HPR Working Dogs -

Sally Koppenberg

Josh worked with me for training with two adopted dogs. Top notch knowledge and ability! I would highly recommend HPR Working Dogs services for anyone wanting quality training for their dogs and themselves in their ability to handle their dogs and continue to keep them well trained and well behaved. Josh has years of experience working with a wide variety of dogs and owners. If you want a great dog, this is where to go!

Emily Becker

Josh took on our shelter dog, who was a wreck after a long period of abuse. He is a man of integrity and truly a miracle worker. He's no-nonsense and easy to work with. We owe the life of our beloved pet to Josh.

Kaitie Holman

Josh has been an invaluable source of support for me as I work through training my rescue dog (who was 4 years old and completely untrained!) to be responsive and well-trained, both on and off leash. I'm based in New York, and he has been able to provide virtual guidance that has worked extremely effectively. His training methodology is rooted in positive reinforcement, and never in fear. He has a complete understanding of how to reveal and curate a dog's inherent motivation in the context of positive reinforcement. Josh's motivation for training is clearly rooted in deep respect and admiration of the animal, which is an absolutely key component of being a truly good trainer. You can't fake that kind of integrity when it comes to animals.

Josh approaches the animal as a whole being, paying attention to its genetic predispositions (breed characteristics), physical condition, and individual quirks. Josh doesn't use gimmicks, short-cuts, non-sensical, or complex approaches. Josh's approach builds a dog's confidence continually, never squashing a dog's personality, but instead, building on it. At the end of training, your dog will be fully responsive to you, confident, engaged, calm, physically strong, and will have a desire to understand exactly what is being asked.

My dog enjoys every single one of his training sessions, and it's an absolute pleasure to watch him develop into one of the best animals I've ever worked with. This would not have been possible without Josh's support and guidance.

I cannot recommend Josh enough (even for those of you who might only have virtual options!). Do understand that you get what you pay for when it comes to trainers. Josh is worth every penny he charges - honestly, you're getting a deal. An investment in your dog's training not only bolster's their quality of life, but will last a lifetime.

This is a long review, but trust me: every single word I'm saying is true. I hope these pictures speak for themselves!

Darlene M

I would absolutely recommend HPR Working Dogs! Josh is a highly knowledgeable and skilled trainer, who is invested in every one of his clients and their dog(s). The work I did with him not only drastically changed my relationship with my own dog, but it helped me grow my own knowledge and skills for work with foster puppies and, later, my own second dog. Whether you are looking to improve your skills as a handler for your working dog, looking to provide your canine athlete with a more fulfilling and enriching life, or looking for help with crate training and obedience for your family dog, HPR Working Dogs is the best investment you can make in your relationship with your dog!

Mariah Jerman

We adopted Thor 6 years ago. He was a kid, car and other animal chaser. We sent him off to HPR for board and train. When he was ready Josh spent hours with me and my daughter to ensure we could replicate commands and continue his training at home. 5 years ago we adopted a dog from HPR so he could have a buddy. Both dogs are awesome. Both of have been to social time at HPR, have been boarded there when out of town they always come home filthy and happy dogs. Labs love hiking and mud and they get both when they get to go play there. Josh also spends hours with us when we adopted a geriatric dog hating cat. He loaned us a kennel and helped us so much in what was a not fun situation. The cat and dogs were the best of friends until old age took him from us. I highly recommend HPR. You won’t get a warm fuzzy fur baby experience. You will get trained dogs that you can take in public and people love to be around. And you will understand how to continue the training at home.

Jerry Porter

I am a dog enthusiasts who seeks sound information from a couple of trainers I've met "on line" to supplement my local in-person dog training. I seek advice from Josh based on his no-nonsense perspective re people and their dogs. If I had an opportunity to meet him in person, I would make it happen. Josh is a valued voice for me and my dogs.

Ashley Rizor

Josh with HPR Working Dogs did an exceptional job training our recently adopted adult Newfoundland. I discovered HPR after seeing Josh train the most well-behaved dogs near my home. We didn’t have a dog at the time, but the quality of his outcomes blew me away, and I told myself that when we find a dog, we have to connect with this guy.

Fast-forward a few months and we adopted an approximately 2 yr old 101 lb Newfie with no prior obedience training. His owner had surrendered him because he kept running away, ending up at animal control, and was too difficult to manage. When we handed him over to Josh, he was scared to death of vehicles and crates, ripped your arm out of the socket on walks, played rough with kids (running at them at 30 mph and knocking them over), trampled you coming in and out of the house, and didn’t know any commands.

After two weeks with Josh, he’s a new dog. He’ll sit for over ten minutes in the same spot without moving, comes when you call him, doesn’t pull on walks, and freely gets in and out of the car and crate. Josh then worked with my family, and gave us the tools to continue training our dog at home. After just another week, he no longer runs into kids or chases other dogs. I can take him to the park to play without fear that he’s going to go after someone or something. I was concerned the training would change his personality (turn him into a robot dog who lives only to serve), but he’s the same giant, affectionate goof that he was, but with way more control and obedience.

Josh is very professional, responsive, transparent and straightforward. He is passionate about canines and training, and after five minutes with him it’s evident that he knows his stuff, from the physiology to the psychology. We didn’t want a touchy-feely trainer who would help us get in tune with our dog’s chi in order to coax him to reward us with good behavior, we wanted no-BS results and a well-behaved dog. Josh delivered on all fronts and we couldn’t have made a better decision. I’d pay twice his fee now knowing how good the outcome was.

James Dozois

I would highly recommend HPR working dogs. Josh trained my dog both for obedience and retrieving. He is a wealth of knowledge and more then willing to share and educate you and your dog. I am more then happy with the quality of training and service that I received. It was well worth the investment. Thanks again HPR!