- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Bravopup Puppy and Dog Training
Category: Pets Pet Services Pet Training Pet Training [Edit]
Northbrae Community Church941 The Alameda
Berkeley, CA 94707
Neighborhood: North Berkeley
(510) 621-3630
25 reviews for Bravopup Puppy and Dog Training
25 reviews in English
-
Review from Jacqueline C.
Oakland, CA
12/19/2011
Lola just finished her first round of puppy classes. We have been very pleased with the program. We've worked with three different trainers at Bravo Pup during the course of the training, all of which have been very positive and helpful in training Lola (and us!!!).
When we originally signed up, the class nearest to us (and the one that would have gone straight without 2 weeks' interruption with the holiday season) was booked full, so we signed up for the next class. Then, someone dropped out of the one we originally wanted and the one we signed up for was cancelled due to low enrollment. We were offered a spot in the one we originally wanted, but it had started one week earlier. We were a little concerned about missing the first week, but our concerns were put to rest when one of the trainers, Stacey, offered to come to our home to get us caught up. That was awesome. She got to meet Lola and gave us a lot of insight into what we had missed. We felt up to speed the next day when we joined the rest of the class. We had Maureen for the first couple of classes, then Sandi for the last couple (Sandi was doing doggie rescue in Thailand). Both Maureen and Sandi are great! They not only know dogs, but it is clear that they care about puppies and helping their owners to train well behaved, happy, well-adjusted pups.
Bravo Pup uses positive reinforcement, which is great. Even though Lola (i.e., we) still has a lot of work to do, from very early on, our friends and family were impressed with the various *tricks* she knew (sit, down, leave it, etc.).
We've also done the puppy socials twice now, which are a great way to socialize your pup, whether your puppy is outgoing or shy. The socials are supervised by trainers. Lola comes home exhausted (can you say *date night* after?!). We definitely plan on attending more puppy socials and will consider doing additional puppy classes to make sure we and Lola are keeping good habits.
Thank you Sandi, Maureen, and Stacey! -
Review from kyle w.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 1/13/2012
Took our other pound puppy through Dog 1, had another great experience. Going to take both dogs through their Recall training.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
-
6/6/2011
My wife and I had a very different experience to Mac C and Star M.
In our puppy socials, the people… Read more »
-
-
Review from Rena P.
Alameda, CA
12/18/2011
Sandi and her crew are amazing! If we could give her 10 stars, we would! We brought our Portuguese Water Dog pup home in June. It had been a long time since either of us had a puppy and we knew we'd need training. Knowing that this is an active, smart breed, we signed her up for puppy training with BravoPup before we even got her home and started taking her to pup socials right away. We were very clear that WE needed to be trained and haven't regretted a minute of our training time with BravoPup. The pup socials were a life-saver when our puppy was younger. Now that she's a rambunctious 8-month-old, she's too big to go, unfortunately. But it was a great way for her to burn off some energy and learn how to socialize with other dogs and people while also gaining some basic skills.
Sandi and her staff are attentive, skilled trainers who are quick both with praise and helpful suggestion. Sandi rotates her demos using each of the dogs in the class -- sometimes she'll use a dog she thinks might have more difficulty with the skill and sometimes a dog that's got it. Regardless, this is always followed by a practice session for all dogs that is monitored by her and whoever is working the class with her -- in our case, it's usually Stacy, who is also great. The weekly follow-up e-mail after class that reviews what was taught and the homework for the week is invaluable. Sandi has the ability to instill confidence in both owner and dog, helping to know when to be protective, concerned, or "this is normal, healthy behavior."
We have now completed Pup 1, 2, and 3, Introduction to Rally, and Xtreme Recall and are looking forward to Rally 1 and Pup 4 in the new year. We also took Pup 1 and 2 from Sirius. Although those classes were very good as well, we found that they really vary significantly with trainer and location. We have also observed and participated in other training classes in the Bay Area and none are as good as BravoPup and Sandi's unique teaching ability. I guess you could call us BravoPup addicts! -
Review from lori s.
Oakland, CA
12/17/2011
Sandi,
When you take classes with Bravopup, you realize "I can do this!" The classes are fun, and informative. My relationship, with my dog, has improved ten fold. I love being with my dog, and know I feel like I'm a much more confident, and communicate much more effecitvely. My dog is incredible happy, and I am too. Thank you for all the work you do with Bravopup, and your philanthropy. Sandi, you are truely gifted!
