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Hear from our RFRD Family
We take pride in providing top-notch care for your furry family members, and we hope that their feedback will help you make a decision about entrusting us with your dog's care.
The Sun Family
I first learned about RFRD from an instagram post a local dog groomer posted. It was Emma (when she was about half the height she is now) working with a Great Dane (Jake). What I saw was amazing and thought if she can work and train a dog like that then this is where Gus needs to be! That one video sold me and I immediately reached out and got more information about the board and train process. What David told me that first day I met him was what I saw with Emma is what anyone who is handling Gus should be able to do….with proper training and guidance.
Gus started the board and train program back in late June 2021. He went in with zero training and major separation anxiety. And when he came out it was night and day. Having Gus have the proper training from RFRD has strengthened the confidence I have in myself to properly and safely own a dog for not just me but for strangers around Gus. I realized that he needed the strong foundation that RFRD provides and with that he could still be the adorable snuggle buddy (within reason of course). They offer realistic training and are very transparent with you on the expectations there are as the owner of the dog. A well trained dog is only as good as the owner is. They helped me then and still help me to this day years later if I have things to work on with Gus.
The monthly brush up sessions that are offered with the board and train programs are an added bonus. It’s not easy to have a properly trained dog! Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining the education Gus got from RFRD academy and the brush ups provide me with the accountability I need to keep it up. Recently Gus and I were in Sonoma and I left him with a friend to go to the restroom. As I’m walking back to the outdoor patio I open the door and I see Gus running by me straight toward a busy street. I’ve never been more relieved for Gus having RFRD training than in that moment because his recall worked and he came right back to me.
I trust RFRD completely with Gus and am grateful for their help in working with Gus. There aren’t many people I trust to leave Gus with but the RFRD team is one of them. Happy to be a part of the RFRD family and community.
Gus started the board and train program back in late June 2021. He went in with zero training and major separation anxiety. And when he came out it was night and day. Having Gus have the proper training from RFRD has strengthened the confidence I have in myself to properly and safely own a dog for not just me but for strangers around Gus. I realized that he needed the strong foundation that RFRD provides and with that he could still be the adorable snuggle buddy (within reason of course). They offer realistic training and are very transparent with you on the expectations there are as the owner of the dog. A well trained dog is only as good as the owner is. They helped me then and still help me to this day years later if I have things to work on with Gus.
The monthly brush up sessions that are offered with the board and train programs are an added bonus. It’s not easy to have a properly trained dog! Consistency is key when it comes to maintaining the education Gus got from RFRD academy and the brush ups provide me with the accountability I need to keep it up. Recently Gus and I were in Sonoma and I left him with a friend to go to the restroom. As I’m walking back to the outdoor patio I open the door and I see Gus running by me straight toward a busy street. I’ve never been more relieved for Gus having RFRD training than in that moment because his recall worked and he came right back to me.
I trust RFRD completely with Gus and am grateful for their help in working with Gus. There aren’t many people I trust to leave Gus with but the RFRD team is one of them. Happy to be a part of the RFRD family and community.
The Joves Family
My son Aiden wanted a puppy for his 8th birthday. He wanted a furry best friend because he is an only child. We decided on a Cane Corso to complete our family and to be our protector.
Sometimes life just aligns the stars for you. For us, this happened all on the same day because we met David and Danny the first time we met our breeder Max.
You know how you meet a business owner and are sometimes turned off by their pushiness? I’m sure that aggressiveness derives from “Survival of the Fittest”, but meeting David and Danny was FAR from that. We all just clicked. We talked about the breed, they gave us tips, but they never crossed that line of being inappropriate or a “know it all.” They genuinely wanted to share their knowledge and my husband and I recognized their “realness” instantly. Looking back, they never even mentioned RFRD and I’m the one who inquired what their line of work was. My husband and I were certain that we needed their services in the near future.
My husband and I are newbies to this world of a large dog breed, legit breeder and professional trainers. Everything is so overwhelming we needed a support system that would not judge us for being inexperienced, so choosing the village to guide us in this new journey was well planned.
Once Duke turned 5 months old, he started to show signs of possessive behavior towards my son, so I reached out to David. The first step was for RFRD to complete an evaluation of Duke and this was done with Danny. From there, it was suggested that Duke complete a 7 Week Board and Train Program. It was an option for us to pick up Duke for the weekends and as much as I would’ve loved this, we opted out of this because we wanted Duke to benefit every minute of the Academy, instead of traveling back and forth from San Jose to San Francisco.
On drop off day, Duke showed no signs of hesitation and was excited when he was taken from me. I felt like the Mom dropping off her child to it’s first day of school- full of knots in my stomach from worry. I was so worried that my baby would feel abandoned, that I truly believe I developed separation anxiety. David, LeHang and Bernie kept me so updated on Duke’s progress via text and Instagram, it eventually eased all of my worries. We were comforted by seeing how much Duke enjoyed being at the Academy. That alone was worth every penny.
