The Academy for Canine Behavior and Training (formerly Taming the Wild)
Dog trainer · Pontotoc, MS · reviewed since 2023
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%99+58.1Reliability 26%99+25.8Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 99Not 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.99SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#6 of 75 dog trainersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 93%
5.0★★★★★245 Google reviews · 23 photos
100%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.
The Academy for Canine Behavior and Training (formerly Taming the Wild) at a glance
Google reviewers rate the facility five stars based on 245 reviews, highlighting effective basic training, board-and-train programs, and reactive dog classes. Customers consistently praise the team's professional communication, noting daily video updates and personalized instruction that helps owners manage anxiety and aggression. The facility is described as clean and well-equipped, with one reviewer criticizing specific agility class instruction despite praising the grounds.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 245 reviews (100% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 245 Google reviews (234 with written comments, 105 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 24, 2026.
Service: Dog Trainer serving Pontotoc, Mississippi.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 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: value and momentum; weakest: reliability.
This companyDog 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.The Academy for Canine Behavior and Training (formerly Taming the Wild): 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 95.A
99
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.The Academy for Canine Behavior and Training (formerly Taming the Wild): 99/100 on this factor. Category median: 94.A
99
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.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 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.The Academy for Canine Behavior and Training (formerly Taming the Wild): 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.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.The Academy for Canine Behavior and Training (formerly Taming the Wild): 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
245 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars244100%
4 stars00%
3 stars10%
2 stars00%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 234 written reviews
98%praise
Praise39798%
Complaints102%
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 price2130%
Reasonable5070%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude10125%
Would recommend9624%
Quality & results8120%
Communication5714%
Honesty & trust277%
Speed & response246%
Price & value215%
What customers talk about
We read 234 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“They totally transformed my sweet Dood in the best of ways.”
“I HIGHLY recommend coming to these guys for your training.”
“I cannot recommend Madi and the Academy for Canine Behavior and Training enough!”
“Bryan and Nick did an excellent job training Benito”
“He took the time and listened to our needs for OUR Rottie where other trainers have a one size fits all approach.”
“I can honestly say the canine academy has been the answer to my prayers.”
“We wanted to leave a note as to how professional and responsive the team at the The Academy have been.”
“The investment in his training was worth every penny.”
People customers mention
Bryan74 reviews
Nick32 reviews
Madi27 reviews
Tupelo19 reviews
Bailey14 reviews
Brian12 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired The Academy for Canine Behavior and Training (formerly Taming the Wild) for 4 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Frank5 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 day ago★★★★★
I have nothing but good things to say about the Academy and its basic training program. I now have the tools I need to be a better owner with better-mannered walkers. Shout out in particular to their trainer Nick. He went above and beyond on a Sunday evening when my 6yr old rescue needed medical attention.
Reasonable priceDog boarding with training
Barb1 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. · 3 days ago★★★★★
Their training of our shelter dog who had been labeled aggressive was nothing short of miraculous. Maury went from being a lifer to being totally trainable and adoptable. From the beginning, his humans were all in as was Bryan and his staff, and Maury. The outcome was success beyond our wildest dreams. Thank you again and again.
Great priceDog boarding with training
Jamie5 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 days ago★★★★★
Nick and Bryan are excellent combination for training. Their training methods are far superior than other training facilities. Highly recommend.
Great priceDog boarding with training
Belinda1 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. · 2 weeks ago★★★★★
I can't believe we have such an amazing place in Tupelo, MS for dogs. It shows how much our area has progressed. We have our own Dog Whisperer here in NE Mississippi. Our Niko attended the Reactive Dog Program for a month. Bryan and Nick worked on training with Niko, but also understood his previous trauma and…
Reasonable priceDog boarding with training
Alan2 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 weeks ago★★★★★
Brian and his staff are fantastic. He took the time and listened to our needs for OUR Rottie where other trainers have a one size fits all approach. Proven results!!!
Reasonable priceDog boarding with training
Emily4 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 weeks ago★★★★★
Our 6 month old Boykin Spaniel, Banks, did 2 weeks at the Academy for Basic Training and came back to us a completely different dog. In place of the nippy, whiny, spoiled pup is now a well-behaved, affectionate pup that does well listening to commands and plays respectfully with our toddler. We cannot thank Nick and…
I have nothing but good things to say about the Academy and its basic training program. I now have the tools I need to be a better owner with better-mannered walkers. Shout out in particular to their trainer Nick. He went above and beyond on a Sunday evening when my 6yr old rescue needed medical attention.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding with training
Mandy Beard1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Mandy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Maury, one of our shelter dogs, went for training and we have been amazed at his progress! Before Maury came to Bryan and crew, he would walk you wherever he wanted to take you. There was no stopping him or slowing him down until he was ready. He was also reactive/aggressive to other dogs that he came across. Now, Maury can be taken on a leisurely walk and behave like a gentleman should! While he still prefers not to be with other dogs, he can be walked or pass by other dogs without problems. That is a huge accomplishment for Maury! We were sent multiple updates and videos daily of his progress, which was awesome to watch. And when it was time for Maury to graduate, they worked with us so we knew how to continue forward with Maury. They have stayed in contact with us checking in and offering tips and advice if needed. Just above and beyond in all aspects.
