Dog day care center · Encinitas, CA · reviewed since 2016
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 55%90+49.1Reliability 24%92+22.3Value 14%96+13.6Replies to reviews 7%30+2.1Craft & service penalty99−0.1Experts Score= 87Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.87SCORE
AGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#28 of 44 pet trainersiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 37%
4.9★★★★★113 Google reviews
95%five-star reviews
4.85★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 Woof Academy 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 113 reviews. Customers frequently praise the facility's puppy training, socialization classes, daycare, boarding, and pack walks, noting that staff members are knowledgeable, communicative, and attentive to individual dog needs. One low-star review criticized the staff's temperament, describing an interaction as rude and volatile, which contrasts with the overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the center's care and training programs.
Google rating: 4.9 out of 5 from 113 reviews (95% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 113 Google reviews (90 with written comments, 12 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 2% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 28, 2026.
Service: Pet Trainer serving Encinitas, California.
Data from Google, last updated November 1, 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: momentum and craft & service; weakest: replies to reviews.
Woof AcademyPet 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.Woof Academy: 90/100 on this factor. Category median: 92.A
90
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.Woof Academy: 92/100 on this factor. Category median: 89.A
92
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.Woof Academy: 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.Woof Academy: 96/100 on this factor. Category median: 99.A
96
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.Woof Academy: 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.Woof Academy: 30/100 on this factor. Category median: 56.D
30
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
113 Google reviews we collected
4.9of 5
5 stars10795%
4 stars44%
3 stars00%
2 stars00%
1 star22%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 90 written reviews
95%praise
Praise10495%
Complaints65%
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 price338%
Reasonable563%
Overpriced00%
Not sure00%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude4339%
Would recommend2725%
Quality & results1312%
Communication98%
Speed & response87%
Honesty & trust76%
Price & value33%
What customers talk about
We read 90 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“It’s a great place and the people there are sooo kind and gentle with them.”
“I highly recommend Rachel and Woof Academy to anyone looking for an effective, positive puppy training experience.”
“Couldn’t not recommend them enough”
“…become a trainer, The Academy Dog Handler Certification course is an amazing experience.…”
“She provided excellent tips, practical guidance, and clear explanations that were easy to follow.”
“If you’ve ever met someone and immediately known they were born to do what they do, that’s exactly how Pam from Woof Academy is as a dog trainer.”
“…and people, she’s like a light in the community and you can tell she genuinely loves helping both dogs and their humans.…”
“Over the past 6 weeks we've had to adjust schedules, billing, memberships, balance out some allergies, temperment changes, etc.”
People customers mention
Palace30 reviews
Woofingham14 reviews
Pam11 reviews
Samantha7 reviews
Jon5 reviews
Chandler4 reviews
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Reviews for your job
Customers hired Woof Academy for 4 kinds of job. Pick one to see what they paid and said.
SShelleyLocal Guide · 11 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★★★★★
Woof Academy is amazing! Our dog, Sparkle, has flourished from both the training (from the time she was a puppy) and the boarding. The dog lovers who work here know Sparkle personally and create an amazing environment for her and her fellow doggies! Pam, the owner, has created the best dog training, pack walks, and boarding! Sparkle loves it here!
Reasonable priceDog boardingDog training
RReziLocal Guide · 12 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. · 3 months ago★★★★★
It’s a great place!! My dog Zoey loves it there. They even put up like doggy plastic pools when it gets too hot, so that way they don’t overheat. She comes home sometimes with water all over her, she doesn’t like to get in the water most times, so I’m guessing she’s playing with another dog who likes the pool and…
Great priceDog daycareDog training
CcindyLocal Guide · 31 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. · 3 months ago★★★★★
I am taking a rescue in need of social skills. Pam Chandler & her trainers are great.
Reasonable price
HHaley7 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★★★★★
Rachel was an amazing puppy training instructor! She provided excellent tips, practical guidance, and clear explanations that were easy to follow. She was very knowledgeable and always willing to answer any questions. We learned so much and saw real progress with our puppy throughout the program. I highly recommend…
TTiffLocal Guide · 19 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★★★★★
Love love love and amazing trainers!! Pam Chandler is so knowledgeable!! HIGHLY recommend!! More than 5 stars deserved here!!
