Testimonials

RADAR

“We highly recommend Steve!! We reached out to Steve for our rescued dog. Radar has anxiety and pulled us on walks so he needed some additional help. Steve helped us learn more about Radar- giving us the confidence, and ultimately Radar the confidence- to enjoy a walk and meet new people. The recall tricks we learned are amazing! I know Radar will listen-truly important since we also have a bear that visits every so often.”

TUCKER

“Steve was beyond awesome! We have a 12 year old Corgi-Cattle dog mix that has been unruly with our two cats. He gets excessively excited, drools, launches and pants whenever the cats come around. We were desperate to find some help to get them to live in harmony! After ONE one-hour visit, our dog Tucker was much more responsive to commands such as “no” and “leave it” when the cats entered his territory.

Steve left us with awesome advice, tricks and tools to help us get them to co-exist. We’re VERY happy with his services and would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a personalized dog trainer. 10 stars ✨💗”

DUNCAN

“In July 2023 we adopted uncan, a terrier mix rescue that had previously spent time as a street dog, an ASPCA kennel dog, and a foster pup living on a farm. We know nothing about his life before his time on the street, but it’s certain that he didn’t have a good life. The poor boy was pretty badly scarred by his history and happily came to us, though he really needed some help. We found Steve online, and when he and Dunkie met, there was an instant connection. Steve taught Duncan (and his owners) about handling Duncan’s leash yanking, gaining this fearful dog’s trust/obedience, recall when he tries to run, his growling, barking, and confusion around other dogs and their owners. The improvement has been tremendous, and while he’s still a work in progress, Steve’s help has been remarkable. We cannot recommend Steve “Good Dog” highly enough.”

CHARLIE

“I contacted Steve when my King Charles Cavalier was 4 months old. She was constantly jumping- on me and any visitors to my home. Of most concern was her jumping on my grandchildren and nipping them in the face. Steve was kind, respectful and patient and was able to extinguish this problem behavior in a few visits. Potty training had been difficult, and Steve gave me some tips which proved very helpful. He also taught Charlie the “stay” and “leave it” commands. We worked tirelessly on the recall command, and I am proud to say that Charlie can come on command when outdoors, even when there are distractions. I said goodbye to Steve but had him come back for an additional session to teach Charlie to jump into the back seat of my car. (She’s not great at trying new things.) I should mention that Charlie loves Steve. Steve’s firmness and consistency seem to be just what Charlie needs and I have been able to pattern my behavior with Charlie by using Steve’s good example. Charlie is now 15 months old, and I could not be any happier with our relationship and with her behavior. I am forever grateful for Steve’s kindness, patience and expertise.”

KINSLEY & KONA

“This is our first experience with a private dog trainer and we couldn’t be happier. In just two trainings, we have learned proper commands as pet owners and both of our Golden Retriever’s are already showing improvements in temperament and behavior. Steve is very knowledgeable, he’s patient, and overall has a tremendous passion for what he does. We are looking forward to many more trainings with Steve Good Dog and could not recommend him.”

ACORN

“Working with Steve has helped us to learn to better communicate with our dog Acorn and has given us easy and effective techniques to overcome unwanted behaviors. Steve is patient, kind and above all truly dedicated to our success. We have built trust and respect with Acorn and in turn, feel like we are able to have an even better relationship as a family!”

MILLIE

“Millie was a 12 month old lab mix rescue from South Carolina when we started working with Steve. We did not know much about her background except that she was very scared & timid especially with men. After only a few sessions with Steve he taught us more about her emotional behavior that she is a different dog now. We learned commands but more so we learned how to grow Millie’s confidence & gain her respect to form a stronger bond. At one point early in training we were desparate because Millie would not stay in a crate and with her anxiety was chewing up everything. We trusted Steve’s advice to now not using a crate and coming home to no more victims of a chewing spree. We highly recommend Steve to train your dog but more so to train the owners to be better dog parents.”

GOLIATH

“I’m a teacher & I give Steve an A+++!

