Kathy Santo Dog Training - Waldwick, New Jersey

Madison

This review is long overdue! Since starting training with Lauren at Kathy Santo Dog Training (KSDT), our dog Joe has improved tremendously. Both Joe’s dad and I attend every class with him, and from day one, we’ve been welcomed with open arms. The environment is not only professional but also incredibly supportive, making every session something we look forward to.

One of the things we love most about Lauren’s classes is the small group size—typically just 2-3 dogs per class. This ensures that every student gets one-on-one time with Lauren, making the sessions very hands-on and personalized. We always leave class with clear instructions on how to implement what we’ve learned at home. Training here is 40% class instruction and 60% the work you put in outside of class, so consistency at home is key. We’ve realized that as the humans, we are actually the students just as much as our dog! Each session leaves us feeling more confident, and we genuinely look forward to showing off Joe’s progress in the next class.

Lauren is incredibly attentive, taking notes each session to track each dog’s progress and tailor her guidance to their specific needs. Her personalized instruction has made all the difference for us, and it’s clear that she truly cares about each dog’s success. We were so impressed with Joe’s progress that we recommended Lauren to my parents, who have a dog one month younger than Joe. They’ve been training with her as well and are seeing great results.

Beyond Lauren’s classes, every employee we’ve encountered at KSDT is cheerful, professional, and clearly loves working there. While we haven’t used other services like playcare or boarding yet, the positive energy from the staff gives us full confidence that Joe would be in great hands if we ever do.

Now, let’s talk about cost—because that seems to be a big discussion point. Back when Joe was around 8 months old, we hesitated due to the price and decided to try training elsewhere. We didn’t have much luck and ultimately wanted the best for our boy. We started with Lauren in November when Joe was 10 months old, and from the very first class, we knew we made the right choice. Like other reviewers have mentioned, the cost may seem high at first, but once you experience the quality of training, your perspective shifts completely. This was hands down the best decision we made for Joe.

As for playcare, I understand why some see the requirement for bi-weekly training sessions as a money grab, but when you think about it, it’s actually for the safety of your dog. You wouldn’t want your pup in a playgroup with dogs whose temperament and training background are unknown. This ensures that every dog in playcare is properly trained, making it a much safer and more controlled environment.

If you’re on the fence about training here—just do it. Lauren and the entire KSDT team are worth every penny, and the results do speak for themselves!

Photos are from today's class with Joe's favvvorite teacher 🥰

Bruce B.

We have been training with Kathy Santo since we rescued Elly. She was a Tasmanian Devil when we adopted her. Kathy and her team have helped significantly train Elly and me so that she is now a well-behaved dog. I recommend Kathy to everyone that I meet who has a dog that needs training (and the owners, too).

Fatima O.

We’ve had multiple incidents where dog feces has been left on our property by the dog walkers. I finally got to witness one of them do it and called him out on it. He exclaimed he didn’t have bags on him and would circle back around but he walked away and left the dog feces. Also we have been noticing our signs keep getting stepped on by them as well. We don’t have them up to cause trouble but to make sure the dog walkers are aware we don’t want urine nor feces on the property. We have small children with dog allergies.

Melissa T.

I can't tell you enough how wonderful this establishment is. The people are caring and very well trained. I initially went there to look for boarding and Doggie Daycare. I am now a believer and would shout from the rooftops to encourage my friends with puppies and dogs to experience Kathy's training. I used an at-home trainer, and my dog learned how to sit, lie down, and give paw. After a few weeks, he was back to pulling on the leash and basically stop responding to commands. After 1 day of play care with fast track, my dog responded to all commands.
At 1st, I thought Kathy's program was a bit of overkill, but she is the best trainer we have had, and we are on dog number 8.
Love this place, I would leave my son there if they could train him as well! We love their special events as well.

Veda L.

Received nothing but the run around. Fee for this, fee for that, and on top of it, $2,500 a WEEK for board and train! Everyone knows for proper training, it will take at least 4 weeks. $10,000 a month for training?!
LOL
My dog had better be pooping gold nuggets at the end of this training for that kind of cash!
-But we won't be finding out, I'll find another solution!
A little narcissistic and grandiose view of themselves to think their training warrants 10k a month.
When you have thousands of straight 5 star reviews and are renowned with your own TV show yielding thousands of viewers, you *might* be worth it.

Judy N.

My Dobe and I love Kathy Santo. We go often for daycare and to keep on top of training. It’s convenient to have training done while he’s at daycare. All the trainers and staff are very approachable and listen to your concerns and are eager to offer suggestions and tips. I trust them completely. My Dobe is my baby so it’s very important to know he’s in good and caring hands when I’m away.

Besides the daycare & boarding they offer a multitude of classes and workshops as well as grooming. Kathy Santo is the complete package if you want a well-behaved, happy & friendly furry dog!

Dana F.

The BEST of the BEST. Kathy and I met over 10 years ago when she had the Ramsey location. My Old English Bulldog, Hank, was in desperate need of training (of ALL kinds) The word stubborn was an understatement and I was starting to be fearful that this dog was going to be the biggest problem child I ever had. He chewed holes in the walls of my condo, shredded countless pairs of Haviana sandals and at least 5 of his own beds. Between the 1:1's, play care, and group training, Hank became the poster child in our family. He was incredibly obedient, loving, playful and I never had to worry about him destroying household items again.
Fast forward 2020, I got my 2nd baby, Eleanor Taylor, the pig. Hank needed a friend and pigs are lower maintenance and make great companions to dogs (not to mention very adaptable). 6 months in I realized we needed help; Eleanor needed more than what we were doing. I reached out to Kathy to learn she was now in Waldwick and welcomed the idea of training a pig! The school is much bigger than Ramsey and always exhibits cleanliness and organization. Kathy and her team are really a breath of fresh air and for the last 2.5 years, we have been going to Saturday class with Eleanor. She trains alongside some of the best dogs and kindest owners I have ever met and let me say; she leaves class EXHAUSTED and goes home to nap right away (WINNING!) It feels so family oriented when you're there and I couldn't imagine training with anyone else; she's literally top dog in the business 🙂

Gina G.

Dog trainers Stacy is absolutely a mazing. We take our 9 year old German shepherd to the adoptive rehabilitation classes. She she taught him how to behave in front of other dogs.She
Instructs you on how to use an E collar properly.She teaches us a lot about how to read our dog to know when he is going to react. I wish I knew about this training center when my dog was a puppy.. I wholeheartedly recommend this training center