Great priceDog boarding with trainingDog daycareDog training
MMarcLocal Guide · 41 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. · 10 months ago★★★★★
Love the Woof crew! Took our pup to socializing and then training classes with Pam and he goes 2x/wk to daycare. He loves it, we love it!
Woof Academy is amazing! Our dog, Sparkle, has flourished from both the training (from the time she was a puppy) and the boarding. The dog lovers who work here know Sparkle personally and create an amazing environment for her and her fellow doggies! Pam, the owner, has created the best dog training, pack walks, and boarding! Sparkle loves it here!
Price assessment: Reasonable price
Services: Dog boarding, Dog training
R
Rezi KeefeLocal Guide · 12 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Rezi has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
It’s a great place!! My dog Zoey loves it there. They even put up like doggy plastic pools when it gets too hot, so that way they don’t overheat. She comes home sometimes with water all over her, she doesn’t like to get in the water most times, so I’m guessing she’s playing with another dog who likes the pool and then gets second hand soaked… I’m always laughing when I see her come out to be picked up because the first thing she does after I say it’s time to go home is lay down and not get up… I feel bad for taking her home when she’s having so much fun! But she goes 2x a week, so I know she has fun when she doesn’t want to go home. But when she gets home she’s tuckered out and just sleeps for hours. It’s a great place and the people there are sooo kind and gentle with them. It’s a great place worthy of more than 5 stars!
Price assessment: Great price
Services: Dog daycare, Dog training
C
cindy petersLocal Guide · 31 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews cindy has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Rachel was an amazing puppy training instructor! She provided excellent tips, practical guidance, and clear explanations that were easy to follow. She was very knowledgeable and always willing to answer any questions. We learned so much and saw real progress with our puppy throughout the program. I highly recommend Rachel and Woof Academy to anyone looking for an effective, positive puppy training experience.
T
Tiff TannLocal Guide · 19 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Tiff has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
If you’ve ever met someone and immediately known they were born to do what they do, that’s exactly how Pam from Woof Academy is as a dog trainer. I’ve worked with several trainers before, but there is truly no one like Pam.
I first connected with her when I was preparing to adopt a stray mama dog from Mexico and was nervous about introducing her to my reactive husky at home. I joined one of Pam’s pack walks, and it was clear right away that she has a special gift. Pam has this calm, confident energy with dogs and people, she’s like a light in the community and you can tell she genuinely loves helping both dogs and their humans.
What makes her stand out even more is how flexible and accessible her programs are. She offers so many options that are thoughtfully designed for different needs and situations.
After we got the new mama dog, my resident dog was still having some struggles adjusting. Pam went above and beyond, making herself available whenever I needed guidance. She shared practical tips, thoughtful suggestions, and constant encouragement that made a huge difference for us.
I’m incredibly grateful for her support and expertise. If you’re looking for a trainer who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and truly dedicated to helping you and your dog succeed, Pam is the person you want in your corner.
M
Marc GrynbergLocal Guide · 41 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Marc has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Pam and the Woof Academy team are the BEST! I recently participated in The Academy Dog Handler Certification course, and I can’t say enough great things about the course. Pam has such keen insight into the inner world of dogs, and I love how she shares her wisdom in such an engaging and positive way. Whether your goal is to understand your dog on a deeper level, become a better dog handler, or continue your studies to become a trainer, The Academy Dog Handler Certification course is an amazing experience. A huge thank you to Pam and her trainers, Noel, Rachael, Michael, Kate, and Jenny, as I love learning from each of you!
A
Abigail Waugh2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Abigail has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Absolutely the best daycare and boarding ever! We’ve been taking our high energy dog to Woof since she was a puppy (she’s now 4), and it is truly her favorite place on earth. She goes to the daycare socialization classes each week, and we also board her at Woof when we are out of town. We trust Pam and the staff completely with our pup, and highly recommend Woof to anyone!
