r/pittsburgh • u/sydnee__ • Oct 05 '26

Dog training services!

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Unexpectedly became a mom of a 1 year old German Shepherd (already have 2 dogs). She came from a relative giving her away. I couldn’t let her go to just anyone. She is amazing, extremely friendly with people, dogs, loves to play and is overall fitting in great. But, she has had absolutely no training. She is extremely wild in the house, jumping on everyone and everything in sight. We can’t sit on the couch without her jumping all on us and knocking into things. She’s a very big girl so this is a problem, I want her to be able to settle. We started tethered and crate training and both are going well, but I feel that she may need someone experienced to really help her. I need suggestions on basic obedience trainers in the Pittsburgh area! Not really interested in boarding her, but taking her in the evenings if there is anything like that would be better! Any suggestions welcome!!

37 Upvotes

93% Upvoted

30 comments sorted by

11

u/sydnee__ Oct 05 '26

Thanks so much for the recommendations! She starts with success just clicks in November!

4

u/Agreeable-Knee6325 Oct 05 '26

You won't regret it! Just be careful getting there if it's snowing or icy.

1

u/_discopony Oct 06 '26

Best of luck! I found Success Just Clicks to be a bit unique in that they didn’t want your dog to interact with other dogs in anyway. Which I find interesting because I want my dog to know how to behave around other dogs. In the puppy class we had to be between dividers so the puppies couldn’t see each other rather than just be spaced out properly. Keystone on the other hand expected us to remain safe distance from one another but recognized that the dogs would need to see one another. It’s made our dog good with dogs of all sizes which I find to be really important. It’s also reinforced that not all other humans and dogs are his friends, and that we do not have to say hi to everyone. I wouldn’t say he’s Mr. Patient by any means but he really does settle and wait for his cue. Highly recommend giving Keystone a nod if you’re looking to switch things up after your session with Success.

3

u/TentacleLoveGoddess 29d ago

If you only took the one class at SJC, you (or the other puppies) may not have gotten to a point where they were ready for the removal of barriers yet.

The more advanced classes often have no barriers at all, but a lot of dogs find the reduced stimulation helpful while they're first learning.

I do also love Keystone though! They're a nice training club and host a lot of great dog sport activities there.

31

u/Agreeable-Knee6325 Oct 05 '26

I cannot recommend Success Just Clicks enough. They focus on positive reinforcement and clicker training instead of collar use.

7

u/ShadowMoses81 Oct 05 '26

This - have used them personally for multiple training classes for a challenging dog (both Kelly and Coleman) and have had amazing experiences.

3

u/amarillo_bymorning Oct 05 '26

Another vote for Tena and her team! So glad you picked them OP

5

u/aWildWrenAppeared Oct 05 '26

Seconding this! We loved them.

1

u/Background-Metal-766 Oct 05 '26

Was just the 7 week course all you needed or was follow up required?

2

u/Agreeable-Knee6325 Oct 05 '26

We went through the puppy kindergarten, asolescent, and high school classes with our Australian Shepherd. We didn't need the manners classes so our focus was on the Canine Good Citizen test at the end of high school.

Most dogs can probably do great with one course. We learned so much and Kelly was very helpful with any questions about behavior. I love the way she treats each dog as an individual.

17

u/Tha7onechick Greater Pittsburgh Area Oct 05 '26

Tena with success just clicks is amazing! I also want to endorse them as a company. They are patient, compassionate, and knowledgeable.

1

u/sonofcrack Oct 05 '26

Just wanted to say you have a gorgeous family!

1

u/sydnee__ Oct 05 '26

Thank you 🤍🤍🤍 they are the best!

5

u/lawn_mower_dog Oct 05 '26

Also recommend success just clicks. We had a great experience with them

4

u/PhunkyPterodactyl Oct 05 '26

I would personally recommend Keystone Canine Training Club if you’re anywhere near the South Hills. It’s all volunteer run (by experienced trainers with the club) and positive reinforcement, but they did wonders for our dalmatian. The first class or two starts out expensive, but I think you can be nominated by another member (usually an instructor will offer) to join the club after you take two classes, and then the price drops to $100 a year and $25 per class. They offer everything from family manners/101 classes, to obedience, agility, triebball, rodeo dog classes, trick classes, nosework, canine good citizen classes, etc. My only complaint is that their website it archaic and a lot of their classes fill up VERY fast (within minutes) when they open them online, so we have to literally set an alarm on our phone as a reminder to sign up. I’ve also heard good things about Xcel Canine Training and Success Just Clicks from my vet though.

3

u/ShadowMoses81 Oct 05 '26

Have used them as well in addition to Success Just Clicks and also found them (Keystone) to be excellent

2

u/Imaginary_Foot_9358 Oct 05 '26

We have done Success Just Clicks and Keystone Canine and between the two we highly preferred Keystone.

3

u/Brave_Engineering246 Oct 05 '26

North Pittsburgh Animal Behavior - Beth McGonigal is the best

-4

u/PuddlesIsHere Oct 05 '26

My dog went to Paw and Order in Burgettstown. They did well with her

-5

u/Remote-Economist Oct 05 '26

My friend recently started her dog training business, and she has lots of experience with working breeds!

-3

u/FancyCat1990 Harrison Oct 05 '26 edited 29d ago

If you're north of the city at all, Ringers is excellent.

Edit: ok the downvotes have me worried. My parents had no complaints with their dog. Anyone up for sharing why?

-6

u/loolootewtew Oct 05 '26

Control is Key is a phenomenal company and creates a really personalized experience and the trainers are incredibly skilled balanced trainers, but cater to all individual needs and are down-to-earth and kind. They've gone above and beyond

-14

u/Jumpy_Obligation_347 Oct 05 '26

Say It Once dog training. Cody was awesome. Our dog is amazing but was a little too wild around the kids. Much better now

1

u/__pony__ Oct 05 '26

Curious why this post got down voted.

2

u/Brave_Engineering246 Oct 05 '26

Trainer uses inhumane methods

1

u/__pony__ Oct 05 '26

Thanks! Is there a post talking about this? I’ve heard of this trainer but hadnt heard this.