During the final step of the program, my family was involved in our own sessions with Duke. We had no idea what to expect during these One on One sessions, but seeing his progress and how much Duke loved his trainer (Andrea) was impressive! Also, we quickly learned the importance of our role in Duke’s Obedience Training.
We understand that Duke’s training is an ongoing process. So don’t let people tell you that traveling is a burden when you have a pet. That is completely false and Duke has boarded back at the Academy a handful of times after his program because we use our travel time as an opportunity for Duke’s learning.
In our books, RFRD is one of the BEST investments we’ve ever made. Every single trip back to RFRD, Duke is always jumping for joy until he's taken inside. Duke’s actions are louder than words. It is obvious that he LOVES being at RFRD.
They say, if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life. We get that vibe from everyone working at RFRD and wouldn’t trust Duke in the care of anyone else. We are always learning and are forever grateful for the RFRD village we have!
Sometimes life just aligns the stars for you. For us, this happened all on the same day because we met David and Danny the first time we met our breeder Max.
You know how you meet a business owner and are sometimes turned off by their pushiness? I’m sure that aggressiveness derives from “Survival of the Fittest”, but meeting David and Danny was FAR from that. We all just clicked. We talked about the breed, they gave us tips, but they never crossed that line of being inappropriate or a “know it all.” They genuinely wanted to share their knowledge and my husband and I recognized their “realness” instantly. Looking back, they never even mentioned RFRD and I’m the one who inquired what their line of work was. My husband and I were certain that we needed their services in the near future.
My husband and I are newbies to this world of a large dog breed, legit breeder and professional trainers. Everything is so overwhelming we needed a support system that would not judge us for being inexperienced, so choosing the village to guide us in this new journey was well planned.
Once Duke turned 5 months old, he started to show signs of possessive behavior towards my son, so I reached out to David. The first step was for RFRD to complete an evaluation of Duke and this was done with Danny. From there, it was suggested that Duke complete a 7 Week Board and Train Program. It was an option for us to pick up Duke for the weekends and as much as I would’ve loved this, we opted out of this because we wanted Duke to benefit every minute of the Academy, instead of traveling back and forth from San Jose to San Francisco.
On drop off day, Duke showed no signs of hesitation and was excited when he was taken from me. I felt like the Mom dropping off her child to it’s first day of school- full of knots in my stomach from worry. I was so worried that my baby would feel abandoned, that I truly believe I developed separation anxiety. David, LeHang and Bernie kept me so updated on Duke’s progress via text and Instagram, it eventually eased all of my worries. We were comforted by seeing how much Duke enjoyed being at the Academy. That alone was worth every penny.
During the final step of the program, my family was involved in our own sessions with Duke. We had no idea what to expect during these One on One sessions, but seeing his progress and how much Duke loved his trainer (Andrea) was impressive! Also, we quickly learned the importance of our role in Duke’s Obedience Training.
We understand that Duke’s training is an ongoing process. So don’t let people tell you that traveling is a burden when you have a pet. That is completely false and Duke has boarded back at the Academy a handful of times after his program because we use our travel time as an opportunity for Duke’s learning.
In our books, RFRD is one of the BEST investments we’ve ever made. Every single trip back to RFRD, Duke is always jumping for joy until he's taken inside. Duke’s actions are louder than words. It is obvious that he LOVES being at RFRD.
They say, if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life. We get that vibe from everyone working at RFRD and wouldn’t trust Duke in the care of anyone else. We are always learning and are forever grateful for the RFRD village we have!
The Nguyen Family
We heard positive things about RFRD from friends so when we adopted our dog, Gemma, we
contacted them ASAP. We had previous dogs that were anxious and reactive, and we didn’t
want to make the same mistakes that we did with them. Even though Gemma was a calmer
puppy, we wanted to make sure was properly socialized. We love how they not only train the
dogs at their facility, but they take the dogs outdoors to practice commands around real
distractions. Gemma doesn’t distinguish between being with her trainers or on the street with us
- she’s so well behaved now. We were also sent pictures and videos of Gemma at “school.” It
was fun to get the little glimpses of her progress! We also needed some help with crate training
so they made sure to include that in her training.
We frequently drop Gemma off for day and overnight boarding. It is obvious Gemma is treated
well at RFRD because when we drop her off for boarding, she happily greets the staff members.
They are able to take the leash and walk her in without any resistance from her. It gives us
peace of mind knowing that Gemma isn’t stressed during her stay. Boarding for Gemma is like
getting bonus brush up sessions. They practice commands with her, use her to do group
training with other dogs, take her for outside walks, and let her play with other dogs. She comes
back more well behaved than when we left her!
