iHow 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 55%86+46.9Reliability 24%81+19.6Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%56+4Momentum penalty75−2.5Experts Score= 82Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.82SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#41 of 74 pet boarding facilitiesiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 45%
4.9★★★★★306 Google reviews · 24 photos
95%five-star reviews
4.74★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
3.1%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate K9Aholics Dog Training 4.9 out of 5 based on 306 reviews. Clients frequently praise the staff's punctuality, communication through daily video updates, and pricing for board-and-train or day training services that address reactivity and obedience. A recurring criticism in low-star reviews involves perceived lack of progress for reactive dogs or concerns regarding collar usage, though the owner replied to only 19% of reviews.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 306 reviews (95% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 307 Google reviews (291 with written comments, 106 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 19% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 22, 2026.
Service: Pet Boarding Facility serving Norfolk, Virginia.
Data from Google, last updated October 29, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet boarding facilities
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach 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: replies to reviews.
K9Aholics Dog TrainingPet Boarding Facilities median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 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.K9Aholics Dog Training: 86/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
86
ReliabilityiReliability · 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.K9Aholics Dog Training: 81/100 on this factor. Category median: 79.A
81
Craft & serviceiCraft & 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.K9Aholics Dog Training: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 96.A
100
ValueiValue · 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.K9Aholics Dog Training: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 98.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · 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.K9Aholics Dog Training: 75/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.B
75
Replies to reviewsiReplies 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.K9Aholics Dog Training: 56/100 on this factor. Category median: 45.C
56
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
307 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars29295%
4 stars72%
3 stars10%
2 stars00%
1 star72%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 291 written reviews
98%praise
Praise48498%
Complaints122%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
96%fair
Great price2140%
Reasonable2853%
Overpriced24%
Not sure24%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Would recommend11824%
Staff & attitude10922%
Quality & results8016%
Communication7916%
Honesty & trust5010%
Speed & response408%
Price & value204%
What customers talk about
We read 291 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“They did a very good job with my dog (gunner) would recommend to anyone”
“Anyway, I'm glad other people have had good experiences, but based on my experience I cannot recommend this company.”
“Patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in our dog's progress.”
“The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and the services provided are all top notch.”
“They handled every emergency, kept me updated every step of the way, and went far beyond what anyone could have expected.”
“Not only does K9aholics produce well-trained dogs, but they genuinely care about every dog in their program.”
“Drop-off and pick-up were always quick and seamless, and everyone was welcoming every single day.”
“She started a little slow, I think she had a little home sick attitude but the trainers were very patient and gave her lots of affection to ease her anxiety.”
“It’s a learning curve but worth it to keep up with.”
People customers mention
Haleigh28 reviews
Cam22 reviews
Brandon17 reviews
Jordan13 reviews
Shepherd12 reviews
Kat9 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired K9Aholics Dog Training for 4 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
AAllison1 reviewiTotal 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. · 6 days ago★★★★★
Our one-year old puppy did partial board/train with K9-Aholics after developing some nervous behavior. The staff was absolutely wonderful and accommodating to our unique work schedules and ensured training was tailored specifically for our pup. We are thrilled with the outcome! We have a more relaxed, well adjusted, and well-behaved pup now!!
Great priceDog boardingDog training
KKalyn2 reviewsiTotal 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★★★★★
I brought my dog here when I realized it was my last option and it truly was the best decision I ever made. With the biggest worry I had being that I wouldn’t know how to do the same for my dog as they did, the trainers made it very easy for me to understand how to transfer those lessons to at home use. Not only did…
Reasonable priceDog training
CCody2 reviewsiTotal 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. · 3 weeks ago★★★★★
We are very happy with the day training our dachshund received. His obedience has improved a lot, and we got great guidance on handling his reactivity. He's still a work in progress, but we finally have the tools and confidence to keep him moving in the right direction. The best part has been watching his confidence…
Reasonable priceDog training
EEfrain1 reviewiTotal 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★★★★★
Just finished 4 week day training with my grand dog Rip . We were so pleased with the trainers and we had great success in helping Rip with his dog manners 😀 Thanks k9 Aholics
Great priceDog training
HHana6 reviewsiTotal 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 month ago★★★★★
We did the 4 week day training for our boy, Hank & are so pleased with the growth he has made in just one month. Acacia, Lexi and Kat were so wonderful with him so I never worried about him being there all day with them. We wanted to work on leash pulling, reactiveness to other dogs & overall manners, especially…
Great priceDog training
NNatalie12 reviewsiTotal 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 months ago★★★★★
I loved the daily report cards we got that showed us what our little guy was working on! I’m excited to see his progress and can already tell he’s listening better just a few hours after he’s home. I appreciate that they took the time to train us on keeping up with all his training. It’s a learning curve but worth it to keep up with.
