Reviews

Matt and Ashley are not only wonderful dog trainers but incredible people as well. They are both extremely kind, fun and easy to work with. They both possess a great amount of knowledge about dogs, such as how to control various behaviors and how to communicate effectively. I reached out to them this past March to inquire about training my 3-year old Cockapoo (Tillie) to become a therapy dog. Thanks to their amazing training experience, Tillie passed her AKC Canine Good Citizens test after 12 sessions and is now on her way to becoming an AKC Therapy Dog. I highly recommend using Control is Key for any level of dog training you may be seeking!

I enrolled my 7-month mini golden doodle, Denver in Control is Key’s two-week Board and Train program. I can’t say enough good things about my experience (especially after trying two other training programs that I was very disappointed in…)

During the program, Matthew kept me updated on a daily basis with photos, videos, phone calls and facetime calls. Denver learned so much and came home happy, healthy and very well trained. She is listening so well and is a joy to be with.

The best thing about this program is that Matthew and Ashley accomplish all of the training goals with so much love, affection and nurturing toward the dogs they’re working with. This balance was really important to me. Denver was well cared for the entire two weeks while learning so much!

I highly recommend Control is Key…no doubt about it!

Matt and Ashley had our new Aussiedoodle puppy, Roxie, for a 3 week board and train. Matt kept us informed of all of Roxie’s progress the entire time he had her and gave weekly summaries. He set her up on a schedule, potty trained her, taught her basic commands, and taught her how to walk on a leash. Even after driving 5 hours to bring her to us, he spent time with our family to teach us how to continue working with her. Matt was always available for questions during our transition. Control Is Key totally exceeded our expectations.

Matthew and Ashley helped us with our formerly unruly Frenchie. After having Toby for 4 months, we quickly realized we would need help with bad habits both human and canine.

Toby came out of the experience with leash manners, people manners, door manners and in general was happier. We came out of the experience with realistic expectations and the confidence need to be the head of our pack.

The biggest transformation was seen when we were able to have Toby off leash with children from our neighborhood running around and playing while he waits patiently to be allowed to join.

Truly a wonderful experience and we can’t thank and recommend Matthew enough.

My beloved pit/boxer mix Brighton was already a sweetie, but had become pretty reactive to other dogs, especially on walks. She did a two-week board and train program with Matthew and his team, and the difference was almost magical. He did an amazing job not only training Brighton, but training me to make it stick afterwards (which is of course the goal!). Now she stays attentive to commands no matter the stimulation. Matthew combined professional and effective dog training with a care for my dog that was above and beyond, and his availability and follow-up after made all the difference. I would recommend Control Is Key to ANYONE!

Took my Dalmatian Aries for the 8 week command training and it’s made a world of a difference! She can be reactive to other dogs so it gives me such a piece of mind I’m in better control of situations whenever we’re out and about in public or even just around the house.

I could not have asked for a better experience. Matt and Ashley worked patiently with me and my pup from the beginning. They worked with my schedule. They provided guidance both in session and out of session and always answered all my questions. I came to them with the goal of training my dog to be a therapy animal and they got us there! My pup is AKC good canine citizen certified and has tentatively passed his therapy certification. They worked so hard to train ME so I could be the best handler for my dog. I can’t ask for a better dog and I can’t ask for better trainers.

When our Dog “Miss Coco Chanel” had her last litter of puppies my fiancé and I desperately wanted to keep a puppy out of the litter so Coco could have at least one of her many puppies in her life long term. However, between our busy work schedules we knew that we did not have the time necessary for training an 8 week old puppy. Luckily, Jaci, with West Penn Doodles (The breeder and breeding programs that manages Coco’s litters), suggested we speak with Matt regarding and hire “Control is Key” to get our puppy, Eleanor Rigby, some basic training.

After speaking with Matt we settled on the two week boarding program (Which my fiancé and I affectionally began to call “Puppy Bootcamp”), before taking Eleanor home with us. I cannot begin to say enough good things about Matt, Ashley, and the program. Throughout the 2 weeks Ashley stayed in contact with us nearly every day updating us on Eleanor’s progress as well as sending us videos and pictures of her training. I have had quite a few dogs and puppies in my lifetime and I can say that the progress that was made with Eleanor in the two weeks she was with “control is Key” was nothing short of amazing.

