Best Friends Dog Training

Programs are structured in 6-week group classes with set schedules on weekdays and weekends, including Puppy Kindergarten, Beginner Obedience, Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog, The Next Step, Tricks, WCRL Rally, and agility. A 3-week New Puppy Prep workshop is offered for pups under 16 weeks. Private lessons are available for in-home training, reactive dog management, freestyle, and behavior modification. Therapy Dog students can attend a mock test after class. Confident K9 and Your Canine Athlete are offered as private sessions only. AKC Trick testing is available as a standalone event after CGC certification.

Pricing Summary

Group classes range from $99 for a 3-week Therapy Dog class to $199 for 6-week sessions (Puppy Kindergarten, Beginner Obedience, CGC). New Puppy/Rescue Package is $399, including two training sessions and a class spot. Tricks workshops are $125. Private lessons and in-home training are available by request. Drop-ins for some classes cost $30. No monetary refunds for dismissals due to behavioral issues; payments are redirected to private lessons.

Policies

No make-up classes are offered for missed sessions. If a class is canceled due to weather, it is rescheduled to the next available date. Dogs dismissed from class for behavioral issues (e.g., reactivity) are not refunded; payments are redirected to private lessons. Reactive dogs must complete private lessons before joining group classes. All dogs in AKC Rally classes must wear a martingale or flat collar. No monetary refunds are provided for dismissals due to behavioral issues.

Best Friends Dog Training is a professional dog training business based in Toms River, NJ, that coaches dog owners to become their dog’s best friend through positive, empathetic training methods. Led by head trainer Rachel J. Stintzcum, BA – Psych, CCPDT-KA, and supported by a team of certified trainers including Mandy Taylor, CPDT-KA, and Jeanette Trabilcy-Logan, CPDT-KA, the business offers group classes, private in-home lessons, and specialized programs for puppies, reactive dogs, therapy dogs, and competitive sports like rally and tricks. Their unique advantage lies in combining psychology-backed behavior understanding with hands-on, individualized training that addresses both dog and owner needs. They specialize in fear-free methods, cooperative veterinary care, and working with dogs with medical conditions, including deaf and blind dogs. They also offer a New Puppy/Rescue Package and enrichment activities like nose work and k9 fitness.

Trainers are certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers (CCPDT-KA) and are active in AKC programs, including Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog, and Trick Dog titles. The team emphasizes building trust, communication, and confidence between dogs and their humans, with a strong focus on positive reinforcement and no use of punitive tools like pinch collars or e-collars.

They serve clients in Toms River and surrounding areas, offering classes at their facility and in-home sessions. Their programs are structured in 6-week sessions with clear pricing, and they provide mock tests for Therapy Dog certification. They do not offer refunds for dismissals due to behavioral issues but redirect payments to private lessons when applicable.

Accomplishments

Head trainer Rachel J. Stintzcum has over 15 years of professional training experience and holds a BA in Psychology and CCPDT-KA certification. Mandy Taylor has 15+ years in veterinary care and 10+ years in training, with CPDT-KA and Elite FFCVP credentials. Jeanette Trabilcy-Logan is a CPDT-KA and AKC Evaluator with expertise in CGC, Tricks, and Fit Dog. Thérèse has 25 years of therapy dog work and 10 years of apprenticeship under Rachel. Trainers have published articles, authored children’s books, and had dogs featured in national publications.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients should contact Jeanette at 908-907-5625 or bestfriendjeanette@gmail.com to discuss goals, determine appropriate class level, and schedule a spot. New Puppy/Rescue Package can be booked directly. Private lessons and specialized programs require direct consultation. Some classes have waitlists or limited space and require advance contact.