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If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Johnson’s Dog Training Academy provides clear, structured dog training for puppies, family dogs, and dogs with behavior challenges. I work with everything from single training sessions to ongoing programs and full Board & Train, depending on what the dog actually needs.
My training focuses on conditioning calm, reliable behavior that carries over into real life — at home, on walks, and around distractions. I don’t use intimidation or quick-fix methods. The goal is long-term results, not obedience that only works during sessions.
I work with:
Puppy training and early foundations
Basic obedience and household manners
Leash pulling, jumping, and impulse control
Behavior modification for fear, reactivity, and aggression
Board & Train programs for more intensive cases
Each dog is evaluated individually, and I’m honest about what level of training makes sense — whether that’s one focused session, a short series, or a longer program. Owners are taught how to handle and reinforce training so progress continues after sessions end.
If you’re looking for practical training, clear communication, and professional guidance — without pressure or gimmicks — I can help.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
Services offered
Dog training package
Dog size
Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs)
Small (16 - 25 lbs)
Medium (26 - 40 lbs)
Large (41 - 70 lbs)
Dog training type
Private lessons
Board and train
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for professionalism, work quality, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
48 reviews
5
100%
4
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3
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2
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Read reviews that mention:
Renee R.
Nov 22, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
I had my first session today and I have to say I feel way more confident with my dog. I have to learn even more so than he does and I feel like I gained the tools and knowledge to do so. Definitely recommend Keith to any dog big and small. He answered all my questions wasn’t pushy and just overall made me feel super comfortable.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Barking • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Kelly S.
Nov 17, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Keith is a lifesaver: he helped calm my high-strung Aussie and was great to work with! Highly recommend, his expertise and efficiency with training is worth every penny.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Dog Training
Chicago W.
Mar 8, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Keith is a LITERAL dog whisperer!!!!!!!
I own an 11 month old French Bulldog named Addison. For those who don’t know the breed, Frenchies are extremely stubborn. They are assholes. We also have reason to believe that our Frenchie is developmentally challenged. He was impossible to potty train (we tried EVERYTHING), he chewed and destroyed half of our furniture, he peed on the couch numerous times (every time after coming home from a long walk)etc. We love our dog so much but he became impossible to live with. We could never really leave the house, Addison was a nightmare when it came to commands. He simply refused to listen.
We decided it was time to get an expert in dogtraining to make our lives somewhat easier. Keith TRANSFORMED our dog. Keith’s skills are rare and absolutely miraculous. You almost can’t believe how amazing Keith is in dogtraining. He truly knows how to treat dogs and how to communicate with dogs. I cannot recommend him more to anyone whose dog is struggling. Now my dog stays in one place on command until I command him to come to me. He sits on command. He is fully potty trained. He is a dream to go on walks with. He is extremely calm. He also listens on the first command for anything I ask him to do. Thank you so much Keith, Addison is such a pleasure and it’s all because of you.
Details: 6 - 12 months old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • House training • My home, venue, etc.
Johnson's Dog Training Academy's reply
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Dog Training
Nathalie B.
Apr 26, 2025
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Hired on Thumbtack
Keith is an amazing, professional trainer. My dog used to be aggressive and lunge at other dogs whenever we walked. With the help of Keith’s on board training program, my dog is focused on me during our walks. Keith was also very informative on Bowser’s progress and I’m truly happy with his services. Highly recommend!
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Extra large (70+ lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Leash pulling • Barking • Biting • Crate training • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Valerie G.
Sep 28, 2024
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Hired on Thumbtack
Keith was able to walk 2 of our dogs who have massive sibling rivalry out together and provided the tools necessary for a successful session. Thank you, Keith!
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Biting • Chewing • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check
Keith Johnson
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
We offer fair pricing that includes training the dog and more importantly we train the owner to communicate with the dog and up keep the dogs training. We offer free pick-up and drop-off service for customers in close proximity to the training facilities.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
The customer along with the dog will meet with us at the training facility where we will discuss the dogs tendencies. We will then evaluate the dog through a series of exercises to determine the best training method that will produce improved results.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Over the last seven years, we have trained service dogs for surrounding police departments in New Jersey.