Ivy League Canine Academy logo

Ivy League Canine Academy

Dog trainer · San Antonio, TX · reviewed since 2021

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%96+25Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 98Not enough data for replies to reviews; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.98SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#17 of 75 dog trainersPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 78%
5.0 ★★★★★ 290 Google reviews · 24 photos
100%five-star reviews
4.95★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0.8%1–2★ in 2 yearsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
98%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review

Ivy League Canine Academy at a glance

Google reviewers rate the business 5/5 based on 290 reviews, noting that the owner responds to 98% of feedback. Customers frequently describe board and train services ranging from three to six weeks, highlighting daily video updates, clear communication, and training on specific issues like reactivity, anxiety, and leash pulling. Staff are often noted for patience and providing owner education to maintain progress. One recurring criticism involves a phone interaction where a representative was perceived as rude when a caller attempted to coordinate with a family member regarding payment.

  • Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 290 reviews (100% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 290 Google reviews (288 with written comments, 148 with photos).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 98% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 26, 2026.
  • Service: Dog Trainer serving San Antonio, Texas.

Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.

Score profile vs other dog trainers

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: craft & service and value; weakest: reliability.

Satisfaction98Reliability96Craft & service100Value100Momentum100Replies to reviews–Satisfaction: 98 (median 95)Reliability: 96 (median 94)Craft & service: 100 (median 100)Value: 100 (median 100)Momentum: 100 (median 100)
Ivy League Canine AcademyDog Trainers median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Ivy League Canine Academy: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
98
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Ivy League Canine Academy: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.A
96
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Ivy League Canine Academy: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Ivy League Canine Academy: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Ivy League Canine Academy: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 51.–
–

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

290 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars289100%
  • 4 stars00%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star10%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 288 written reviews

  • Praise50998%
  • Complaints122%

PriceGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.

Price verdicts customers left with their Google review

  • Great price431%
  • Reasonable969%
  • Overpriced00%
  • Not sure00%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Would recommend12624%
  • Staff & attitude11823%
  • Communication7915%
  • Quality & results7815%
  • Honesty & trust479%
  • Speed & response469%
  • Price & value275%

What customers talk about

We read 288 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “We highly recommend Ivy League Canine Academy to anyone looking for dog training services!”
    “I cannot recommend Ivy League Canine Academy enough.”
  • “She was knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about what she does.”
  • “Thank you to Melisa for significant attention to detail and open communication helping to guide us through this training process.”
  • “Ivy League did a great job with both my dogs Tristan and Persephone and I continue to work and stay in touch with them.”
    “my nine month old puppy, Leo is a king cavalier spaniel, and before Ivy League Academy he was very anxious, low confidence and had terrible separation anxiety.”
  • “You can tell she really knows what she’s doing and genuinely cares about the dogs she works with.”
  • “Every time we’ve reached out, the team has been quick to respond with additional guidance and practical tips, making sure we fully understand how to h…”
  • “My dog is home now and it is like he did a 360 I am very pleased with the training he recieved it is all worth it.”

People customers mention

  • Alex 109 reviews
  • Jeff 35 reviews
  • Zach 26 reviews
  • Melissa 20 reviews
  • Lulu 18 reviews
  • Malinois 12 reviews

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Reviews for your job

Customers hired Ivy League Canine Academy for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.

Recent reviews

Renee1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 14 hours ago★★★★★

Love Lulu! Great trainer. I was nervous as my puppy was a 4lb Pomeranian starting the program at 10 months old. Lulu and my dog did great. My Pomeranian is now 7.5 lb and 3 years old.

Dog training
Judy3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★

Through the training that Alfie received even at a young age, it has helped to set the foundation for a well trained dog. Thank you to Melisa for significant attention to detail and open communication helping to guide us through this training process.

Diego2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★

Ivy League did a great job with both my dogs Tristan and Persephone and I continue to work and stay in touch with them. Highly recommend!

