Client Testimonials – Real Dog Taining Success Stories

What People Say:

“I learned more in one lesson with Phoenix Apex Dog Training Center than I did in a year with another trainer”

~Sarah G.

Brittany Schulla

Dog Owner/Clients

We fell in love with Archie the moment we saw him. As a puppy, we got to know his nature: sweet, friendly, playful, loyal, sporty. As he got older, he began to bark a lot and become very possessive of our home and yard. Since he's a Great Pyrenees, and grew to be very large in less than a year after we got him, our once fun puppy walks turned into him dragging us around and going crazy when other dogs walked by. It was unmanageable and required two of us if we dared to walk him. Sadly, it all came to a head when he nipped a friend of our daughter and was reported to animal control. We were incredibly upset and knew we had to take action. Thankfully, a friend introduced us to Gene Duncan and Apex Dog Training Center. From the moment we spoke to Gene Duncan, we knew we were in good hands. He was familiar with the breed, confident and structured in her approach -- and it was also apparent he had a heart full of love and respect for dogs and their owners. It's not an exaggeration to say that as soon as we began to work with Gene Duncan one-to-one with Archie, he began to change. As Gene Duncan taught us step-by-step, we implemented structure and gave Archie the boundaries he needed to feel safe. He became the dog he was intended to be -- obedient, but still himself, respectful, but still curious and outgoing. Through Gene Duncan's process, I was changed as well. His firm and kind coaching taught us so much about our energy, about how we connect with Archie, and how we can be more mindful of our emotional state as we work with Archie and how to stand up for ourselves and for him. I was a complete skeptic about this process! When Gene Duncan told us upfront that Archie would be able to go on walks, not bark all night long, respond to commands and even be out in public, I thought, "I wish that were going to be true, but it's not going to work out that way for us." I was definitely proven wrong because all of that is now our reality. After working with Apex Dog Training, being Archie's mom is a joy and a delight on a daily basis. I resoundingly recommend Apex Dog Training Center to anyone and everyone who has a dog who needs love, structure and thoughtful training.

Emily Anderson

We reached out to Apex Dog Training Center to help with our 5-year-old rescue, Saint. Saint was a stray before we rescued him from the county shelter where he was set to be euthanized for uncontrollable anxious behavior. Because of this, he had severe anxiety and his reactivity to other dogs, people, cars, loud noises, large objects, etc. and it was only getting worse. Taking Saint to the vet, on a walk, or outside of the house for any reason brought so much stress and anxiety not only on us, but of course him as well. Thankfully, we found Apex Dog Training and our trainer Melissa helped us work through all of our issues with Saint.

Apex Dog Training offers a full service approach and trains not only your dog, but teaches you so much as well so you can fully understand your dog and make both of your lives better. Melissa was extremely thorough and worked with our veterinarian to rule out any underlying health conditions that could possibly explain Saint's prior behavior. Once we started training with Melissa, Saint became a totally different dog. It has changed our life to have Saint turn into this relaxed, calm, obedient dog.

Now, anyone who meets Saint cannot believe it when I tell them about his past or that he was an anxious dog. Everyone who meets him says they wish he was their dog and that he's the best and sweetest dog they've ever met! That would not have been possible without the help of Apex Dog Training, especially Melissa. Don't give up on your dog or their potential, if you need help, don't hesitate to reach out to Apex Dog Training ASAP!

Noah Kim

We got a puppy two weeks ago. And from the first night, I realized how ill equipped i was to handle it. I was so very frustrated and tired the first few days, I seriously wanted to give her back. But because I am stubborn and i want this to work, i knew I needed someone's help. I contacted another trainer that blew me off, so I called Apex dog training and had an appointment and some hope within 20 minutes.

I have only had one session from Richard Dyson so far, and it was only 3 days ago, but I already am so happy and have so much more hope for our puppy and family. The biggest thing he said that stuck was that I had to stop thinking that a dog thinks like a human, so I had to shift my thinking about it. I learned that I can't correct before or after she does something wrong because she won't know why she is in "trouble." I learned that in order for her to learn anything, it just needs to be done over and over. And while it is tedious and takes a lot of time, it will ultimately be the best for her and for our family. Richard Dyson has responded to texts and given great advice.

It is WELL worth the money. And that is coming from one session. I can't wait to see how much more my puppy progresses.