Our one-year old puppy did partial board/train with K9-Aholics after developing some nervous behavior. The staff was absolutely wonderful and accommodating to our unique work schedules and ensured training was tailored specifically for our pup. We are thrilled with the outcome! We have a more relaxed, well adjusted, and well-behaved pup now!!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog boarding, Dog training
K
Kalyn2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kalyn has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I brought my dog here when I realized it was my last option and it truly was the best decision I ever made. With the biggest worry I had being that I wouldn’t know how to do the same for my dog as they did, the trainers made it very easy for me to understand how to transfer those lessons to at home use. Not only did my dog have the best time under their care, I learned that my dog was surrounded by the best people I could hope for. While I hope I don’t have to put my dog through training again, K9Aholics will always be my first choice as well as for any other service!!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
C
Cody DeYarmon2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Cody has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We are very happy with the day training our dachshund received. His obedience has improved a lot, and we got great guidance on handling his reactivity. He's still a work in progress, but we finally have the tools and confidence to keep him moving in the right direction. The best part has been watching his confidence grow. Patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in our dog's progress. Highly recommend!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
E
Efrain Montanez1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Efrain has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Just finished 4 week day training with my grand dog Rip . We were so pleased with the trainers and we had great success in helping Rip with his dog manners 😀 Thanks k9 Aholics
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
H
Hana Cole6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Hana has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We did the 4 week day training for our boy, Hank & are so pleased with the growth he has made in just one month. Acacia, Lexi and Kat were so wonderful with him so I never worried about him being there all day with them. We wanted to work on leash pulling, reactiveness to other dogs & overall manners, especially when we have guests over. Walks with Hank now are significantly more enjoyable (for both of us) and everyone who has come over has noticed the shift in his behavior, for the better, I could not recommend K9aholics more!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog training
N
Natalie Bernadt12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Natalie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I loved the daily report cards we got that showed us what our little guy was working on! I’m excited to see his progress and can already tell he’s listening better just a few hours after he’s home. I appreciate that they took the time to train us on keeping up with all his training. It’s a learning curve but worth it to keep up with.
Price assessment: Not sure
Services: Dog training
L
Lee CrabtreeLocal Guide · 12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lee has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Took my French Bulldog “Harrison”here for their two week board and train. They kept up with letting me know what was going on with him with pictures and videos. When we picked him up it was like a new dog. He listening so much better now and he is less reactive. I work him 10-15 minutes day now and he is still getting better and better. Highly recommend them for your dog training needs. Dog Tax included
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding, Dog training
E
Eli Mercer5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Eli has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I cannot say enough good things about K9aholics!
We enrolled two of our Great Dane puppies in their two-week board and train program. Unfortunately, one of our girls wasn’t able to complete her training because she needed emergency surgery after complications from swallowing toys before her board and train even started. I was out of the country when everything happened, and the K9aholics staff was absolutely incredible. They handled every emergency, kept me updated every step of the way, and went far beyond what anyone could have expected. One staff member even cared for my girl in her own home while she recovered—something that was never part of the program or her job. That level of compassion and dedication is something I’ll never forget, and I am so incredibly grateful.
Our Great Dane boy completed the program, and the transformation has been amazing. He came home with solid obedience skills including sit, down, place, extended place holds, and loose-leash walking. The training has given us a wonderful foundation, and it’s especially important with a Great Dane puppy because they grow into such large, powerful dogs. Having these skills established now will make such a difference as he matures.
Not only does K9aholics produce well-trained dogs, but they genuinely care about every dog in their program. Their professionalism, communication, and compassion exceeded every expectation. I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone looking for a trainer who truly treats your dog like family.
Services: Dog boarding, Dog daycare
M
Mel Goosby6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I must admit my preconceived notions on how Anita should/would be trained differed from the techniques that K9 utilized. That being said, she has learned the basic commands and it will be up to me and Suzanne to continue to help her grow. She's always been intelligent but not obedient. I do see a change, a maturation. She's going to be fine.
