Google reviewers rate Canine Training Services 4.9 out of 5 based on 127 reviews, with the owner responding to 14 percent of them. Clients frequently describe the trainer as knowledgeable and patient, noting effective results with reactivity, aggression, and service dog tasks. Many appreciate the flexible payment structures and personalized approach compared to larger competitors. However, one low-star review criticized the training methods as harsh and lacking in compassion, alleging the dog was traumatized and that credentials were not shared.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 127 reviews (95% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 127 Google reviews (119 with written comments, 25 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 14% of reviews.
Most recent review: September 14, 2026.
Service: Dog Trainer serving Lakewood, Washington.
Data from Google, last updated October 27, 2026.
Photos
Customer reviews
4.9
★★★★★
127 reviews on Google
5★121
4★4
3★0
2★0
1★2
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
What customers talk about
We read 119 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The dogs love him and we are very happy with the results and would highly recommend him.”
“I would never ever recommend him to anyone because of the trauma he caused on my dog.”
“…g at dogs on the other side of the street to being able to go to dog friendly restaurants, parks and events all the time without any problems.…”
“Elliot has trained both of our hounds and has done an amazing job.”
“It has been a journey to unlearn the horrible experience my puppy experienced, and is now in much better care with the right trainer and is successful…”
“After Elliott trained her in some 1x1 sessions she was able to follow orders immediately!”
“Elliot helped us learn what was contributing to Hazel's anxiety and slowly introduced the stimuli to her in a safe way through conditioning.”
“…more about our dogs, had more flexible times, and offered much more reasonable and flexible payment structures (weekly instead of one large amount up…”
“Our biggest priority was to get him ready for summer camping season and needed a reliable recall for our dog.”
“Elliott is super communicative and flexible when unable to meet as well.”
People customers mention
Elliott41 reviews
Elliot33 reviews
Tacoma4 reviews
Doberman4 reviews
German3 reviews
Mastiff3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Jobs customers hired them for— from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
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Armando Jimenez2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Armando has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I reached out to Elliott for help with recall training and overall obedience for my lab mixed dog. Our biggest priority was to get him ready for summer camping season and needed a reliable recall for our dog. With Elliott's help we were able to develop huge trust with our dog off leash, we're happy to say we had zero incidents on our camping trips this summer and super grateful for the work Elliott did with us. From day one Elliott was able to offer great advice both in training and overall well being of our dog. Elliott is super communicative and flexible when unable to meet as well.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Jesse Nunley4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jesse has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Elliot has trained both of our hounds and has done an amazing job. He has fixed their reactivity towards other dogs and we are able to walk out hounds off leash with no issues. Our dogs went from freaking out and barking at dogs on the other side of the street to being able to go to dog friendly restaurants, parks and events all the time without any problems. Highly recommend Elliot!
Dale Pratt2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Dale has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Elliot is easy to work with. He worked with our first German Shepherd several years ago and now we have a second one. And of course we called Elliot again to help us with her training. The dogs love him and we are very happy with the results and would highly recommend him.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
Terrance McKittrick4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Terrance has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Elliott is incredible! Hands down one of the most informed and practical dog trainers I have met. He brings such a calm presence to the dogs he works with. He was tremendous with our two Airedales. Seriously, of you are looking for the best training from a compassionate man who loves and understands dog behavior with every ounce of his being, then Elliott is the person for you.
Chester TaylorLocal Guide · 31 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Chester has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I would highly recommend Elliott to anybody looking for dog training, especially over some of the larger companies around the area. He was more knowledgeable, seemed to care more about our dogs, had more flexible times, and offered much more reasonable and flexible payment structures (weekly instead of one large amount up-front).
Elliott is an extremely knowledgeable and helpful dog trainer. We originally came to him in November with a reactive 8-month old dog who we could no longer take to dog parks and would vocally react to any dog we came across on a walk. Now, we take that same dog to dog parks every week, he got accepted to dog daycare, and he NEVER reacts to other dogs while walking.
Not only did we fix the behavior issues we originally contacted Elliott about, but our dogs are now significantly better behaved, walk way better on leash, and have learned to be calmer and settle whenever at home.
Elliott was always very patient with both us (the owners) and the dogs. At every point I felt that he was doing what was in the dog's best interest and showed genuine care for the animals. He was patient with us during training, calmly correcting us when we did something wrong, and answering every question we asked thoroughly.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog boarding with training, Dog training
Matthew RhodenLocal Guide · 58 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Matthew has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I’ve worked with Elliot for several months, primarily focusing on reactivity and gaining better control during walks. Both of my dogs have taken to him incredibly well; the transformation over the last two months has been remarkable. I highly recommend Elliot to anyone seeking a skilled, professional dog trainer in the Tacoma area. We couldn’t be happier.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Stacie Curlee5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Stacie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
My dog is a sweetheart but when I took him for walks, he was aggressive towards other dogs and not easy to control. I was getting all kinds of advice from other people including that I needed to have him in a harness with a leash attached. Elliott met with my lab and I, assessed the situation. He explained why a harness was not right for my dog. He asked me to order some different collars. I’m a bit of a softy so I was concerned about anything that I perceived to be harsh. I appreciated that Elliott explained how different techniques work. My dog never showed any fear he was always happy to be in a training session. In no time at all, my dogs issues were resolved. When appropriate, I can trust him to be off leash with no problems. I really appreciate that Elliott helps you get the results you need in a timely manner.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
FRed KAufman3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews FRed has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We have been working will Elliot since October of 2025. He has been an expert and professional in regards to helping my wife and I train our high drive German shepherd. His service is more affordable than most in the Tacoma area without compromising quality. I could not recommend his services more.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
Wendy CochranLocal Guide · 19 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Wendy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Elliott has been working with our 2 littermate Bernese Mountain Dogs puppies. 5 month old puppies are great but they were too big to be jumping up on people. Learning basic commands and manners has been a game changer.
