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%93+54.6Reliability 26%85+22.2Value 15%100+15.2Experts Score= 92Not 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.92SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#14 of 32 pet trainersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 58%
5.0★★★★★67 Google reviews · 24 photos
99%five-star reviews
4.88★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
2.6%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.
Customers report that Traction Dog Training Club offers homeschool and board-and-train programs, with reviewers noting significant improvements in leash reactivity, obedience, and general manners. Recurring themes include the trainers' patience, clear communication, and flexibility regarding scheduling changes. While the majority of feedback is positive, the limited number of low-star reviews indicates that some clients felt the school was not the right fit for their specific behavioral needs.
Google rating: 5.0 out of 5 from 67 reviews (99% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 67 Google reviews (66 with written comments, 17 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 72% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 21, 2026.
Service: Pet Trainer serving Austin, Texas.
Data from Google, last updated October 26, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet 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.
Traction Dog Training ClubPet 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.Traction Dog Training Club: 93/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.A
93
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.Traction Dog Training Club: 85/100 on this factor. Category median: 89.A
85
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.Traction Dog Training Club: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.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.Traction Dog Training Club: 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: 73.–
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Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
67 Google reviews we collected
5.0of 5
5 stars6699%
4 stars00%
3 stars00%
2 stars11%
1 star00%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 66 written reviews
93%praise
Praise9593%
Complaints77%
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 price741%
Reasonable953%
Overpriced00%
Not sure16%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude2827%
Would recommend2525%
Honesty & trust1414%
Communication1313%
Quality & results1212%
Speed & response77%
Price & value33%
What customers talk about
We read 66 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“…eheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for thoughtful, effective, compassionate guidance with their dog…”
“…e both happier for having worked with Mia, and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for thoughtful, effective, compassionate guidanc…”
“We cannot recommend her enough.”
“The changes have been practical, noticeable, and have genuinely made our time together even more enjoyable.”
“She has a wonderful way of explaining not only what to do, but why it works, which helped me understand Gracie better and become more confident and co…”
“We had an excellent experience with Mia and Traction the homeschool program.”
“We tried other dog training programs that didn't work for such a headstrong breed but Mara's approach was the clear answer.”
“Mia stopped that immediately and got her trained to heel, walk next to me without pulling, sitting and laying down with very gentle training techniques.”
“I picked JoJo up last night and Tina spent a great deal of time with me explaining what JoJo had learned and what she needed going forward.”
People customers mention
Mara21 reviews
Mia16 reviews
Shepherd4 reviews
Homeschool3 reviews
Christie3 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Traction Dog Training Club for 2 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
Genevieve6 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. · 4 days ago★★★★★
We had an excellent experience with Mia and Traction the homeschool program. What we really what I liked about it was that there was consistency and that she led the majority of the work. We saw some really great results in continuing to improve our puppies' manners, continued off-leash work, and patio etiquette.…
Reasonable priceDog training
IanLocal Guide · 23 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★★★★★
Had a last minute with them for 2 months with a dog with high food, allergies ended up needing to go to the vet and the staff was the nicest they could’ve been and even took her home for a night so she’d be less stressed out thank you guys
Dog boarding with training
Sarah11 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★★★★★
Mia was exactly what Apollo needed! She addressed all of our concerns, worked with us to design ideal training plans, and was very flexible when schedules changed at the last minute. Now, my boy is happier, more confident, and more self-assured when someone knocks on the door. He's doing so great, and it's all…
Jacob9 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★★★★★
Mia did an amazing job training our German Shepherd, especially with walking. The improvement has been great, and he's becoming more confident every day.
She was clear and patient with her instructions, and she gave us the knowledge and tools we needed to continue reinforcing the training after our sessions ended.…
Brenda4 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. · 4 months ago★★★★★
We booked the homeschool program for our two dogs, 8yr old Benji and our puppy Bruin. Our trainer Mia was amazing, very knowledgeable and listened to all of our concerns! Our biggest issues with both dogs were leash pulling, constant barking at other dogs and just basic obedience. In just 3 weeks, Mia completely…
Reasonable priceDog training
LeeLocal Guide · 22 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. · 4 months ago★★★★★
Had the greatest experience with Traction Dog Training and Mia our instructor! In only 3 weeks, she was able to completely train my 84 lb 2 year old German Shepherd !
My dog was so reactive with any dogs that came near us or squirrels she would yank the leash so hard I would almost fall over. And always pulled so…
I have never left a negative google review, but I feel it’s important to share my experience for other owners considering Traction, particularly those seeking help for behavioral issues like reactivity.
I initially contacted Traction because I wanted their homeschool program. My dog’s primary issue was significant leash reactivity, and I felt that working with her consistently in her normal environment made the most sense. Instead, I was strongly encouraged to choose the three-week board-and-train program as the better option for addressing her behavior. I trusted their professional recommendation and made the significantly larger financial and emotional investment of sending my dog away for three weeks.
