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We came to Asheville Dog Academy( Chris Valdes ) with our large 8 1/2 month old female Lab who was highly active and much too much dog for us, both being over 70 . Chris assured us with three weeks’ training we would get back a still spirited affectionate dog but one totally changed. Chris kept his word to a T! She is still spirited but focused on us which she never was before, she is quieter, mannered and obedient. A wonderfully changed dog to be sure! And one we can now live with! In addition he provides very well organized and thoughtful written instructions that one can always refer to to check that one is on the mark at home, as well as follow up sessions for man and canine. Chris is a fully competent trainer who works with kindness and great respect for his charges . We can’t thank him enough for what he has done for her and us! Judy Warner and Lee Dudley

Our dog is a Sheprador. The makeup of his personality is accurately reflected in his German Shepard/Yellow Labrador mix. His nature, temperament and disposition closely resemble both breeds of dogs. He is physically and emotionally strong. He is intelligent, vigilant, alert, confident and strong willed. He is also very loving. Our dog is also anxious and highly excitable which contributes to occasional inappropriate interactions with people and other dogs. At 10 months we realized we needed some guidance with our GSD/Lab mix puppy. We were led to Chris at the Asheville Dog Academy. After visiting with Chris, we enrolled our puppy in the Board and Train program. To make a long story short, Chris trained and boarded our dog for three weeks. We were updated with comments and daily photos that Chris sent through email and texts. In each communication we were able to witness our dog’s stages of behavioral transformation. After three weeks we drove to the Academy Dog Academy to pick up our dog. We were truly astounded. The positive transformation was impressive. Our beloved dog was able to perform basic as well as advanced dog obedience commands at ease. Before we left the Asheville Dog Academy, Chris explained the work he had completed with our dog. Most importantly he provided a couple of hours to answer questions and show the procedures needed for us to continue the obedience training in a consistent manner that was necessary for continued success. Since that day, we visited with Chris whenever we needed to talk with him about unusual circumstances regarding an occasional behavioral issue. Chris has also worked with us at the dog park and in our home. I am pleased to report that after 10 weeks we have a puppy who is loved by everyone. Again, we are still comfortable contacting Chris at any time. He has always been available to trouble shoot any behavioral circumstances that may arise during our dog’s complete change. Chris’ organizational mastery, teaching techniques, communication skills and follow-up plan are more than commendable. We place him in a rating category of 5+ on a five point scale. However, the most revealing traits of the Chris and his wife Violet are their passion and dedication for their chosen calling and their love extended to our dog. Our beloved puppy was treated with affection and understanding while learning the nuances of making the adjustment from a confused “rescue” to a responsible member of our family. Doug and Jacque McLaughlin

Amazing. Amazing results! Our dog is totally obidient . He stays in place, heels while walking, comes back when called. Chris is a great trainer who made our dog obeying all our commands on the first day out. Money well spent! Thank you Chris. Pure magic. I don’t know how it is possible! I would recommend extremely strongly - sign up your dog , you will be surprised how much your dog will learn. It totally exceeded my expectations.

We just completed the basic and advanced 8 lesson training with our now 9 month old GSP and have been very pleased with the results. We came in with a few specific goals like leash manners and off-leash training, and left with so much more. Chris did a great job of teaching us the tools to help train Scout-- it was very rewarding to be a part of her success and see her improve each week after going home and practicing the key commands/activities on our own. The progression from the clicker to the pronged collar to the E collar was smooth. Scout is now able to run off and on leash, ignores other dogs, heels on command without the leash, and auto-sits whenever we stop. We have gotten so many compliments on how well-behaved she is. He also helped us with other puppy issues that arose in the process like chewing and struggles with crate training. We highly recommend Asheville Dog Academy-- it was definitely worth the investment!

I took my fun loving, one year, 3 month old puppy Gracie to see Chris and his team for the 21 Day Board and Train Program, and I am OVER THE MOON happy with the results! She had the normal puppy behaviors including zooming across all furniture, jumping up on people she greeted in and out of the home, and pulling constantly on the leash. Chris and his team helped make outings and even home life more enjoyable with this training. It was a night and day difference, and all my friends and family can attest to this!! You can truly see how much the team at Asheville Dog Academy cares for dogs and their ability to enjoy life to the fullest through this training. It relieves stress and uncertainty for both owner and dog. Chris has been there to answer all of my questions before, during, and after the process and provides 100% customer satisfaction. This process includes training the owners as well, and they have made me more comfortable in my abilities with our follow up sessions. I would recommend Asheville Dog Academy to anyone and everyone and honestly cannot say enough about how grateful I am to them!!

Asheville Dog Academy transformed our nervous, highly energetic dog into a dog that understands now how to control herself and be more confident. She couldn't sit still, was obsessed with our other dog, counter surfing, and while she was clearly very smart, we couldn't figure out how to get her to retain anything. We didn't know how to communicate with her. We did the 21 day board and train and are continuing the have follow-up lessons - which are more for the humans than the dogs. Without these, training would quickly go out the window and these are SO valuable for educating and keeping us accountable so we can set our dog up for success. She stays on her place for 1+ hour at a time without making a fuss, walking loosely on a leash, is okay with approaching new places, and is able to control herself. She's truly a transformed dog and is thriving with the structure and training from ADA. Oh - and they send picture and videos updates about every other day which was super reassuring to see her and the progress!!