RFRD is like an extension of our family! They have made our life easier as dog owners. :)
contacted them ASAP. We had previous dogs that were anxious and reactive, and we didn’t
want to make the same mistakes that we did with them. Even though Gemma was a calmer
puppy, we wanted to make sure was properly socialized. We love how they not only train the
dogs at their facility, but they take the dogs outdoors to practice commands around real
distractions. Gemma doesn’t distinguish between being with her trainers or on the street with us
- she’s so well behaved now. We were also sent pictures and videos of Gemma at “school.” It
was fun to get the little glimpses of her progress! We also needed some help with crate training
so they made sure to include that in her training.
We frequently drop Gemma off for day and overnight boarding. It is obvious Gemma is treated
well at RFRD because when we drop her off for boarding, she happily greets the staff members.
They are able to take the leash and walk her in without any resistance from her. It gives us
peace of mind knowing that Gemma isn’t stressed during her stay. Boarding for Gemma is like
getting bonus brush up sessions. They practice commands with her, use her to do group
training with other dogs, take her for outside walks, and let her play with other dogs. She comes
back more well behaved than when we left her!
RFRD is like an extension of our family! They have made our life easier as dog owners. :)
The Nava Perla Family
RFRD has truly transformed our lives for the better! After discussing our dog’s (Goku) anxiety, reactivity, resource guarding, and overall disobedience with their team, we were confident that their Behavior Modification Board & Train was exactly what he needed. Although it was challenging to be away from Goku, we now wish we had discovered RFRD sooner. Our life is much more peaceful, and Goku is noticeably happier and more confident.
One year later, our communication with Goku is better than ever. He now joins us on trips and daily outings to restaurants, coffee shops, stores, and more. We are deeply grateful for the love and support RFRD has provided to both us and our dog. Lastly, we’d like to give a very special shout out to Brizza for being the most amazing trainer to work with!
One year later, our communication with Goku is better than ever. He now joins us on trips and daily outings to restaurants, coffee shops, stores, and more. We are deeply grateful for the love and support RFRD has provided to both us and our dog. Lastly, we’d like to give a very special shout out to Brizza for being the most amazing trainer to work with!
The Ezrati Family
I can't say enough good things about RFRD Academy! This family-owned business truly knows and loves dogs. Their expertise in dog training and nutrition is top-notch, and their customer service is exceptional. I trust them 100% with my dog, and it shows—he always gets excited as soon as we near the exit for RFRD!
The facility is spotless, and I know my dog receives just the right amount of stimulation, attention, and love while he's there. The trainers really take the time to get to know each dog, which makes all the difference. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my dog because I know he's in the best hands with David and his amazing team.
The facility is spotless, and I know my dog receives just the right amount of stimulation, attention, and love while he's there. The trainers really take the time to get to know each dog, which makes all the difference. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my dog because I know he's in the best hands with David and his amazing team.
The Wojcik Family
I’m so happy I found RFRD Academy! I recently moved to the Bay Area from the East Coast on my own and have a job that requires quite a bit of travel. I no longer had family or friends nearby to dog sit and I have a nervous, slightly reactive German Shepherd who doesn’t trust new people so I couldn’t leave her with just anyone. From the first time I spoke with Dave on the phone, I immediately felt at ease! I could tell he and his staff not only knew their stuff, but really cared about the dogs and took their time to get to know each of them. Everyone on the staff has been great with Vilma, even when she barks like a nut at drop off – they stay calm and gained her trust and she really seems to enjoy her time there. When I’m on work trips, I know I never have to worry about her when she’s at the academy and it has made our transition to the West Coast that much easier! Vilma and I are forever thankful to the RFRD team!
The Mesrour Family
We felt like hostages in our own home to a very social and sweet but very energetic and mischievous goldendoodle when we discovered RFRD. After many conversations with David, we finally took the chance and haven’t looked back! After 5 weeks with David, Bernie and the team, we got our furry ball of personality back but with some really great tools to manage his energy. I appreciated the time Bernie spent with our whole family during our final training week. She was patient and encouraging and really clear in her instructions. Our whole family is better at handling our dog: more confident and more calm. I appreciate the monthly check in sessions too - it’s like a booster shot, especially as we back slide a little on some of our training. Thanks to RFRD we are living peacefully with our furry family member!
The Gutierrez Family
We couldn’t be happier with our experience at RFRD! We enrolled our puppy, Arthur, in the board and train program and from the moment we met with David, we knew he was in great hands. The staff is incredibly caring and professional and sent us daily updates on Arthur’s progress via text and Instagram. Bernie and LeHang were always super responsive and patient with me when I was missing my puppy and needed an extra check-in or had questions.
