy dog testing.Chris provided updates each day along with pics to help us understand what Raven was going through and how she was doing. We were able to ask questions along the way and we received timely responses. All this communication helped us feel more at ease about leaving our Raven with someone else. It was easy to see that Raven was in great hands and that she was enjoying her stay.Thank you Chris for providing all of us with a great experience and excellent customer service!

jude durham

2021-05

We contacted Off Leash K9s , after watching their videos. We had a 8 month old Husky that needed training. The normal Puppy Obedience training we had done with our other dog was not working for this girl. We started our training with Off leash K9 , and noticed an improvement right away. By the end of training we had a dog behaved on leash better than we hoped for. Her off leash training is going well also. I would highly recommend their training classes.

Julianna Olson

2020-05

Gunny and I have enjoyed working with Courtney. Her professionalism and compassion really speaks to Gunny and he learns so quickly. We highly endorse Off leash K9 and look forward to the next level.

ELKB6482

2020-05

Chris is such a kind and compassionate person and extremely knowledgeable and helpful. He worked diligently with our dog. We loved getting the training videos and photos and he spent as much time as we needed for the in person training at drop off. We could tell he truly cared for and loved our dog and he even checked in on her and us often in the past month since training ended. He’s even reminded us that he can do refreshers as needed as we did the guaranteed program. It was clear that he taught her all the commands. Since she’s been home, we are working hard to keep up with consistency and while potty training is still challenging (she’s a puppy), we see significant improvement using the command “off” to stop her bad habits of whining, jumping on kitchen table to eat people food, and chewing our preschoolers toys. Usually she immediately drops them and doesn’t even go for them as much which is amazing. We honestly can’t say enough great things about Chris. We loved that he took her to many many public places to get her use to different experiences and he showed videos of her following commands in all those places. Thank you thank you Chris!!

Melissa O'Rourke

2019-05

I recently had the wonderful experience of getting my wild defiant Siberian Husky trained w/Off Leash K9 Training in Harrisburg PA. My dog was was placed in 3 different rescues one stating their own trainer couldn’t handle her . I was desperate for help & was recommended by the rescue I got her from that one of their trainers Chris Darhower was excellent . After my dogs 2 week board & train she came back as a completely new dog !! Chris is a miricale worker & he went above & beyond my expectations!!! I am so thankful I chose Off Leash K9 Training & if you are looking for the best training for your dog please contact them , you will not regret it ! I cannot thank my trainer enough & I highly recommend them to everyone !!

Drew Kramer

2021-05

Our 2 year old springer spaniel, Hudson, went for 2 week board and train with April in august 2020. It was super hard for us to be away from him for those 2 weeks but we are so thankful we did this training! April did such an incredible job with him. Before the training we struggled a lot with his recall, to the point where it made life a little more complicated and stressful because he could never be off leash. Now, he is so obedient off leash! Quite a few people who see him out in public places comment on how well behaved he is. He is also so much happier! He used to never stay around us when off leash, and once he returned from his training he learned to never be too far from us. We love that. Thank you so much!

Dave Staubitz

2021-05

We put our 11 month old GSP pup through the two week board & train program at OffLeash K9 in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. After two weeks with trainer April our Rocco returned to us a different dog. He obeys all commands immediately and is an absolute pleasure to be around. We were pretty close to getting rid of him because he was so high strung and hyper active but now is loved by all in the family. Thank you OffLeash K9 you saved us!