Unfortunately, she came home with very little noticeable improvement in the behavior I had sought help for, along with several physical issues that developed during her stay. I also felt communication throughout the program was lacking, and many of my concerns only began being addressed after I raised them toward the end of the three weeks.
After the program, I sent a detailed account of my concerns directly to Mara, the owner of Traction. Management responded on behalf of the company and offered an evaluation with another trainer, Mia. Mia was lovely, professional, and helpful. During our walk together, my dog immediately had multiple significant reactions, making it very clear that the behavior I had paid to address still required substantial work. Mia spent about an hour working with us and offered to remain available for questions, which I genuinely appreciated.
What has been most disappointing is what happened afterward: nothing. I received no follow-up from Traction acknowledging what their own trainer observed, no discussion of why my dog continued to struggle so significantly after three weeks of intensive training, and no further attempt to address my concerns. Despite originally directing my concerns to the owner, I never received any response from her personally.
I chose Traction in large part because of its overwhelmingly positive reviews. In hindsight, I wish I had questioned more why a business with so many reviews appeared to have virtually no critical feedback. If you’re researching trainers and something about a perfect review history gives you pause, trust your gut. Ask who specifically will be training your dog, what their experience is with your dog’s particular behavioral issue, how progress will be measured, what the day-to-day training actually looks like, and how frequently you will receive updates.
I can only speak to my own experience, but I trusted Traction’s recommendation over my own instinct about which program was best for my dog. For the amount of money and trust involved in sending her away for three weeks, I expected substantially more progress, communication, and accountability than I received.
UPDATE following the owner’s response: I do not intend to go back and forth with the business through Google reviews, but I do want to correct one factual statement in their response. Mia did not offer me additional in-home training sessions. At the end of our evaluation, she told me I was welcome to text her at any time with questions or to workshop situations as they came up. There was no discussion of scheduling additional sessions, and I did not decline or choose not to pursue an offer of further in-home training.
Beyond that clarification, I stand by my review and do not feel that a public point-by-point rebuttal would be productive. I have retained the communications, dates, photos, report cards, and other documentation related to my experience. If another dog owner is considering Traction and would like to better understand my experience while researching the best training option for their dog, I am happy to share that documentation privately.
Response from the owner · 4 days ago
Lianna, we’re sorry you remain disappointed with Sunny’s progress. We take concerns about training and care seriously and want to clarify the communication, owner involvement, and continued support provided.
Kayla manages our Austin team and training programs, and accordingly discussed your concerns with you directly.
While it is typical for board-and-train programs to prohibit owner visits during training, our Study Abroad program uniquely requires at least two owner visits per week because owner participation is central to our approach. During Sunny’s 3-week program, KT exceeded the required visits by bringing Sunny to your home for 9 visits at your convenience, plus an in-home follow-up visit 1 week after go-home proactively scheduled before the end of the program. These visits allowed you to observe Sunny’s behavior and progress throughout the program, rather than discovering remaining challenges at go-home. Our policy is not to conclude programs before the agreed training goals have been met.
KT also provided photos and written updates on 9 days aside from those visits. The physical concern discussed was stiffness, which was addressed early in Sunny’s stay. Sunny was a 7-year-old apartment dog transitioning to substantially more activity on a one-acre property, an increase in exercise that we believe may contribute to stiffness. You were able to promptly provide her anti-inflammatory medication, and subsequent communication documented improvement.
You also voiced concern about buildup on Sunny’s teeth that you believed was from being given too many treats. We encourage you to consult your veterinarian about this, as sudden plaque or tartar buildup does not typically appear within a 21-day period.
When you voiced concerns 3 weeks after Sunny’s program, we arranged a complimentary in-home visit with Mia. This took place 7 days later, at Mia’s soonest available 8 a.m. opening as requested. Mia reported that she believed Sunny’s remaining reactivity was a bump in progress that could be resolved within a few coaching sessions. Accordingly, she offered additional free in-home sessions, which you did not pursue.
We are always more than happy to provide additional training at no charge when concerns remain after graduation from a program. Dog training is not linear, and both dogs and their handlers can need different amounts of time, coaching, and practice. We account for that and plan for it through continued support.
Our unusually high level of written and in-person communication, extensive owner involvement, and continued follow-up reflect the work we put into earning our 400+ five-star reviews. As Sunny’s program demonstrates, we work exceptionally hard and go beyond the conventional board-and-train model. We encourage anyone comparing training programs to ask each provider about communication, owner participation, follow-up support, safety protocols, and how care and training progress are documented.
Genevieve McGreevy6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Genevieve has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had an excellent experience with Mia and Traction the homeschool program. What we really what I liked about it was that there was consistency and that she led the majority of the work. We saw some really great results in continuing to improve our puppies' manners, continued off-leash work, and patio etiquette. Our neighbors just love how patiently and cutely he lies down in the elevator.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Stacey Dutra3 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Stacey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Mia has been such a wonderful help to Gracie and me. I initially reached out hoping to refine some of Gracie’s leash-walking skills and manners, but our work together has given us so much more than that.
