Sofu’s Dog Care Training and Rehabilitation
Ranked #19 in Phoenix and #69 in Arizona
Service area: Phoenix, AZ
Service Overview
Types of Dog Training
- Family Dog
- Behavior Modification
Specialty Focus Areas
- Basic Obedience
- Puppy Training
- Leash Pulling
- Reactivity / Aggression
- Jumping on People
- Barking Excessively
- Separation Anxiety
- Biting / Nipping
- Potty Training
- Resource Guarding
- Fearfulness
- Stealing Food
- Recall
Training Formats Offered
- Private Lessons
- Private Facility
- Board and Train
Program Formats
- One-Time Consultation
- Sessions Package
- Intensive Program
Age of Dogs Trained
- Puppy (<1 year)
- Adolescent (1-2 years)
- Adult (2-8 years)
Dog Training Methodology
Methods:
- ✓ Balanced Training
- ✓ Positive with Some Corrections
Equipment:
- ✓ Martingale Collars
- ✓ Pinch Collars
- ✓ E-Collars
- ✓ slip-lead
- ✓ bonkers
- ✓ Clickers
- ✓ Food Rewards
Sofu’s Dog Care offers Board and Train packages and Private Training. The three-week Board and Train program, for dogs up to 9 months of age, focuses on on-leash training including polite walking, sit, down, place command, crate training, waiting at thresholds, and an introduction to on-leash recall. This program includes a pre-evaluation, a Q&A session at drop-off, two 90-minute sessions towards the end, and a 90-minute go-home session at their facility to transfer information and techniques to the owner.
The four-week Board and Train program covers polite walking, sit, down, place command, crate training, waiting at thresholds, and recall. It also addresses specific behavioral issues such as dog-to-dog aggression, food and/or resource guarding, separation anxiety, severe fear issues, on-leash reactivity, jumping, nipping, mouthing, excessive barking, and counter-surfing. This program includes a pre-evaluation, a Q&A session at drop-off, three 90-minute sessions towards the end, and a 90-minute go-home session. Both Board and Train programs include email and phone support for the life of the dog.
Private training is offered in five consecutive 60-90 minute sessions or as individual 60-90 minute sessions. These sessions are designed for young dogs and puppies to address issues like jumping on guests, nipping, running out the door, and pulling on walks. A 30-minute consultation session is also available for assessment.
Pricing & Policies
Pricing Summary
Sofu’s Dog Care offers several training packages. A three-week Board and Train program costs $1500 and is for dogs up to 9 months of age. A four-week Board and Train program with E-collar training costs $2125.
Private training is available in a package of five consecutive 60-90 minute sessions for $475, or individual 60-90 minute sessions for $110. A $200 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking for Board and Train programs, with 100% payment required prior to the arrival date. Training tools are not included in the Board and Train prices but can be purchased from Sofu’s Dog Care; an E-collar and Herm Sprenger prong collar package is $235, and an optional quick release buckle for the prong collar is $15. Additional charges apply for extra weeks in the Board and Train program.
Policies
Sofu’s Dog Care Training and Rehabilitation does not offer a 100% guarantee on training results due to variables like owner commitment and consistency. All payments for training programs are non-refundable.
For Board and Train programs, a $200 non-refundable deposit is required at booking. To receive a refund for this deposit, cancellation must occur two weeks (fourteen days) prior to the program’s start date. Cancellations or rescheduling beyond this two-week period will result in the deposit becoming non-refundable and non-transferable. For private training appointments, a 24-hour advance notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling; failure to provide this notice will result in the forfeiture of that lesson.
Testimonials
“I foster for ARF so have encountered quite a few dogs. This last one we fostered, Houdini, was the most out of control dog I’ve ever dealt with regardless of exercise, pet therapy etc. I was out of options until we were referred to Don. Long story short, after doing board and train with Houdini, he was a completely changed dog for the better. I was amazed how he transformed a “bad” dog into one of the best behaved dogs I’ve ever met. Not only did he change Houdini for the better he took the time to work with me to answer all questions and teach me the proper ways to continue his training at our house. As well as he genuinely cares for the dogs well being and checked up on us to see how all is going. The Wilson’s are amazing I will recommend them time and time again! Thank you both for everything you did for us and other pups!”
– Danica F.
“We love having such a great resource (Sofu) to turn to. Very upfront, honest team with proven results!”
– Debbie Y.
Animal Rescue Friends
About the Trainer
Sofu’s Dog Care Training and Rehabilitation is a dog training business founded by owner and trainer Don Wilson. They aim to help dog owners overcome challenges and create happy, healthy relationships with their pets. They understand the frustrations of common dog behaviors like leash pulling, running out the door, or not obeying basic commands.
The business specializes in addressing problem behaviors such as dog aggression, chewing, jumping, pulling on leash, resource guarding, counter surfing, and fear. They also provide training for basic obedience, Rally Obedience, and different levels of obedience. Their approach is relationship-based, focusing on changing the dog’s state of mind rather than just teaching rehearsed behaviors or using treats as bribes.
Sofu’s Dog Care offers ongoing support and after-care for all clients for the life of their dog. They work with a limited number of dogs at their home-based facility to ensure personalized attention and a relaxed environment. Related services include boarding as part of their Board and Train programs, and a “go home bath” is included with these programs.
Accomplishments
Don Wilson, the owner and trainer, is a member of Train the Trainers (T-3), an organization established by Sean O’Shea and Jeff Gellman. He is also an esteemed member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and Phoenix Field and Obedience Club. Additionally, Don has achieved various AKC Titles with his own dogs.
How to Get Started!
To get started with Sofu’s Dog Care Training and Rehabilitation, prospective clients can fill out a contact form on their website, providing details about their dog and the issues they are experiencing. For Board and Train programs, a training contract must be submitted.
Once the contract is submitted, clients will receive an email with available drop-off dates and an invoice for the deposit. After the deposit is received and drop-off dates are confirmed, an email with instructions on what to bring for the dog’s stay and an invoice for the remaining balance will be sent. A pre-evaluation and questions and answer session are conducted at the time of drop-off for Board and Train programs.

Contact Information
Associations
- AKC
- IACP
- Accredited
Languages
- English
Misc Features
- wheelchair accessible entrance
- wheelchair accessible parking
Other Services Offered
- Pet boarding service
- Pet groomer