Optimum Dog
520 Pacific Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, USA
(34)
520 Pacific Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, USA
(34)
Optimum Dog has over 70 years of combined training experience and we love helping our clients train with end goals in mind. We help owners create well adjusted and connected dogs. Check us out and read our reviews, we are committed to your success with your dog.
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34 customer reviews
Libby Walgamott
We love this place and so does our black lab Sadie. She has a lot of energy, and we were told more than once that she was "too much dog for us. " Jenn disagreed and has worked with us. Our Sadie still has lots of energy, but she minds and is a loving and fun girl. We are grateful to have found Optimum! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Ara R.
My husband and I feel very fortunate to have found Jenn. We adopted one of her foster dogs trained at Optimum Dog, and I can't say enough about the skills this puppy came home with: she is potty/crate trained, well-socialized, takes cues from our older dog, has no issues with our cats despite never being exposed before, has great recall, and understands all the basic commands (plus more). Her sunny, cheerful, curious personality is a testament to how she was treated as a foster, too. Jenn made a lot of time for us with advice and resources. A puppy is obviously a major life change, but with the many foundations put in place by Jenn and her wonderful crew, we feel we got a major running start. It's very clear how much value is placed on making sure owners and dogs are set up for success and understanding. If we didn't live hours away, we'd be back regularly for ongoing training, though we'll definitely stop by when we're up in Washington! More...
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Lyndsey Reimer
I rescued a dog who was going to put down due to fear aggression. I needed help understanding her behavior and how I could help her moving forward, that’s how I found Optimum. They worked with her for over a month training period and I couldn’t believe how well she progressed during her time with the trainers. They walked me through everything and helped me develop skills that I could use in the home. Her life was saved due to the impactful work Optimum dog does. Thank you!! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Emily Derenne
I took my new pup there and did one on one training. They seemed very knowledgeable and that they had a lot of experience. I asked them about doing a stay and train and they told me really two weeks was the only way to see real progress. Ok, but that’s a few thousand dollars. I was ready to enroll in obedience classes but needed to check my work schedule. I purchased a collar and left. That night while walking my dog it became obvious that the collar was too large without the e-collar they had trained with also on. I immediately texted, less than 3 hours after I left, to ask to exchange. When we finally connected I was told that collar is the smallest they make and that they don’t do refunds. He did say he’d confirm with the owner of the place since we used it while training but it doesn’t work alone and he’d text me back. I haven’t heard a thing. Did the experience impact my dog training? No. But their customer service left me thinking I’ll take my money elsewhere. It’s the little things, and a $30 collar that doesn’t fit that they recommended to me seems like a place to step up and be kind. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Tara Cornehl
We work with both Gus and Connor and they have both been so helpful and compassionate. We have a reactive rescue dog and are seeing so much improvement already and will continue to trust in Optimal Dog for our training needs. Thank you for all you do.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Sandra Klug
Reviewed on Google Maps
Quincey Ackerman
So far, my experience has mainly been with Gus (consultation for my Newfie for stay and train 25 day program). He is so friendly and helpful and gives ease for the kind of care that Sig will get while he is there. The only thing I have to say so far is that when I was in my car ( dog was in the very back), and a trainer (not sure who) walked passed the back of my vehicle and adter my dog barked, she barked back at him. Considering this is a training point and hardly ever encouraged for household pets, I was super thrown off by this. I am hopeful that Gus will give Sig the love and care he needs, while helping his achieve his full potential with good listening. Will update my review after our newfie is done with the program! More...
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David Hulse
The classes for our puppy is working pretty great.
Reviewed on Google Maps
Diana
I can’t say enough good things about Optimum. I was a first time German Shepard owner. My dog was 4 mos. when I got her and very sick. It took 3 months to get her healthy enough to be around other dogs for training. At 7 months, with very little training, she was a monster. I needed help!! She needed behavior modification training in addition to obedience training. Zach met with me for the initial training and I was immediately put at ease. My little monster was listening to him and responding. I enrolled her in the 6 week program. She worked with all the staff during that time. Jenn has amazing staff! The staff worked to build her confidence as well as her skills. I honestly don’t know what I would have done if I hadn’t heard about this place. I continue to take my dog there for spot trainings and group trainings. One of the best parts is they train me to be a better dog owner. I have learned skills and have increased my own confidence when I am with her. I am so grateful for this place! More...