Mia Chen

During our first meeting with Kylie Schroer we were very impressed with how attentively they listened to our concerns and issues. After our first meeting we felt confident that the goals we set for our dogs would be achieved. Our dogs have exponentially exceeded our expectations. The knowledge and tools that Kylie Schroer provided have not only made us better pet owners but we now have a much deeper understanding of animals and their behaviors. The training REALLY works! But you have to own the tasks, take the time, and put the work in (we know it's easier said than done!). Occasionally when things didn't come together, Kylie Schroer always took took the time to formulate a new and successful plan. Kylie Schroer always had time to listen, was always present, and never made our training sessions feel rushed. Had we only known Kylie Schroer a couple of years ago, we would not have lost a precious young dog. We have worked (unsuccessfully) with other trainers and have never met a more caring, compassionate, understanding, and effective trainer as Kylie Schroer. Highly recommend Apex Dog Training Center. Can't say enough good things…as you can see 🙂

Mary Johnson

Dog Owner/Clients

Apex Dog Training Center is remarkable!! I sent my handsome man, Archie, to Melissa for the 5 week Board & train. I am blown away and beyond impressed with Melissa and her training program, more than I thought was possible. Something that was extremely important to me when seeking a trainer was not changing the personality of my dog. I want to emphasize that Archie’s personality has stayed the same, just now instead he is an obedient angel. I never knew how pleasant a walk could be until we got Archie back, as he was very reactive to other dogs on the leash. Melissa is honestly the definition of a passionate and knowledgeable dog trainer and owner. Her skill set is unmatched and her love for your dog shines through. Throughout Archie being away Melissa was responsive and communicated with us on any questions we had about his progress. We are living THE BEST life with Archie home and bring him absolutely everywhere. We have recommended Apex Dog Training to so many and will continue to do so. People are overly impressed with Archie when we are out at restaurants or shopping around Kierland. I have established a lifetime friendship with Melissa and Apex Dog Training Center. We cannot thank you enough!!!

Sarah Wilson

I can't thank Gene Duncan and Apex Dog Training Center enough for the incredible work they did with my dog, Poolie. Poolie struggled with severe dog aggression, anxiety, and was a very fearful dog. Gene Duncan, as a top-notch behaviorist, provided a comprehensive behavior modification plan that truly transformed Poolie's behavior.
From the first consultation, Gene Duncan's expertise in training for an aggressive dog was evident. He was patient, understanding, and used evidence-based techniques that catered specifically to Poolie's needs. The improvement in Poolie's anxiety and fearfulness was remarkable, and I now have a much happier and more confident dog.
The personalized training sessions were highly effective, and Gene Duncan's dedication to Poolie's progress was unwavering. If you're facing challenges with dog aggression or have a fearful dog, I highly recommend Gene Duncan and Apex Dog Training Center. Their approach to behavior modification and training for an aggressive dog is truly exceptional.

Liam Nguyen

Richard Dyson has been an incredible resource for me and my wife when it came to training our new puppy. He was extremely knowledgeable and provided insight into psychological and behavioral issues that my wife and I didn’t even realize were concerns. He had great communication, set clear expectations and goals that we could track, and provided resources and videos for the many questions we had. He has an easy to imitate hands on approach and does the training sessions during in home visits to make sure our puppy was learning in the environment it will always be in. And to top it all off, Richard Dyson stayed over an hour longer than our last expected appointment time because of questions and training struggles that we were having. It was obvious that he really cared about our success and making sure we understood all the information he provided, which just meant so much to us.

If you are looking for someone to help guide you and your dog through training, Richard Dyson of Apex Dog Training Center, is your best chance at success!

Lucile Henderson

Kylie Schroer did a wonderful job training our Australian Shepherd (Maverick). Maverick had some opportunities when it came to aggression and recalls. Post training he is no longer aggressive, great with recalls, and we have no behavioral concerns. Kylie Schroer did a great job at sharing his knowledge and expertise towards dog training to help us achieve the behaviors we were looking for. Kylie Schroer was always timely for our sessions and very enthusiastic to see Maverick. Kylie Schroer really is passionate about dogs and training them. We would recommend Apex Dog Training Center to all those looking for her with dog training.