Goliath is a 1 1/2 yr. Mini English Bulldog, who is very sweet but needed A-LOT of help! Within the 1st lesson, Steve worked his magic, setting up the foundation for Goliath’s change in mind set( mine too) & the work we would have to do. Steve is such a positive, kind hearted person. He has a wonderful personality that put me at ease right away & you can see how much he loves dogs! Goliath is one of his biggest fans & we have both learned so much from Steve. This training has been a Godsend for my husband & I… worth every penny!”

BARTLEBY

“Before I was lucky enough to find Steve, my husband and I searched for a dog trainer for my then 5 month old Sheepadoodle, Bartleby. We found a man that charged $275/hour and we had to buy a minimum of 5 sessions. Not knowing any better we decided to do it. After the 2nd training session I was very upset at the treatment of our dog and was told that some of his unwanted behavior “may never be fixed”. A friend told me about Steve and raved about how well he worked with her and her dog. Steve has worked with us 7 or 8 times, but the difference in Bartleby was remarkable after session 3. Steve showed us, very gently, that we were doing things wrong and he helped us fix our interactions with our dog to make it better for all 3 of us!! He’s a good dog, but Steve made him a GREAT dog! Steve is so easy going. Bartleby is always so excited to see Steve and work with him. I can’t say enough good things about Steve and our experience with him. AND he certainly didn’t charge any where near $275/hour! It’s a win all the way around!!”

NOVA

“I was looking for a trainer for Nova my King Charles Cavalier. She is 18 months old and I’ve had her 4 months. She arrived with no training or experience walking with a harness and leash. I knew I needed help. Steve Good dog was recommended to me and I gave him a call. He arrived and from the first session I could see that I had a lot to learn but he was great. He explained why and what I should do first and then showed me the correct way. He is a fantastic teacher.

After 7 lessons Nova and I have progressed beyond my expectations! I highly recommend Steve Good dog for all your training needs. He checks all the boxes:

Experience ✔️
Professional ✔️
Prompt ✔️

And Nova loves him! To quote Steve, “Dogs don’t lie”!”

OLIVER

“Steve is an excellent trainer, and we’re so thankful to have found him! At 8 years old, Oliver now walks great on leash and understands what good behavior is. The training was as much for me as it was for Oliver, he now respects me, knows “place”, excellent recall and even a few party tricks. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks 🙂 Steve is amazing!”

BEAU

“I am so happy that we found Steve to train our rescue puppy Beau. This is our first dog as a family and we were starting to see some unwanted behavior, jumping, nipping and not listening. I wanted to fix it sooner than later and knew nothing about properly training a dog, so I reached out to Steve for help. We set up our first training session the very next day! The first thing I noticed is how much my puppy took to Steve. Steve is firm and yet so positive and gentle with his approach. Beau wanted to train and work and he learned quickly. Steve included my whole family in the training so we could all stay consistent. In between lessons when we were having some behavioral issues, I was able to text Steve and he responded very quickly and gave me the advice and suggestions I needed to stop the behavior. He taught us the basic commands, sit, stay, come, down, off, leave it, and also walking on a leash. We have an 11 year old cat and Steve was so helpful in the introductions as well. Steve made owning a puppy much more enjoyable and easier then it first was. We look forward to every session with Steve, and what Beau is going to learn next. I can’t recommend Steve enough for all your basic training and behavioral issues that may have.”

MAGGIE

“Steve is an awesome trainer for not only my dog Maggie, but more importantly myself! Within 20 minutes of our first session, Maggie was laying at his feet instead of mine. Steve puts out great energy to keep her focused and excited throughout the lesson. After just 2 sessions, Maggie is walking much better on her leash and was listening to all my commands much more effectively!”

MILO

“Steve was amazing from the moment we met at the dog park! Within our first hour he had taught Milo to walk calmly beside us and to relax around other dogs. Steve is friendly and respectful to us and our dog, Milo. Also, Steve took the time to fix some major behavioral issues like Milo barking at us when we tried to sit on the couch and leaving dropped pieces of food.”

