Excellent place for K9 and handler training! Eric is very passionate in his training and is very knowledgeable. Would highly recommend!

My shepherd is my child and I’d do anything for him. I can’t thank Eric, his wife, and his team enough for what they were able to for my best buddy. He was very reactive, just couldn’t seem to calm down, and needed structure. And even I learned a lot because a lot of his issues humans are to blame. Was truly life changing for me and Loki. He went from being afraid and reactive in the vets office to hanging out in Lowes!. was an incredible 4 weeks watching the transformation step by step daily updates . Words can’t describe how we felt when Eric brought Loki home. I didn’t care what it costs i would do anything for him, and didn’t hesitate at all after talking with Eric for the first time I knew my best friend was in good hands and was gonna learn a lot. I hope anyone who sees this and has issues with their pup please just call or email and ask you’ll be glad you did

Had thee best experience with our dog here! He came back with so much knowledge and a ton of knowledge for us too! He’s like a whole new dog, and we are finally getting to enjoy him. They also offer doggy day care which our boy LOVES, and boarding. They accommodated us last minute when our daughter went in for a surgery for boarding and we are SO thankful for that! They really go above and beyond for their dogs! Highly recommend!

Can not thank Eric and his staff enough. Boarding was amazing for the dogs (1 puppy, one 5 years old) while we are gone. They were well looked after and happy. Everyone is very great with the dogs, and the training that is offered is the best training around, very detailed and well explained. I wont trust anyone else with my dogs!

Sarah spent two weeks with my golden retriever teaching him how to calm down, listen and respond to commands. She did a terrific job! His behavior is so much better, and Sarah responded promptly whenever I had a question. They formed a wonderful bond. I highly recommend Vaness K9 Academy.

Very nice people. Great atmosphere and very professional staff

Our 11 month old German Shepherd male is significantly better behaved, thanks to his training at VanEss. Sarah is Victors trainer, and she developed the educational process based on his strengths, weaknesses, and personality.Sarah also taught us how to implement the training.

I am extremely satisfied with VanEss and Eric! I have sent a ton of emails and texts asking several questions over the past month or so and they have always got back with me quickly! I would highly recommend VanEss for working dogs or pet dogs. They do a fantastic job with both.

We have never had our dogs professionally trained before. We decided before we got our puppy that it would be a great foundation for a new puppy to learn proper behaviors and be properly socialized. My friend had taken her grand dog there with great results. She posted pictures and videos that were very impressive. We decided to check them out. After talking to the owner Eric and meeting Amanda who would be training our puppy we scheduled a puppy boot camp.It has been a great experience for our puppy who absolutely loves the training and playing with all his new friends. He has learned so many things that I thought he would have to be older to learn. The trainer sends us pictures and videos daily on his progress which we always look forward to receiving. We have decided to take him back to doggy daycare once in a while since he likes playing with the dogs so much. She has socialized him to cats, dogs, kids and random social situations. We definitely are going to enroll him in Dog Boot camp when he is older for more in depth training.Highly recommend!

Sent my 4 month Olde English Bulldog to VanEss for puppy training. I am very pleased with the results of his 2 week board and train progress. They also do refresher courses for all past clients which is very helpful when you are still working with your puppy/dog for proper correction.

They are very professional reliable and responsive. We had some issues and they were there to see us through.

The program works. Works great and worked for both my 10mo pup and his 7 yr old brother. Both respond with ease and most importantly they respond to queues even when highly valued things/ people are vying for their attention.The post program training was also important as i learned many new things that helped me understand why my dogs wanted to do certain things. Eric especially took the time with my family and dogs so that not only is our new home safe, but also our dogs seem happier and more content then ever.I wasn’t sure about it before, but I’m never dealing with anyone else again. 100% VanEss K9, it’s worth it.The Laemmert Family

Took our Malinois to VanEss K9 for a 2 week board and train. Eric did not disappoint. She came back a new, enjoyable dog. When a problem arose with our training at home a year later, help was just a phone call away, and our problem was addressed and fixed. Eric stands behind his training 100%. All the trainers are top-notch and willing to help. I have recommended VanEss K9 many times to others. WORTH EVERY PENNY!

Many thanks to VanEss K9 for adapting to the individual needs of each and every unique k9 of multiple disciplines ranging from Search and Rescue to Law Enforcement Clientele.

Julie and the rest of the staff at VanEss K9 Academy were incredible with Maggie, our 4 month old St. Bernard. Maggie learned so much is such a short time and from all of the wonderful pictures and videos sent daily she had a great time too. You can tell it’s not just a job for Julie, it’s a calling.

