YELP REVIEWS
Katherine G - ✪✪✪✪✪
7/11/2018
"Academy dog training was able to help us train our four-year old dog with severe anxiety issues; after the 3-week dog care program and several group classes, we are able to: walk him without pulling, be out around other dogs and manage his reaction with commands and treats, have him perform basic commands inside and out of the home. He is much more pleasant to have since he and we are better trained. All thanks to the fabulous team at Academy Dog!"
Jason U - ✪✪✪✪✪
2/21/2018
"Haywood, Alexa and the team at Academy Dog Training have been fantastic in helping us train our energetic Double Doodle Teddy. Not only were they great with Teddy, but they were great helping us to be better dog owners. They went so far as to make multiple visits to our house to make sure Teddy's training followed him home, and that his particular issues was worked on. We used their daycare training, and it was fantastic; knowing that Teddy was learning every day and well taken care of eased our minds of being able to train him ourselves. Highly recommended."
M.A. - ✪✪✪✪
12/21/2017
"I am a first time dog owner and brought my puppy here for training and I am so glad I stumbled upon the company's website on yelp and called Haywood. He and his team are great! I signed up for their daycare program and then group classes and all of it was well worth the time and money. They provided guidance from everything to diet, housebreaking, and obedience training. Haywood even made a home visit to help me sort out my stubborn dog's behavior issues. They customize the needs of individual dogs (and owners) and closely assess their needs/skills/readiness to advance. Since we graduated, I have returned a couple of time to get advice and Haywood and staff remain helpful. I have never felt rushed or ignored. I also now go there for all of my dog's treats and toys. I'd go back there for more advanced training and highly recommend them!"
Kendra Z - ✪✪✪✪✪
4/25/2017
"I can not say enough positive things about the excellent service, training, and support I have received from Haywood and his team. I can't imagine a situation where Haywood or his team would behave as the only previous negative reviewer described. Haywood and Alexa went out of their way to find the solution/training that worked best for my dog.
Background: I rescued an almost 3yr old neutered male GSD in December. My husband and I have breed experience so I was hoping that we'd be able to improve some of his problematic behaviors (barking, poor socialization, very territorial, and disordered pack mentality) and then join a group class. We quickly figured out that the behaviors were not related to bonding to us and his new GSD sister but rather that was just him. So we started looking at private lessons.
When I arrived at Academy, I wasn't sure what to expect. Alexa and Adrianna started our evaluation. Haywood joined us half way through and it worked out perfectly that he did because the team was able to observe my dog's reaction to someone entering "his" territory and his reaction to men - both of which were significant. At the end of the evaluation, Haywood and Alexa provided their recommendation for training - private lessons to start with a transition to group classes for a fixed fee. My dog would learn multiple commands and how to be around other dogs. Again, I can not stress enough how economical Academy ended up being. It took us a little longer than the average client to be ready for group classes. If I'd had to pay per lesson at the market rate in this area, it would have cost DOUBLE. Seriously...I did the math.
Three weeks ago, my previously barky, somewhat aggressive, territorial GSD graduated from Academy with the highest test score of his group. He didn't make a peep. He recognizes the humans in our home as alphas. He is able to walk on a leash in our neighborhood without lunging at other dogs...in fact, he was steady as a rock last week while a neighbor's small dog was barking up a storm.
I honestly feel like Academy Dog Training saved my dog's life. If his behavior had continued to escalate, he eventually would have hurt someone and been euthanized. Haywood's method was exactly what my dog needed and Alexa (our primary trainer for private lessons) got to know both my dog and myself. There were days I was prepared to give up and without her encouragement, support, and knowledge were invaluable. Also, we did a couple days of board and train which were VERY economical and I was able to see improvement in my dog after the first day. We continue to buy our dog food and supplies from Academy. They offer 5 star food made in the USA for 3 star price."
Jamie B - ✪✪✪✪✪
12/6/2015
"Haywood is a fantastic trainer! We will absolutely not go to anyone else for our pups. Haywood has trained all my family's dogs, and no one has had any complaints. He's trained two of my father-in-law's dogs, my sister-in-law's, and ours.
On top of exceptional training, Haywood's shop offers a fantastic selection of treats for my fur babies. Whether it be a gift basket during the holiday season, a salmon skin, or big ol' bone for them to chew on, Haywood is our go to.
When you train and provide supplies for owners, why go anywhere else? We will continue to support this great local business in the future, and to spread the word about this great dog trainer!"