Mia helped us with everything from calmer, more enjoyable walks to staying in place and creating simple boundaries and routines that make everyday life together easier. She has a wonderful way of explaining not only what to do, but why it works, which helped me understand Gracie better and become more confident and consistent with her.
What I appreciate most is that Mia’s approach never felt rigid or overly focused on “training.” It felt like learning how to communicate with Gracie more clearly while still honoring the loving, joyful relationship we already have. The changes have been practical, noticeable, and have genuinely made our time together even more enjoyable.
Gracie and I are both happier for having worked with Mia, and I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for thoughtful, effective, compassionate guidance with their dog
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog walking
Ian GustafsonLocal Guide · 23 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Ian has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Had a last minute with them for 2 months with a dog with high food, allergies ended up needing to go to the vet and the staff was the nicest they could’ve been and even took her home for a night so she’d be less stressed out thank you guys
Services: Dog boarding with training
Response from the owner · a month ago
You're welcome Ian! We had a great time with your pup!
Yogi SookdeoLocal Guide · 38 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Yogi has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Mia was exactly what Apollo needed! She addressed all of our concerns, worked with us to design ideal training plans, and was very flexible when schedules changed at the last minute. Now, my boy is happier, more confident, and more self-assured when someone knocks on the door. He's doing so great, and it's all thanks to Mia! We have plans to get a second dog in the future. If Buttons the golden retriever with two brain cells needs some training, I know exactly who'd I'd want on my team!
Response from the owner · a month ago
We loved Apollo! We love to hear these stories. Thank you for the review!
Jacob Garza9 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jacob has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Mia did an amazing job training our German Shepherd, especially with walking. The improvement has been great, and he's becoming more confident every day.
She was clear and patient with her instructions, and she gave us the knowledge and tools we needed to continue reinforcing the training after our sessions ended. We really appreciated that she focused on helping us succeed long-term, not just during the training itself.
Mia was kind, professional, and genuinely cared about our dog's progress. She worked with us to create a plan that was specifically tailored to our dog. We couldn't be happier with the results, and we would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and caring dog trainer.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for the review! We're so we were able to help with your pup
Sarah Micheletti6 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Sarah has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Our pup Luna is 2-weeks post-board-and-train with KT, and for the past 3 days we've said each evening, "Wow, Luna had a really great day!" KT helped Luna and us as owners reset a lot of habits that had built up and kept escalating in terms of Luna's people and dog reactivity. We'd been trying positive-only training, but felt like Luna's reactivity was on a downward projection over time. While a 3 week board-and-train won't magically fix everything for good, it ended up being the best way to get us back on a good foot (many steps forward) and provide Luna with really consistent patterns and training in a hyper focused way we weren't knowledgeable enough nor had enough time to commit. KT was one of the few people in 4 months that on first meeting, Luna didn't immediately react to and mostly ignored besides a foot sniff. This gave us so much reassurance that Luna isn't unable to be around other people (she was more social when we first adopted her), and put us at ease that she could actually live with KT for 3 weeks. We'll be continuing some one-off training mainly to keep training us, the humans, as we try to solidify Luna's new habits and confidence over the next 3 months, and then hope to continue working with KT and Traction on some sports and brain activities for Luna! She's a sporty girl, and we're new to that, but were encouraged by both KT and Traction's head trainer Mara that Luna can be both neutral to people + dogs and a fun girl with a lot of opportunities to continue enriching her for years to come! We can't thank y'all enough for helping us and our Miss Luna Lemons 😊
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding with training
Response from the owner · a month ago
We loved Luna! Thank you for your kind words. We love hearing these kind of stories!
Brenda Salas4 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Brenda has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We booked the homeschool program for our two dogs, 8yr old Benji and our puppy Bruin. Our trainer Mia was amazing, very knowledgeable and listened to all of our concerns! Our biggest issues with both dogs were leash pulling, constant barking at other dogs and just basic obedience. In just 3 weeks, Mia completely transformed our lives. She gave us some great tips and we are now able to go on relaxing walks without any issues! She still even reaches out to us to check in on the pups. Truly a great trainer and we’re glad we chose Traction dog training club.
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog training
Lee in Downtown AustinLocal Guide · 22 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Lee has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Had the greatest experience with Traction Dog Training and Mia our instructor! In only 3 weeks, she was able to completely train my 84 lb 2 year old German Shepherd !
My dog was so reactive with any dogs that came near us or squirrels she would yank the leash so hard I would almost fall over. And always pulled so hard on walks too.
Mia stopped that immediately and got her trained to heel, walk next to me without pulling, sitting and laying down with very gentle training techniques. I was so impressed! I live in downtown Austin and we’re surrounded by other dogs and constant noise and traffic.
Now I really enjoy walking my dog and I highly recommend them to anyone needing their dog trained!