* Ltlebit*

2021-05

I can’t say enough good things about Off Leash K9 Harrisburg! Chris and Courtney are both amazing trainers! They are super knowledgeable and more than willing to answer any questions or concerns. Not to mention they are very easy to get along with and very down to earth! My husband suffers from PTSD and bipolar disorder, so it can be hard for us to find the right fit when it comes to people and social settings. Both Chris and Courtney were beyond understanding and made him and I feel comfortable. That in itself was a big relief for us.While training with them our 2 1/2-year-old German Shepherd made amazing strides as did my husband and I. We all needed a little training! 😅When we originally started her basic obedience training our GSD (Heiler) had a general idea of basic commands, but her manners were of course selective on her terms and not ours. Plus like most German shepherds she’s stubborn, strong-willed and high anxiety, but eager to learn. They did a wonderful job with her and helped us be more structured all around. We even saw results after our first lesson and by graduation there was a huge difference in her obedience even with her separation issues.Though...out of everything I think what I love most is, with their training techniques they were able to help us shape her obedience without changing her personality! She is still the same fun-loving goofball pup we’ve always had, just now with constant manners!I was so relieved today when for the first time since we brought Heiler home as a little pup, I was able to sit in the grass with her near my husband while he worked on his car without her trying to jump, drag and mush towards him every two seconds! We can finally fully enjoy each other with little to no stress!So if you’re looking for a great training program with caring professionals, then they are definitely the ones for you! ☺️😊

Aaron In House House

2021-05

Off Leash Harrisburg thank you! Courtney did a wonderful job with Bosco. She made my wife comfortable with leaving Him in her care for his training. It’s been not quite a year but want was done with my dog was awesome! Today his skills are impressive! He is eager to go out off leash, he is able to get his energy out, will come back to me, heel and his understanding is top notch. Thank you Off Leash Harrisburg!

Scott Snell

2019-05

We were very impressed with Chris, because he genuinely really cares about your dog and with doing an e-collar board and train, that was extremely important to us. We had taken our German Shepherd (Prince), to several trainers prior to Chris and experienced some benefit along the way, but Prince has gotten bigger and much stronger over the last 6-8 months and was becoming too much to handle on walks and was also getting out of hand at times inside our home. Chris went over and above in his training with Prince, by actually keeping him an extra week at no additional charge to us, because he wanted to do some fine tuning. When we finally met with Chris, so he could train us with how to use the e-collar with Prince, it was amazing to see the difference in our dog. We finally had a dog that would walk by our side. Once we brought Prince home, he was much better behaved inside, to the point we have been able to take down the gates we had leading to the kitchen and upstairs. Not saying he is perfect, because at times he still has some moments, where the adolescent comes out in him, but overall he is much better behaved. A huge benefit about the board and train program, is the fact that its good for the life of the dog, which I believe will probably come in handy for refreshers, as Prince matures and it is nice to know that Chris is always a phone call or text away for asking advice. Chris has already even been willing to come to our home, to show us how to work with Prince concerning a bad habit of pulling at the end of a walk, that only evidenced itself again, once we were home and only when coming within a 1/2 a block from our house. Prince is still a work in progress, but the board and train was well worth the progress that has been made in getting a better behaved dog. Most of what needs to be addressed now, is stuff that probably can only be worked through at home, because that is where particular habits of Prince's have developed, but I'm confident Chris will be willing to keep working with us to overcome them.

Kate castor

2020-05

We were extremely happy with the experience our puppy had at Off Leash Training. Brittany did a great job of training our puppy as well as teaching us all of the commands she learned. Our dog has continued to be successful well after her return home.

Tempel

2020-05

I have to say from the beginning I was highly skeptical, the cost was high and I never thought I would be one to spend that kind of money training a dog........fast forward to the end of her training and I think I would have paid more. The quality of the training April provided was amazing. We had constant daily updates and videos. She took my ultra hyper 5 month old German shepherd and turned her into a calm loving and obedient pup. My family simply cannot Express our gratitude for the professionalism and expertise that they brought to the table. They were worth every penny and more.

Stephanie Myers

2020-05

Our experience with Off Leash K9 Training was phenomenal. Our trainer Sabina was amazing! From the time we handed over our dog to her for the Board and Train the communication was amazing. I received videos and pictures every day. Also, when Sabina had a concern she made sure she got a hold of me. I would recommend Off Leask K9 training to anyone that is looking for a trainer!