Colleen S - ✪✪✪✪✪
12/9/2016
"The entire staff at Academy Dog Training by Haywood are so incredibly patient and helpful. My husband and I brought our german shepherd puppy to them and they provided us with a free consultation to address our training goals, as well as provided us advice to take home with us, to more personalize the training to us and our dog. During the consultation, not one, but three trainers were present (including Haywood) to provide us with all the information we would need to move forward with training. Our trainer ended up being David. He was very kind and it was definitely obvious that he really understands dog behavior. Since I was a first-time dog owner, it was also a relief that he was so patient and informative with me as well. I would (and already have) recommend Academy Dog Training by Haywood to my friends and family."
Sandi K - ✪✪✪✪✪
7/1/2014
"Haywood is amazing!
He has helped us with 2 dogs that we rescued. Our first, Stretch, would tear apart the house, destroyed the kitchen, and would jump up into trees snatching a bird or squirrel and snapping their necks. It was impossible for me to walk him without being pulled so hard that I had to wrap the leash around a tree to keep from hitting the ground. Haywood taught us how to handle Stretch, how to understand that he was a hunter, and that with consistency we could not only manage him, but enjoy him! Stretch passed away and we got Jake who was sooo much easier compared to Stretch. BUT, Jake would do the things that many dogs do...on occasion he would nip people as well us, jump at people walking by let as well as coming into the house, did not listen to commands and would bark constantly if we were not paying attention to him or giving him more treats. After four sessions with Haywood, Jake is so much better! I should say that Haywood really helped us-he GETS people and he GETS dogs. He knows what types of corrections work for a specific dog. He told us we were too harsh when we set limits with Jake and that was making him more anxious. Haywood is honest, and will let humans know what they are doing that contributes to a dog's behavior, and will give concrete suggestions/actions to take to remediate the issues.
Haywood Perry is the DOG WHISPERER of Silver Spring. We are so fortunate to have him in close by. I encourage anyone with a dog that has some behaviors that you may overlook or does things that are extremely worrisome to see him. You will be as appreciative as we are to see how you can change to help your dog be the best pup ever!"
Sandi K
Mary Jo D - ✪✪✪✪✪
3/4/2014
"I adopted a big 4 year old German Shepherd who came with some serious behavior problems. Haywood was the perfect trainer to help us both work through the issues. From the first encounter when he made a house call, he understood the dog's issues and laid out a strong set of practices to overcome them. I'd definitely take another dog to him."
Laurie Y - ✪✪✪✪✪
2/23/2013
"Haywood is Silver Spring's dog whisperer! Patient and so knowledgeable. Over the years, he's successfully trained two of our rescue pups... Or, as we've learned, he's really trained us! We highly recommend his services."
Sherman T - ✪✪✪✪✪
7/12/2016
"A dog can be a great experience or a dog can be a disaster. As an owner, you must be willing to invest the time and resources your dog wants and needs in order to communicate your expectations.
With that said, I want to take time to let you know how exceptional Mr. Haywood Perry's Academy Dog Training is.
When we brought home our Rottweiler, my wife and I knew that we had our hands full. From the beginning, Haywood understood what I was looking for both in a dog and a trainer and he did not disappoint.
What I like best about Academy Dog Training is Haywood's knowledge and tailored service. Not only did he have answers to our problems and suggestions for our issues, but he also was able to provide custom solutions that fit our home.
We opted to do the day-care training and it was really the best thing for our family. My wife can now walk my growing puppy without me and the dog weighs more than she does! He is calm, patient, and attentive to us (his handlers).
There are plenty of options for dog training in the area, but DO NOT BE FOOLED. Every dog is different and you NEED to take a tailored approach. Without question, I would recommend you invest in your dog and that you do so with Academy Dog Training.
I would be more than happy to recommend Haywood's service and can be reached at (313) 528-9443 if you have any questions." ~Sherman Taylor
Curt B - ✪✪✪✪✪
7/23/2014
"We adopted a year old, 90 lb German Shepherd who had been treated well but had had no training. We had setters for many years, and trained them successfully ourselves, but we realized we needed help with Hunter and were referred to Haywood as someone who was very good with Shepherds. We could not be more pleased. Haywood has a thorough, positive approach that was embraced quickly by Hunter. Training continues until Haywood determines the dog is ready, not for a set number of sessions. And importantly, the owner is trained also. It was amazing how much life-long dog owners did not know. We highly recommend Haywood."