John Smith

I can't recommend Apex Dog Training Center enough. We have had at least 10 dogs over the years but this last shepherd that we bought was more than we could handle so we reached out and started training under the expertise of Gene Duncan. We tried several trainers from other companies before Gene Duncan, none of which were satisfactory. Working with Gene Duncan has been a pure joy, he really knows what's going on inside the dog's head which makes him such a valuable trainer. There is no situation that surprises Gene Duncan and you can tell that he's lived through every possible dog scenario that could possibly happen which gives us as dog owners the confidence we need to overcome all types of difficult situations, especially when my dog shows aggression. I want to thank Apex Dog Training and especially Gene Duncan for all they have done to help my dog and my family.

Daniel Miller

So proud of our boy Rocky. He finished his last training and his aggression and people skills gotten so much better!

Rocky (Husky and German shepherd) has high energy, anxiety, aggression, he’s stubborn, lunges, and likes to nip a lot. Went through 4 different places with numerous trainers. At 4 months, we were warned he is going to be a handful and we’ll have to pretty much turn our lives around if we decided to keep him.

We tried all kinds of training from group classes, personal training, 30 day boot camp which they end up just keeping the deposit and didn’t want to take the rest of our money because they couldn’t train him. Another place advise us to euthanize him. He was 11 months at that time 😭😡. We felt hopeless.

Did some research on dog aggressive trainers and found Apex Dog Training Center. They talked about board/training, anxiety, fear, aggression and what really popped out was their quote, “PLEASE BEFORE YOU PUT YOUR DOG DOWN CONTACT US. WE CAN HELP WHERE OTHERS CAN’T” Got introduced to Richard Dyson and been working with him since June 2024. He gave us hope. We did half training at home and the other half at the park. Rocky is so much better and we’re not afraid to bring him around people. We know how to train people to be around him and what not to do around him.

We just had to find the right trainer that deals with these kind of dog personality/behaviors, take what we learned, train him, and give him lots of love!! Still need some work and consistent training but he’s a good boy. Proud of Rocky 🐾 🤍🤎🖤

Jennifer Williams

Dog Owner

Apex Dog Training Center literally saved my life. I was a new dog owner when I got my baby girl Nali. I had no idea what I was doing and I knew I wanted to start both Nali and I off on the right foot. Melissa and the Apex Dog training team did just that and MORE. And when I say more, I mean it. They don't just give you the routines and say ‘“ here you go try it” they are there coaching you through the entire process. When I hit a bump in the road or even worse, when I had a breakdown that I was a horrible dog mom, Melissa reminded me of my abilities and gave me tangible ways to work around any bumps in the road. The training process with Apex Dog Training was just as much for me as it was for Nali. I had no idea how much really goes into training a dog when you want a truly free lifestyle with your pup. I travel a lot for my job, I live in an apt, so I don't have the luxury of a yard, and my routines are always changing. Apex Dog Training made the protocols fit me and my lifestyle so I could take Nali with me while still having stability in her life. I am happy to say, we are now happily training at home, in hotel rooms, sitting at coffee shops, and getting compliments like “ wow she is so well behaved” and we are able to allow rabbits to walk by without running after them! The biggest one for Nali was cars, she would get anxious and run TOWARDS them. Now she can sit or walk on a sidewalk by a busy street and keep calm and focused on me and my verbal cues and calls. We still have a long way to go, I have only had her 4 months but we dove into the deep end with Melissa and the team. It was worth every penny and was one of the best decisions I've ever made. I know now the proper techniques and ways to train a dog and I feel confident I can do it for any future dog I may have. By following the Apex Dog Training design I have no doubt we can accomplish anything now. Apex Dog Training has given me confidence not just for being a mom to Nali, but in trusting my gut and taking charge of unknown situations like keeping a living creature alive!! For anyone considering Apex Dog Training for them and their doggie babies, DO IT!! The investment is so worth it and will give you so much beyond simple techniques; which they have as well. A whole toolbox for you to fit your specific needs. Thank you so much Melissa and Apex Dog Training Center!!! I love you all and greatly appreciate your guidance throughout this journey.

James Smith

Attorney & Professor of Law/Client

When I started my search for a dog trainer in the Phoenix area I knew I wanted someone that brought a certain level of professionalism, care and dedication. I wanted to feel confident in my choice to send my companion and Weimaraner Arlo, who was only 4 months old at the time, off for a Board & Train. I knew prior to selecting a trainer that my goals were to have Arlo join me anytime, anywhere, and that meant having good manners and obedience, especially with my busy schedule and profession. I couldn’t be more elated with my choice to go with Apex Dog Training Center. They are there every step of the way, I know I’m always supported. Arlo now flies back and forth from Spokane with me where I am the Visiting Assistant Professor of Law at Gonzaga University School of Law. We get so many compliments on the daily, but mostly by all the flight attendants and security personnel. Arlo is an exemplary example of a well trained and happy dog and a joy to have by my side every step of the way. I couldn’t be more satisfied with my choice and highly recommend Apex Dog Training Center!