Dog training
KariLocal Guide · 13 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★

We had a wonderful experience with Ivy League Canine Academy! Our dog, Maple, recently completed her training, and we couldn’t be happier. Melissa was absolutely fantastic! She was knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about what she does. We are so impressed with Maple’s progress and truly appreciate all…

Customer photo from Kari's review
Great priceDog training
Jan13 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · Edited 3 weeks ago★★★★★

The trainers are so patient and compassionate with the dogs. I got daily videos showing what they were working on that day with my dog. I met with the trainers once a week so that I can be trained also. I really enjoyed watching the progress in my dog’s training. I have access to the trainer if I have any questions…

David3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 4 weeks ago★★★★★

When I got Radar, my Belgian Malinois, he was obedient, but only when there were no distractions. We had all the usual dog-and-owner problems: pulling on the leash, reacting to other dogs we passed, and barking aggressively at trailers from the car. With help from trainer Jeff and the whole team of trainers and…

Reasonable priceDog training

Photos

Customer reviews

5.0 ★★★★★ 290 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Jobs customers hired them for — from Google's service tags and the review text
Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Renee Hoelscher1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Renee has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Love Lulu! Great trainer. I was nervous as my puppy was a 4lb Pomeranian starting the program at 10 months old. Lulu and my dog did great. My Pomeranian is now 7.5 lb and 3 years old.

  • Services: Dog training
Judy Lynn Edwards3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Judy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Through the training that Alfie received even at a young age, it has helped to set the foundation for a well trained dog. Thank you to Melisa for significant attention to detail and open communication helping to guide us through this training process.

Diego Timoteo2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Diego has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Ivy League did a great job with both my dogs Tristan and Persephone and I continue to work and stay in touch with them. Highly recommend!

  • Services: Dog training
Kari AdmireLocal Guide · 13 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Kari has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We had a wonderful experience with Ivy League Canine Academy! Our dog, Maple, recently completed her training, and we couldn’t be happier. Melissa was absolutely fantastic! She was knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about what she does. We are so impressed with Maple’s progress and truly appreciate all the time and effort Melissa put into her training. We highly recommend Ivy League Canine Academy to anyone looking for dog training services!

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Dog training
Jan Alvarado13 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Jan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The trainers are so patient and compassionate with the dogs. I got daily videos showing what they were working on that day with my dog. I met with the trainers once a week so that I can be trained also. I really enjoyed watching the progress in my dog’s training. I have access to the trainer if I have any questions or concerns. Best thing I could have done for myself and my dog! Update: Three years later. Harper and I have become an even better team. I have learned so much more about training Harper by attending the monthly training sessions. Any questions about training have been answered. They are available to show me what I need to be doing to perfect the task I'm working on. I still believe this was the best thing I could have done for myself and Harper.

David Smith3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews David has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

When I got Radar, my Belgian Malinois, he was obedient, but only when there were no distractions. We had all the usual dog-and-owner problems: pulling on the leash, reacting to other dogs we passed, and barking aggressively at trailers from the car. With help from trainer Jeff and the whole team of trainers and dogs, Radar learned to find calm in the chaos, and I learned how to be an effective leader. Through the monthly meetups and ongoing training, our bond has only grown stronger. I waited a year before sending Radar to Ivy League K9 Academy after meeting a recent graduate and fellow Belgian Malinois pup, Moses. After everything I've learned and experienced, my only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Don't let your dog run your life. Let them share it!

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

David, thank you for sharing Radar's journey! Belgian Malinois are brilliant dogs, and helping one find calm around other dogs, trailers, and busy San Antonio streets takes real teamwork. Jeff loved working with Radar, and watching you grow into such a confident leader through our board and train program and monthly meetups has been a joy. We'll have to tell Moses he recruited a great one. We're so glad Radar gets to share your life, and we'll see you both at the next meetup!