Irene L - ✪✪✪✪✪
6/2/2014
"Haywood has worked periodically over the last 18 years with me and the 4 Leonbergers I have had. The best! He reads the dogs and you, really gets to the core of the problem right away (that we would not have seen) and works you and the dogs for a solution that makes us both happy! Whether training was best in a class situation or a home visit for a specific behavior, Haywood successfully works it through. Highly recommended for a dog ( and owner) of any age!"
Terry N - ✪✪✪✪✪
4/13/2014
"Haywood has trained two of our dobermans. Our first Dobie was a challenge for Haywood and tried to eat Haywood on numerous occasions. However Haywood didn't give up on us or him. Haywood successfully won the battle. We lost contact with Haywood for a moment but were constantly searching for him. We had adopted another Dobie. We wanted to brush up on his training and get him off leash certified. Haywood met our new Dobie and found that he was a piece of cake compared to our other Dobie. We tried another trainer and were totally unsatisfied. We only have one trainer for our Dobies and his name is Haywood. He is the best. He is willing to go the extra mile in helping get your dog to be well trained and resolve issues at hand. I agree Haywood is the Dog Whisperer of Montgomery County."
Nelson B - ✪✪✪✪✪
2/22/2014
"I was very pleased with the training that Academy Dog Training provided me and my dog. I have never had a dog before but always wanted one. My dog was adopted from a shelter and was very skittish at first. I was also challenged by the fact that I live in a condo and do not have a yard for her to play in. However, due to Haywood's training, patience, and guidance, my dog is now known as "the" most obedient dog in my building! She is a pleasure to have around almost wherever I go. That's a long way from where we were when I first brought her home. Everyone in my building thinks I have these natural dog handling skills, but Haywood's classes made the difference. He is always available for answer questions and is a consummate professional with dogs and with people!. I agree, Haywood is the local "Dog Whisperer" in my book. Now I have the confidence to manage my dog's behavior and to expose her to my family, other people and other dogs without concern for her behavior, even when I am not around. It was worth it!"
Gregg G - ✪✪✪✪✪
1/10/2014
"My wife and I recently moved to Silver Spring and added a Vizsla to our family. Since the Vizsla is a very high energy breed and we were first time dog owners, we both agreed getting a trainer was in our and the dog's best interest. If you are looking for a results driven trainer and are willing to put in the time/work with your dog, Haywood is your guy. His program lasts as long as it takes to train your dog, not for a limited number of sessions. We found other trainers and vendors seemed to focus on a set # sessions for X price with no guarantee of a trained dog. Our puppy is now 8 months old and is house/crate trained, knows all basic commands and can perform them with distractions. Her recall is also great off leash which helps us get her the exercise she needs to be a happy dog. Haywood is also always available for random questions that might come up regarding being a dog owner. The shop also has food and dog toys he sells at a competitive price. Academy Dog Training is a truly a one stop shop for your dog training needs. We couldn't be happier with the level of service he has provided us and our puppy!"
Adrianna A - ✪✪✪✪✪
1/10/2014
"Haywood was able to help me out so much with my very dominate female german shepherd. The beginning class was great, 1 on 1 and then the advance courses were with a group class. I found both courses to be effective. Haywood not only helped with my dog, he helped me remain calm and not get frustrated when my dog was not responding to my commands.
The items in his store are great! The prices are VERY affordable, the largest bag of food is around $35! Compared to PetSmart and other shops, that is a steal! He always has new toys that my dog enjoys. I even got the largest raw hide bone he had in the store, greatest investment since it has lasted her about 3 months now!
I would definitely recommend Academy Dog Training by Haywood to anyone in the area that is looking for a dog trainer."
Emari M -
11/22/2013
"By far, one of the very "Best Trainers" in this area. I was elated, to find that the Academy Dog Training by Haywood in Silver Spring, Md. was the same Haywood that a friend in DC used years ago to train her Schnauzers. I stopped by the shop, and introduced myself, and my young, strong-willed, Dogue de Bordeaux.
The Basic Training included 1 on 1 and group classes. At the end of the classes, which of course involved me learning to effectively lead, and her to respond to commands, we had met our goal.
Impressive was the attention, concise instructions, and patience that Haywood displayed while working with teens - seniors who attended the classes. Most impressive, was the progress made by the lunging canines (both big and small) their owners by the end of the course.
Let there be no doubt, Haywood is a trainer's trainer and my family is grateful . Thank you ! We recommend Academy Dog Training by Haywood to all who want to work to make their dogs a well behaved part of the family."