DogEvolve

My 1 year old mutt-​princess Holly Golightly has been with the DogEvolve’s daily group walks for 2 months+ now and I can’t be happier! Jordaan is a consummate professional with a heart of gold. He is extremely calm and patient, listening to all my stories about Holly and her issues, and he has been super accommodating. Jordaan is great with Holly, I see how excited she gets whenever he comes to pick her up (the few times I’ve been home to witness!) He is great with communicating and also sending pictures during the day! I highly recommend Jordaan and DogEvolve to anyone who’s looking for a dog walker!

There isn’t much I can say that hasn’t already been said about Pamela. She is really the next level dog trainer and I’m not sure where we would be without her. Our Aussie (Buster) was going through some tough times and Pamela guided us week over week to help us train him.
Looking back over the last two months, our dog has made tremendous strides with recall and is now a crowd favorite at the park.
Thanks so much for the help!

Pamela came to our house to accommodate us on a very last minute request. We were impressed with our initial consultation, and she gave us tons of good ideas and pointers to help our anxious, barky, 6 year old pup. Now the follow through is up to us, but we feel like we have a solid path forward. Thank you Pamela!

DogEvolve moved from SF to Oakland this summer and we were lucky to be among their first East Bay clients. Pamela is funny and charming to both people and dogs, and gets right down to business so that you can see improvement in your dog’s behavior right away. Jordaan concentrated on continuing training in his walks. Our first pup didn’t click with our kids, and Pamela helped us through the process of dealing with that. Highly recommend Dog Evolve for training.

I think miracle is spelled D-​O-​G E-​V-​O-​L-​V-​E! Pamela with her awesome team (Slyvia and Maureen) helped us turn our nonstop, ear piercing barker into a quiet, happy, learning machine! It literally took only two classes for Snowy to go from barking the entire class to sitting quietly and listening.
I’m a «dog person» and have read books and taken plenty of dog training classes, but we were lost when it came to Snowy’s demand barking. That’s when we found «It’s never too late» (bonus: the name gave coworkers a good laugh) and our lives were changed. Their spot on intuition and clear love for dogs made every class a joy. It was also really great to see the other dogs grow leaps and bounds!
Thank you Pamela and Slyvia and Maureen! I’m hoping to find an excuse to take another class…

We loved Pamela’s «Never too Late» training class for our little trick pup WInston! We all really learned a lot from the amazing staff, and Pamela really knows her stuff. I really felt like everyone taking the class got a lot of one on one attention too. It’s really improved WInston’s behavior a ton and has left us with so much helpful information and things we can continue to work on now that Winston graduated!

Couldn’t have been happier with DogEvolve. Pamela and the rest of the staff were incredibly helpful and didn’t hesitate to step in and lend a hand. All of the lessons were full of practical and informative advice and more importantly worked. I enjoyed how the class covered everything from basic obedience, to body language at the dog park. I’ve been to other dog training classes and DogEvolve was the first one where I felt my pooch made strides. Training a dog is never easy, but DogEvolve made it feel like a breeze.

This is actually Tripp’s wife writing…
I truly cannot say enough good things about Pamela, but I will try. We first met Pamela when our puppy, Biscuit, did a 4 day board & train with her while we were out of town for a long weekend. Biscuit came back SO happy, with lots of puppy friends and social skills, a «come» command that would knock your sock off and a «touch» command that deserved some kind of award. After Biscuit’s training, Pamela sent me a highly detailed email with lots of advice for continuing her training, getting her to love her crate, and helping her channel her abundant energy. We also met regularly at Chrissy Field so Biscuit could play with all of her fellow small dog friends. Pamela would always treat Biscuit like one of her little crew and work with her on her manners, even though we were just crashing.
Sadly, last month we were out of town Biscuit was being boarded elsewhere, she was in an accident and did not make it. Pamela was one of the first people I let know, and she has been endlessly supportive. She’s cried with me, talked and texted with me, and been a huge support as I’ve pulled myself back together and started to look for a new puppy to love.
If you are looking for someone to train your dog, train you for your dog, board your dog, walk your dog, anything for your dog — definitely call Pamela. 1 million stars.
–Jessica J.

I can’t say enough about these guys. If you’re going to bring a new doggie into your home, especially if its a rescue and even more so if you have another dog in the home, call these guys. Start your new family off right by immediately getting into classes, talk to Pamela and get amazing consultation about your particular scenario.
I love these guys — they’ve made the transition and our understanding of our new 1 year old a great experience. We’re seeing real progress everyday.
Thank you! Trish, Frank, Che Che and Hiro!

