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 59%98+57.5Reliability 26%98+25.6Value 15%95+14.5Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 97Not 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.97SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#21 of 75 dog trainersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 73%
5.0★★★★★135 Google reviews · 24 photos
99%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%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 this Cary-based dog trainer 5/5 based on 135 reviews, highlighting effective board-and-train programs, private lessons, and daycare services. Customers frequently praise the team’s punctuality, flexible scheduling, and consistent communication through daily update videos and owner involvement during training weeks. The staff is described as knowledgeable and caring, helping owners gain confidence in managing reactive, anxious, or high-energy dogs through practical, play-based methods that improve leash skills and obedience.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 135 reviews (99% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 135 Google reviews (112 with written comments, 23 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 84% of reviews.
Most recent review: May 14, 2026.
Service: Dog Trainer serving Cary, North Carolina.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Score profile vs other dog trainers
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: momentum and craft & service; weakest: value.
Proactive Dog Training, LLCDog Trainers 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.Proactive Dog Training, LLC: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
98
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.Proactive Dog Training, LLC: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.A
98
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.Proactive Dog Training, LLC: 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
99
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.Proactive Dog Training, LLC: 95/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
95
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.Proactive Dog Training, LLC: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 51.–
–
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
135 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars13399%
4 stars21%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 112 written reviews
95%praise
Praise15995%
Complaints85%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
100%fair
Great price229%
Reasonable571%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Would recommend4728%
Staff & attitude3420%
Quality & results2414%
Speed & response1911%
Communication1911%
Honesty & trust138%
Price & value117%
What customers talk about
We read 112 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“We sent our goldendoodle Sadie to 3 weeks at Proactive and would highly recommend it.”
“We cannot recommend them enough to anyone looking to build a better bond with their pup.”
“They are incredibly knowledgeable, talented, and genuinely caring trainers.”
“The communication was top-notch—I loved the frequent updates, the YouTube videos of her sessions, and the fact that I was encouraged to visit and part…”
“He was such a Godsend to me but we had gotten into some terrible habits.”
“…ive and people aggressive (along with their fighting) I kid you not, within MINUTES both dogs were listening to him and showing us that they could/wou…”
“He's been home for two weeks now, and we've gone slow with re-integrating him with our other dogs, but it's been smooth sailing so far.”
“They didn’t just train my dog—they took the time to explain the “why” behind everything, breaking down the science in a way that made sense and answer…”
“The play-based approach has unlocked a new level of compliance and genuinely enhanced our relationship with our dog.”
“At the end of the day dogs are animals and it wouldn't be reasonable to expect a dog's entire personality to change from a few weeks with a trainer bu…”
People customers mention
Javier63 reviews
Joseph9 reviews
Briana5 reviews
Youtube4 reviews
Malinois4 reviews
Shepherd4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Proactive Dog Training, LLC for 3 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Dan6 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. · 5 months ago★★★★★
Javier and the whole training staff at Proactive are the best dog trainers in Raleigh. This is the place you have been searching for.
I procrastinated writing this, and I’m glad I did. This review is 5 months after the board and train and the results have stuck. Proactive teaches you and your dog. The play-based…
Great priceDog boarding with training
TiffanyLocal Guide · 15 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. · 6 months ago★★★★★
Javier and his team have done such a great job with my puppy, Rowan. We started doing private lessons and then did the Ultimate Dog Package board and train program when I felt Rowan was ready for it. They really did a great job, Rowan is much better behaved than most dogs we encounter that are much older! Really…
Great priceDog boarding with trainingDog training
TaraLocal Guide · 21 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. · 6 months ago★★★★★
I signed up my strong-willed pup for the 3-week boot camp, not knowing what to expect—but Proactive Dog Training exceeded my expectations at every turn! I love how they train both in practical outdoor spaces and at home.
I already had a trip planned, so the extended board-and-train option was a perfect fit. When I…
Other pet boardingDog boarding with trainingDog walking
Jennifer1 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. · 7 months ago★★★★★
We sent our goldendoodle Sadie to 3 weeks at Proactive and would highly recommend it. We were blown away by the personalized touches, the daily videos, and the true care that the trainers take with the dogs. Sadie went in as a wild child that we had a hard time with as we couldn’t get her to perform basic…
Lisa6 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. · 7 months ago★★★★★
The Proactive staff is amazing…not just in working with my reactive dog, but also in helping me to be more comfortable as his handler. They are knowledgeable, professional, and flexible in delivering their services. We can tell such a difference in our dog since he has been working with them. I highly recommend their training, boarding and daycare.
Jeff1 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. · 8 months ago★★★★★
Can’t say enough great things about the Proactive Dog training team. They have worked wonders with our baby girl Smith. I love the daily videos and most importantly I love that I feel completely confident that she is being treated with the utmost of care!!
Reasonable priceDog boarding with trainingDog training
Javier and the whole training staff at Proactive are the best dog trainers in Raleigh. This is the place you have been searching for.
