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%97+25.3Value 15%89+13.5Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 96Not 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.96SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#29 of 75 dog trainersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 62%
5.0★★★★★49 Google reviews · 24 photos
98%five-star reviews
5.00★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 20 reviewsiShare 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 Sound Dog Connection five stars based on forty-nine reviews, with the owner responding to eighty-eight percent of feedback. Clients frequently describe services like nose work, puppy classes, and anxiety management, noting the use of positive reinforcement and science-based methods. Recurring themes include the trainer's knowledge, patience, and clear communication, as well as the spacious, calm environment. Customers often mention receiving report cards and homework to practice at home, while no significant criticisms appear in the provided excerpts.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 49 reviews (98% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 49 Google reviews (44 with written comments, 7 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 88% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 26, 2026.
Service: Dog Trainer serving Lakewood, Washington.
Data from Google, last updated October 27, 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.
Sound Dog ConnectionDog 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.Sound Dog Connection: 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.Sound Dog Connection: 97/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.A
97
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.Sound Dog Connection: 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.Sound Dog Connection: 89/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
89
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.Sound Dog Connection: 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.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
49 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars4898%
4 stars12%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 44 written reviews
100%praise
Praise42100%
Complaints00%
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 price00%
Reasonable480%
Overpriced00%
Not sure120%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude1638%
Would recommend1126%
Quality & results410%
Speed & response410%
Honesty & trust37%
Communication25%
Price & value25%
What customers talk about
We read 44 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“Ann is thoughtful, kind and so understanding of Jenny's quirks.”
“If you have an anxious dog, I highly recommend Sound Dog Connection's Nose Work series.”
“Highly recommend if you are in the market for a Trainer that will help you get amazing results in a kind, fun way.”
“Jenny is more curious on walks, recovers more quickly from noise triggers and will even go outside on her own for a bit when I'm not outside.”
“Ann demonstrated exceptional expertise and a genuine passion for her work from the very first session.”
“Ann was extremely knowledgeable, patient, friendly, and clear in her communication.”
“Reasonable cost for what you get; focused time mixed well with "down time" managed very well.”
People customers mention
Ann16 reviews
Waterbury3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Sound Dog Connection for 1 kind of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
HOWARDLocal 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. · 11 hours ago★★★★★
The “Paws to Connect” workshop at Sound Dog Connection was a four part training with a week off in between that gave us time for the not too difficult homework. Ann & Allie and visiting contributors gave us very useful information and techniques to insure that we were not making our dog’s trauma worse because of our…
Reasonable priceService not listed
Megan8 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. · 8 months ago★★★★★
I just completed the Paws To Connect class on dog anxiety and co-regulation, and I can’t recommend it enough. I walked in hoping to better understand my dog’s anxiety and reactivity, and I left with a completely new perspective — not just on my dog, but on myself.
The class helped me approach my dog’s big feelings…
Service not listed
E2 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. · 11 months ago★★★★★
Ann at Sound Dog Connection is knowledgeable and truly committed to helping dogs and their people build stronger relationships. My dog and I attended a beginning scent work course and it was wonderful to see all the dogs build confidence over the 6 week experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a…
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. · a year ago★★★★★
Awesome trainer for new pups, or young pups with problem behaviors! Gives you " report cards " from each class to remind you of all the great tips and my dog LOVED going for her classes. Highly recommend 🥰
MartiannLocal 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. · a year ago★★★★★
Ann is amazing she listens and hears the issues and concerns and addresses them with ease. Clearly our dog loves visiting and training with Ann, even whines on the way to training in excitement! We appreciate you and your guidance and support!
Susan7 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 year ago★★★★★
Wonderful relaxed training sessions using positive reinforcement always. Our Rottweiler Ruby runs to the door she gets so excited!
The “Paws to Connect” workshop at Sound Dog Connection was a four part training with a week off in between that gave us time for the not too difficult homework. Ann & Allie and visiting contributors gave us very useful information and techniques to insure that we were not making our dog’s trauma worse because of our anxiety going down the leash.
My wife & I really learned a lot and have noticed a difference in our dogs already. Very good and worth the effort and cost.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 11 hours ago
Thanks Howard, we are thrilled you found the information and sharing helpful
Emily Kulbacki1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Emily has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
If you have an anxious dog, I highly recommend Sound Dog Connection's Nose Work series. My dog Jenny spent most of her life in a research facility. Rescued at age 7, she had no experience with the outside world. Because of this, Jenny has difficulty navigating situations that other dogs would see as normal.