When we picked Eleanor up she was already performing her commands of sit, down, here, come, and place with an almost 100% success rate. Furthermore, her house breaking was phenomenal. She was and still is incredibly proficient in alerting us to when she needs to have a break outside resulting in very few accidents since coming home. Something that I see as nothing short as miraculous for a puppy that is now only 13 weeks old.

I would highly recommend, Matt, Ashley, and “Control is Key” to any family and friends looking for a dog trainer. Plus the cost of the program, in my opinion, is an absolute bargain for what you end up getting.

We cannot thank Matt and Ashley enough for helping us get our wild child Copper under control. She lived on the streets for the first 4 months of her life and came to us with zero manners. Matt and Ashley helped us teach her, by teaching us. Our girl is off leash, listens to commands whether at home or in public and is all around happier with the structure they helped us create. They were patient with Copper as well as with us. We cannot thank Control is Key enough for getting us where we are today.

My puppy went to the two week board and train, and the results were out of this world. I had high expectations for the behavior of the dog, but Matthew blew those expectations out of the water. Everyone who has meet the dog is extremely impressed with how well behaved the dog is, and how well the dog listens to commands. I cannot recommend this training enough!

Matt and Ashley have been involved in the training of my puppy from the beginning. He was picked up by them at the breeder’s and taken straight to a 4 week board and train. I have had him with me approximately 3 weeks now and the experience has been like no other with a puppy and I have had many dogs. Caprino has learned so much it is unbelievable to me.!!!! I feel like I am in control of Caprino following their instructions instead of the other way around!!! That is a first for me!!!!!! I still continue training with Ashley and Caprino has been taught and continue to work on socialization skills with people , other dogs. He has been to multiple stores without issues. I walk him in a neighborhood where there are many dogs and he is a pleasure to walk instead of worrying about what he might do. Ashley and Matt are available for any concerns at any time!!! I have used other dog trainers and hands down this is the best experience I have ever had!!!!

We rescued our dog at 7 months old and he was UNCONTROLLABLE! We were planning a 28 day RV trip and there was no way we could take our new pup. We contacted Matthew and left Wylie in his care. When we returned, what an amazing transformation! I could play fetch and not get knocked over from Wylie trying to get the ball out of my hand. We were concerned about being able to keep up the commands, but it was very easy, 10 minutes a few times a day kept him on track. I would definitely take my next dog to Matthew and Ashley

Matt was highly recommended and did not disappoint. He not only trained Leo but trained us as well. We now have the understanding and tools that are needed for a well behaved dog. It is now possible for us to have guests at the house and enjoy walks without stress. Matt and Ashley are wonderful to work with, they truly love what they are doing!

Hi we adopted a Great Dane/giant schnauzer puppy and he doesn’t realize how big he is- he thinks he is a 120lb lap dog. We were having difficulty taking him places, because he loved to jump on people and he was awful on walks. After the board and train, Duke is like a new dog! We can take him anywhere and he knows how to behave. I can take him on walks, without pulling and he no longer jumps on people. Truly wished we would have done this sooner.

Matthew is hands down the best trainer we have ever worked with! We came to him with a challenge- an abused, rescued, German Shepherd that had a fearful aggression toward strangers, especially men, and was not motivated by treats or praise. He slowly and skillfully gained Nova’s trust while working with us to work with her in a way that she would respond positively. Matthew handled her with confidence and understanding. His training is not one size fits all and Nova had him thinking creatively at every lesson! Watching him work, you can see how much he loves dogs and genuinely wants to help them become the best dog they can be! In the end, not only did we leave with a dog that responds beautifully to us, but because of Matthew’s unwavering patience, A dog that no longer shows aggression or fear.

Matt is truly knowledgeable and patient. He listens to his customers; he does not apply a one way fits all dog’s method of training. He specializes the training to what works for the dog and owner. He has trained my two Czech Shepherds. He had to apply different training techniques on each dog. I am extremely happy with the outcome and continue to train my dogs with him. I would not go to anyone else. If you are looking for a quality trainer that collaborates with you and your dog, do not look any further. You have found the best.

I had high expectations when I signed up for training with Matt, but he far exceeded my highest expectations. My first encounter with Matt was at our first lesson. Matt walked outside and saw me desperately trying to control my dog who was standing on his hind legs barking and growling at his previous customer’s pet. Matt told me at that moment, he would help me get my dog under control, and that he did. I knew during the first lesson we found the right person to help us correct our dog’s behavior. I cannot find the words to describe my gratitude for the truly transformational experience Monte and my family experienced because of Matt’s canine training expertise, his passion for canine training, and empathy for our situation. If you are serious about controlling your dog’s behavior, and are looking for an expert and passionate trainer, we recommend Matt.