I procrastinated writing this, and I’m glad I did. This review is 5 months after the board and train and the results have stuck. Proactive teaches you and your dog. The play-based approach has unlocked a new level of compliance and genuinely enhanced our relationship with our dog.
Our dog was not an easy training case. We have a Shiba with aggression issues. Feeding was a nightmare, touch was a bite risk, and commands were met with full SpongeBob “I don’t feeeeel like it” energy.
All this time later we have made a huge leap forward. Feeding is smooth and easy. Commands are listened to on the first ask. My little buddy comes over looking for pets. We could not be happier with our choice to work with Proactive.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog boarding with training
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you so much for the review
LilyLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lily has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
This review is long overdue! I cannot say enough good things about Javier and his entire team. They are incredibly knowledgeable, talented, and genuinely caring trainers. They did a phenomenal job with Nieve, my high-energy Samoyed/Pit mix rescue. I finally have the skills and confidence I need to manage her training effectively.I was honestly blown away by how much Nieve grew during her stay. The communication was top-notch—I loved the frequent updates, the YouTube videos of her sessions, and the fact that I was encouraged to visit and participate in the training myself. Nieve came back from boarding full of energy, strong, muscular, socialized and looking happy, which says so much. I have boarded her elsewhere, and Javier and team are def. the few I would trust with my dogs, the care is there. I’ve used Proactive K9 for both Nieve’s board-and-train and private lessons for my new puppy, Myka. Thank you for everything, Javier! I think the smiles in these photos say it all. We can't wait for our next lesson!
Services: Dog boarding with training, Dog training
Response from the owner · 5 months ago
Thank you for the review
Tiffany AlexyLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tiffany has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Javier and his team have done such a great job with my puppy, Rowan. We started doing private lessons and then did the Ultimate Dog Package board and train program when I felt Rowan was ready for it. They really did a great job, Rowan is much better behaved than most dogs we encounter that are much older! Really appreciate all the love and dedication they put into training him. Will be recommending Proactive Dog Training to my friends/family!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog boarding with training, Dog training
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thank you so much for the review. He is a spunky boy so he's lucky he has a great handler like you
Jenna StutsmanLocal Guide · 12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jenna has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I couldn't recommend them more!!!
Backstory: I was raising a terrific pup, who learned well and always received plenty of praise from neighbors and friends. Unfortunately, every time I picked up my pup from an area top-rated boarding facility, his behavior was worse. Despite my experience with animals and behavior, I was overwhelmed with all the regression and the uphill battle I was facing as a single-mom with medical conditions that can flare up causing pain. With two massive trips on the horizon, I decided to seek help. I researched a ton and ultimately found alignment with Javier and his training techniques/approach. My dog just finished "graduation" and I couldn't be more proud of his work and the level of ease we experience on a day-to-day basis. His quality of life is improved because he is meeting expectations consistently and able to be go more places without feeling insecure or hyper-vigilant. We are so grateful to Javier, Amy, Kat, Breanna, Cam, and the entire team at Proactive! Additionally, Blitz can board with them where he won't be rewarded for poor behaviors like jumping up on people, nor will he be socialized with dogs that are imbalanced and poorly mannered. Do yourself a huge favor and work with this team!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding with training, Dog training
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thank you so much for the review
Seth Toback9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Seth has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
If you have an anxious or fearful dog, I can’t recommend Proactive Dog Training enough!
I have a smaller dog with some pretty significant anxiety and behavioral challenges. At one point, I was even advised to consider medication—but I really wanted to explore training options first. That’s when I found Javier Mendoza and his team, and I’m so glad I did.
The transformation has been incredible, especially in such a short amount of time. My dog went from being afraid to walk past even a single stranger on the sidewalk… to more confidently walking through a crowded airport. The difference is honestly amazing. I’ve also seen a huge improvement in how he responds to other dogs and people, and his loose leash walking has gone from a struggle to something we can actually enjoy.
What really stood out to me was how knowledgeable and supportive Javier and his team are. They didn’t just train my dog—they took the time to explain the “why” behind everything, breaking down the science in a way that made sense and answering all of my questions along the way.
Of course, I know training is an ongoing process, and I’ll need to keep reinforcing what we’ve learned (and probably come back for a few follow-ups). But the progress we’ve made so far has exceeded my expectations.
If you’re dealing with an anxious, fearful, or reactive dog, do yourself a favor and check them out. Total game changer.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding with training
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
Thank you so much for the review. It was a pleasure to work with you.
Tara RumlerLocal Guide · 21 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tara has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I signed up my strong-willed pup for the 3-week boot camp, not knowing what to expect—but Proactive Dog Training exceeded my expectations at every turn! I love how they train both in practical outdoor spaces and at home.
I already had a trip planned, so the extended board-and-train option was a perfect fit. When I picked up my dog, the transformation was incredible. I also loved receiving videos of her progress along the way—it made the experience even more reassuring and exciting!
