Reviews

  • Rob knows his stuff. He is well known in the industry- my vet recommended him amd had wonderful things to say about his approach. He is direct, kind, well-informed and he just has a way with dogs. Within a 10 minutes of meeting my dog, he had him consistently sitting and waiting (and my dog was rambunctious). He breaks down every lesson in a logical fashion and writes down step-by-step directions. He is always available for questions in between appointments. I even had something come up with my dog a month after our lessons had wrapped up and he talked me through it and gave me advice. He even called me up a couple of weeks later just to check in. Rob really cares about dogs and his approach is loving, humane, and effective. I can't recommend him enough.

    N P

  • Every dog needs a Rob. One of our kids wanted a dog. For many reasons (his brother being tackled by one as a toddler, myself being woken up routinely at 5am by barking and being bitten in the face by a "friendly" one, my campers being startled and having their lunches stolen by off-leash ones in the park...) I never wanted one. This experience changed my mind. We started training as a puppy, and now have the most well-behaved dog in the neighborhood. In about seven visits, Rob provided a solid foundation that bonded her to us through positive reinforcement, and helped us understand how to train out her "bad" behaviors (like chasing the cats around the house, jumping up on furniture r don't want her on...). Our dog is our pride and joy. At the summer camp I run she is the mascot. The kids absolutely love her. And she loves them. Neighbors compliment us on walks all the time about how well-behaved she is. I carry a leash with us, and only use it when I need to, which is very rare. She stays right at my heel. She is instantly responsive to voice commands, and even a few silent ones I taught her myself. And that's the key. Sure, Rob is a dog trainer, but what's actually happening is he's teaching you how to do it yourself. And sure, we picked the right dog. I spent months looking for her. But we also picked the right trainer. Thanks Rob!

    James Frank

  • Absolutely Amazing Dog Trainer! Rob Hirsch is an incredible trainer! Professional, prompt, and extremely knowledgeable — he assured me he could train my unruly 10-month-old Shih Tzu in just four sessions… and he did! Watching him work is truly impressive. By the end of the first session, Ash was completely focused, responding instantly to Rob's simple cue: "Okay Ash." As a first-time dog owner, I especially appreciated that Rob came to my home — Ash's natural environment — and provided written recaps after each session. This made it so easy for me to practice between visits. The pricing was very reasonable, and the initial evaluation was free! I'm forever grateful to Rob and East Coast Academy of Dog Training, Inc. Thank you for transforming our lives! ~ Ash & Ava 🐶♥️

    Ava Powell

  • Rob Hirsch of East Coast Academy of Dig Training is a knowledgeable and patient teacher .. for my dog Rocky and me! He works with you to understand your goals, and develops custom lessons with clear instructions for success. He always summarizes the lesson at the end, with written homework for consistency and follow through. I highly recommend Rob for behavior training.

    Michele

  • Rob was great! He helped work with us and our dog with some leash reactivity and anxiety. Our dog is so much better and we enjoy walking him again! Rob was also very helpful in training us how to introduce a new puppy into the household. Highly recommend Rob!

    Carol Coughlin

  • I was a pleasure to work with Rob and to get such positive results. We adopted a 3 year old Doberman/Hound mix. We had no idea of his background or training. Rob helped us establish a positive relationship with our new pooch, and quickly taught us how to manage. Rob's steady and consistent approach yields positive results. His documentation of every step is extremely useful. We are very happy that we worked with East Coast Academy and Rob, and have a wonderful relationship with our new dog. Rob showed us how our pup could learn quickly and be a wonderful and controlled companion.

    Alan Cooper

  • Rob is a excellent trainer. I have used East Coast Academy for 3 dogs over the past 30 years. I would highly recommend Rob.

    Nancy Edwards

  • It took about 20 seconds to be impressed with Rob. It was clear that Rob was very comfortable and highly skilled. My 1 year old Bernese Mountain dog went right up to him and focused like I had never seen! Teddy learned commands and now joins me in my office while I see clients in therapy. I would have kept making appointments but Rob being the honest and no nonsense person that he is, encouraged me to practice with Teddy and call when need. I plan to recommend Rob to everyone I know!

    NH., Baltimore

  • Rob was extremely helpful in training us and our dog. Our biggest concern was that Milo (our dog) would pull when I was walking him and on several occasions, he got away from me and we had scary moments where we didn't know where he was. Rob got us to the point where that is no longer an issue. In addition, we learned basic commands to get Milo to obey us when inside our house. I highly recommend Rob Hirsh of East Coast Academy of Dog Training Inc.

    Laura Burstein

  • Rob was amazing with my Beabull Dani (Beagal/ Bulldog mix). Very patient, my Dani immediately took to him and I could see she was always very excited to see him for our visits. He wrote all details down for me to continue practicing at home and she has learned so much from this experience. I would definitely recommend him over classes at a local Petsmart/Petco program. I loved the one on one contact, she really benefitted from the one on on training. It made a huge difference in our daily routines. Thanks Rob! :)

    S.B., Pasadena

  • Being a vet, I have known that dogs yearn to please their owners. What I didn’t know, was how to use that quality for teaching obedience and good behavior. For that, you have my tremendous gratitude.