PATERSON

“We have had two sessions with Stephen and could not be happier. He is knowledgeable, patient and kind. He has worked with myself as well as my 11 year old daughter with Patterson. Patterson likes Stephen and has responded quickly to the instruction he provides. We’ve noticed a marked improvement. I look forward to where we’ll be at the end of 10 sessions.”

SPROUT

“Steve is an excellent trainer, I have never seen my puppy warm up to someone so fast and be excited to focus. Steve is fully transparent in his business and his methods, and he explains every aspect of his training in a digestible way. He is kind and respectful toward dogs while quickly gaining their trust and respect. Couldn’t have been happier with the results, I would not recommend anyone else!”

ROMEO

“Steve has completely transformed how we view training Romeo. From the minute he stepped into our home, Romeo’s energy did a complete 180. Steve is patient and extremely knowledgeable. He believes in corrections when necessary, but he focuses primarily on positive reinforcement and building trust which has helped us so much. We look forward to continuing our training with Steve and seeing all that our pup is capable of!”

PRECIOUS

“It’s been a great journey with Steve. He is kind, honest and a very gifted dog trainer. We got our rescue precious in March & she is a very good girl but had some issues with walking on the leash & a squirrel obsession. We had significant improvement immediately & it just got better after weeks of training. We would highly recommend Steve to anyone who wants an obedient & happy dog. Priceless!”

NIMBUS

“We are so grateful to have been able to work with Steve. Our wonderful two year old dog Nimbus had developed some territorial behaviors, including intense, loud barking all at the window throughout the day, barking at and leash pulling toward people, dogs, and cars during walks, and anxiety around strangers. On the first visit, Steve has Nimbus following his commands without question. I was so scared that she would be nervous around him but she trusted him right away. Not only did Steve help by correcting all of our concerns, but he taught us how to have fun with training. He explained more about how dogs brains works while giving us clear instructions on how to better communicate with her. I love how he is always advocating for the dogs, he clearly cares so much about his work, and with his vast knowledge we were so relieved to have progress within the first day, and solved our issues with just a few sessions. We keep seeing Steve not just to help keep our dog well trained, but also because she enjoys training with Steve so much, and so do we!! Highly, highly recommend.”
— Audrey

LACEY

“I reached out to Steve after a disappointing experience in Puppy Kindergarten. He stopped my dog from jumping almost instantly and showed me practical, meaningful activities to help build a bond of mutual respect. In just one session my dog was walking calmly at my side and coming when called. Steve’s approach is calm, clear, and incredibly effective. I finally feel confident and connected with my dog. I can’t recommend him enough!”
— Ellen

ROCKY

“Rocky is a rescue from Arkansas. We adopted him as a puppy and he was our first family dog. We didn’t know the first thing about training our dog so we reached out to Steve for help. As soon as Steve arrived at our house you could see a positive change in Rocky’s behavior. Steve immediately addressed the behavioral issues we were having with Rocky from jumping on everyone that came in our front door to counter surfing to pulling when we walked him. He taught Rocky to sit, stay, lay down, and to walk with us off-leash. While Steve came to train Rocky he also trained my whole family. He taught us the proper way to give commands and how to discipline Rocky. The most amazing tool that Steve gave us was the “recall” by far. Rocky can be anywhere within earshot playing with another dog or doing whatever and if we say, “ROCKY COME!” he will stop what he’s doing and run to us and sit down. What an amazing gift. We have received so many compliments about how well behaved Rocky is whether we are going for a walk around the neighborhood, at the dog park or sitting outside at a restaurant/brewery. I also have to say that Rocky loves Steve as he has a great approach to his training. He praises his dogs for good behavior but isn’t afraid to let them know when they are misbehaving. That consistency creates a real trust between him and the dog he’s training. I can’t say enough about the training we’ve received from Steve, has truly made our first experience owning a dog a breeze.”

