Posted on Katherine FerreraTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’m long overdue in writing this review, but honestly, I cannot say enough good things about this team. We came to them after working with 2 other trainers and still struggling with significant behavioral issues. Our chihuahua was reactive, and difficult to manage, and we were starting to feel defeated. Fast forward to now, and she is genuinely one of the most functional chihuahuas I’ve ever met. Yes, she’s still fresh sometimes (because chihuahua), but the difference is night and day. The progress she’s made is something we truly didn’t think was possible. The daycare team is the best there is, I couldn’t imagine handing her off every week to anyone else. They are incredibly kind, patient, and thoughtful. They always go out of their way to be helpful, and no matter what question or concern we have, they never make us feel silly or brushed off. There is always a solution, guidance, or next step offered, and it’s clear how deeply they care about both the dogs and their people. The trust we have in them is huge. Knowing our dog is safe, understood, and supported means everything to us. We are so grateful to have found them, and we truly cannot imagine going anywhere else. We will be bringing every pup we ever have to Nelson and his team without question. If you’re on the fence, especially if you’ve tried other places without success, don’t hesitate to work with them. We’re beyond thankful!Posted on Michael DonnellyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This place is amazing! We brought our 6 month old Labradoodle to the HappyK-9 for Advanced Obedience Training for two reasons: to stop jumping on everyone and everything in his path…and to stop pulling my kids down the street with him while going to a leashed walk. I can easily say, money well spent. After 30days with Nelson and the crew at Happy K-9, Lucky came home like a new dog. Nelson gave us the tools to understand Lucky and how to reward, and mark his actions that we found acceptable, and to correct when he needed it. My dog will NOT jump on anything, and will NOT pull away from me any longer. I can take him to market places, my kids’ sporting events and even family trips now that he is so well behaved. It’s honestly everything that a pet owner could ask for in terms of having your dog now be able to participate in all our activities because he knows how he is expected to behave. And what may be the most impressive part of our training experience was that several weeks after Lucky came home, the Happy K-9 team came to our home to spend the afternoon making sure we were comfortable and reinforcing all that our dog has learned. And we have a second follow-up appointment in two weeks! Most importantly, above all else, the entire team at The Happy K9 truly cares about what they do and they dogs they work with. They are thorough, they communicate daily, and even stay on top of their Social Media game… I couldn’t be happier with what we received for service. This place is the best in the business.Posted on Mark HunterTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough great things about The Happy K-9. From the moment I dropped off my cocker spaniel , I knew she was in excellent hands. The staff is incredibly friendly, professional, and attentive—they genuinely care about every single dog as if they were their own. My dog, was struggling with leash pulling, jumping on people, peeing inside the house aa well as other things and I was at my wit’s end. Thanks to Nelson and team, we’ve seen an amazing transformation! Their approach is both professional and compassionate, tailoring the training methods to fit my dog’s unique personality and needs. They not only worked with my dog but also took the time to teach me how to reinforce positive behaviors and communicate effectively with my pup. The facility is spotless, well-organized, and thoughtfully designed with plenty of space for play and rest. I would definitely recommend Nelson and team to anyone looking to train their dog, board their pup or just looking for a place for their dog to spend the day!Posted on Holland MorrisTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our two rescues, Tito and Lilly, spent four weeks with Nelson, Lauren, and the team back in February 2024 and we have been so thankful every day for the whole HK9 team and their dedication to helping our two fur babies becoming more confident! The amount of love the team has for our dogs is evident and we were blown away with the constant communication and updates we received while they were in their care. We still use them for daycare and boarding because we know that when they’re with the team at Happy K9, that they are in the best hands possible.Posted on Angel WilliamsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We sent our VERY terrified dog to the 4 week train and board program. She came out a changed dog! The best part was the patience and care the entire Happy K9 team showed our family to make sure that we understood her new skills and how to encourage her continued growth at home. In fact, we STILL get their support when needed via text or call. It’s an amazing team. They truly care about creating happy K9s. Our dog is getting better and better everyday, less terrified and able to live in our house with boundaries and rules in place. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.Posted on Eric DawsonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ll cut right to the chase. Nelson and his team are awesome! We brought our dog to them with a combination of high fear/anxiety around people and new environments. She was also directing her high energy levels into less than desirable behaviors. We did the board and train program with Nelson and the team and five weeks later we saw a completely different dog. They were able to build a structure for her to both feel safe in as well as have boundaries. Where I think their service goes above and beyond is with the follow ups. That’s where we were really able to cement the training for both her as well as us. She is so much more comfortable in uncomfortable situations as well as quickly being able to respond to corrections regarding negative behavior. I know based on the tools Nelson and his team have given us we are going to to be able to continue to build a positive/healthy relationship with our four legged friend.Posted on Jonathan ContradaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Happy K-9 is the best spot around for your pup's daycare/training needs. Nelson, Katherine and the whole crew go above and beyond to provide your pets with the love and attention they deserve. The Happy K-9 treats all of their client's pets as if they're their own and I would trust them in a heartbeat.Posted on Emily WTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took my mini golden doodle Tilly for board & train just before she turned 1. She is very smart but very defiant. Her goal was to work on confidence, obedience, leash manners, off leash recall, but she came home with so much more! I could not be more impressed with Nelson and his team. I am even getting acknowledgement from strangers about how well behaved she is as a puppy. I would recommend The Happy K-9 to everyone!!!
