Real stories about our graduates

"(Quick note: Reposting to the Virginia location, I hadn't realized that I left my review on the NJ location I'm sure they're incredible over there in NJ too haha)I'm going to get a little emotional here and possibly overshare so bear with me.I'm a newly disabled Vet who just got out of the Airforce and then a month later started to go through a divorce which of course selling the home and reshaping the entire lifestyle comes with that territory. With all the stress the two critters in my life that give me comfort are my German Shepherd (5) Yuki and my Corgi pup Rocky (7 months). Both of which needed a LOT of work done due to my deployments over the years and lacking of training at home.A quick google search and I get in contact with Stephanie and Angie from Bucks Dog Training Virginia. Literal. Angels. I don't have the vernacular to describe how amazing the entire team was. From the phone call consultation they we're identifying linked issues my dogs have before I could state them, they were warm and friendly, they cracked jokes and they treated me like family which made me even more sure of my decision to trust them with my babies since the vibe matches a lot of what I got in the service.They send you daily updates on what they're working on, progress updates, funny pictures if they catch them doing something goofy and (yes If you're reading this I'm calling you out lol) one of the team members fell in love with my Corgi and gave him so much camera work while he was there I was about to have to come up there and check to make sure she was gonna give em back. They love the dogs they work with and you can tell when you come to pick up your pups those dogs love them too.I've rambled on too long so I'm going to say again thank you so so much for the peace of mind you brought with getting these two trained up, getting me educated on how to keep them improving (seriously my hyper anxious german shepherd came back basically as a different dog and Rocky listening to literally anything I say is a full 180 when homeboy basically ran the house with no consequence). I love these people and I would recommend them to anyone who loves their dogs enough to send them to the best."

"When beginning the search for a dog trainer to help us with our new puppy, it was the number of exceedingly positive reviews that prompted us to first contact Stephanie Loria and Buck's Dog Training Virginia. Stephanie promptly and thoroughly responded to our inquiry about possible training options, and immediately after this first conversation, we understood why the reviews were glowing. Our positive first impression was bolstered by every subsequent interaction that was unfailingly professional, understanding, kind, genuine, patient, and accommodating. Stephanie and all of the trainers we and our pup interacted with during the two-week puppy training demonstrated knowledge, skills, and a demeanor that produced clear results in our pup and ourselves. We received multiple videos and photos each day documenting the progress our pup was making, and we were never worried about him while he was away. It was clear that he was happy and learning (and happy to be learning), and it was also obvious that all of the trainers were sincerely dedicated to helping our puppy and us—not just for the two-week stint but for the long haul. We are grateful to Stephanie and all of the trainers at Buck's Dog Training Virginia for helping our pup make such significant progress in a short amount of time and for giving both our pup and us a solid foundation upon which we can continue to build effective and rewarding communication. We also have no doubt that we can count on Stephanie Loria and the trainers at Buck's Dog Training Virginia with any future questions and needs."

"There aren't enough words in the world to describe how heavenly sent the staff at Buck's are! The time, commitment, and passion they put into the dogs that come through their programs is remarkable. They even train husbands! (Just joking! Would be unfair to the staff!) Seriously though, they rock. Anytime I had questions or concerns, Stephanie or one of the staff members were ready to assist me.I was hesitant about board and train, as I had a horrendous experience before with one of my other pups. Stephanie picked up on my nerves on our very FIRST phone call (over 2 hours long, bless her heart BTW) and personally extended an invitation for me to come view her farm prior to committing. Around 2 minutes after talking to her and Jax, my guard instantly fell down. I realised that they were massive animal lovers who were there to help dogs succeed. They took care of the dogs like they were family members. Mellow melted like butter with Stephanie and Shelby as well.If I could go back in time, I would do it all over again without any hesitations! I would have brought my other pup there for their board and train program as well! I'm so glad and thankful that they were able to restore my faith in dog trainers again and I could sleep peacefully each night knowing that Mellow was being cared for and loved. Thank you Buck's for giving me the most wonderful pup in return. Mellow also wants to thank you for helping her communicate her needs to her dad! I will be sending anyone that asks for dog trainer recommendations, your way!"