The transformation from a nipping, leash-pulling, non-obedient puppy to the gentle, confident, and well-mannered puppy he is now is truly remarkable. Arthur returned home with a solid foundation of skills that have made our family life so much better. We can’t thank Brass, David, Daniel, and all of the trainers at RFRD enough for their dedication and expertise. They not only trained Arthur, but they trained us. We have a clear understanding of how to reinforce Arthur’s new skills, manage his behavior effectively, and create a positive, consistent environment that supports his continued growth. The knowledge we gained from the trainers at RFRD has truly strengthened our bond with Arthur and made us more confident pet owners. Choosing this program and RFRD was the best decision for our puppy and our family, and we can’t recommend this facility enough.
The transformation from a nipping, leash-pulling, non-obedient puppy to the gentle, confident, and well-mannered puppy he is now is truly remarkable. Arthur returned home with a solid foundation of skills that have made our family life so much better. We can’t thank Brass, David, Daniel, and all of the trainers at RFRD enough for their dedication and expertise. They not only trained Arthur, but they trained us. We have a clear understanding of how to reinforce Arthur’s new skills, manage his behavior effectively, and create a positive, consistent environment that supports his continued growth. The knowledge we gained from the trainers at RFRD has truly strengthened our bond with Arthur and made us more confident pet owners. Choosing this program and RFRD was the best decision for our puppy and our family, and we can’t recommend this facility enough.
The Yuen Family
Otis has been with RFRD since 2021, shortly after they opened. He is one of the OG pups to graduate their training program and we continue to recommend RFRD to everyone we know. At his orientation, Otis was panicking at the sight and sound of other dogs close by. After the training, Otis was crate trained, able to keep a good heel during walks, and became less bothered by dogs around him. He still goes back for overnight boarding and the team at RFRD adores him. They are family owned and always treated us and Otis like family.
The Tuan Family
We are so happy with our experience with Board and Train at RFRD. Our dog had been extremely anxious and his anxiety escalated to aggression quickly. It was feeling unsafe to be around him because it seemed like he wouldn’t give us any warning before he would get aggressive.
Fortunately we found RFRD. After 11 weeks of boarding and training, Bandit learned some key commands that helped him focus and manage his anxiety. Not only did the dog get trained but so did we! It has made living with Bandit much more enjoyable, predictable, and safe. We have recommended RFRD many times to friends who are struggling to manage their dogs.
Now, whenever we need to board Bandit, we only go to RFRD. We know he will do well there because they understand his personality and challenges and continue to reinforce his training during his stay. It seems that he returns home more focused and responsive to various commands than before the boarding.
Fortunately we found RFRD. After 11 weeks of boarding and training, Bandit learned some key commands that helped him focus and manage his anxiety. Not only did the dog get trained but so did we! It has made living with Bandit much more enjoyable, predictable, and safe. We have recommended RFRD many times to friends who are struggling to manage their dogs.
Now, whenever we need to board Bandit, we only go to RFRD. We know he will do well there because they understand his personality and challenges and continue to reinforce his training during his stay. It seems that he returns home more focused and responsive to various commands than before the boarding.
The Ala Family
It was like Night and Day.
Before bringing Sunny to RFRD, we've tried several different training programs, on-line, weekly group sessions, and one on one. We learned that not every dog is the same when it comes to training. He was able to learn basic obedience but never address his real issues. We realized this was something we couldn't do on our own with previous training we had tried. So when RFRD provided a plan that catered to Sunny specifically, the difference was night and day. Our mini dachshund Sunny lacked confidence and was very anxious, at RFRD they focused on those issues. When we got Sunny back from their board and train program, he had changed for the better, he was much more calm and confident. RFRD was responsive with daily updates and progress of how Sunny was doing at Board and Train. We are also able to see through those updates that Sunny was being well taken care of and Sunny was comfortable with the staff and interacted with them as if he was at home. We are so thankful to David, Daniel and the team at RFRD!
Before bringing Sunny to RFRD, we've tried several different training programs, on-line, weekly group sessions, and one on one. We learned that not every dog is the same when it comes to training. He was able to learn basic obedience but never address his real issues. We realized this was something we couldn't do on our own with previous training we had tried. So when RFRD provided a plan that catered to Sunny specifically, the difference was night and day. Our mini dachshund Sunny lacked confidence and was very anxious, at RFRD they focused on those issues. When we got Sunny back from their board and train program, he had changed for the better, he was much more calm and confident. RFRD was responsive with daily updates and progress of how Sunny was doing at Board and Train. We are also able to see through those updates that Sunny was being well taken care of and Sunny was comfortable with the staff and interacted with them as if he was at home. We are so thankful to David, Daniel and the team at RFRD!
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