Ali & Matt with Tank
Dog Aggression | Dog Reactivity | Basic Manners
“3 weeks of training with Nelson was more impactful than 4 months of training”.
Jamie & Jim with Sophie
Advanced off Leash Obedience | Dog Reactivity
“Having her back is really just a weight off our shoulders”.
April with Finn
Dog Aggression | Dog Reactivity | On Leash Obedience
“He’s a better version of himself “.
Lisa with Bruin
Puppy Obedience | Manners | On Leash Obedience
“Goes to show everything Nelson does comes from his heart and not his wallet “.
Christine with Muddy
Dog Aggression | Manners | On Leash Obedience
“If it wasn’t for Nelson I don’t know what would’ve happened to him”.
Justine & Matt with Oscar
Puppy Off/On Leash obedience | Manners | Impulse control
“I was very hesitant about the E-collar “.
Courtney with Cujo
Off/On Leash obedience | Deaf dog | Impulse control
“He’s never laid down or settled down in the house before ever in his life “.
James and Michell with Bailey
On Leash obedience | Leash Manners | Impulse control
“We can finally enjoy him in and outside of the home! “.
Jim with Maggie and Bruin
On/off Leash obedience | Loose leash walking | Reactivity
“Finally, NO TREATS! “.
Linda with Bella
On/off Leash obedience | Loose leash walking | Reactivity
“Surprised how quick they turned around with the proper guidance and tools”.
Dianne
We cannot sing Happy K-9/Nelson Mendoza’s praises loud enough. This is THE premier dog training experience. Our family was so excited to rescue adorable Dudley Doodle from a fate of certain death in Alabama. Soon after greeting his transport van, though, we knew we were in deep trouble. Dudley turned out to be a COMPLETE menace, wreaking extreme havoc and destruction in our lives. He was very hyper, chewed imaginable and unimaginable things, and we were spending a small FORTUNE replacing the things he was destroying. None of us enjoyed walking him because he was constantly pulling and straining on the leash, barking at cars, trucks, buses, dogs, and everyone we met. Our dream doodle was turning our family life upside down. Enter Nelson and The Happy K-9 Training to the rescue! Nelson quickly taught us how to control Dudley rather than permitting Dudley to control us. Walking Dudley became a pleasure rather than an onerous chore. He is no longer a destructon, demolishing everything in sight. He knows his lace in the family scheme. Our home is no longer bedlam. We are a happy functional family thanks to Nelson’s training program. Cannot thank Nelson enough; he has our highest and most heartfelt recommendation.
Jackie and Family
We got Niño at 10 weeks and didn’t know he had parvovirus. He was dying, we took him to vets and there was no telling if he would make it and when he did, he got much more love than discipline, other than that he’s a great gentle loving dog. Taking him in the car is just crazy, he jumps everywhere and walking him was a nightmare. He walks you.. But after his first session with Nelson at The Happy k-9 training there was an amazing difference. Niño needs lots more time being trained but it was worth it, his walks are a lot easier, i have full control of him now and he enjoys his training. The old saying “you can’t teach an old dog a new trick” is not true! Anyone looking for a trainer that knows whats he’s doing, and wants to see real results, contact Nelson! Can’t thank you enough Nelson from The Happy k-9. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Karlee and My Family
My dog Sasha was crazy and didn’t listen at all! We couldn’t have people over or take her for a walk because she would freak out on everyone and any dog that would be passing by. When we got Sasha back from the Happy K-9 she was a happier, obedient and much more calmer. She listens to us now. We also are able to take her for a walk with no problem. With the training she got from the Happy K-9 she is a great obedient dog now. We are beyond happy with the results with our dog. This helped my family so much! We are so thankful for what Nelson from the Happy K-9 has done! THANK YOU!
Louise, Boo & Family
Nelson from the Happy K-9 worked with our 7 month old puppy Boo who had anxiety and was very energetic. Boo was not good on leash or good with commands. On Nelson’s first visit he had Boo walking nicely on the leash and was able to have him calm at home by using commands sit/stay.Nelson introduced us to the prong collar which I WAS nervous about using but it has worked WONDERS on Boo.He now is so much calmer at home and outside.The tools the Happy K-9 gave us to work with Boo have been wonderful and we continue to use them everyday. I highly recommend the Happy K-9 and would not hesitate in calling him again if I needed to.Thank you the Happy K-9 for all your help-:)
Jamie and Jim
Everything about the experience was worth it! Sophie has more freedom and play time than ever before, due to the training she now has. We had issues walking her before sending her to Nelson, but since being back, we’re able to exercise her off leash, and walking her is a stress free time for us too! Being away from her for some time was a small sacrifice to make for the benefits that we got from it! Absolutely recommend and trust Nelson and his team implicitly, fantastic experience throughout!
Julie and Louie
We got Louie as a 5 month old rescue pup. He was a sweet dog but wouldn’t listen, was very high energy and hard to manage and integrate into our family with two young children. After a few weeks of training with Nelson, Louie was a new dog! He has the same energy and love but he’s dramatically more obedient, calm and a wonderful family dog. Louie also goes to playgroup with the Happy K-9 five days a week and loves it, he runs to the door tail wagging every time the bell rings in hope that its time to go. We are thrilled with Nelson and his team. We couldn’t have asked for better training for Louie and for us and are grateful for the day to day care that he receives.