"Buck's was a phenomenal choice for our puppy Penny's board & train! While our puppy had a great temperament, we have a very busy lifestyle and two young kids at home so as she was getting more comfortable in our home, she began jumping up on the kids and play biting to the point of tears from them. She was jumping up on furniture and starting to run from the yard. I chose to do a few in-home lessons with Buck's before Penny reached the suggested age for board and train, which I'd highly recommend. There, I was able to learn the command verbiage they utilize and start with some of the fundamental training they would further develop with her. We extended our two weeks to three weeks and cannot tell you what a game changer it's been since she came home! She's only been home a couple days and is positively demonstrating all of the amazing skills she learned at training. I know this was the best investment we could have made because I'm now confident Penny can go anywhere with us. I even went to friend's birthday party this past weekend who had a puppy twice the age of Penny who was jumping all over the kids and had no leash manners whatsoever- the parents seemed stressed and I immediately recommend Buck's and I know they will be calling soon! Every penny was worth it for our Penny and we can't wait to send her back for camps and boarding with her new friends! Thanks Buck's!!"

"I was nervous sending my pup off to any board and train, being that I have been a trainer myself and wanted to ensure that he received positive, fair and effective training. My partner and I simply did not have the capacity to train him adequately during this phase of life, give our graduate pursuits and professional demands. I scoured Virginia searching for trainers and camps that practiced positive reinforcement techniques and seemed both diligent and competent. The team at Buck's was incredibly responsive, kind, competent and enthusiastic about working with our Corgi pup Butters! He arrived at Buck's with some really unsavory habits including scavenging, prey drive, lack of recall, and hyperarousal with a lack of boundaries around other dogs. It's been a week since he has returned home and his foundations are so much stronger than when he left which is exactly what we wanted to continue to shape wanted behaviors. We have so much confidence in Butters' ability to continue to grow as we maintain all of the amazing work that Buck's trainers did with him. We received daily updates, honest feedback and progress and the pricing/payment plan was very fair! The team truly cares about the dogs in their care and I will definitely be sending Butters back whenever we need boarding! Many thanks to Stephanie and the team!"

"Wow! What a difference the training we received made in our 2 dogs. Our dogs were reacting to each other causing a complete crate and rotate scenario in our home. Normally friends these two decided to become friend-enemy's. With the help of the lady's at Bucks Dog Training Virginia our dogs are back to being friends again. Once a part of the pack you're always considered family. We also received a complete e-collar class. I was always scared of using them. They calmed my fear and I learned they aren't so bad after all. Since the first training experience I have done several other trainings with them too. Once graduated from training Buck's host other events at the farm. My 2 dogs love summer camp! They get to go swimming, do arts and crafts, spa day, agility, and lots of off leash running. They are given lots of love and attention while there, and we are sent lots of pictures and videos of them having their best summer ever! We love the people at Bucks Dog Training and they love us, and our dogs in return. I wouldn't go anywhere else for training. If you're on the fence don't hesitate, just go for it. Your dog with thank you!"

"My wife and I took our 11 month old dachshund, Frank, to Buck's Dog Training Virginia to strengthen his basic obedience as well as to gain confidence being alone and playing with other dogs. We also wanted him to get a good foundation with the e-collar and to learn off leash recall. After the two week program with Buck's, Frank showed tremendous improvement with responding to commands, being less reactive, and being more confident. We picked him up from his training just two days before hitting our Route 66 road trip. We are now 9 days into our trip and Frank has been the best boy! We have been taking him into all of the museums and shops and he has been very calm and obedient. I highly recommend Buck's dog training as it is ran by some amazing people. Steph is a phenomenal trainer and person, and his lead trainer, Shelby, treated Frank as her own. He was very loved, and we received videos and pictures of our little guy daily. Huge thanks to Steph, Shelby, and Ben, as well as the whole team at Buck's, for making Frank's training a great experience for us all. We look forward to boarding him with them in the future."