Kim Saline

2019-05

Our Border Collie, Trigger, did well here. He did two weeks of board and train. He came home knowing his commands, and we are enjoying his better behavior. We worried he would lose his silliness or not want to be cuddly anymore. He is the same dog in every way, just a bit better behaved. He's still very sweet and loveable. His trainer, Eric, kept us posted on how he was doing and sent daily pictures and video updates. We are extremely attached to our dog, so we would have liked a little more info each day, but we were understanding that they were very busy. Trigger did come home with severely matted hair around his back legs which had to be cut away. I sent his brush along, and would have liked him to be a little better cared for while he was there. We also sent along all of Trigger's favorite chew treats, and these were never even opened. We were disappointed to see that. His trainer mentioned the plaque on his teeth. That came off as soon as we were home and he had one of his chew treats. Trigger didn't come home a perfectly trained dog. We work with him every day to continue the training process, so know that ahead of time. We are happy with the training, but not so much with the care he received. We're glad he's home!

Nannette Lofts

2018-05

This absolutely works! We were amazed at how much our one year and 8 month lab changed in 2 weeks. For the first time since we brought Chance home, i was able to sit in the front of the car while the dog lay down/sat for the one hour trip, with the windows down. Such a changed from our trip up where the dog cried and whined so bad that he's stomach was upset and his parents had a big headache. Do not be afraid of the ecollar. It feels like a tens unit and most of the time we keep the remote at a very low frequency.You are going to like Chris a lot! He is very personable and so knowledgeable with a super laid back personality. I loved the videos and daily updates he provided while he was training Chance. He is truly a dog lover and enjoys his job immensely.

Kait Fleming

2018-05

Chris is a miracle worker, seriously. We have only had two lessons so far, but my stubborn, aggressive puller/reactive dog pup is improving drastically. After only an hour of working with him, chris was able to get my dog to go from dragging me down the street to walking calmly besides me without issue. I'm so grateful and am really looking forward to continuing our lessons!

Irving Segura

2021-05

I have an Akita . They notoriously known for being stubborn . My Akita katsu is 9 months old so I wanted him to be trained as young as possible . The trainer who helped me was April . She was amazing ! She kept me well informed day by day and she sent me pictures and videos of katsu’s progress . At first I was worried of leaving my dog for two weeks but after meeting April my worries vanished . I just picked my dog up and he’s a brand new dog ! Walking with him now is bliss , no more pulling or chasing after other dogs or people . I highly recommend off leash trainer to anyone ! Worth every single penny .

Paul Estavillo

2019-05

I'm exceptionally pleased with what the Team PA ladies did with my boxer mix Riley. As a disabled vet I couldn't handle the resulting pain of her pulling on the leash and disobedience creating problems with company, etc. Our home is much more tranquil and harmonious. Riley is very loving and eager to please and just needed expert training to direct said love. Fully recommend this service.

Michele Weyant

2022-05

In the beginning we were a little skeptical of how far they were going to get with Brutus our 100lb 14 month Lab Sheppard mix just by his nature being a little stubborn and a big baby although very smart. Brutus is a very powerful dog and will drag you where he wants. That is not an issue anymore. The collar (friendly reminder) makes the difference. The commands that Brutus learned definitely has to be reinforced at home to be perfected in which I am a little lax but I am improving. The diligence of April training Brutus in the snow storms in February is clear evidence that K-9 Off Leash stands by there service.And by the way Brutus favorite command is Load Up in which he does with perfection with our vehicle and RV.

Jolene Adams

2018-05

Still in awe of the difference this has made in my dog. She was a dog reactive, over-excited, deer cat squirrel whatever chasing maniac until this training. I can now confidently take her everywhere with me, and to me that is priceless. If you have anxiety about bringing your dog with you, or if group obedience class didn't work (or in our case, made her worse!) you need this training! It was seriously life changing. She is so much more balanced and happy now and our relationship has improved so much. Worth every penny.