Lori F. -
Review from Oliver S.
Venice, CA
8/9/2011
I've raised/trained over a dozen dogs and other exotic canids - I thought I knew nearly everything there was until I brought my new puppy, Aqutaq to one of Sandi's classes at BravoPup.
As much as my puppy learned, I have learned even more. Not only is Sandi an amazing trainer, it's obvious she loves dogs and loves training them and their slow-learning human friends even more.
If you want someone to help you train your puppy, solve problems or better yet head off bad behavior altogether, I can think of no one better than Sandi to help you do it.
I also highly recommend BravoPup's "puppy socials" to help your new furry friend learn how to behavior with other dogs. I especially loved her Oakland Zoo location - it's simply an amazing and beautiful spot to come and spend time with your dog and other dog lovers.
I'd give Sandi and BravoPup more stars if I could! -
Review from sarah m.
Richmond, CA
9/28/2010
We have gradated from Puppy 1, Puppy 2, and Puppy 3!
The classes at BravoPup are incredibly fun! They are once-a-week, hour-long sessions - so many important skills are packed into each class. It is amazing how quickly the puppies learn... I remember the first day of Puppy 1 we learned so much, I was so proud of my little guy! And Kenji (the puppy student) LOVES going to the classes! We attend the puppy socials when schedules permit - I highly recommend those as well. Tons of fun, and so nice to burn off some of that youthful puppy energy. We are looking forward to taking Puppy 4.
Sandi is an absolutely wonderful trainer - she has instilled so many important life skills into Kenji. Absolutely EVERYWHERE we go, people are so impressed at his excellent behavior and temperament. The classes are a great way for a dog to learn how to relate to other dogs, and to other people.
I highly recommend BravoPup to anyone looking for a puppy school!Listed in: Dog Stuff
-
Review from Alan Y.
7/28/2010
Bravopup hosts a Thursday night puppy social at the First Congregational Church on Harrison and 27th. The class offers an opportunity for pups as young as two months and as old as four months to sniff, play, jump, burn off energy, and get socialized to other dogs and people, all for the low-low-low cost of $15 ($10 if you're enrolled in one of their classes).
There are two or three trainers facilitating the play session, and under their watchful eye, over exuberance is extinguished before it turns into aggression and accidental poop discharges are quickly quarantined.
While I give this puppy social five stars, please note that the class is only as good as the puppies (and puppy parents) that show up. Our first visit was wonderful for helping break Hokulele out of her shell, but during the next visit, some of the puppy parents were extremely uptight about her style of play.
If your puppy needs additional time for supervised play, I highly recommend you try every social available (SPCA in Oakland, Dublin, Sunnyvale, Peninsula, Milpitas all different times), including Bravopup. -
Review from Mac C.
East Bay, CA
9/25/2010
After reading "Star M"'s review, I finally decided to Yelp our experience with BravoPup.
Sandi does seem to have lots of experience and knowledge about puppies & dogs. They seem to really respond to her. However, she and a female aide (the frizzy-haired one who wears baggy quilted clothes all year 'round), however, are somewhat lacking in people skills.
Sandi's style can be a little dictatorial. Maybe that's the only way she can get peoples' attention. I thought she seemed a little hardnosed with her own dog Turtle who was always locked up in his crate watching all the others playing.
We agree with Star M's review vis-a-vis demos always with a few "favored" dogs. And the focussed picture-taking of those favored few for the website was rude.
Our main issue and hence the termination of any more BravoPup classes or socials, however, is with the quilted-coat person at the puppy socials (What IS her name??).
Our very sweet-natured, non-aggressive puppy was barely 10 lbs at the time we were going. We paid those $10 fees for the 45-minute sessions for months so that our guy could have some playtime with dogs his own size out of the rain.
During the last couple of times I went by myself, a new dog joined the social -- a Jack Russell Terrier who was seriously hyper (gee, there's novelty: a hyper Jack Russell!). He started to pick on our little guy, chasing him around the small dog play area and nipping at him. Our guy just squealed and tried to get away to play with the others. But the JRT was relentless.
Ms. Quilted Coat, rather than disciplining the JRT or speaking to its 2 female owners, told me I should instead take my dog over to the BIG dog play area! Huh??? Well. . .ok. . .
I put him over the barrier into the big dog area and he was immediately overwhelmed by the running pack of big dogs. He's short and barely 10 lbs. After watching him run and sit under the chairs, venturing out a few times only to go back under the chairs, I finally returned him to the small dog area. He was just too little to be in with the big dogs.