"I can't say enough good things about Bucks Dog Training Virginia! My dog went in as an extreme anxiety case, leash pulling, and lacking confidence—but he came home a very well mannered pup. The transformation was incredible!From day one, I was updated daily with pictures and videos from Stephanie and her team of his progress! It was so comforting to see the care and dedication that went into his training. Every day, I could see real changes—whether it was him walking with more confidence, calmly handling new situations, or simply being able to enjoy some play time with the trainers!The trainers clearly understand dogs on a deep level and tailor their approach to each individual pup. They didn't just "train" my dog—they helped him grow into the best version of himself. When he came home, he was calm, confident, and eager to engage in a way I'd never seen before.I am beyond grateful for the time, effort, and heart they put into his training. If you're looking for a team that treats your dog like family and delivers real, lasting results, Bucks Dog Training Virginia is it!"

"I cannot say enough about everyone with Bucks Dog Training. They have completely changed our family Our boys are completely different in all of the best ways ! I know the scale is only 1-5 but I would give them a 100% if the scale allowed us to.I know Bucks puts in the hard work to do all of this and has given us the tools to continue to keep our boys together in our familyOur boys were in training for dog on dog aggression and when you are told to get rid of one of your babies it is the hardest things to hear. Your heart hurts ,you became scared, your anxiety levels skyrocket and feel very alone in what to do. I called and spoke to several trainers trying to get help I didn't feel safe with anyone , till I spoke to Stephany on one very lonely Saturday morning.She took the time to explain to us what needed to be done to help our family not only to me but my husband She spent hours with us as she understood how scared we were.Nicole Buck got involved and between the VA and NJ groups they changed our familyBoth groups worked to do what we were incapable of doing"

"I recently enrolled 12 week old Bernese Mountain Dog (Jax) in Buck's Dog Training in Virginia for their two-week board and train basic obedience program, and I couldn't be happier with the results! From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do.My dog came home not only with a solid foundation in obedience, but also with noticeably improved manners and confidence. Commands like sit, down, place, and recall are now consistent, and walks are much more enjoyable. The trainers kept me updated daily throughout the program, which really put my mind at ease, and they gave me clear guidance on how to maintain the progress at home.The facility was clean and welcoming, and it was obvious my dog was well cared for during his stay. I feel like I've gotten so much value out of the training—it's made life at home calmer and more enjoyable for both of us.I highly recommend Buck's Dog Training to anyone looking for real results with their pup. Their dedication and expertise truly make a difference!"

"Where do I even begin?! We started our journey with Bucks about a year ago due to a guarding issue with our 4 year old. Our dog Millie was trained by Nicole. Millie did bite our 4 year old daughter and we had lost hope before finding Bucks. Nicole restored that hope in a matter of just a few short weeks. Since being trained with Nicole our dog Millie and our 4 year old are officially best friends! Millie has never been better. They send you videos every single day to show how they are doing but mostly because.. let's face it they know we miss them! I have never trusted anyone with my dog but I do trust Bucks. So much so that I reached out to another one of bucks trainers Stephanie ( who also trained my parents dog after referring them) about watching Millie when we went to Disney.I didn't have a worry in the world while we were away! Again, videos every single day so we could see how she was doing! I just knew she was in the best care. I will continue to use bucks again and again! 5 stars all around!"

"Our 7 month old Aussiedoodle rescue was exhibiting a lot of behaviors we didn't like. He was bullying our older dog, barking constantly, beating down doors and just generally unruly.I contacted Stephanie, and we had almost an hour conversation about Bodhi's behavior and his needs. She didn't upsell me, and genuinely cared about us and our pups.We drove from Norfolk to Bucks and opted for the 2 week boarding program.We were so impressed when we dropped him off, and knew we had made the right choice. Every day we received multiple videos and photos of Bodhi's progress, and the trainers interacting with him. The farm is impressive.The trainers train to a holistic approach of what you would want in your home, and your dog feeling loved and safe.Bodhi is a different (but still goofy) dog! I ABSOLUTELY recommend Bucks.This place is a GEM in dog training and behavior. It's like a second loving home for the pups in their care. Absolutely worth every penny. The staff and owners are amazing."

