Kathy Santo Dog Training

Programs include group obedience classes (beginner to advanced), private training sessions, the Academy+ intensive 7-12 week program combining boarding and daily lessons, Play & Train day training with enrichment, Grow individualized enrichment, and specialized tracks for service and therapy dogs. Online courses and virtual private training are also available. All programs emphasize progressive skill-building, individualized attention, and real-world application.

Pricing Summary

Pricing varies by service type with packages available for group classes, private training, board and train, and Academy+. Specific rates are not listed publicly but can be obtained through consultation. Discounts are offered for bundled services like Academy+.

Policies

Refund policies are available on their website. Classes are open enrollment with no fixed start dates. Cancellation and rescheduling policies are not detailed publicly but are outlined in their official policies page.

Kathy Santo Dog Training is a long-standing dog training business founded in 1984 and based in Waldwick, New Jersey. Led by Kathy Santo, an AKC Master Trainer and published author, the business offers comprehensive dog training services including group classes, private training, board and train programs, and online courses. They specialize in positive, real-life training methods that focus on building strong human-dog relationships. Their facility features a canine gym, play and train programs, and specialized services like service dog and therapy dog training. They also provide related services such as pet boarding, grooming, transport, and dog daycare. Kathy and her team emphasize individualized attention, with staff who know each dog and owner by name, and maintain constant communication through a student portal. They offer flexible scheduling with classes available seven days a week and 24/7 support for urgent questions. Their programs are designed for all life stages, from puppies to seniors, and address behaviors like reactivity, separation anxiety, leash pulling, and more.

The business is known for its community-focused approach, with many clients returning for years and even referring family members. Their Academy+ program combines boarding with daily private lessons, and their Play & Train programs offer supervised, temperament-based playgroups with intentional rest cycles. They also offer virtual training and online courses for remote clients, and their Dog Sense podcast and blog provide free educational resources for dog owners.

Accomplishments

Kathy Santo is an AKC Master Trainer, published author, and frequent guest on national media including the Today Show, Fox and Friends, CNN, CBS, and the Martha Stewart Show. She is a regular contributor to AKC.TV and has created training videos and expert series. She is the 2024 Faces of Bergen Winner for Dog Training.

How to Get Started!

Prospective clients can begin by reviewing class schedules, exploring service options on the website, and contacting the facility to discuss goals. Virtual private training and online courses can be enrolled in directly. For board and train or Academy+ programs, applications are accepted and require consultation.