We adopted our dog Huck when he was 6 months old. Shortly after getting him we realized he had some reactivity issues as well as very poor leash manners. We completed the 8 week basic and advanced training. Matt was awesome from start to finish! He really personalized the training sessions to focus on what Huck needed most. It truly has changed our lives and we are able to take him anywhere on or off leash! I highly recommend him to anyone even thinking about dog training!

I had zero reservations about Control is Key B&T- Matt was highly recommended. My only concern was how was I going to make it through the 2 weeks! Matt and team kept me updated daily on Titan’s progress. It was incredible to see how fast changes were happening for Titan. It’s been six months since B&T and Titan is continuing to progress. I am overly pleased with the dog he has become. Using an ecollar was so scary for me but now I understand how one is used and when. A wealth of education I received to be a better dog mom for Titan.

Hands down best experience for my pup. Thank you Matt, team, AND family!

I adopted a German Shepherd puppy in Dec. 2022. I knew I wanted to get him into training to manage his energy and so that I could know with full certainty that I have control over him. Matt and Ashley were so wondering with my dog, Bayne from the very beginning. During the consultation, Matt and Ashley made me aware of what my dog would be learning and the activities he would be partaking in. While Bayne was in their care, they sent me daily check in videos and kept me up to date on his progress. I have had Bayne back for about 8 weeks now and he is absolutely incredible. He continues to impress me with his intelligence and knowledge of commands. Matt and Ashley continue to check in with me to see how Bayne is doing. We can’t wait to take him back in July for his second round of training! Thank you Matt and Ashley!!!!

Matt and Ashley were great to work with. Down to earth and very knowledgeable about the training they provide! They helped us get our big girl to be responsive and actually have manners. These two get results. Highly recommend!

We adopted a corgi puppy in march of 2022, and wanted to get him into a puppy class to get him potty trained, crate trained and have some leash manners. We researched numerous companies and came to finding Control Is Key. After talking with Matt on the phone, he was so enthusiastic about his prior experience and his programs and hit all the key elements we were looking for. However he never made us feel like we were obligated to anything. After we came to our consultation for puppy classes, we decided to bring in our 3 year old pompsky-poo for a consultation since we live on a busy highway and want him to have good recall skills and would listen to commands when they were given. We decided to do the program where we came to 1 session a week and did the rest of our training on our own at home with the guidance of Matt and Ashley in between. I am speechless with the dedication of both Matt and Ashley’s patience and devotion to achieving the goals of not only yours but the dogs! They would give their undivided attention during your classes and give you alternative options if something was not working and they always had a backup plan and in the end the goal was still achieved! They checked in consistently throughout the period of time where we would be in control of the training at home between our sessions and give us advice and ask for videos and provide feedback which was extremely helpful and lead us to such an extremely successful program! Our corgi would howl and scream in his crate and would not go into it, he now knows his command kennel and goes straight to his kennel and does not bark and cry! Our pompsky-poo has exceeded our expectations and has nailed the commands of heel, come, place and stay! He even can be walked unleashed in our front yard — which is on a busy highway! I would recommend Control Is Key to anyone!!

I’m proud to say my dog went to Matt and Ashley. They are dedicated and have great intellect when it comes to training the dogs. I send everyone that asks me where my dog was trained right to them!

My sweet Macey had bad habits of barking, jumping, pulling, no recall and you may be there, too. Matthew’s Board and Train program rescued me and Macey! The good sit was a sweet surprise to me, and Macey is so cooperative that we just approach the door, and she sits. Same with the walk to the mailbox, Macey takes her position 40 feet from the road and waits for release. Most touching is the meet and greet when we’re cruising a store. Folks are attracted to her cuteness, and she can properly say hello. I loved her before and love her more after Control is Key’s training! It’s easy to refer my friends to their service.

We have a six-month old Australian Shepard puppy, Piper, that we were seriously consider re-homing. We enrolled Piper in a 14-day Board & Train with Ashley and Matthew. Ashley was our trainer and did an outstanding job with Piper!! We are so pleased and appreciative and have been enjoying our well-trained puppy. Piper is a completely different puppy. She knows and obeys each command; Ashley taught her to run alongside her off leash while she ran through the park. We couldn’t be more pleased with the love shown for Piper and the professional training she received. Of course, we did have high expectations because Matt trained our other dog via weekly lessons and he did an outstanding job.