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Charlotte Pitt
Gave me the right tools and skills needed to completely transform my reactive rescue with a bite history! Thank you
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Mike M
They are great with our dog. The place is well set up for big dogs
Reviewed on Google Maps
Terese Marie
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Julie
Thanks to Jen and her staff, I can co-exist w/my very stubborn English Bulldog, without continually telling her "no", "stop", "don't do that". I. know that Optimum Dog uses STEM collars but I wanted to try using positive reinforcement methods first. Going in for board & train, my EBD knew all of the commands but, in typical Bulldog fashion, she literally didn't give two $%#&@ about following those commands, unless it was her idea. Jen and her team were on board with starting with positive reinforcement methods, with the hope of not needing to move to STEM. My EBD came home, and was better at listening, but within a couple of weeks time she was back to giving ole mom the paw if she didn't want to do something. Additionally, we spend time at my fiancés house, on five acres, not fully fenced. I needed my furry little angel to come when called, not run out into the road because she was chasing a deer and to "leave it" when told to do so...because...being kissed by this love muffin, who just ate a pound of chicken *&^%, is not my idea of a good day. So back to Optimum Dog she went, this time for STEM training, and I wish I had done this from the beginning!! This was just the little push she needed to be a secure, well rounded, obedient and happy pup! STEM training, for her, looks something like this; she wears her collar, her STEM number is 6 (0-100), it is so mild that I cannot feel the STEM when I put the collar on my skin to test it out. It's just enough of a gentle tap to get attention, much less even than tugging on a leash/collar to redirect her. I reserve "vibrate" for "leave it". Vibrate gets an immediate reaction of "I'm not touching it mom, I promise"; who knew?! I always thought vibrate would be less annoying but turns out, with my pup, that isn't the case. Anyway, I am grateful that Jen and her team walked me through this training, utilizing the methods that I was comfortable with and then training me on how a STEM collar really works. It's not about "shocking" or "pain", which was the misconception that I had going into this initially. If you are looking for a great trainer, Jen is one of the best! If you are looking for warm & fuzzy and a woman that is going to make excuses for being strong and independent, not going to find that here. Jen is a strong woman with strong opinions and ideas. She has a profitable, flourishing business, in an industry run by men. That alone, garners my respect!! As a bonus: My brand new SUV broke down just outside of her parking lot. I text her that I was stuck and she came running....like literally, running. I was sitting in my car, blocking traffic and a driveway, cars speeding by giving me the "bird" and yelling at me; my anxiety at an all time high. Jen grabbed my keys, did some GM magic, popped the hood, messed with the battery, put gas in my car, because maybe the fuel sensor wasn't working...who knows...When OnStar didn't call/text or show up, after over an hour (ultimately they called SEVEN HOURS LATER...that's another review...I digress), Jen was on the phone with the tow company getting me a tow truck and on the phone with her husband getting me help and a ride home. She didn't have to do any of this, but...she did. Shine theory!! When one woman shines, we all shine!! I've read all of the reviews for this business, the good and bad. While I can understand the frustration in a couple, with not being contacted or missed appointments, there are some reviews that are simply pet owners not taking responsibility for their own issues. It's often easier to shrug the blame on to someone else, rather than to look in the mirror and ask "what part do I play in this situation". Take all reviews, mine included, with a grain of salt. Not every person or every business is going to be the right fit for everyone. But, if you are looking for a good trainer, in a clean, safe environment, I suggest reaching out for a tour and conversation. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Jackie Owens
Great trainer!
Reviewed on Google Maps
Mark Askelson
Great experience 😀
Reviewed on Google Maps
K Myers
On August 4, 2021 "puppy trainer" Elner Troupe used deceptive, cruel and abusive techniques, as part of their puppy primer hybrid program. She placed a prong collar on my 16 week old labrador puppy, then stepped on the leash 6" from his neck. My puppy screamed and struggled for over 30 seconds, until he collapsed at her feet. This is NOT in alignment with the AKC STAR puppy training. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Eddie Ramirez
Jen helped trained our first dog, a German Shepherd rescue from a backyard breeder. When looking for a second paw companion, she was fostering a surrender from a Cali dog pound, and she helped us introduce them and make sure they were a good fit. We did board & train, regular 1-2hr sessions, at the training spot in Mt Vernon but also in parks around the general area. We learned how to responsibly use an ecollar & prong collar. (And for those of you that think positive training is the only training, do yourselves a favor and read and learn about some opposing views with real world examples). All throughout the training process we were actively involved and asked questions when we had them, so when I read some other negative reviews about this place, and how people are expecting a final delivered perfect product, all I think about is that they should get a toy, or something that requires zero effort from them. We are in our third dog now, a Belgian Malinois also a rescue from Cali, and Optimum dog is and will still be our spot to go. I can’t say enough good things about them. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Ashley Lamp