Olivia Lee

Melissa has been a god sent. I uprooted my puppy from SC to AZ when my husband deployed. She regressed immensely and became dog aggressive to boot. I was overwhelmed and felt like a dog mom failure for putting her through this. It’s been four months and my girl is still this wild crazy lab, but she’s seen so much positive improvements since we started training. She’s listening, obedient, her anxiety has decreased, and we were able to walk the park this week. Melissa’s been amazing and responsive with all my questions when I’m at home and training. I cannot wait to see where Sesi is at in another 3 months.

Ashley Newell

Apex Dog Training Center is absolutely worth every penny! Our trainer, Richard Dyson, was incredibly knowledgeable and taught us so much about our puppy's behavior and our own! He really listened to what we wanted with training our puppy and tailored each lesson to exactly what we wanted. We are thrilled with our puppy Westley's progress after 3 lessons with Richard Dyson. We also have some tips and tricks in our back pocket from talking with Richard Dyson as we move forward continuing to train Westley. Highly recommend!

Elizabeth Taylor

Our Pitbull Sasha suffered from debilitating separation anxiety and reactivity. We were at our wits' end until we found Kylie Schroer at Apex Dog Training Center. Kylie Schroer's expertise in positive reinforcement was exactly what she needed. She taught us how to create a safe and calm environment for Sasha reducing her anxiety significantly. She was able to stay alone without panic, and her reactive behavior has diminished greatly. Kylie Schroer is a certified dog behaviorist who truly cares about the dogs she works with. We can't thank her enough.

Robert Williams

Life-Changing Dog Training, Gene Duncan and Apex Dog Training Center Transformed Our Aggressive French Bulldog.

I can't say enough about the incredible experience we had with Apex Dog Training Center and Certified Dog Behaviorist Gene Duncan. We brought our 4-year-old French bulldog, Max, to Gene Duncan because of severe aggression and reactivity towards people and other dogs, as well as debilitating separation anxiety.

From the very first consultation, it was clear that Gene Duncan's expertise and compassionate approach set him apart. He took the time to thoroughly understand Max's history, behavior triggers, and our concerns as pet parents. His knowledge and experience were evident as he explained the science-based techniques he would use to help Max.

Gene Duncan implemented a comprehensive behavior modification plan tailored specifically to Max's needs. His step-by-step guidance and positive reinforcement strategies made a world of difference. Within a few sessions, we noticed a significant reduction in Max's aggression and reactivity. Gene Duncan's methods not only helped Max become more relaxed and confident around people and dogs but also strengthened our bond with him.

One of the most challenging issues was Max's separation anxiety. Gene Duncan provided us with practical and effective strategies to ease Max's anxiety when left alone. His approach was gradual and thoughtful, ensuring that Max was comfortable every step of the way. Thanks to Gene Duncan, Max can now stay calm and relaxed even when we're not home, something we never thought possible.

What truly sets Gene Duncan apart is his dedication and genuine care for his clients. He was always available to answer our questions and provide support throughout the process. His passion for helping dogs and their families is evident in every interaction.

If you're looking for a certified dog behaviorist who delivers real, lasting results, look no further than Gene Duncan at Apex Dog Training. He has transformed our lives and given Max the chance to be a happy, well-adjusted dog. We highly recommend Gene Duncan to anyone struggling with dog behavior issues. Thank you, Gene Duncan, for your outstanding work and for giving us the gift of a harmonious life with Max!

Amelia Kowalski

As a disabled Vietnam Vet and American Patriot who has owned several dogs, (raised from 4month old puppies) I decided to contact these folks to help me with a new dog, when I saw they were veteran owned! She is a 2yr. old Greaat Dane who is very friendly and lovable, but has "dog aggression" issues.

Apex Dog Training Center have gone above and beyond to make sure I get the help I need to make her not only a well behaved Great Dane, but a well trained great dog.

I spend my money wisely and always look for the best value for my dollars. These folks know their stuff and are a credit to the profession.