Right away the Jack Russell started running after him trying to nip at his neck & ears. Ms. Quilted Coat's wordless response was to pick up my dog, shoved a treat into his mouth and held him in a time-out.
Again, I didn't understand why the JRT wasn't the one given the time out. This went on over a couple of socials. All this money when he hasn't done anything. Honest, I am not just being an overprotective dog guardian either.
I should have expressed my displeasure and asked her why she was wasn't disciplining the JRT. But I didn't. I guess I did not want to cause a scene since the JRT's owners were both hearing impaired.
Anyway, we never went back and never will. Our guy is now really consistent with what he learned in Class I and needs the next step in training. I'll check out Star M's recommendation to try Rebel Dog. -
Review from Matt F.
2/11/2010
My lab puppy, Alton, graduated from Puppy I tonight. He's well on his way to being an obedient dog--if I can just get him through adolescence. I'm sure with Puppy II and III coming, that he'll do fine.
I can't say enough about what a good instructor I think Sandi is and I've gotten help from others on her team, too. She has a way with dogs that reminds me of Cesar Millan. She can get them to pay attention and learn in no time at all, and explains what she is doing, and, more importantly, why she is doing it so that we can get it right, too.
The only drawback I've seen is that it can be hard to park at the church on Thursday nights, so if the weekend class works better for you then take that. -
Review from Morgan G.
Berkeley, CA
3/3/2009
I highly recommend Sandi's BravoPup class, Puppy 1.
We adopted our first puppy, Winslow, from a rescue group in November, when she was 4 months old. We were able to work her on our own to teach basic commands. As the weeks passed, she quickly outgrew basic commands, and we hit a wall with our ability to teach more complicated behaviors.
We signed up for Puppy 1 on the later side, making Winslow one of the older pups in the class. Sandi was phenomenal with her training for puppies across the age group in the class. The class offers much-needed socialization (well-supervised), play time (also well-supervised) and tips for slowly advancing training for puppy success.
Winslow loved the classes, and is already enrolled in BravoPup Puppy 2. -
Review from Star M.
San Pablo, CA
3/5/2010
I have taken my puppy to the puppy socials (and still do) and currently have her enrolled in the Puppy I class. Though I like the philosophy and positive reinforcement and rewards based training I don't like the class or instructor at all. I really want to like her and the class, I feel like she does have a lot of great knowledge to share.
However, I feel like she is not at all excited or interested in the puppies and the classes that she teaches. She routinely 'demonstrates" with the same couple of dogs and provides almost no 1 on 1 interaction.
It would also be nice if she didn't single out certain breeds as being less than (terriers for example) while praising others. I left the class last night feeling like I had a bad dog. Strangely enough, even though Bella barks quite a bit, she does almost everything that is asked of her and learns super fast.
One would think that someone who spends so much time with puppies and dogs would be better equipped to deal with a couple of dogs with personality.
Honestly, I 'm glad that I found trainer Jaime from Rebel Dog (http://www.rebeldogtra...) who showed me the incredible potential that Bella has. I would not take or recommend taking the classes from Bravopup, but the Puppy Socials are great. -
Review from Kev C.
Oakland, CA
6/27/2008
Sandi is the best training in the world. She saved Obi from being a menace in the neighborhood - barking at all hours and disturbing the neighbors to the point we almost had to give him away - to a well mannered, obedient dog. By his nature, he is curious and energetic. But now he is able to fetch Kongs when he's hungry, rather than chew on electrical cables. I would recommend anyone who has a puppy or crazy canine to take her classes and find the true wonder of owning a dog.
-
Review from Ashley R.
Oakland, CA
3/6/2008
We took Puppy I and Puppy II from Sandi when she taught through Sirius. We have taken a number of other courses through local rescue organizations and other places, but none of them even came close to Sandi's classes. Our puppy Dave would get excited when he recognized the freeway exit for her class. Sandi's classes are well organized and her instruction methods extremely clear. We (and Dave) particularly enjoyed the play time built into the beginning of the class - the perfect mixture of work and fun for owners and dogs. Sandi also makes a special effort to get to know all of the dogs and owners (she knew all the dog's names by the second class) and goes out of her way to tailor her instruction to each dog and owner.
We say "Bravo!"
Ashley, Alec and Dave -
Review from Colby H.
