Rocket Dog Academy - Mount Vernon, Washington

Adria V.

We first found this place when our son adopted his dog from our cousin who trained with these folks. We attended some start up training for ourselves as we had never owned Shepherds before. We have owned several other breeds and the training we were doing wasn't working with this particular dog who seemed to have zero bad habits but as we adjusted to new life with him unwanted behaviors started in. We decided to go make the drive to Mount Vernon where he first had his training. After a few weeks our son joined us and Charlie and Jenn have gone above and beyond to make sure we have the correct equipment and often times giving "Free" lessons and their time! I did feel it was too good to be true until two years into our new life, We chose to begin looking for our own German Shepherd and companion to our son's dog. Both Jenn & Charlie devoted their time and were amazingly flexible often times seeing us last minute. They loaned us so much, Crates, collars, you name it to make sure the new guy was going to be a good fit and worked consistently to ensure the dogs were introduced in a proper way and would get along. Both Jenn & Charlie continue to serve us & our dogs very well. I still believe we owe them much more than they could ever owe us. All this happened while Jenn managed to open her new facility to the community. What a fun and positive experience for us and we look forward to our visits at Rocket Dog Academy and do not mind the 45 minute drive to do so and it continues to be too good to be true but is the real deal!

Chloe L.

Jenn literally saved Lu.

He was impossible and stubborn. I could not walk down the street without him panicking and jumping up and grabbing the leash. This is a dangerous situation in traffic. All of the positive training techniques I had learned at the Humane Society which worked well with my Pit Bull Mixes did not work at all with Lu. I could not even get him to sit. He would sit in the house for cheese but he would not mind any command outside.

Jenn taught me how to handle Lu and how to walk with him safely. I was ready to relinquish him--no one wanted him. Jenn explained to me that Lu was probably treated poorly by people and other dogs and that he had been untrained for so long he was not really interested in minding and preferred to operate under his own rules.

Optimum was recommended by Northwestern German Shepherd Rescue and they told me Jennifer has saved a lot of dogs.

Lu also wanted to chase cars and they explained that Lu was actually a hound and they are hard-wired to chase movement.

Also, Lu wanted to chase the cats.

He is a huge and dangerous issue as soon as ice on the street or a bag of groceries comes into the mix and he decides he wants to jump up and grab the leash. He is way too strong for the tug-of-war and it is way too dangerous in traffic.

Also, Lu is very stubborn and not food driven--the cheese in the house is an exception.

Jenn gave me the proper equipment, the proper prong collar, and told me how to use it.

There were not any trainers in Seattle that would work with me and I will be grateful to Jenn and her very knowledgeable staff and Optimum Dog forever.

Maxina R.

The Crew at Optimum is very skilled, patient, and caring. They have demonstrated mastery of work with our German Shepherd Pitt mix, Maximus, whom we rescued—and who is feral at that! If you're looking for a trainer, Jenn is no joke! Seriously, Maximus has shown transformation that is incredible! We've got a lot more to work on but, WOW what a great start.

Tucker C.

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.

Ashley L.

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.

Becky P.

I have used a variety of training facilities for all different issues, and I am extremely pleased with the knowledge and support we get from Optimum Dog. Before you give up on your dog, PLEASE bring them here for one more opportunity to be trained. You won't be disappointed 🐾

carmen W.

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!

Melissa H.

We only spent 2.5 hours working with them and our dog behaved so nicely after the exercises. When everyone turned us away they accepted is and were willing to help. Prices are comparable to others. You do have to drop your dog off so that makes me a little nervous. But they seem to really enjoy what they do and my un trusting dog worked well with them. Love the fast response time and how open they are to addressing questions or concerns. Fairly decent wait time to get your dog in and trained. Highly encourage getting your puppy trained and keeping them out of the shelters