What truly surprised and impressed me were the continued benefits after the program— It truly feels like the gift that keeps on giving! I continue to board my pup there overnight and use their daycare for additional socialization and training, which speaks volumes about the trust I have in their fantastic trainers! Paws up for the BEST dog care I’ve experienced in the Triangle by far.
Services: Other pet boarding, Dog boarding with training, Dog walking, Dog grooming, Other pet daycare, Dog boarding, Dog training
Response from the owner · 6 months ago
That is so good to hear. We love seeing you and Zoe Moon and we love being part of your journey together.
Jennifer Wright1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Jennifer has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We sent our goldendoodle Sadie to 3 weeks at Proactive and would highly recommend it. We were blown away by the personalized touches, the daily videos, and the true care that the trainers take with the dogs. Sadie went in as a wild child that we had a hard time with as we couldn’t get her to perform basic commands such as stay, she would pull horribly on the leash during walks, etc. Sadie came home a changed dog that we can enjoy and integrate much better into our lives as she now listens much better when needed. She is much happier as are we as we all understand each other better. We now can confidently bring her in public such as our sons’ sporting events as in this included picture without fear of her acting “wild”. We are sending our puppy for training in a few months and would recommend Proactive to anyone looking!!!
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you so much for their review. It is our honor to help out and be part of your journey with Sadie.
Lisa Butcher6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lisa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
The Proactive staff is amazing…not just in working with my reactive dog, but also in helping me to be more comfortable as his handler. They are knowledgeable, professional, and flexible in delivering their services. We can tell such a difference in our dog since he has been working with them. I highly recommend their training, boarding and daycare.
Response from the owner · 7 months ago
Thank you so much for the review. We love Van!
Jessica Maldonado6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jessica has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I have a rescue chihuahua whose aggression and bad behavior was getting progressively worse over the three years we had him. We had done training with other trainers and always hit a wall of progress. We could manage him, but it was a lot of time and energy, and he was unpredictable so we were exhausted.
I found Javier online and contacted him after reading a review about two mini aussies who he helped, specifically that when there were still issues after training he took them back in to figure it out. Dobby is a really challenging case and he needed more individual attention than a standard training program. We did two individual sessions with Javier initially, and I felt like he understood Dobby better than any other trainer - Dobby wasn't actually scared, he was actually just kind of a jerk used to biting to get his own way, and our handling (or not handling) of him over the years kept enforcing that behavior. Everything started to make sense.
We then decided to go with the Ultimate Dog Program for board and train, which was 21 days with behavior guarantees (given appropriate owner behavior and follow up of course). They ended up keeping him for another week (no extra cost) as Javier did not think he was ready to go home yet. Throughout the training, they posted video updates on Youtube, and I was able to join some of the sessions in later weeks - from both of those experiences it was clear that all of the trainers loved Dobby and had built great relationships with him.
He's been home for two weeks now, and we've gone slow with re-integrating him with our other dogs, but it's been smooth sailing so far. Instead of whining incessantly when he is crated, he will happily go in and relax. I can handle him for putting on his collar, leash, etc, with no fear of biting, and the best part is that he is now a cuddle bug! He used to growl or snap after a few seconds of petting (that he actively initiated) due to a conflict of interest in his brain, and now he is all over me asking for attention, to be held, petted, and he loves every second for real. He doesn't chase our cats, he can stay in place for a long time when necessary, and he is doing a great job on leash where he used to pull and sniff at EVERYTHING and not listen an ounce.
He is still his weird, goofy self, and he is always going to need some management, but now we have the tools! The e-collar training has been a godsend - it has done wonders for flipping a switch in his brain when he's overaroused, allowing him to turn that off and move on. He really needed the structure that the training provided for him to be his best self, and our household is so much calmer.
We now also plan to take him to Proactive for boarding when we travel! He can be a challenge with petsitters, so knowing we have a place where he's already known and loved and comfortable gives us so much more peace of mind. We boarded him for the first time post-training last weekend and he came home happy and tired.
Javier makes it clear that the end of formal training is just the beginning of the new relationship and encourages owners to reach out at any point in the future. The Proactive staff truly cares abut the dogs in their care and stands by their work more than any other trainers we've encountered, and after putting Dobby through this program I feel like we have both amazing results and also continuing support as needed.
Javier also writes great newsletters, so go sign up for them!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding with training, Dog boarding
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Thank you so much for the review. He was a challenge for sure but we are so glad we got a chance to get to know him and his awesome personality. We're honored to be part of your journey and we're happy to help any time.
Jeff deRijke1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Jeff has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Can’t say enough great things about the Proactive Dog training team. They have worked wonders with our baby girl Smith. I love the daily videos and most importantly I love that I feel completely confident that she is being treated with the utmost of care!!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding with training, Dog training
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Thank you for the review, Jeff. We love Smith and love that we are part of her journey