I have been taking my GSD puppy to Optimum since Lulu was about 6 months old. Jenn was referred to me by some friends who had seen her work with dogs and called her, “the dog whisperer. ” We have worked with Jenn, Charlie and Elner. Their team provides a great balance of techniques teaching not only Lulu but me too! I now have the knowledge and tools to take my puppy and my toddler out for walks, on public trails, to parks etc., without any worry of dealing with bad puppy behavior. I have boarded Lulu with them multiple times and they are amazing with communication and even sending photos! I usually pick Lulu up without any notice and when I show up I always see a bunch of happy dogs! We will definitely be lifelong clients. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Keiko Massey
I have had two Dobermans. Jen has boarded and trained both of them. Our neighbors always remark how well behaved they are. I have sent several people to Jen to train their dogs. I have received nothing but Thank You and positive feedback from them regarding their experience with Optimum. As to boarding I would not take my Dobie anywhere else. Every year, including this year, it has been a positive experience for me, no worrying, and my dog. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Quinn Murray
I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience with Jenn & optimum dog. Her team helped us socialize our pup and get to the root of his problems. We were able to get his confidence up and sort out his leash aggression as a result. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Sue Gregg
They are located behind a residential mobile home park and their dogs bother us with uncontrolled barking and hearing "shut up"
Reviewed on Google Maps
carmen winquist
We have worked with Jen, Charlie Elner and we cannot say enough good things about all of them. They really care about the animals they work with, helping their clients learn the skills they need to be a better handler, and offer all kinds of suggestions on tools to train the best dog possible. After 6 months with our Belgium Malinois rescue who had no prior training, was pretty crazy when we brought him home and we weren't even sure if it we could make it work to keep him... his recall is amazing, he has learned to live with our cat and livestock (despite his high prey drive), he walks well on a leash, knows a plethora of tricks and commands, he has turned into a happy, hard-working dog.... We love him so much! And we are excited to keep learning together with Optimum Dog! Thank you so much you guys, Dallas can't wait till he sees you all next! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Elizabeth coit
Amazing and experienced trainers
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Roxanne Lowe
This place is awesome especially if you want more of a personal touch! Great people!
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Karen Brakefield
I want to thank Optimum Dog for working very hard to help my unruly Pomeranian puppy with biting and motion sickness issues. I was exhausted and looking at rehoming her I almost gave up. I called Optimum Dog and was placed in contact with Katelyn. We made arrangements for a consultation the next day. Katelyn was confident she could help her. The next day Katelyn picked my puppy up and took her for board and train. After only a few weeks my puppy came home crate trained completely free of motion sickness a miracle in itself ! Her biting issues are much improved and shows me respect and love I wasn't getting from her at all. I am very much encouraged and instead of looking to rehome her now I have some tools to work with her for our future. I am now looking forward to getting her into puppy classes with Optimum Dog. Now I understand the importance of training and it truly is worth every penny. Thank you so much Katelyn and Jenn and Optimum dog. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Linda
Dog Training
I like the variety of options Optimum dog offers. The personal training. worked great for me being able to set up flexible times. Christina was awesome! She was great at communicating and being available at different times of the day and week. She is very knowledgeable and skilled with the dog training process. She worked well with a puppy...having patience but demanding at the same time. She was fun to work with! My puppy loved her! I would highly recommend Optimum Dog! More...
Shawna Pelts
We paid for a 15 day program for $1700. The list of things our dog was supposed to learn is listed on their website. After the program our dog can not do most any of the things listed. He does not listen to "Place". The trainer couldn't even get him to stay on place without reminding him every minute or two to go back to place or "tapping" him and showing back to place. Tapping is using a ecollar. She used a shock collar on our puppy without letting us know that is how she trains dogs. He does not wait at open doors, does not heal, does not respect personal space or no jump up, doesn't know what "kennel" means and is not potty trained with a potty bell - I could go on and on. We told her in the beginning that using a potty bell was our number one priority and he can't do it. He does not ring it to go outside. He does not ring it when you tell him "touch". He peed on the carpet right next to us the first day back. He basically learned nothing in the 23 days she had him. He has the same EXACT behavior and has not changed at all. She was "tapping - as she calls it) using the shock collar almost constantly on him when she was trying to show us what he learned. Our poor puppy. She tried to blame it on us that its our fault. But our puppy learned nothing. Horrible waste of money. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Stephanie C
We had previously been working with a different trainer, but our 7 year old dog still had dog aggression. Due to a change in our living situation, we were at a crossroads where we either needed to stop the aggression or rehome him. Rehoming was really the last resort option I would consider, so I contacted several trainers and ultimately decided on Optimum Dog. Jen taught me and my dog an entire new method to dog training using electronics. She and her staff use modernized and much kinder methods for training, which my dog responded very well to. Before training with Optimum Dog, he didn't like the electronic collar. After, he has no problem with it and excited to get out and work. I can't say my dog is 100% "cured" of his dog aggression, but he is MUCH better (he's interest has switched to mostly playfulness) and I now have the tools to redirect him effectively without causing him more anxiety. I highly recommend Optimum Dog! More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Chad D.
