Rick Alto

Rick Alto is the best trainer I have ever encountered. Notice, I did not say dog trainer. His job would have been so much easier if I had arranged for my dog to live at his house and be trained by him. I got my dog at 11 months from the breeder, so I had lots of catching up to do. All my life I was used to getting puppies at 8 weeks old. Quite a different story when your new dog is a very large 55# puppy with no initial training. Rick knew at the get go, (I hadn’t figured this out yet) that his job was to train me. And, sometimes I got it, and other times I was clueless and it took me weeks before I could consistently do any one thing he suggested, properly. Words to describe him during our lessons are: professional, courteous and consistent. There was never even the slightest hint of criticism towards me, even when I over and over forgot what he had told me over the weeks. I have had a number of dogs over the years and have gone to a number of training classes. Some here on Cape Cod. I am used to the basics. But this time, I have a dog that is a challenge for me, for a variety of reasons. Rick boiled everything down to some simple commands. My job will be to continue to remember his lessons every day. The way I see it, I believe Rick teaches you to be one with your dog. I guess that is the best way I can explain my interpretation of his teaching. I realize now I cannot just walk out the door absent-minded, thinking of what I am going to do that day. NO! The moment I put the leash on her, I need to stay focused on her. After all, she deserves my attention during this time. I am looking forward to processing weeks of lessons and actually remembering and doing what he said. I know I can do it. He taught me to envision what I really wanted my dog to do. He did it….I saw him focus on her, shut his eyes for a moment, then by golly, she did it! If Rick Alto did it for me and my doggie, he will do it for you too. - Cape Cod, MA - April 2025

Rick is patient and professional. We enjoyed our training session. - Brewster, MA

I couldn’t have been more pleased with Rick’s training. We did the two weeks board and train with our dog Jingle (11 month mini-Aussie Doodle). When we picked our pooch up it was the first time I could effectively communicate with Jingle. Jingle was aloof and resistant to commands. After our training he started giving us kisses and following basic commands. The best part was the clear and consistent communication throughout the process from Rick. We enjoyed the photo and video updates. After our training we boarded Jingle with Rick (and look forward to doing so again). I knew that Jingle was well cared for and enjoying himself while in the company of Rick, Tia, and Ace.