    Dr. N.K., Eastern Animal Hospital

  • Rob was wonderful to work with. He worked with our new pup Cooper from the month we got him which was great in starting him off in the right direction. I was impressed with how he was immediately able to work with our dog even during the first visit. The convenience of having the trainer come to the owner is very helpful as it allowed our dog to learn in his own environment with minimal distractions. Rob was open to work on any issues we had brought to his attention and gave hands on feedback on what we could do as owners to correct it. I Have recommend East Coast Academy to two of my friends since and would recommend again. Thanks Rob!

    Derrek/Kristyn, Cockeysville

  • We adopted Freddy a 2 year old Lab. Freddy came with a myriad of behavioral problems including housetraining. Rob came to our home and helped us get Freddy’s behaviors under control in approximately two months. We wanted to thank you, Rob, and let you know we would enthusiastically recommend you and your services to anyone in need of a caring and experienced dog trainer.

    L.R, Forest Hill

  • I felt instant confidence in Rob. He listened to what I wanted. His approach is very positive, practical and individualized to just what we needed. I liked that he wasn't trying to insist on dominance, like many trainers, but got Teddy to respect him and us by his consistent, straight forward approach. Teddy is a wonderful therapy dog now and an even better pet. I highly recommend Rob and East Coast Academy!

    NH Mt. Washington

  • We rescued our 1 year-old from the SPCA. He was a bundle of energy, but his puppy charm was undermined by the lack of manners and rough playing with the kids. At first we were even afraid to leave Jake alone with the kids, but after a few training sessions with Rob, our dog no longer nips and Jake is now a well-behaved loving dog. Thank you Rob!

    P and S W., Pikesville

  • Jill and I are thrilled that we hired you as Macie's dog trainer when she was still only 12/13 weeks old. She is now almost 9 months. Not only have you taught Macie very well, you have given us invaluable tools/ advice. Because of your help, Macie LOVES to learn new things. Macie is terrific on off-leash hikes. Since our lessons have ended, we have met several other dogs and owners that you have trained. All of them are glad they hired you as well.

    A.J and J , Cockeysville, MD

  • We have a focused and willful terrier who barked aggressively at anyone passing by. It would be impossible to redirect his attention. Through Rob's training program we saw major improvements. The combination of positive reinforcement and tough love helped convey a new message to our dog (and to us). He's developing great new habits, those habits are becoming the behaviors we want.

    R.P. & C.B. Columbia, MD. Perry

  • After 4 visits I felt very proud of both Pluto and myself. I have basic knowledge of dog training, both from owning dogs in the past and from being a veterinarian. Rob’s training is all primarily positive reinforcement based-which is the best way to train in my opinion.

    N.K VMD

  • We have now witnessed first hand your training methods and find them to be outstanding.

    Drs. P.C & N.T., Northwest Animal Hospital

  • The training approach Rob brought to the table works with both the owner and pet. I have the tools to work with Tatiyana on a daily basis. I have improved confidence when taking (her) out in public with other dogs and people.

    H.F.

  • Once Rob came to the house and began working with Lexi, we knew we had made the right choice. We really liked his gentle (yet firm) approach; no harsh words, no choke or shock collars and no pulling and tugging on the leash to get the desired behavior.

    T.M. & L.M. Freeland, MD

  • We both enjoyed your low-key, but highly organized lessons. You were always punctual and allowed plenty of time. This was money well spent. Thanks so much.

    B.N., Owings Mills

  • Thank you for your time and professionalism. I was so impressed, within minutes Wyatt was already learning. As a result of an injury that Wyatt endured, he has to work with a harness. All the trainers I spoke with said that would not work. You were successful. It was a pleasure training with you.

    C.S. Towson, MD

  • You kept me calm… taught me to enjoy the training… and like the proverbial light switch, it all clicked on and now I have a great little poodle dog.

    L.Z., Columbia

  • After a fall at work resulting in two broken arms, I desperately needed help with my 7 month old German Shepherd pup, Sophie. Rob was up to the challenge. With his help, I am able (casts removed, but still in physical therapy) to safely walk Sophie. Rob is effective, his love of dogs is very evident; and my Sophie loves him.

    M.K.M.

  • There is an added comfort to know any time I have a question I can call you for the answer. You’re a permanent member of our family and we are very thankful.

    P.K., Eldersburg

  • Your training method is easy to follow and based on positive reinforcement… your program gives a ready blueprint for dealing with new situations. I will recommend your training program to anyone.

    Dr. E.W., Eastern Animal Hospital

  • Rob is an excellent, knowledgeable and compassionate trainer. My Yorkiepoo, Huey, has a lot of energy and is my first dog I’ve had on my own. Rob broke things down in every session we had multiple times, would leave me with worksheets as a reminder of what we went over and would follow up on each of the items we’ve covered throughout our training sessions. Overall, an excellent experience but what stood out to me the most was that he comes to you, his prices are reasonable, and he doesn’t keep you for more training sessions than you need which I can imagine would happen with a more rigid training program. Rob is truly flexible and offers the one on one attention my furry one needs and deserves. Thanks Rob!

    M.B. Baltimore

  • Rob entered our life and transformed Sadie into a well- behaved and well-adjusted young puppy. Thank you for your patience ...most of all with us. Your training techniques were so effective and your simple common sense rules were easy to follow and apply in everyday life.

    D. & H.H.

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