The Nose Work series has been a perfect fit for her! It offers Jenny a fun activity in a low-stress environment, where she can work on her confidence through doing her two favorite things: sniffing and eating treats. The series has also given me the opportunity to learn how I can help Jenny be her best self. Something I've thought about, but didn't have the tools to make happen.
Everything at Sound Dog Connection is science-based and researched. Only positive reinforcement is used. Ann is thoughtful, kind and so understanding of Jenny's quirks. I've always felt heard and I feel like Ann is authentically invested in Jenny.
My pup still has a long way to go, but over the past few months I've noticed positive and significant changes in how she experiences the world. Jenny is more curious on walks, recovers more quickly from noise triggers and will even go outside on her own for a bit when I'm not outside. This may not seem like much, but for Jenny this is huge! I'm so happy and grateful to Ann and Sound Dog Connection.
Response from the owner · 2 weeks ago
I am so thrilled to see Jenny's progress, every lose happy tail wag has me smiling. I am honored to be part of you and Jenny's journey.
Jeannie Wilcox1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Jeannie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Ann is an angel and my scared and reactive border collie mix knew that right away. Her space is thoughtfully designed so that your dog can feel safe exploring it. Ann is a dog behaviorist, which is very different from the obedience world I came from. We have not been doing dog "training" in the sense that I was used to and it has been exactly the break from the behavioral demands and commands that my girl needed. Training with Ann is more like a discovery of your dogs experience, so you can understand what is causing the reactivity and start on reprogramming the associations with the triggers. I can't tell you how much my heart soared the moment my border collie mix was not scared and defensive, rather totally able to take a treat and disengage with the dog while it was right next to her. Literally, their bodies were touching and she was happy to look up at my daughter and I and sniff the ground. Hallelujah.
The games Ann has taught me to build up positive association in my dog's world and the sniff walks we are taking now are changing everything with our dynamic and her self-confidence.
The combination of what Ann's taught me so far and listening to the audiobook, Inside of a Dog, has helped me to understand my dog immensely. It's pretty wild to realize how much I anthropomorphize(d) her experience and what that caused me to miss.
Thank you!
Price assessment: Not sure
Services: Dog training
Response from the owner · 3 months ago
Thank you Jeannie! I am thrilled that you and Clover are deeping your bond and helping her move through the sometimes scary world. I am honored to be part of this journey.
Megan Ayesh8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Megan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I just completed the Paws To Connect class on dog anxiety and co-regulation, and I can’t recommend it enough. I walked in hoping to better understand my dog’s anxiety and reactivity, and I left with a completely new perspective — not just on my dog, but on myself.
The class helped me approach my dog’s big feelings with more compassion and clarity instead of frustration. I learned practical tools to support his nervous system and, just as importantly, healthy coping strategies to regulate my own. The focus on co-regulation was incredibly powerful — it shifted the way I show up for my dog every day.
If you have an anxious or reactive dog (or just want to deepen your connection), this class is truly invaluable.
Services: Service not listed
Response from the owner · 8 months ago
Thank you Megan! I am so happy to hear that we were able to help you deepen your bond with your puppers.
Gregory Frank6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Gregory has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Ann at Sound Dog Connection is knowledgeable and truly committed to helping dogs and their people build stronger relationships. My dog and I attended a beginning scent work course and it was wonderful to see all the dogs build confidence over the 6 week experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a positive, supportive experience in a friendly and local setting.
Response from the owner · 11 months ago
Thank you! I love watching Dottie show off her sniffing skills.
Lisa George6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lisa has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Awesome trainer for new pups, or young pups with problem behaviors! Gives you " report cards " from each class to remind you of all the great tips and my dog LOVED going for her classes. Highly recommend 🥰
Response from the owner · a year ago
You and Maisee Pearl were an absolute pleasure to work with
Martiann LewisLocal Guide · 15 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Martiann has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Ann is amazing she listens and hears the issues and concerns and addresses them with ease. Clearly our dog loves visiting and training with Ann, even whines on the way to training in excitement! We appreciate you and your guidance and support!
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thank you! You and Whiskey are a pleasure to work with.
Susan Roberts7 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Susan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our pup Archie has loved working with Ann and her team - especially at her really spacious new location. We’ve used both her training services and her nose work packages. If you don’t know about nose work and the benefits to your pup… it’s been a huge help for our little guy. We highly recommend Ann. She is super knowledgeable and genuine.
Response from the owner · a year ago
Thanks Alissa! We love Archie and are so happy that his confidence is growing as he lives his best life.