"I had a fantastic experience with Buck's Board and Train for my Vizsla puppy, Willow. From 12 to 16 weeks old, Willow attended individual training sessions once a week with Shelby and Stephanie. They were knowledgeable, patient, and clearly passionate about what they do.Willow always looked forward to her visits, and I appreciated how the training wasn't just for her—it was for me too. Shelby and Stephanie taught me how to combine positive reinforcement with the proper use of a prong collar to encourage good behavior while giving Willow the chance to earn rewards.Thanks to their guidance, Willow learned how to walk calmly on a leash even around distractions, focus on me, sit, stay, and lie down on command. She also began to understand the "place" command.Overall, this program gave us a strong foundation and helped me build clear communication with my dog from the start. I'd highly recommend Buck's to any dog owner looking to begin their training journey on the right foot!"

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Absolutely Life-Changing Experience!I cannot say enough good things about Buck's Dog Training! We enrolled our two Dobermans, Kingston and Nyxon, in their training boot camp, and the transformation has been nothing short of amazing. Every single trainer who worked with our dogs was incredibly kind, caring, and knowledgeable. It was clear they treated our dogs like their own.A special shout-out to Stephanie, the owner—what an incredible person. She was patient, understanding, and so supportive while we worked through some unexpected payment issues. Her compassion and professionalism were deeply appreciated.Our Dobermans came home well-behaved, calm, and responsive—it's like we have two completely different (and better!) dogs now. We finally have peace of mind knowing they listen and respond appropriately in any situation.If you're considering training for your dog, look no further than Buck's Dog Training. They truly go above and beyond. We're forever grateful!"

"We just got our 1 year old pitbull mix back from Bucks after 3 weeks and we couldn't be happier with his progress. He was a rescue that had a ton of anxious puppy energy. He wouldn't ever settle down in the house. Constant jumping, barking, counter surfing and mouthing made it difficult to really enjoy our sweet boy.And now he's a much more confident, calm and happy boy! He still has the puppy energy but he's so much more manageable and redirect-able now.His off leash recall in the park is wonderful!! His walks are so much more enjoyable and he's able to control himself despite all of the distractions around him.It's obvious how much Stephanie, Shelby and the rest of the team love their jobs and love the dogs!I was a little nervous leaving him for 3 weeks, but the numerous videos that Stephanie would send daily of Benny enjoying himself on the beautiful property put us at ease. We recommend Bucks dog training and will be using them for boarding in the future."

"Steph made this experience a beautiful one. She communicated very fast within 48 hours of me reaching out she came and evaluated my dog within the next week for private lessons and told me he should do a week with them and I'd be like what did you do with my dog but in a good way and she was right !! I just got my dog back. It's been three hours, We've been outside for one extra hour to repeat all of the skills and commands he has and learned doing amazing!!!So glad I reached out and made this decisions and I have a 11 month old pitbull they got him under control for me lol. I also appreciate how she leaves her line open for me to still communicate with her if I have any questions or concerns or even if I need them to come out again to help me and just telling me that shows how much they really care about their work and what they do to help out these dogs and us as people I also look forward to joining their community soon in becoming a dog trainer !!"

"I can't say enough great things about Bucks Dog Training in Virginia! They did an outstanding job working with my two puppies, Ollie and Lilly. From the very beginning, their team was professional, patient, and clearly passionate about what they do.Ollie and Lilly came in with all the typical puppy energy and a few challenging habits, but the transformation has been incredible. The training was effective, consistent, and tailored to each of their personalities. Not only are they better behaved, but they're also more confident and happy.What really stood out was how well they communicated with me throughout the process, making sure I understood how to reinforce the training at home. It truly feels like a long-term investment in my dogs' well-being.If you're looking for a trustworthy, skilled, and genuinely caring dog trainer, I highly recommend Bucks Dog Training. Thank you for helping Ollie and Lilly become the best versions of themselves!"

