Learn More About Philadelphia’s Best Dog Trainers
At HD Dog Training, we stand behind our commitment to delivering exceptional training experiences for both you and your dog. Our guarantee ensures that with consistent effort and participation, you’ll see real, lasting improvements in your dog’s behavior. We’re with you every step of the way, offering ongoing support and guidance to help reinforce the skills and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
Years Experience
Dogs Trained
Stars on Google
We build lasting relationships through honest communication and reliable, compassionate care for both dogs and their owners.
Our dedicated team is committed to helping every dog reach their full potential with personalized training plans tailored to their unique needs.
With proven techniques and a focus on positive reinforcement, we deliver real, lasting results that enhance the bond between you and your dog.
Robert’s journey in dog training started in 2014 when he attended the Veterans Affairs and K9 Soldiers Inc Program. During his time at his program he met his mentor who was a retired New Jersey State Trooper. His mentor was a Supervisor over 5 states of K9 Teams who responded to the 9/11 attack and was on a panel of elite dog trainers selected by the US Attorney General.
From there Robert continued his education in dog training by traveling across the nation to learn from other dog trainers and completed lecture and online courses.
Recently Robert was 1 of 3 select few to graduate the Harcum College and UPenn Working Dog Center Co-Op Program. Here he sharpened his capabilities as a trainer, specifically in Positive Training Techniques of working dogs.
Mikayla is the General Manager of HD Dog Training, a leading dog training business in the Philadelphia region. With a strong background in marketing, Mikayla specializes in creating innovative strategies to promote the company’s services and grow its brand presence. Combining expertise in operations management and digital marketing, Mikayla focuses on expanding customer reach, enhancing client relationships, and driving business growth while ensuring the highest standards of dog training services. Passionate about both dogs and business, Mikayla leads the company with a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
At HD Dog Training LLC, we are committed to giving back by partnering with non-profits and rescues that align with our values. Our training philosophy is rooted in compassion and the belief in doing good for others. We are proud to collaborate with Rodney Wyatt, CEO and Founder of Salute 2 Service, a non-profit dedicated to supporting homeless veterans and those transitioning back to civilian life.
EXCELLENT Based on 125 reviews Posted on Steph GuerraJanuary 20, 2026.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. After struggling with our reactive rescue pitbull Zadie for months, HD Dog Training in Philadelphia completely turned things around. Working with Rob has been the best investment we've made in our new lives as pet parents. He doesn't just run through a standard training script; he really pays attention to what YOUR specific dog needs and adjusts his methods accordingly. We tried many other trainers and training programs, but Rob was the only one where transformation was almost immediate. Zadie used to be very reactive on leash, constantly pulling and jumping at people, animals, anything. Walking her was honestly miserable, and we were starting to feel disconnected from her because everything felt like such a battle. Now, we enjoy spending time outside the home together and she's honestly our best friend. Our friends who knew her "before" can't believe the transformation, constantly commenting on how much better behaved she is now. We've fallen even more in love with her because the stress is gone and we can actually enjoy our time together. If you're struggling with a reactive dog, HD Dog Training is absolutely the answer. Worth every single penny!Posted on C_MOctober 17, 2025.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The whole experience with HD has been worth every penny. I have 2 dogs, one being a very reactive puppy who also learned some bad behavior from his older brother. The training approach is praise oriented- allowing the the dg to make mistakes and rewarding when they correct themselves. He analyzes how they are feeling and treats them with lots of love. Aside from the actual dog training, he also redirected me on many things that I never realized I was doing incorrectly. Even though I’m very connected with my dogs, I understand them SO much better now. There is a group chat with all of the employees that I can refer to if I need help between lessons. Everyone is so helpful, professional and friendly. 10/10, best investment I made to improve my daily life with my pups.Posted on Lang DoJuly 27, 2025.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’ve been a returning customer because Rob is simply amazing at what he does and truly excellent with dogs. Toby is my second dog, and I was at my wit’s end—he absolutely refused to pee or poop outside. I tried everything, but he was 100% committed to using pads indoors. I needed help, so I called Rob—and of course, he worked his magic. Honestly, I had stood outside with Toby for over an hour and gave up. I couldn’t recommend him more highly. If you’re struggling with your pup, Rob is the answer.Posted on Alicia RobertsJune 26, 2025.