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About
Hi there, I'm Chris, the CPDT-KA certified professional dog trainer and behavior specialist behind DogGenius. I also have multiple AKC certifications and lots of experience, so I'm more than ready to take dog training to the next level by using proven methods that will help you get the dog-owner relationship you've always wanted.
I've been working with dogs for more than 10 years, from volunteering and working with rescue dogs and getting their dogs ready for adoption to group classes, private lessons and board and train.
Check out my website for more info or my Instagram for training photos. videos and highlights of the training process @thedoggenius
I always want to be fair to both the dog and the owner, so we start teaching new behaviors using positive training methods, then we are proofing those behaviors in different environments and distractions. Once the dog knows what's expected, a balanced training approach always works best. During training, I am also focusing on helping the owners understand their dog's needs and respond to them appropriately, as well as having the best owner-dog relationship possible.
I can provide help if you:
- got a new puppy and need to train the foundation skills;
- are looking to buy/adopt a dog and need guidance in getting the right one for your needs;
- have an adult dog and need to train the foundation skills;
- have a dog that needs behavior modification (barking, anxiety, aggression etc.)
Overview
Hired 95 times
Background checked
1 employee
10 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Credit card, Google Pay, PayPal, Stripe, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2021
Services offered
Dog training package
Puppy training
Aggressive behavior modification
General obedience training
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
62 reviews
5
97%
4
2%
3
1%
2
0%
1
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Read reviews that mention:
Ryan R.
Aug 31, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chris is so helpful and easy to work with, I can't recommend him enough. When we rescued our dog, the agency warned us he was HIGH energy and would need lots of exercise, but no matter how much mental and physical stimulation we gave him, he was always bouncing off the walls. Chris immediately recognized it was actually insecurity and anxiety, not excess energy, preventing him from settling down. He gave us a variety of training exercises to work on, and overnight we had a different (happier!) dog. We learned so much from Chris in just a few sessions.
Details: 1 - 2 years old • Medium (26 - 40 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Leash pulling • Biting • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Dog Training
Stephanie M.
Apr 14, 2023
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Hired on Thumbtack
We had a great experience working with DogGenius after introducing a sweet rescue dog into our home that also has a cat, which seems new to our dog. :) I was guided through some behaviors and taught some very easily repeatable tools to address the challenge. One session led to an invaluable amount of relief for our home, and we will absolutely come back to DogGenius for any and all training needs.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Melissa S.
May 5, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
I cannot say enough about Chris and DogGenius! I recently adopted a rescue dog with anxiety issues ... after just 7 lessons with Chris he is a different dog (more confident, better at walking on a leash, less reactive to other dogs and noises, etc.). If you are looking for a non-judgmental, supportive dogtrainer (who also provides you with notes after each session so you know what to work on with your dog) ... look no further! Totally worth the investment of your time (and very reasonably priced) for a dog that will be happier and more self-assured for taking the training! Thanks again!
Details: 1 - 2 years old • Extra Small (1 - 15 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Barking • Leash pulling • My home, venue, etc. • At the pro’s location
Dog Training
Darlene W.
Aug 29, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
My husband worked closely with Chris and found him knowledgeable with an affinity for our dog. Our trainer knows his stuff! We are so thankful to Chris for helping us with our Cleo, though I suspect it was my husband he trained as well.
Details: 2 - 10 years old • Large (41 - 70 lbs) • Private lessons • General obedience training • Leash pulling • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Eliza K.
Feb 2, 2021
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Hired on Thumbtack
Chris has helped our pup so much in only 4 sessions! He has responded exactly to our dog's needs. His guidance is clear, consistent and helpful. He gives us things to work on in between sessions, and we have seen great progress in our dog's behavior. While not inexpensive, we have found the investment in Dog Genius is really paying off and really worth it. I recommend Dog Genius highly!
Details: 6 - 12 months old • Small (16 - 25 lbs) • Private lessons • Aggressive behavior modification • Leash pulling • Barking • My home, venue, etc.
Dog Training
Credentials
Background Check
Cristian Diaconu
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
There is a standard fee of $125 for the initial consultation (1h), as well as a regular private session (1h). I charge $2000 for a 2 week board and train at my own home, based on previous dog evaluation.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I always start a new client with an Initial Consultation. During this consultation, I gather as many information as possible about their dog, such as ownership, bite history etc and I work on a training plan, while giving the owner a homework for the following week.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have the following certifications:
- CPDT-KA
- AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
- AKC Star Puppy Instructor
- AKC Urban Canine Good Citizen Evaluator
- AKC Trick Dog Evaluator
- AKC Community Canine Evaluator