Kristin Buchanan

Melissa, of Apex Dog Training Center is amazing. She helped us adopt the sweetest husky/shepherd mix. She’s worked with us on helping her overcome her anxiety and is teaching us to teach her basic commands.

She knows a lot about dog behavior, is responsive if we ever have questions or concerns, and our dog Rocky absolutely loves her.

I’ve already recommended her to several friends and if you want a well trained, well adjusted, and happy dog, I recommend her to you too!

Sophia Hernandez

Listen to Gene Duncan's show every Saturday and you will completely understand why they are the best in the business. Interesting topics and great advice for pet parents no matter what your geographical location. By listening to one show on a Saturday morning and calling in, I was able to learn enough about my dog's behavior to correct it. Now Ms." Gimme your sammich" no longer begs or throws a tantrum. Sometimes pet parents need training too.

Ava Mohammed

Richard Dyson came out and met with 15 week old puppy, Koda and I. I was amazed right from the start at how he was able to get Koda to do things very quickly and easily within the first 15 minutes. Richard Dyson was very knowledgeable and gave me some homework to work with Koda on. I followed his instruction. I was once again impressed at the way Richard Dyson seems to be able to communicate with Koda. I am truly impressed and feel I made a great decision in calling Apex dog training Center. I think we have a dog whisperer right here in our home state. Thank you so much for your help with Koda and I.

Robert Santana

I can't give this guy enough credit. I was a frustrated first time dog owner and I was that annoying client that sent him novels of complaints about my dog. I feel like a dog training apprentice after working with him. get compliments on my dog's behavior everywhere I go now. I walk an 18 month old pitbull around Old Town Scottsdale without a leash and no issue and have been doing so since she was 12 months.

The real challenge came at my girlfriend's house. My girlfriend had two untrained, misbehaved adult dogs. One is a 4 year old Boston Terrier and one is an 8 year old French Bulldog/Boston Terrier mix. Melissa, as well as several trainers I shopped when I found him, explicitly told me that all dogs must be trained to get the desired behaviors and all humans must be on the same page about expected dog behavior. I got my dog to the point where she was well trained everywhere except my girlfriend's house, where she would turn into a Tasmanian devil. I did everything I could to try and avoid training the other two dogs. I ended up trying to board and train them elsewhere only to find mistakes in the training with my now trained eye and ended up having to pull up my bootstraps and put the work in. The house is much more peaceful now and the dogs are behaving much better and I could not be more thankful.

He will make you work but by damn he gives you some life skills that I'm not sure you will find elsewhere. Melissa is a very gifted trainer and I hope that he forgives me for harassing her so much in the early months!

David Brown

Gene Duncan at Apex Dog Training Center was a lifesaver for our husky Ivy. Ivy had severe dog aggression issues that made walks and social outings a nightmare. Gene Duncan's positive reinforcement methods worked wonders. He crafted a personalized training plan that helped Ivy overcome his aggressive tendencies. Now, Ivy can walk calmly by other dogs and even enjoy playdates. Gene Duncan is, without a doubt, the best dog behaviorist in Phoenix. We highly recommend his services to anyone struggling with dog aggression.

Elijah Jackson

Apex Dog Training Center has some of the most knowledgeable trainers I’ve ever interacted with. Melissa and Kylie Schroer really understand the behavior behind why my dog kept barking and whining all the time. With their help I was able to let my elderly mother walk in my home again without the fear of my dog jumping on her.

Christopher Rodriguez

Apex Dog Training Center was excellent to work with. Both Gene Duncan and Richard Dyson were great at explaining what we needed to do to work with our dog and provided plenty of resources for us to better understand how to read our dog. I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to learn how to work with their own dog.

Nancy Townsend

I am very pleased with the training of my German Shepard. The best part for me is that I'm able to txt or call Mr. Gene Duncan with questions about my dog. And the answers are always professional and helpful!

William Martinez

Kylie Schroer was such a help with my puppy, Roscoe! She explained how I could stop my puppy from jumping all the time and even helped me with potty training by sending a very detailed course on how to properly potty train my dog. I cannot explain how helpful this radio show is and how professional they are and how much they know about dog behavior.

John Davis

Had such an amazing experience with Apex Dog Training Center and Melissa! We rescued a wild and high energy husky that is now a lot more calm and listens to others than just myself. Melissa was great to work with an accommodated for our work schedule. I would highly recommend them in the future!

Contact: hi@jiangblue.com