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Robert has been an incredible resource to our family at a time when we almost had to give up our beloved one-year-old Pit Bull. Robert immediately jumped into action, helped us stabilize the situation and gave us hope we could do right by our Louie. Truly, without him I know our family was facing immense heartbreak. Today, Louie is happy, healthy and being such a good big brother to our new puppy. We are forever grateful to Robert for training our entire family to help Louie and give him the home and structure he needed.Posted on JessicaJune 21, 2025.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend Rob and HD Dog Training! Before working with him, I was crying in despair of not being able to handle my rescue staff terrier's pulling on leash, high prey drive, and stranger reactivity. We tried several different trainers, none of which helped. Rob understood exactly how to approach our situation and gave us tools, training and support to meet our goals. I can now walk her down busy South Street where we live in a heel and not worry. I never thought it possible, but can now take her to a park, drop her leash, and call her back without worrying about her running away after squirrels. As a client, he is always available to answer questions. Cannot recommend HD Dog Training enough!Posted on Britt DMay 9, 2025.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough great things about Rob as a dog trainer. My dog Mister, an energetic Australian Shepherd, was a handful—full of energy, a bit aggressive, and constantly trying to herd people in the home. Rob provided us with the tools, structure, and guidance we desperately needed. He not only helped Mister, but taught me how to properly introduce him to new people and situations. That method has been a game-changer. Now, going on walks with Mister is truly a joy. Neighbors frequently comment on how much he’s “matured” and what a well-behaved dog he’s become. And it’s clear Mister absolutely loves Rob—his tail starts wagging the second he sees him. Beyond training, Rob has also cared for Mister on several occasions and always keeps me updated. I know Mister is in great hands, and he always comes home happy and relaxed. Choosing Rob was the best decision I could’ve made for Mister and our family. Highly recommend him to anyone looking for a compassionate, effective, and reliable dog trainer.Posted on Pilar GomezMay 9, 2025.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rob completely transformed my 3-year-old Australian Shepherd in record time. Juneau used to struggle with reactivity, like barking at people coming into my apartment, sharing the elevator, and reacting to other dogs on walks. In just the first couple of sessions, Rob strengthened Juneau’s heel, come, and sit commands. He also taught me how to properly correct Juneau’s reactivity and how to reward good behavior. By the third session, we were able to take full walks, including through a busy mall and the Schuylkill River Trail, without Juneau barking at people or other dogs. By our last session, Juneau walked off leash in a brand-new environment, and we practiced our come command in an open field. I cannot recommend Rob enough!Posted on Ryan KanofskyApril 14, 2025.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Rob was amazing. We had a reactive dog and tried different trainers in the past, but he was the first one to get through to our dog and have him understand and actually like going and staying in his spot to calm down and realize he’s safe. Would recommend Rob to anyone. Thank you Rob!Posted on Zack W.March 29, 2025.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Getting connected to Rob was a god send. We had been through many difficult situations with our dog including her nipping family members and friends. When you have a rescue dog, it's hard to know their story and background and you have to learn about everything they do once they're already grown. With Rob's guidance and training, our lazy brown dog has turned into the goodest girl. Going into this training requires a certain mindset - training isn't something that you do once in a while. Our dog will need this training and behavioral reinforcement for the rest of her life. Rob has instilled in us strategies and tools that we never realized in the past and has allowed our dog to start over in our family. Aside from the direct training, Rob has group chats with other folks going through his program which is extremely helpful. In my case, it allowed me to better connect with a neighbor who has a difficult pup of their own and we were basically going through the program together. If you have a problem dog, give Rob a call. You will be blown away by the level of knowledge he has and his dedication to the animals. You won't regret it!! Give your dog the life they deserve!! Thanks Rob!!Posted on Susan GermakMarch 27, 2025.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Worth Every Penny! I can’t say enough about Rob’s expertise and training methods with our rescue, June Bug. Like many rescue pups, she struggled with severe separation anxiety and reactivity, making everyday life challenging. Rob’s guidance not only helped us master the basics but also transformed our dog’s behavior beyond what we thought possible. Thanks to him, we have our life back, and more importantly, June Bug is happier, more confident, and better adjusted. If you’re on the fence about training, trust me—this is the best investment you can make for your dog and your sanity!
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