Optimum Dog Mount Vernon, Washington

Amazing and experienced trainers

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!

They are located behind a residential mobile home park and their dogs bother us with uncontrolled barking and hearing "shut up"

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We brought our dog in for a consultation and received tons of helpful info. We're coming back with our other dog !

Optimum Dog is fantastic! Our trainer Chelsea has done an amazing job teaching us how to work with our Vizsla Pup, rusty. She gave us the tools that have enabled us to teach Rusty to be a great family dog that listens and obeys. We have recommended Chelsea and Optimum dog to our closest friends. They have been very accommodating to our family's busy schedule. I can't say enough good things!

My 8-month-old German Shepherd used to bark frantically at any dog ​​that came into his sight. In our first lesson, he learned to behave appropriately. It's worth the two-hour drive back and forth!

We love them. My wife and I put our dog Dexter in training for board and train. He was a wild pup when we out him in. When we got him back he was much better. He still has a long way to go to be where we want him to be but the board and train is just to get a good base for your dog. The trainers are very personable and knowledgeable. They love to help you and to teach you how to train and manage your dogs behaviors. Highly recommend their services.

Jen is amazing! Absolutely no one else I'd trust with my dogs. I can't say enough about how wonderful she is.

Only my first session here trying to get my newly adopted 2yr old German Shepherd under control around other dogs, but it is clear that they really know their stuff. My trainer instantly saw the need for fast course correction with Oliver before he hurt a dog, or possibly even a person, through his lack of proper training/handling. She was very direct and firm but explained that it was more about training me so I knew how to handle my dog in order to receive the behavior I wanted, needed or expected. I saw results right away under her expert handling and even when it was my turn to take my dog through the lesson he was night and day different than before now that he was understanding that the focus needed to be on me as I was the most important thing for him. She also provided knowledge on everything from dietary needs to recommendations on health care and types of further training I could look into that would be fun for Oliver and I to utilize his breed's talents while meeting others who had German Shepherds. I love that she gave ME homework (rather than my dog) because I have to reinforce the lessons to him on what I need from him. I am so glad I found this AMAZING training facility. I would highly recommend them whatever you needs are from basic to advanced!

I wrote this in an email to Jen and her team, but felt like it would work as a review too. I brought Ellie to you when she was just a pup two years ago with the hopes of having a well rounded Shepard.One of the biggest things I wanted out of training was for Ellie to be reliable around children; we had a baby four months ago and Ellie has done absolutely phenomenal with her. Her recall is on point, she understands the word "gentle" and even comes and finds me if Noelle is crying and I'm not in the room. I can't express how grateful I am to you and your staff. The one on one training I did with Kate really solidified what I had learned in the group class and gave me tools to teach Ellie new things. I'm not sure if you guys taught me or Ellie more. Anyways, I just wanted to send a quick thank you note. We definitely wouldn't have come this far without you and your team!

I was falling apart trying to help/control my pup before I found Jennifer at Optimum Dog. My dog has issues with human aggression, and it had become incredibly isolating, to say the least. When Jenn came to my house to pick up Otis for a board and train stay he was a total mess, and by the time she brought him home he felt like a whole new dog. Jenn and her staff gave Otis the discipline and direction needed to positively refocus his anxious energy, and gave me the coaching and tools needed to continue his training moving forward. I have and will continue to recommend Optimum Dog to anyone looking for a trainer. I owe them big time!

My boys are extremely happy after going to their doggy day camp

Great place. My puppy Loves play days and training at Optimum. They have taught me how to be a better dog owner as well.

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!

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 …

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 …

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.