General Info:
We'll come to you to help you correct and control your dog's behaviors.
We use humane, dog-friendly methods that are simple and very logical. We get quick, successful results without using choke chains, shock collars, clickers or drugs.
We'll help you lay a foundation in leadership that your dog will understand and accept.
We teach basic and advanced obedience (sit, down, come, stay, look at me, be nice, drop it, leave it, go to your place, wait, etc.).
We'll help you work correction methods that will get you power in the moment without being rough or physical.
We'll show you how to get control of bad behaviors while you are working on and developing verbal command.
We'll teach leash manners with a heel at your side and sitting when you are stopped - no pulling.
We'll help develop social manners in your dog to stop the jumping or excessive demands for attention.
And we'll address any other behavior modification that is needed (ie. housebreaking, separation, destruction, etc).
HistoryEstablished in 2003Our company was formed many years ago by our owner and lead dog trainer, Steve Wood. He has been training people and dogs in the Phoenix valley for a long time and believes in humane, dog-friendly methods.
Steve is still our only dog trainer. We do not employ multiple trainers. When you work with us, you will be working with the owner of the company. We believe in quality, not quantity.
We did business under the name Phoenix Valley Dog Training for a long time and then changed our name to A Better Dog. We had an excellent reputation under the old name but wanted our name to be less regional as we have an online program that we are going to be offering nationally.
We do not believe that dog training should cost an arm and a leg. We are one of the more reasonably priced in-home trainers in the valley and our online program is a way that we can help at a less expensive cost.
We provide in-home behavior and obedience training and have our entire program online for our clients.About Our OwnerSteve Wood is the owner/operator and lead dog trainer at A Better Dog.He is a professional level member with the International Association Of Canine Professionals (which requires that you prove your dog training experience - you can't just buy that level of membership).
He is also a certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator for the AKC and is certified by the Red Cross in Canine CPR and First Aid training.
Steve's other credentials include membership in the Association Of Pet Dog Trainers and he has completed his certification as a Certified Dog Behavior Advisor for Canine Dimensions, a national home dog training company.
Steve teaches people his techniques and philosophies to help them improve their relationships with their dogs every day. His methods are very simple, logical and effective.
When you contact us, you will get to talk to Steve. He will discuss your specific situation with you and tell you exactly what will be needed. He doesn't require an evaluation/sales visit.