Very knowledgeable and they clearly love the dogs! We sent our pup for the 3 week training and they kept him for an additional week to make sure they gave him all the training he needed. Sarah was clearly invested and is more than willing to continue to give us guidance.

My dog, Buster, greatly benefitted from the 3 week board and train. He is a reactive dog and we both needed help to get some of his behaviors under control. Sarah was his trainer and I felt like she really understood his behavior and cared about helping him and I. When I picked up my dog, she explained that I could contact her with any questions and that shed be there if we needed more support after bringing him home. That was very reassuring to me and one of the many reasons I would recommend VanEss/Ridgeside k9 Academy. Im very thankful for them and their knowledge, expertise and compassion. Busters quality of life has greatly improved with the things hes learned from his training, and so has mine, now that he is a calmer happier doggo.

Good experience in the level a Dog can Achieve,!.

Amanda is the bomb! Very personalized care and compassion. The patience of a saint! Im so impressed!!!These guys go the extra mile.Not only do they teach your dog but they also teach you how to teach your dog!I will and have recommended this place to everyone looking to make being a dog owner a more rewarding experience.I will be bringing Felix back for the next level of training.

Love VanEss k9 academy! Great people running and taking care of and training the pups!

Our trainer Amanda was exceptional. We had gotten a year and half old recuse dog who was undisciplined. She provided us with daily videos of what she accomplished that day. At the end of his training she spent well over two hours going over all the commands. We now have a dog who well behaved. I would strongly recommend this facility for all your dog training needs.

Sarah did an excellent job training our puppy! She gave us regular updates, so we always knew how our puppy was doing over the 2 week period. When training was over she showed us how she trained Winnie, and how we could continue to work on things. She has continued to check on how Winnie is doing from time to time. Sarah and VanEss K9 really care about dogs and training. I highly recommend them! AndSarah couldn’t be any sweeter. Thank you for an excellent experience!

The results from VanNess are impressive. I was not sure what to expect. The only improvement I would make is better communication up front. It was not clear to me what the process would be and it’s slightly nerve wracking to drop your fur baby off with a stranger for two weeks. After drop off the communication was great! Messages, videos and pictures daily. We had a 6 month old puppy that was doing OK with us training him. After two weeks with his trainer, he came home a different dog (in a good way). As time goes on and we expose him to more and more situations, I’m more and more impressed. Our dog is well-mannered and obedient. It’s kind of nice to have the good dog in public places. It seems like a lot of money, but it’s truly an investment in your sanity. Having an obedient, well-mannered dog is such a relief. I’ve had lots of dogs that I’ve trained that were just ok. This is completely different. The Vaness staff are professional and highly skilled. One of the most impressive things is the follow up. Once you have your dog back, there are monthly refreshers and lots of check points from your trainer. It’s clear they have a passion for what they do and they truly want you and your dog to be successful.

They are all about the animal and the owner experience! Wonderful safe place to take care of your pet.

Our puppy loves VanEss doggie daycare. He get so excited to go. They are very caring, loving with all the dogs. We love it, too.

VanEss K9 Academy was referred to me by our neighbor. From the beginning when I initially contacted them they were quick to respond, extremely helpful, answered all our questions and were very kind. Amanda is brilliant and so wonderful in sending videos of our puppy during training and photos. She is knowledgeable and always right there when I have a concern...not to mention, VERY patient with me. I adore Amanda so much that I’d love to adopt her! I would recommend VanEss K9 Academy to anyone in need of puppy training.Ruthanne Wilkof

I was starting to lose hope that my dog would just be bad forever. I started looking into various training programs and VanEss k9 academy was recommended to me by someone who was in a similar situation. I sent my French Bulldog to a board in training program for two weeks. It was hard to be without her for that long but the results made it SO worth it. I’d spend the money 10x over if she came back the same dog she is now. She still needs reminded of her training and worked with so she doesn’t forget all of it but we’ve come a very long way. The trainers are truly some of the sweetest most kind hearted girls I’ve ever met. Their patience and willingness to get your dog trained truly show. We’ve specifically worked with Amanda and Melissa and it’s so sweet to see how much they love my dog and how this is more than just a job for them. They truly love them.

I recently purchased a Police K9 from VanEss K9 and I couldn’t be happier so far. Nelson is very attentive and has a amazing drive for what he will required to do. We will definitely be back to VanEss k9 for our future purchases.

