Google reviewers rate Notre Dog Academy five stars based on thirty reviews, with the owner responding to ninety percent of feedback. Clients describe services including puppy classes, private training, and day school, highlighting punctuality, clear communication, and positive reinforcement methods. Recurring themes involve the ability to observe sessions via webcam, detailed behavioral explanations, and effective management of reactivity or energy. No common criticisms appear in the provided excerpts, as all reviews are positive.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 30 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 30 Google reviews (26 with written comments, 7 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 90% of reviews.
Most recent review: July 30, 2025.
Service: Dog Trainer serving Lakewood, Washington.
Data from Google, last updated October 27, 2026.
Photos
Customer reviews
5.0
★★★★★
30 reviews on Google
5★30
4★0
3★0
2★0
1★0
Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).
What customers talk about
We read 26 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“The commentary on watching puppies play and how to intervene mid play is also so helpful.”
“We got so much out of these classes and highly recommend them.”
“I have been a dog trainer for 20 years and there are few people I would trust with my dogs.”
“They responded and communicated with me quickly and gave me so much great information and instruction just in the first visit.”
“She's professional, arrives on time, and genuinely cares about her clients (both human and dog!”
“She’s more respectful towards people and dogs, she walks better on the leash, and she thoroughly enjoys training sessions with us.”
“The day school is definetly spendy but so worth it.”
People customers mention
Stephanie10 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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R R4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews R has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Long review coming up. I want to start this review by noting that my dog is my family. Before getting a puppy I signed up for a bunch of courses and thought I knew more than the average dog owner. I didn't think I would get much from the puppy classes or puppy social but boy was I wrong! Below is a review for each.
Puppy 101: Gabz is a fabulous instructor/teacher. She meets each puppy where they are and comes up with creative ways to help them. They also focus less on simple things like teaching "sit" and more important concepts that are SO important. Like good recall, grooming, preventing resource guarding etc. The commentary on watching puppies play and how to intervene mid play is also so helpful. We got so much out of these classes and highly recommend them. My puppy had difficulty with a leash and we started the classes with her constantly pulling and barking and we ended the classes with her chilling and watching other dogs in class. This is a testament to Gabzs' creative ways and setting them up for success.
Puppy Preschool: What is the worth of an hour of puppy play with an instructor present? A Lot. Seriously some of the best money I've spent for my dog. Stephanie talks through their play and what it means and when to intervene. If you can, I HIGHLY recommend watching it on webcam. I have learned so much and I'm now much more comfortable with my dog playing with other dogs and know what is okay/what isn't and when and how I should intervene. As for dogs, its super educational for them too. My puppy started preschool by thinking play = body slamming other dogs (I know, rude). Ended preschool around her 6 month mark by playing appropriately with other dogs and teaching younger puppies to play better!
Day School: Puppy is just starting day school and WOW. Everytime I have opened up the webcam I am blown away but how wonderful the team is. Gabz, John and Stephanie. The way they talk to dogs. "Thank you", "please", "good job", "okay honey"... the list goes on. You might wonder what is the value of a dog sitting with a trainer in a room while another dog plays? A lot. I recently attended a dinner and my 6 month puppy was at my feet the whole time, relaxing. The day school is definetly spendy but so worth it.
Final notes:
This team will be your dog's biggest advocates. They will politely tell you what to do/not to do and I love that. They will treat them with kindness yet set boundaries gently when needed. I can not recommend them enough. I'm hoping they continue to grow and have a huge training center and can help many more puppies! Of note, you know you have a winner when other dog trainers bring their puppy to these classes ;)
Services: Dog daycare, Dog training
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you so much for this review! We are always learning and growing so we can improve what we do. Your dogs become our dogs, too and we love them so much!
Amy is such a special girl and has come so far with your hard work, dedication, and willingness to learn so that she can, too!
Raising a puppy takes a village and we are so glad to be a part of yours!
M Dew6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews M has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I've been dropping my young pup off for play sessions on the weekends. Stephanie is AWESOME: after drop-off I can watch the session on the studio webcam to see how it's going. She narrates everything she's doing, describes the dogs' behavior down to the tiniest detail, and handles each animal with care, sensitivity, and gentleness. I learn a ton just by watching and can hardly wait to enroll my pooch in the next level of classes. Four paws up, highly recommend!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you so much for this feedback! We absolutely love what we do and take great pride in doing everything to the best of our abilities while continuing to learn and grow! We are happy to have you learn and grow with us!
Don in Washington10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Don has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Stefanie came out to our house on a Sunday to have a training session with our 6 1/2 month old pup. We were concerned ed with his barking and what we thought was reactivity. We were told by another trainer that he was aggressive, but Stefanie could see that it was not the case at all. He is reactive and she was able to help us learn what needs to be done to get him to calm himself down, We are extremely impressed with Stefanie and her knowledge and techniques. We will be enrolling him for more classes including Day-school. Thanks you Stefanie.
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thank you so much for the review, Don! I look forward to continuing to help you and your boy!
Mackenzie SchulerLocal Guide · 17 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Mackenzie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Extremely helpful, I am so glad I called them! They responded and communicated with me quickly and gave me so much great information and instruction just in the first visit. They clearly care about the doggos as well as the people. Cannot recommend enough!!!
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thank you so much! I’m glad we were able to help with your new pup!
BekahLocal Guide · 16 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Bekah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I cannot say enough good things about Notre Dog Academy! They are extremely skilled trainers and have helped us so much with our dog. I would highly recommend to anyone regardless of your dogs age. They truly listen to what your pet’s needs and are caring and compassionate. If you are looking somewhere for dog training, day classes, or group classes, look no further!
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We love having you 3 as clients <3
Selina RupersLocal Guide · 18 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Selina has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The owner Stephanie is a great trainer. She is friendly and very knowledgeable about best training practices. We used her to learn all the basics when we got our puppy, and she helped us train our crazy energetic pup into a well-behaved dog. Plus our dog absolutely loves her too! Our dog has been to a few days of day school and always comes home happy and tired.
Positive: Reliability, Professionalism, Value
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thanks so much for sharing your happy pup with me!
Kendra Loftis3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Kendra has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have been a dog trainer for 20 years and there are few people I would trust with my dogs. Stephanie and crew are the best and knowing my puppy was in a safe environment while learning crucial socialization skills was a gift. They helped me lay the foundation for my puppy and I can't thank them enough.
Response from the owner · 2 years ago
Thank you so much, Kendra! It means so much to us to have their support of another knowledgeable, certified trainer! We look forward to seeing your new place when it is ready!
Stella S.7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Stella has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We adopted a shelter dog who is sweet but needs socialization and his humans to know how best to work with him. So we purchased the troublesome teenager pack that notre dog offers. We had our first visit with Stephanie in our home and it was fantastic. She taught us some great foundational things to work on with our sweet boy and so far those things have been helping a ton. I can't wait for the rest of the visits we will have with Stephanie and continuing to learn from her.
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thank you so much for the review! I am glad to hear you are seeing results already!
Northwest Optical5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Northwest has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Highly recommend Stephanie to anyone needing help learning how to work with their fur babies in a positive reinforcing style. Our mascot, Daisy loves her!
Response from the owner · 3 years ago
Thanks for the feedback! <3
Claire Stanley5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Claire has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