I am a senior citizen, and I have a big, energetic coonhound. Now hounds have a reputation of never coming when they are called and generally being indifferent to comands. My previous two coonhounds certainly lived up to that reputation.
This time I decided I wanted things to be different. I brought in the big guns — Kelley Filson of DogEvolve. After one session she had Caleb, my 1-​year-​old hound, coming when called. It seemed like a miracle. With Kelley to help us, we learned to sit, walk on a leash politely, not steal other dogs’ balls in the park, and wait in the car without howling. After a couple of years, I recently had her back to help Caleb to remove a tiny chip he had managed to put on his shoulder.
In each case of bad behavior, Kelley evaluates the situation and gives me a method of training to follow which is fun for both Caleb and I and works. She does not use punishment or domination in her training, but just rewards. She is flexible and takes into account the nature of your dog. Caleb is crazy about her even though she makes him behave. Kelley teaches the person to teach the dog, and so the training is effective even when she is not around. She has taught me a lot about dogs’ body language when they are in groups; this has made me more confident to help Caleb to become more social and relaxed in groups of dogs.
Caleb and I have worked with Kelley over the course of the past 3 years since I adopted him from the shelter that picked him up as a skinny stray. Today he is a relatively calm, well-​behaved 4-​year-​old, thanks to Kelley. She is just terrific.

My expectations were exceeded with this training! I took my puggle to the Leash Monsters class and it has made a huge difference in our lives! They taught me how to gently guide and help my dog during frustrating situations such as spotting a dog from a distance or simply greeting a dog. The techniques they teach help relax my dog and make our time together more pleasant. Pamela was right on with her tips… they all really work! She was able to guide me and give me tips to improve my techniques. I still have a little work to do, I admit, but I feel like I have all the tools I need to be successful. Nevertheless, my dog is happier and I’m able to enjoy the walks as much as she does. Thanks DogEvolve!

I adopted a very happy, loving, high-​spirited pup at the SPCA a few years back. Kelly’s a really good girl – smart, responsive, good on a leash, and eager to please. She always has a big doggie smile on her face. All that said, she has been problematic in one way: going crazy with joy when visitors would come to my house, jumping, going bananas, and generally being a big pest with the invasive über-​loving. No exaggeration, it used to take 15 minutes before she’d settle down. Not exactly the way I wanted to greet guests in my home, but I simply could not get Kelly to comport herself more appropriately. She is the first dog I’ve ever owned, so I felt out of my depth. What to do? Contact Pamela Wyman, that’s what. I needed to bring in the big guns.
Full disclosure: I’ve known Pamela for several years. That’s how I’m aware of her skill as a behaviorist. Why call anyone else? I made an appointment and we met at a dog-​friendly park in Bernal Heights. She started working with us even before she’d fully gotten out of her car. Now that I think about it, she didn’t spend even one second on chit-​chat or catching up during the hour that followed. It was all about working with my dog – or, more accurately, teaching ME how to work with her.
Pamela taught me a lot about Kelly’s body language, making it easier to get a read on what was going on with her at any given moment. She gave me some useful tools to work with. Still, it was a lot of information to absorb, so she told me to send her an email describing what I’d learned. How smart is that? It made me review our training lesson, reinforcing everything she’d taught me. Although Kelly still has a little ways to go, she’s made excellent progress; it takes much less time for her to mellow out when I have friends over.
Pamela also has communicated with me about behavior issues via email. I appreciated the gift of her time and expertise on each of those occasions. She’s a good and generous person, making the world a better place one dog at a time.

I will just say straight out — thank god for Pamela Wyman and DogEvolve.
We rescued a lab mix four years ago — sweetest guy you would ever want to meet, unless you were another dog he spotted while we were out on a walk. Then he was the demon dog from hell, lunging, barking, growling and generally acting completely nuts. Plus, he’s big and black and terrifying when he goes into crazy dog mode. It got so bad that I stopped walking him, and stuck to playing ball in the backyard. I got a house call vet so I wouldn’t have to take him to the vet’s office. It was awful, I felt really bad for the dog, but I had no idea what I was doing.
My new vet really encouraged me to try training, so I went on Unilocal and decided that DogEvolve was closest to what I wanted. I emailed them, and Pamela got back to me right away.
We have had one initial consultation lesson and we are following up with one-​hour private lessons about once a month. The change in my dog’s behavior (and mine!) is like night and day! Pamela is very knowledgeable and we were able to implement changes starting with the very first lesson. The second lesson had us on parallel walks with other dogs, and now we are going to the beach, something I thought we would never be able to do. I feel like she is training both of us!
Pamela always comes very prepared with everything she might need for the lessons, and she makes sure I understand what I’m doing before she leaves. She’s very friendly and easy to talk to, and we both (dog and me) really enjoy the lessons.
Dog training is not inexpensive, but the peace of mind, stress relief and benefit to my dog has been worth every penny, and more. I would never hesitate to recommend Pamela and DogEvolve.

I worked with Kelley Filson in December and January, 2011.
She worked great with my dog. I think some people exude an energy that dogs react to positively or negatively, and my dog certainly had a positive effect being around Kelley.
She was very pleasant and friendly to be around, but also took the sessions seriously and would not let casual talk get in the way, ensuring our time was always productive.
Kelley came to my home for every session, and to my office for one session. She was always prompt and knew exactly what we were going to do. She was also very honest and charged me less if we ended even 15 minutes early.
She has a deep understanding of dogs, and has in-​depth knowledge about a multitude of techniques. She understands what really matters when it comes to working with a dog, and will fluidly work with an approach the owner is most comfortable with.