Easy choice for training your family. Professional and years of experience working with the highest level of dogs. Eric and his crew are known through out the US for his training. VanEss is the best!

Great for all of my dog supplies.

Incredible training experience - I listened to Eric in Working Dog Radio, as we’re a retired working dog family, and he puts in the extra mile and his kindness and care for dogs is so evident in the daycare, the entire staff and training. I highly recommend them for all your dog’s needs.

Eric, Mike, and the rest of the staff at VanEss K9 Academy are very knowledgeable and professional dog trainers. Mike did such a great job training our dog during the board & train. He kept us informed daily by texts and posting pictures, videos, and updates on Google Photos. The change in our dogs behavior was amazing and we are so happy with the results.

Met Eric in Chicago at the hits K9 conference .The level of professionalism, dedication and commitment VanEss K9 Academy and WDR (working dog radio) put on display in Chicago was impressive. These guys know how dogs work. If you have K9 needs , contact Eric ....and listen to the Working Dog Radio Pod cast. Its a wealth of knowledge.

Used the board & train services with great results. My dog can now play in our unfenced yard as he is ecollar trained and I am less worried about him around the baby with his high energy (he’s still a dog so we are still vigilant). The staff is knowledgeable personable and professional. I had a quick response when I initially looked and open communication from then on. I recommend this company and would definitely use them again.

I had the opportunity to meet Eric and was truly impressed with his professionalism and integrity. I recommend all of VanEss K9 Academys services.

Awesome place to have your dogs trained and they also provide a doggy daycare which the dogs seem to love the huge indoor space to run and play and be social with the other dogs and learning manners at the same time highly recommend!!!!!!

Absolutely love dealing with Eric and his staff. I recommend them anytime anyone asks!

We had an extremely positive experience with VanEss. They were easy to communicate with and worked well with us throughout the process. They provided a well trained member to our division.

Ive used Eric and his team at VanEss on several canine projects and have always received excellent results. Highly recommended....

Ive known Eric for many years and worked with him in many capacities- always prompt, efficient and reliable. I trust any and all of my dogs with him!

I had a very good experience with taking my dog Emma to VanEss for day care. I will continue taking Emma. The employees are great. Very helpful.

I love this place. Excellent care, awesome staff.

A great group with a wonderful work ethic. Knowledgeable and a vast resource for all things dog related.

Great place to take care of your K9 family member for just a few hrs or several days. Highly recommend.

I highly recommend VanEss K9 for anything and everything to do with dogs! High quality knowledgeable training is what Eric does best!

When a subject matter expert was needed to complete an assessment of a K9 related to fitness for duty, Eric Stambro owner of VanEss Academy was the no brainer choice. Eric’s expertise and objectivity gave administrators the right information action to make the best possible decision.During training, scenarios, and deployments, teams trained by VanEss Academy are without a doubt leaders in their respective communities, training groups, and our industry.

This is a 5 star place and is highly recommended by my wife and I.Very friendly and well trained staff.It is very obvious when you leave your dog with them you are leaving your pet in good hands.

Eric and his staff will teach your dog wether its a Chihuahua, a werewolf, or anything in between, to be able to interact and socialize in a civil manner! Dont treat your pup like an animal and keep it in a cage because its out of control. Allow it to be a part of your family by learning how to interact socially

I cannot say enough about the training our pup has received at VanEssK9. It is completely personalized, but with clear and concise instructions that are not overwhelming for either owner or pup.....instructions and exercises are given in perfect sized nuggets that allow for success quickly and repeatedly. I was sold after the first lesson. Socialization was super important to us and their doggie day care allows well supervised free play in a big room with all the dogs...no kennels or cages all day. It has been exactly what our new puppy needed to socialize and thrive. We are only 6 months in and I can walk my dog all day long at my side. I can ask him to lay on a rug and stay there, and he does. I honestly didnt think that could be possible for a puppy. We highly recommend and are looking forward to continued trainings as he grows. Thank you VanEssK9!!

An exemplary organization owned and operated by individuals of exemplary skill, experience and integrity, you owe it to your dogs.

The Trainers at VanEss are very knowledgeable and have the skills needed to bring the most out of the K9 team.

Amazing place to take your dog for trainin . I highly recommend

Amazing people with big knowledge and experience... Love it

Great place, my dog loves it! Would recommend to anyone.

Eric has gone out of his way to guide me through a few dog issues I had

Wish they were open on the weekends