We are beyond thankful for Bryan and his team for helping bring out the greatness in Maury we always knew was there. Now he has the best chance of finding his forever because you all took the time to show him better ways. Thank you isn’t enough, but we truly mean it!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding with training
Barb Harmon1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Barb has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Their training of our shelter dog who had been labeled aggressive was nothing short of miraculous. Maury went from being a lifer to being totally trainable and adoptable. From the beginning, his humans were all in as was Bryan and his staff, and Maury. The outcome was success beyond our wildest dreams. Thank you again and again.
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog boarding with training
Jamie Owens5 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jamie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I can't believe we have such an amazing place in Tupelo, MS for dogs. It shows how much our area has progressed. We have our own Dog Whisperer here in NE Mississippi. Our Niko attended the Reactive Dog Program for a month. Bryan and Nick worked on training with Niko, but also understood his previous trauma and experiences before he'd been rescued. They take a team approach and stayed in touch with us every day with updates on Niko's progress. We also received tools to understand canine behavior through books and videos and online formats. As part of Niko's graduation, we are receiving Transition training. We are so grateful for Bryan and Kira and Nick for the support they've given our family and all they've done for our Niko
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding with training
Alan Weatherly2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Brian and his staff are fantastic. He took the time and listened to our needs for OUR Rottie where other trainers have a one size fits all approach. Proven results!!!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding with training
Emily Hendrickson4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Emily has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our 6 month old Boykin Spaniel, Banks, did 2 weeks at the Academy for Basic Training and came back to us a completely different dog. In place of the nippy, whiny, spoiled pup is now a well-behaved, affectionate pup that does well listening to commands and plays respectfully with our toddler. We cannot thank Nick and the team enough! We wholeheartedly recommend the investment into your furry family member!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Hunter Gaines1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Hunter has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Truly an amazing facility. I took my Dood there for the three week board and train. I was amazed at the obedient work that Nick and Bryan had done in such a short time. They totally transformed my sweet Dood in the best of ways.
Love this place. Super clean, the staff is incredible, and so attentive to each furry friend in their own special way.
Daycare there is my Dood’s favorite thing ever. The staff are so interactive with each pup, and they have such an awesome facility for them to play in.
Shoutout to John and all of the lovely ladies that take care of my sweet Jones every week 🌺
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog boarding with training, Dog boarding, Dog daycare, Dog training
Semmie Wicker1 reviewiTotal number of Google reviews Semmie has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
In February, a very pregnant dog was abandoned at our place. We took her in.
10 days later, she had puppies.
Six months later, our dog family has expanded to include sweet Vallie, and 3 of her pups. I was and am still, completely in love.
However; we already had 2 extremely bossy, adult dogs who had very little tolerance for large, bouncy puppies that had no idea how to stay in their own lane!
I am also a 68 y.o. woman, and I realized that physically, I needed control. I realized I needed manners instilled into these pups that were, and still are, getting larger by the day. (The largest pup is already approaching 65-70 lbs!)
Ultimately, because of the chaos that erupted every time I had the pups inside, I became very worried that at some point the dogs would start fighting and someone would get hurt. And as much as I love the puppies, I also love my other dogs.
So in desperation, I started looking for help and real solutions.
I had no idea that Tupelo academy for canines even existed. But after stumbling onto it via google, and reading the reviews, I reached out. And I am so thankful I did!
To date, 2 of the 3 pups have completed the basic board and train course.
And wow, what a difference. I can honestly say the canine academy has been the answer to my prayers. I know I could not have managed all of these pups without help.
This has given me control. And it has made it possible for all of the dogs to have a quality life now as integrated members of our family.
I can’t thank Madi, Nick and Bryan enough. They have given me and the pups the tools we need to do this.
The daily training videos are extremely helpful since you see your dog’s training in progress.
And the turn over session before the dog comes home was designed to make sure I had the right sequencing when i worked with the puppies.
The follow up support has been a literal safety net. There have been texts to make sure all is going well, and to make sure i did not have questions or problems as I navigate through incorporating the training into our daily routines.
I also plan on attending some of the weekend follow up refreshers with them.
I am extremely grateful to have found TACBT. Because of their help, I see a happy future ahead for us all as the puppies become great additions to our family!
Services: Dog boarding with training, Dog boarding
chelainea campbell8 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews chelainea has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I HIGHLY recommend coming to these guys for your training. I have a pit mix and she had severe anxiety causing her to be aggressive she absolutely hated anything loud! After 3wks they have my girl seeing the world in a completely different view ready to explore while also taking commands with ease. Keep in mind she was over 3yrs old when we got this training started and I would do it all again if I had to. The best part is the relationship is for life so you don’t just walk away after it’s over the training continues with their help for life ❤️