Kelley, Thanks a million!
I contacted Dog Evolve about my rescue Corgi that has a serious fear problem. Pretty much terrified of everything. 1^st meeting was teaching my pup to play/​fetch. Before she couldn’t care less, now shes completely revitalized and is a fetching machine. see for yourself:
We’re now working with my pup to get her fear of the outdoors under control. Every time I get a session with Kelley its like flipping a switch with my pup, night and day change. Can’t praise enough!

Kelley brought our dog back to life.
Over a year ago now our dog was attacked by another dog and almost lost his life. After that incident both he and us were fearful, anxious, and would avoid all other dogs. As time passed his humans became less fearful but his anxiety just got worse to the point he wouldn’t walk on leash at all, would shake incessantly, jumped at any noise, and run away when off leash. This is the same 20lb dog that used to wrassle with elk and other big game when we lived on the east coast. and hunt sea lions off the shores of Crissy Field suddenly became a mess when Muni passed or when a whistle would blow. His fearfulness also brought out the worst in other dogs and he developed a reputation as the neighborhood sissy. French bulldogs wanted to kick his ass.
At my wits end, I contacted dogEvolve. Enter Kelley. She promptly returned our call, explained how she could help, and showed up on time for the appointment.
Armed with treats and poop bags, the three of us walked our route around the neighborhood. She observed, made suggestions, watched as I did the work, and gave me praise! Her method is definitely one of positive reinforcement for both dog and owner. The hour flew by and at the end I felt renewed. After the session our dog showed remarkable improvement. He was calm, didn’t react to Muni, and would let other dogs near him. The homework was easy and doable, her suggestion to use a tricky treat ball worked wonders, and in a few short weeks we had our happy-​go-​lucky dog back.
Can’t say enough about Kelley and dogEvolve! The prices are very reasonable and her methods work. Oh, she does look much better in person than the picture on the site.

My first stop was at their website. Leashmonster, skateboard hater, ball guarder: Holy crap, I thought, these people not only know my dog, but they know how hard it is to have a well-​behaved dog in San Francisco.
So we take the «drop it» class so our land shark Danny will finally not consume everything he finds on Market Street and it was everything we were hoping for. Pamela and Kelly listened closely to our issues, ran a really well tuned class, and most importantly, showed us how to manage our insolent beast. They even showed way more than just getting us to drop it. Now granted, our dog is still a treat whore, but at least we’re moving in life from annoying cop to full-​fledged pimp.

Our pup just graduated from their Small Wonders class and it really was a big help. As with most dog training it is more about the owners than the dogs (let’s face it, dogs are smart!).
Pamela and Kelly were both fantastic. They gave us lots of pointers for teaching tricks, rewarding, and managing behavior. They were really good at catching us «cheating» or giving too much of a hint and were able to guide us as to how to properly train. We were even able to take problems we were having (Mochi joining us for dinner) to them and they gave us solutions.
We look forward to taking more of their classes in the future. Did I mention that the location couldn’t be more ideal?

I stumbled across their website when I was looking at the SF SPCA’s list of graduates. I was looking for additional training — maybe for my Dane’s CGC. He’s sweet and not horribly behaved but we have higher goals than fairly polite.
When I saw the list of classes at Dog Evolve I was amazed. The lack of group classes that go on for weeks and weeks and teach tons of commands was too general for us. In our beginning obedience class at the Peninsula Humane Society he was so bored he wailed the whole time.
We signed up for Drop It! and then we registered later for Come! We are going to Drop It! on Tuesday, but we’ve done ²⁄₃ weeks of Come! Kelley is amazing. Her ideas are humane, realistic and inspired. I was worried about the wailing in class, but she gave us a really great solution to stop problem behavior that’s been working like a charm.
And thanks to the classes, it’s built my confidence in my dog handling skills.
I have a list of classes I’m planning on taking from Dog Evolve and I can’t wait.

Pamela and Kelly are as good as it gets. Lately, I have been ready and willing to trade in my 14 month-​old ridgeback for a gold fish. Something predictable, quiet, and easily entertained. Well, enter Pamela (who regularly walks doggy) and Kelly (her business partner) and their fantastic Boredom Busters class. Need to find ways to keep your spirited, four-​legged friend quiet and busy while you go about your day? Starting to think that a muzzle is a positive way to silence the incessant whining? Fear not! Pamela and Kelly have the answer for you with creative, safe, smart and positive ways to keep your dog self-​entertained (and exhausted afterwards.) Take the class. It will the best 1.5 hours you spend with your dog and it will leave you asking: «why ever would I want a gold fish?»
PS. Pamela is an awesome dog walker. Having seen the mess of people who supposedly walk YOUR dog at Fort Funston, Crissy Field, and Bernal Heights – your money, your faith, and your four-​legged friend are in the best of hands with this woman.