ELLIE

“Steve has made a noticeable impact with our Ellie after just a couple sessions. His leash training has improved our walks immensely! Not only does he do so well with our dog, but he teaches us, as her owners, valuable skills and exercises that improve confidence, establish structure, and stimulate her brain.
Steve is not only a great trainer, but a great person because you can tell right away that he cares so much for dogs and makes sure that they will get the proper training when working with him. Highly recommend his services!” 
— Jackie

BEAR

“I’ve had nine Labradors in my life. All professionally trained. All wonderful in their own way. But I’ve never worked with anyone like Steve. There’s simply no comparison. He is, without question, the best.

Steve is more than a professional dog trainer — he’s a kind, grounded human being who brings not only skill and structure to the process, but heart. And Bearis Amadeus, our 5 ½-month-old Labrador pup, absolutely adores him. What Steve has accomplished with Bear in such a short time is nothing short of remarkable.

Bear now heels, sits, lies down, stays, and walks beside us silently — all without verbal commands. He waits for permission before approaching guests or his food bowl. He knows how to “leave it,” how to be calm and quiet, how to walk respectfully in public, how to behave in a coffee shop, and how to go directly to “his place” — an elevated cot reserved just for him — and stay there until released. That level of control, without breaking the dog’s spirit, is rare. And Bear, full of life and joy, has lost none of his spark.

Here’s the part that really amazes me: if Bear is 100, 200, even 300 feet away and hears “Bear, come!” — he turns on a dime and runs straight to us. Every time. That’s not just obedience — that’s trust and connection.

What truly sets Steve apart is that he doesn’t just train your dog — he trains you. He empowers you to build a relationship with your dog based on clarity, respect, and consistent leadership. That kind of coaching is priceless.

In the next few weeks, Bear will be learning how to put his toys back in the box after a play session. Yes — you read that right. This puppy will clean up after himself.

Steve’s training is effective, affordable, and humane. But more than that, he’s a compassionate soul who takes pride in helping both dogs and their people thrive. I can’t recommend him highly enough. If you want your dog to be their best self — and to become the kind of person your dog already believes you are — work with Steve. You’ll be grateful you did.”
— Dr. Rick

TUCKER

“Steve is a wonderful trainer! Our rescue puppy Tucker is a handful to say the least. We have learned so much from Steve. Tucker behaves and listens to our commands much better now.” 
— Carolyn

DAISEY

“Steve is the true dog whisperer!! He is very patient with Daisey but more so with me. This is my first dog and we have seen Steve twice and there is such a big change for the better. He explains everything and works with you to get it down right. I can’t say enough good things about Steve, he is such a joy to work with.” 
— Gail

CASPER

“We were really struggling with our German Shepherd rescue dog who has heartworm and a lot of pent-up energy. He had bitten my brother and barked aggressively at visitors, which made having people over very stressful. Steve was incredibly kind, patient, and professional. Even though our dog initially went after him (while muzzled), by the end of the session he had stopped barking and was much calmer.

Steve went above and beyond—he understood our situation and took the time to teach both my daughter and me how to walk the dog safely, manage the muzzle, and reduce his reactivity. Unlike other trainers who felt rushed or overpriced, Steve genuinely cared and worked with us to create lasting changes. You can tell his heart is really in it. We’re so grateful for his help!” 
— Vivian

MIKA

“We had a great experience working with Steve. Our puppy came along so quick after just a few lessons and he gave us the tools to keep her learning. I would highly highly recommend Steve to anyone looking for a dog trainer.” 
— Melissa

BRONX

“I have been working with Steve for over a month with my 7 month old puppy and it has been great!! Bronx has learned simple commands and listens so well. We took him to socialize and he did great. Steve is always on time and worth the money. I will continue to work with him as my dog keeps getting bigger, he does not jump on me anymore. It has been very helpful to teach this big boy with the help of Steve!!!” 
— Melissa

BAMBI

“I cannot recommend Steve highly enough! After 3 years of trying different facilities, group classes, and even 1:1 training with other trainers, I felt completely defeated because nothing worked consistently. From the start, Steve’s approach stood out – his practices are grounded in a deep understanding of dog behavior and psychology, and he communicates with dogs in a way that is both straightforward and incredibly effective.