Yaritza Penélope Mancera ElizaldeLocal Guide · 20 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Yaritza has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

We had such a great experience with Lulu and the academy! ❤️ From day one, Lulu was so patient and caring with Sissi, and she always kept us updated with pictures and videos, which we really appreciated. Sissi has made so much progress, and we can already see a difference in her confidence, discipline, and behavior. 🥹 We know consistency is key, so we’re excited to keep practicing everything she learned at home! We’re so grateful we found Lulu and would definitely recommend her to anyone looking for a trainer who truly cares about their dogs. 🐶❤️

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Yaritza, thank you so much for this sweet review! Lulu adored working with Sissi, and seeing her confidence grow each week was a highlight for our team. We love keeping families connected through photo and video updates during board and train, so it means a lot that those made a difference for you. You're exactly right that consistency at home is where the magic sticks, and we're always here if you have questions along the way. We're so happy you found us here in San Antonio. Give Sissi a hug from all of us!

Erica DeHoyos1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Erica has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I can’t tell enough people about Ivy League and all the great things they provided not only for my dog but for me as well. Honey Bunn, my 9mo old Lacy/Pit mix has completely turned her teenage angst around. Her trainer, Lulu cared and worked with her for 21 days. She even took the time to make sure her disability didn’t keep her from shining! Every day I was able to see how she progressed by daily videos. I am so confident with her now and we’ll be able to go places without the fear of her being anxious around people and other dogs. The training program is top notch! It’s worth the investment!

  • Price assessment: Great price
  • Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Erica, thank you for this wonderful review! Honey Bunn stole our hearts, and Lulu loved every one of those 21 days with her. The teenage months can be a tough stage for any young dog, and seeing Honey Bunn grow into a calm, confident girl who doesn't let anything hold her back was inspiring for our whole team. We're so happy the daily videos kept you close to her progress. Enjoy exploring San Antonio together, and we'll be here cheering you both on!

Sophia Carlson7 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Sophia has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Prior to training, our dog April had a really hard time around people and other pets, simply leaving the house with April or inviting guests over felt like an impossible task because of her reactiveness. We decided to board her through their 3 week program and it was the best decision we’ve ever made! Not only did April learn so much, but we also learned how to be better pet parents for our girl. Seeing April gain her confidence has been such an amazing experience, I can’t wait to show her the world now that she’s not afraid of it!!! Aprils trainer, Eve C. is amazing and SO SO good at what she does! I loved receiving her daily update videos and all the progress that was happening throughout her training. She was professional, knowledgeable, and a great teacher. She took April in as one of her own and I felt comfortable leaving her under Eve’s care. I also like that alumni training is provided, we just attended our first session and it was very awesome to see the community they have built. Although April has graduated, they are still wanting to be a part of our journey and provide as much support as possible- it truly feels like family! I’m very happy we found Ivy League K9 Academy and it’s definitely worth the investment. They have made such a big impact on us and our April! I recommend 10/10

  • Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Sophia, thank you for sharing April's story! Helping a reactive dog feel safe around people and other pets is some of the most meaningful work we do, and watching April's confidence grow during her 3 week board and train program was special for our whole team. Eve truly loved having April with her, and we're so glad the daily videos helped you feel at ease. It was wonderful seeing you both at your first alumni session, and we're honored to stay part of April's journey here in San Antonio. Go show her the world!

Joseph Diaz4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Joseph has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My dog Laci and I had a most incredible, 6 week training session. She graduated today and came home. I am absolutely thrilled at how much she learned and most importantly her trainer Eve Catania who was fantastic. Thank you!!!

  • Price assessment: Reasonable price
  • Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago

Joseph, congratulations to you and Laci on graduation day! Six weeks of board and train is a big commitment, and Laci worked so hard for it. Eve loved every minute with her and is so proud of how far she's come. We hope her first night home was a great one, and we can't wait to see you both at an upcoming alumni session here in San Antonio!

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