Oakland, CA
10/5/2008
We got what we thought was a cute, little, calm black lab mix from Milo Foundation. Well, as she adjusted when we brought her home we realized she was a crazed, little, alpha lab mix who attacked feet, and pretty much anything that moved - human or otherwise.
So, we decided puppy training was definitely in order. BravoPup gives a discount on rescue dogs, so we signed our little "angel" up with Sandi and never looked back.
Elkie wonders what happened to eating hot dogs on Thursday nights. Also, there is a puppy social hour we took our hyperactive puppy to before class and she had a BLAST. It's nice because its inside so rain or shine she can play.
We took classes in Oakland off of Broadway by downtown and AutoRow at Pampered Pup, but it was through the same organization. -
Review from emilie s.
Berkeley, CA
4/15/2008
Sandi is a fantastic dog trainer!!! I would follow her were ever she goes to have my dog trained by her. I took puppy I, II, III, and her tricks class. I've also taken other training classes around the bay area and nothing compares to her! When I signed up for the Oakland dog Trainers Club, they were worried when I said our last training was with sirius. The woman said there are often gaps, but actually my dog was more advanced than many of the other dogs in class thanks to Sandi's thouroughness!!!She breaks the training down so you can pinpoint how to get to the end result and so the dog does not get over whelmed and can be successful. My dog just LOVES her and was always thrilled when she used her for demonstrations. I want to get another puppy just so I can take her class again!
-
Review from Stacey G.
Oakland, CA
5/20/2008
I can't say enough great things about Sandi. She has an impeccable reputation as one of the Bay Area's leading dog trainers, and we were very happy with the results of our two puppy classes we took with her. I think my favorite part is that she not only manages to keep the room under control and instill order (in spite of the chaos of 12 adolescent dogs together in a small space), but she was great at helping us nervous owners feel more relaxed about everything ... teaching us how to let our dogs be dogs. I highly recommend Sandi and Bravopup!
-
Review from Diana G.
Berkeley, CA
1/28/2010
I highly recommend Sandi T. and Bravo Training as your training regime. I went through all of Sandi's classes (even took a couple of them twice, because they were so much fun!). I bring my Standard Poodle to work with me and it is imperative that she have good manners. Bravo Training was how we got there. I even did some private classes with Sandi when my dog was having a few issues (highly recommend for quick breakthroughs). Sandi makes the experience of training your dog fun for the pooch as well as the human. Thank you Sandi!
-
Review from robin w.
Berkeley, CA
11/24/2008
Bravopup has a wide variety of classes for dogs and puppies. We took our Olde English Bulldogge, "Duchess" to puppy class with Paul. She is strong in will and body. Using techniques we learned in class we can get her to come to us with enthusiasm in an off leash dog park which has come in very handy. The Bravo trainers have decades of experience and many credentials in working with dogs. Positive reinforcement is a key. A good investment when a dog will be part of your family for many years.
Robin -
Review from Leigh C.
Richmond, CA
4/24/2009
I have been attending Sandi's puppy class and puppy social with my 4.5 month old American Bulldog. My dog is an easy dog who probably would behave well without training BUT I have already learned so much from Sandi that is helping me to understand my somewhat withdrawn dog and also helping me train my adult shelter dogs who have issues.
I've used a lot of trainers in the past and what I really appreciate about Sandi is her professionalism and organization (sometimes dog people aren't so good at this side of things!) . She sends follow up emails after each class that are really helpful in keeping us to the program between classes. What is most important in training dogs is training their people, and Sandi's approach totally reinforces that by reminding us to stay consistent. It goes without saying that she understands dogs and is very good at dealing with all types of behavior issues.
Her puppy socials are great and almost like another training class. Sandi understands how to manage a room full of puppies by having breaks in the play and catching things before they escalate. Again, this is great training for the owners; I am so much more confident taking my pup to the dog park because Sandi has told me what to watch for and how to read his interactions. -
Review from Ellise N.
Oakland, CA
1/15/2010
I Love Bravo!Pup! They are really amazing. I went to Sirius with my now adult french bulldog a couple years ago for training, and they were good, but I took my new puppy to Bravo!Pup based on the reviews, and they are even better! The classes are full of positive energy and joyfulness, and my puppy and I learn so much. Plus, I feel like the trainers (Sandi and Stacey in my class) really care about mine and my puppy's well being, and the well being of every puppy in class. They clearly love dogs, and they are great with people, too. They take time to offer personal help where needed during and after class, and the classes are just so much fun. I highly recommend Bravo!Pup.