Steve’s love and passion for dogs comes through in every interaction, not only with the animals but also with their people. He has helped me improve my relationship with all 4 of my dogs (a Chihuahua mix, Maltese, Dalmatian, and Coonhound mix -ranging widely in size, age, and personality!). He taught me how to train them to behave appropriately, increase their tolerances, and expand their commands in a way that actually sticks.

One of the biggest successes is my Dalmatian named Bambi, who, after only a few months of working with Steve, passed her Pet Partners Therapy Dog evaluation with me and is now part of my clinical team working with individuals and small groups struggling with mental health. This milestone felt impossible before working with Steve. What I love most is that Steve doesn’t just “train the dog” – he trains the owners how to teach and communicate effectively so that progress continues long after each session. His methods are clear, compassionate, and designed for long-term success.

If you’re looking for training help of any kind, Steve is absolutely amazing. I can say with confidence that he has transformed not only my dogs’ behavior but also my confidence as their owner and trainer. Highly, highly recommend!” 
— Alana

Zephra

“AMAZING! I have only the highest praise for Steve and how he’s helped train US to be better owners (because all dogs are good dogs, let’s be real).

Our dog, Zephra, is a 9 year old Australian Cattle Dog. We needed help reducing her distresses and anxiety, and reducing her reactivity to one of our cats and other dogs (after she was attacked twice by another dog). I had tried many different strategies before Steve, and it always felt difficult to know the “right” thing to do.

After working with Steve for just TWO SESSIONS, we saw SO much improvement in her and in ourselves and how we handled her and her behavior/emotions. Now our dog and cat can coexist peacefully which has made a world of difference in our home.

Steve cares, and that sums up why he’s so good at what he does. He cares that you have a good relationship and bond with your dog, and he cares that there’s harmony in your home. He has the heart, and he has the skill, and he teaches that to you.

100 out of 10 – would recommend to absolutely anyone and everyone.” 
— Taylor

Scout

“We had a session with Steve and he showed us an amazing correction technique that helped from the first time we tried it. Our Scout has had a lot of fear aggressive behavior since losing my brother his original owner and we were feeling hopeless with his behavior. Today we are so confident with Steve’s help that our house will be restored to sanity.” 
— Carie

Fonso

“After being turned away from one trainer because she said my dog had “aggression issues”, Steve quickly put that fear to rest and explained how our behaviors register in the mind of a dog

Steve was different, he didn’t come over and teach my dog a bunch of tricks or even “obedience”, he spent most of the time educating (training) me on a dog’s thought processes and how to bring out the best in their nature

He teaches simple building block concepts behind every interaction, the precision of how and when to make eye contact, what words to use and when, what to reward and what to ignore.

Fonso learned very quickly what was expected of him, followed directions as if relieved as my confidence grew.

This is a gentle reinforcing approach, building Fonso’s confidence by always ending with success!

Thank you Steve.” 
— Janet

Ray

“Steve was amazing with our little guy Ray. We adopted him 3 months ago, when he himself was 3 months old. Not only did he train Ray, but he trained us as well. Explained why it was important for Ray us to do certain things certain ways and how it would benefit him. He was patient with all of us and were so grateful to have found him. Worth every penny! Couldn’t recommend him more” 
— Kaitlyn

“Steve is a wonderful dog trainer. He’s very good. He has a lot of tips and tricks. He explains everything he does and why it’s important. Very good at communication. Great person! Would recommend to anyone.” 
— Spencer

Auggie

“I can’t say enough good things about Steve. He was very responsive when I reached out for help. He came and gave us hope when we were running out of it and were so stressed with our rescue dog, Auggie. Steve taught us valuable tools, while exhibiting patience and understanding throughout the whole process. I knew upon his first arrival here that he knew exactly what he was doing and that we were in good hands. Would recommend him to anyone!” 
— Janae

You rescued a dog and not sure where to even begin?

Well if you are ready to have positive changes for both you and your dog, you have come to the right place!