"My husband and I took our 2 dogs to Buck's Dog Training Virginia. Merlin is a 1 year old Boxer Australia Cattle dog and Maggie is a 2 year old Boxer mix. Both great dogs, great with people, and other animals. Boy are they a handful, Merlin has energy and likes to bounce around like crazy and Maggie has separation anxiety and didn't know her name when we rescued her.Stephanie and her staff were absolutely amazing. Talk about great customer service. All the staff were extremely knowledgeable, patient, very professional, friendly, and willing to answer any questions no matter how small. Both dogs stayed for roughly 3 weeks as they needed some work. The facilities were amazing, such a nice set up. We received pictures and short videos daily. Along with updates, how things were going, all pros and cons. We were well informed. The dogs have been home for about 7 hrs now and we can see the difference. Thank you for all the amazing work. 🤗🐾♥️"

"A great team and excellent dog trainers!!! Stephanie was very focused on what I was looking for and wanted from the very beginning. She helped me to find my dog, Beacon, and then she and her amazing team transformed Beacon through their four week board and stay Service Dog training. Excellent job to Shelby and the whole team for working Beacon to take a dog with zero training and confidence issues into a very confident and superior service dog. They provide pictures and videos daily to help keep you involved and are eager to discuss any questions or concerns you have before, during and after the training. The difference in Beacon is truly amazing and she is able to work to her full potential. They are invested in helping your dog and you, to include visits and training sessions during the board and train. From Beacon and me, thank you both now and the continued support that Buck's Dog Training of Virginia offers."

"I couldn't be happier with the results from my puppy's two-week board and train program! From the moment we dropped Olive off, the trainers were professional, kind, and incredibly knowledgeable. They provided regular updates, which made me feel confident that my pup was in great hands.Before training, Olive struggled with jumping, biting, not listening. Now, he is a completely different dog—so much more obedient, well-mannered, and eager to follow commands! The structured training, combined with a positive and balanced approach, worked wonders.The best part? They didn't just train my puppy—they also trained me! The follow-up session helped me understand how to reinforce everything at home, ensuring long-term success.If you're looking for a top-notch board and train program that truly delivers results, I highly recommend Bucks Dog Training. It was the best investment I could've made for Olive and our family!"

"This is by far the best dog service trainer team in the area. We took our puppy here when she was just 10 months old and she built a relationship with Stephanie and Shelby. She then went back at 18 months old for a brush-up for Summer camp and had a blast. Both times were an excellent experience. She has a blast and learns so much. We love to get the pictures and see her progress, and she is treated like she is one of their own dogs. I receive comments about how well-behaved my energetic dog is in public all of the time. She is a border collie, so that says a lot. She knows her commands and is smart and follows directions. Bucks tapped into her potential and has set her on the right direction to a full life of service for my little Coco. We love this company and have a great relationship with this company and are so thankful to have found this gem in southern Virginia!"

"We took our 12 week old golden retriever puppy Cooper to Bucks training for a 3 week boarding training. From the moment we dropped him off the trainers were very informative which made us feel more comfortable leaving him. We got daily pictures and video updates on his training. Cooper struggled with biting, listening, and completing his potty training. When we picked him up he was more confident, attentive, and had a much better foundation then before plus they were able to get him fully potty trained in the time they had him. Our puppy also enjoyed lots of socialization with other dogs and got lots of love from all the trainers at Bucks like he was their own. When we went to leave we could tell everyone was really going to miss him there.We are so so thankful to Bucks and look forward to continuing our puppies training. Highly recommend Bucks training!!"

"I just wanted to make sure that I thanked the entire staff (to include Billy, the Maintenance Supervisor) for the professionalism, kindness, and knowledge they displayed with Tuco and I. He is really a tough case...He is on a large amount of anti-seizure medication and was in an environment where others were very sick. This made him a nervous ball of energy. I must be honest, I had my doubts because I know he is an extreme case. Results: Amazing. On the way home he whined a little bit but was calm. When we got home you could see he had changed for the better. MUCH calmer and definitely listens. I keep looking at him wondering why is is so relaxed :) I will continue with the training they started to ensure he stays on track. He is a changed dog for the better. To everyone at Buck's...THANK YOUv/r John, Fran, Bruschi, Tuco, and Max (the cat)"

"When we adopted River, we didn't realize how much of a toll the pandemic took on her social skills. She was snapping at me and my husband if we got too close to each other, hopping our 4ft backyard fence, barking at and snapping at any dog or person that got too close, and biting people we welcomed into the house.After a 3 week board-and-train with Stephanie and her team, River came home a totally different dog! She is sweet and loves meeting new people in small, slow doses. We learned asp much about how to work with River and meet her halfway to help her anxieties. She may never love being up close and personal with strange dogs, but we know how to be in a public setting now! She is amazing on a leash, and her recall is unlike anything I could've imagined. We can't thank Stephanie, Nicole Buck, and the rest of the team enough!"