Oh, and they also offer puppy socials on Thursday nights. For only $10, you can have the thrill of watching two rooms full of puppies playing, and at the same time teach your puppy to be a well-socialized, well-mannered, non-aggressive dog. My shy pup is coming out of his shell thanks to these wonderful socials! Thank you, Bravo!Pup! -
Review from Will W.
El Cerrito, CA
11/6/2009
We've taken our puppy here not only for the socials, but for Puppy 1 and Puppy 2. Sandi has been very intuitive, informative and is a great instructor. Our puppy is becoming a teenager and is very rebellious, but the training and socialization has made her more confident. If you have an unmanageable dog or puppy, Sandi will help you through the process although she has a very busy schedule. The only issue that I've noticed is that she will not allow aggressive dogs/puppies into her classes, thus I wouldn't exactly recommend her if your dog is not sociable as she doesn't address those issues in class.
-
Review from Kelly R.
Berkeley, CA
9/27/2010
Excellent training, I'd highly recommend both the bravo pup classes and the puppy socials. We just finished bravo pup 2. Sandi and the trainers who work with her were very responsive to our many questions about raising and training a very large breed puppy (both in class, through emails, phone calls and private sessions). This is our first puppy and he's had health issues, so we needed a LOT of help.
When we were at a very challenging point early on in the puppy training, Sandi came over for private sessions (she even came over one Sunday morning) to help us find ways to turn several situations around. We went from feeling overwhelmed and exhausted to feeling good about managing our home life with a puppy, having fun while training, and finally enjoying the cuddling and bonding with our big, sweet boy. This included:
* adding more structure to help our puppy (sit before every entrance/exit, crate training, kongs) and create more peace,
* finding ways to give time outs that worked in our physical space that quickly nipped in the bud bad habits (puppy mouthing and nipping),
* introducing our puppy to our two cats (going really well now),
* helping our puppy to not eat rocks/sticks, etc. in our backyard,
* introducing a car harness and car etiquette so getting to places is now a breeze,
* and recommendations for training/play given our particular puppies strengths and challenges.
Sandi also respected and worked great with my 12-year-old daughter who was "on" during the classes, socials and at our home sessions. By showing my daughter how to train through play, my daughter really bonded with her puppy, and that is what we were hoping for. Sandi never talked down to her, instead she talked to her in a way that she could really get the training and made it fun. No easy task with a pre-teen!
We now have the challenges of an adolescent big male pup, and we look forward to bravo pup 3 in the 2011. -
Review from Robert B.
Alameda, CA
3/6/2010
We took both of our rescue puppies with fear and aggression issues to Bravo Pup for help. Sandy and Paul were wonderful at working with us to work with our dogs. Two years later they are totally different dogs than the basket cases we rescued, we still work with them and "follow the program", and it is still paying off as we continue to see constant improvement in the way they deal with strangers, other dogs, and the outside world in general. I highly recommend them if you are serious about helping your dog.
-
Review from Sharon J.
Oakland, CA
9/18/2008
I love dogs, pure and simple. I subscribe to Bark magazine, read books with doggie protagonists, my fashion sense always includes dog hair no matter what season, and most of my vacation pictures include dogs. I think you get the picture. But most of all, I love my dogs. And like any good dog parent, I want the best for them. I have tried many puppy and dog classes around the Bay Area and I can say, without a doubt, that Sandi and Paul are the best teachers I have ever had. Make that "will have" because like a dog, I'm loyal and smart. I will always go to Bravo!Pup whenever the need for training arises. My dogs and I have a BLAST while learning all the essentials of good dog/human behavior. They know dogs and they know people too! And they will train both of you with a lot of kindness, patience, intelligence and humor too! I feel extremely lucky to be able to take classes with Sandi and Paul. As for my dogs... "Two paws and a tail up for Bravo!Pup!!!!!!!!!!"
-
Review from Julie R.
Inverness, CA
4/20/2009
Sandi Thompson is an amazing trainer. I brought my English lab puppy to two series of classes with her and I learned so much (so did my puppy). I would not have the amazing, loving, playful and well-behaved 10-month-old lab that I do have, without Bravo Pup and it's wonderful trainer. Sandi is very available for consultations and has a natural talent with animals. I recommend her classes with the highest rating; I have heard from others who have taken puppy classes with other companies and they were much less satisfied. Bravo Pup is outstanding!