Do yourself a favor and if your looking for a professional dog trainer, optimum dog training is the best their is and you should defiantly hire her. My dog was very insecure dog and had become aggressive. I took my pup to another trainer and unfortunately was a complete waste of time and money and not to mention amateur hour compared to Optimum Dog training. My pup had bitten a friend and I was advised to put him down and really didn't have it in my heart to do so and by the grace of god I found Jen. When she came to get my pup it was only supposed to be for 16 days but my dog was/is a stubborn dog so she wanted to make sure he was solid when he came back to me so she kept him for 30 days, and after those 30 days I got him back I couldn't believe the difference and how well behaved he is. You do still have to work him and be solid with him but Optimum Dog Training is WELL WORTH the money. It's nice to see your friends and family who thought I had a crazy dog, to see the difference in him and how well he is behaved. Optimum Dog Training continues training after the dog is trained and the tough part is training me so I can be solid dog owner which is another great asset of this company in making sure the owners know how to handle their dog. If I get another dog I will without question hire Optimum Dog or refer anyone that needs a trainer. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Thya Littell
The facility was easy to find, super clean, and Jenn knows her stuff when it comes to shaping dogs. She's kind and firm with the dogs and they love her for it!
Reviewed on Google Maps
rich beebe
Jenn and her staff did an amazing job with my two pups. While on vacation she accomplished a great deal of obedience training, manners and place command work. I highly recommend. They will also train you how to work with your dogs moving forward. More...
Reviewed on Google Maps
Rich Beebe
Amazing experience, I have two stubborn pups (English Bulldog mix, and a Cane Corso puppy) that Jen made fantastic progress with in just one week! Optimum Dog will produce results for you and your dog. More...
Judy
I would recommend them to anyone. We were headed to fair in 3 weeks. My dog decided to get nippy and would not let anyone touch her.
We decided to seek a trainer. After 3 training days the club leader was able to pet her. After 4th training the group members were able to pet her. So amazing.
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D. D.
Hi again! I am writing today, where it's been two years since I sent my dog, Fred, to Boot Camp with his trainer, Jenn. I promised I would update from time-to-time. This is my third post and update. I want to tell you that Fred is doing better than ever! He continues to maintain his training and his great attitude! In fact, we have noticed that when we go to the park and walk him, we've noticed that he is the most behaved dog in the park. People continue to walk up to him and pet him without incident. Dogs come up to him without any issues. People come over to our home and we don't worry because Fred is friendly! Fred's vet called me a couple of weeks ago asking for Jenn's number to give to his clients. He has asked me for her number before and called again recently. I have referred her to several co-workers. I can't thank Jenn, our dog whisperer, enough for the turn around in Fred two years ago. He is a senior dog now. He is enjoying his old age in a more relaxed fashion. He is a happy dog and continues to be that way. Aside from dog training, Jenn also spends her time going on dog rescue missions. She truly is amazing. She is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to the health of our pets as well. We highly recommend her! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
What do you love most about your job?
Dogs...and people! We absolutely love watching the transformation as we change the relationship with your dog and you, especially those light bulb ???? moments when it all clicks and the communication is just right! What fun to see wagging tails, great doggy focus ???? and big smiles! ????
What inspired you to start your own business?
I started training dogs in my mid teens! I honestly have been sought out, helping problem dogs, even when only training part time due to other career commitments. At last, I am in a position in which dog training is my sole business and one that I enjoy each day! I like being creative with solutions and not bound by corporate constraints that limit what we can do to help our clients. The beauty of owning my own dog training business and contracting talented people under me means we provide great service and put our clients first!
Why should our clients choose you?
We care and will truly listen to your concerns and needs. We offer everything in the trainers tool box giving you the maximum choices in solutions and how you want to train your dog. We inform, teach, show and keep coaching you, until you feel the difference in your handlimg skills and how it molds your dog’s relationship with you. We follow through and are flexible to work with and provide a great value for the time we invest in you.
Private Dog Training Sessions
One on one instruction where we will coach you and work with your dog or puppy.
Stay & Train Services
Full immersion program where your dog or puppy stays with the trainer in evening and attends dog school during the day. Obedience, special work, treadmill time, public manners, off lead work, potty training...just a few of the things we work and then we work with owners too!
Fido Fit & Fun
Ditch daycare...day learning and activities shape your dog into a better companion and challenge them while you are away. Treadmill, circuit training work in training center, playtime and cot time.
Treadmill Time
Run errands and dropnoff for some cardio treadmill time!