"We are so grateful to Stephanie, Shelby, Morgan, Ben, and every other person who assisted in training our 1 1/2 year old slightly handicapped rescue German shepherd Banks. We were so defeated before his training with his aggressive playing (biting), listening to literally no commands, and the stress he was causing our two Great Danes. He stayed at Bucks for their 3 week board and train and has now been home for 2 1/2 weeks and he is literally a different dog. He has so much self control now and when we tell him to leave our 8 year old Dane alone when she is tired and done playing he does. He is such the gentleman these days and we are so thankful to the group for all they did. This was the best investment we could have made for our family, Banks, and our other dogs! Thank you Bucks Dog Training!"

"My rescue Border Collie is the sweetest house Pup after her first 3 houses from Louisiana through Kentucky and finally Ohio where I rescued her after 4 years. 23 pounds, sick and no house manners. Been with me 4 years. She's now 42 pounds and a great house dog, loves all people especially children but no social skills with other dogs. Afraid of them and we like to go to dog friendly events.So a friend of mine who also likes to attend these events suggested Buck's Dog Training. Has a friend there. Talked with Stefanie and booked a week for evaluation with the mental prep it may take 2 or 3 weeks. Working on Kitty friendly also.Receive multiple pics and videos of her progress daily. Toured the facility and feel confident she will be well cared for and return home ready for our next chapter!"

"The finest dog trainers we have used in our 39 years of owning dogs. Stephanie and Mia who trained us and our dog with just 5 amazing lessons over 5 weeks are simply the best! They know how to understand your dog and explained to us the most effective way to train him. He completed his fifth lesson two days before reaching 6 months of age and is easily the most well trained dog we have owned at that age. If you listen to the Buck's Dog Trainers and do your homework, you and your dog(s) will be well trained. We took their advice and applied what we learned with the puppy to our 4 year old female and she is better trained today too! Hire Buck's Dog Training and you and your dog(s) will be superstars when your dog is home, outside on a walk, or in a public place."

"I highly recommend Buck's Dog Training. My sweet german short haired pointer is highly energetic, nervous and has a sweet disposition. He had the best experience with these girls and months later he still remembers his commands. One issue I had was with him digging in the yard, he has stopped digging and destroying my plants. He listens when I call his name and will sit, down and place at my command. Not only did they train him well they showed my baby daily LOVE and ATTENTION and to me that meant the world that he was in GREAT hands. I will forever be grateful for these girls and the hard work they put into my baby. Hard work paid off. Thank you again for a job well done!! Goose is a sweet baby that listens well. THANK YOU!!!"

"From the bottom of our hearts, we can not thank Steph and Laura and all of the trainers at Buck's Dog Training Virginia enough for everything that they did for our babies! We never worried for one minute about how our babies were being cared for. We could tell from the moment we first communicated with Stephanie that they truely love what they do and care for each animal like it's their own. Shadow and Aurora needed some behavior modification on top of their service dog training. They did an amazing job with them! The long drive from Florida was well worth it! We are going home with 2 amazing service dogs! A special thank you to Jax for some last minute leash manners tips and giving me more confidence with my girl."

"I was very skeptical of dog trainers as i had a bad experience with one. Long story short, lots of money spent and nothing was learned. I can truly say taking lilo to Bucks Dog Training was worth every dollar spent. Bull terriers are notorious for having a one track mind and doing what they want when they want(stubborn). Lilo went with this mindset to Buck's Dog Training and came back with discipline and eager to obey my commands. This has tremendously made our bond stronger. We can now walk outside without me being embarrassed that she might go crazy and react to anything and anyone. She now has the knowledge and I, the tools to be the best companion to each other we could be. All thanks to Buck's Dog training."