2026-09-03T17:38:35.702Z

I was a fireman in need of rescue! Steven answered the call. Even from the initial phone call I was given advice and tips that worked immediately with my Boxer. This company understands dogs and most importantly, they understand people. I thank Steven and so does Stella Mia!

2026-09-02T19:26:18.459Z

I have been so impressed with Steve and how well he has “trained me” to work with my dog. After only 5 lessons my dog and I are confidently walking off leash. Steve is so knowledgeable, professional, on time and thorough. His goal is to meet my goal with my dog and each lesson we work towards that goal. We have had the best experience and I highly recommend!!

2026-08-19T02:16:01.623Z

We had a great experience with our dog’s training. We sent him for 2 weeks puppy training and saw a huge difference in his behavior. We also appreciated the training didn’t end after the 2 weeks - there is ongoing guidance and help with maintaining and reinforcing the training. Steven genuinely cares about the dogs he works with. Zeus was treated with care, patience and kindness which meant everything to us. We would absolutely recommend through the leash to anyone looking for a trainer.

2026-07-28T20:29:49.710Z

Recently adopted a German shepherd/lab mix with more energy and freedom than I was prepared for. Steve was my trainer and he couldn’t have been any better! The clear and effective way he was able to communicate with my puppy and more importantly me has left us in good hands as my pup progresses into adulthood. Very positive with his methods and patient throughout the process. I now have a happy, confident and obedient 4-legged best friend. Couldn’t recommend Steve any more, he’s awesome!

2026-07-26T22:08:02.863Z

Steve is absolutely awesome and extremely knowledgeable. He took multiple hours out of his days to speak with me on the phone about his services and advice for teaching my dog. I will never use another trainer

2026-07-13T13:26:26.178Z

We are having an incredible experience working with Connor from Through the Leash. We brought our 2-year-old AKITA to Connor for help with aggression issues.What stood out the most was his patience and calmness. Connor isn’t just training our dog; he is training us on how to handle real-life scenarios and set our pup up for success.Within just few sessions, we saw a massive improvement in our dog's behavior. We now have the confidence and the tools we need to manage Diesel's energy and aggression both at home and out on walks. We highly recommend Connor to any dog owner!

2026-03-10T11:40:28.272Z

Through the Leash training with Steve is the way to go! I did Board and Train 6 years ago with my first rescue puppy (she’s still doing what she should do!)and now just recently completed a 3 week Board and Train with my new older rescue puppy! She was a dog that was scared of her own shadow… pulled on the leash on walks, made herself go limp if it was time to get in the car and relentlessly “played” with my other dog until I had to separate them. She came back from board and train with a new confidence-she is actually is easy to walk, JUMPS into my car and when I say NO she stops! It is still up to me to continue the training but it’s worth the time and effort!! ..if you are looking to send your pup to someone you can trust to give them the foundation they need - I HIGHLY recommend Steve with Through the Leash! It is worth every penny!

2026-01-27T23:49:36.904Z

If you’re looking for a dog trainer who can turn your lovable goofball into a well-mannered companion, look no further than Steve at Through the Leash Dog Training! I mean, my Boxer was about as sharp as a marble—she could manage to poop in her crate and chase after anything that moved, but listening to us? That was a rarity! I think she heard us about 10-15% of the time, which, in dog terms, is basically “you can talk, but I’m not really listening.”But then came Steve, like a dog whisperer from the future! In no time, he waved his magic wand, and our goofy girl transformed into an attentive, obeying, lovable, playful super cute Boxer. Seriously, this dog started following commands like she had a list of chores! I’m still waiting for her to ask for an allowance!After seeing such a transformation, I was inspired to start a GoFundMe for the dogs in our neighborhood. You know, to help those whose humans might not believe in giving their pups the care they deserve—because every dog needs a shot at being the best version of themselves! If you’re considering training, do yourself a favor and call Steve. Your dog will thank you, and you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet of a properly trained pooch!

2026-01-27T23:37:11.564Z

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️We cannot say enough great things about Steve with Through The Leash Dog Behavior & Training. Steve had our boxador (Boxer/Lab), Maggie, for three weeks. She had some basic commands before, but we really needed guidance with on- and off-leash walking and a much stronger recall.The transformation has been amazing. Maggie is still 100% her playful, happy self, but now she is excited when it’s time to “train” — which honestly feels more like play to her. Her commands are immediate now; I don’t have to ask three times. She listens and responds right away, and the difference in her confidence and focus is incredible.Steve’s approach, patience, and ability to communicate clearly with both dogs and owners truly sets him apart. This was one of the best decisions we’ve made for Maggie, and we are so grateful for the results. Highly recommend Steve to anyone looking for real, lasting training results. 🐾

2025-07-22T21:18:51.472Z

We can’t recommend Steve highly enough!He came to us through a trusted referral—someone deeply involved in rescue dog work—and we first connected with him when our Mini American Shepherd was still quite young. From the start, Steve’s approach aligned perfectly with our values. He focuses on building a relationship based on trust, not fear—no shock or choke collars, just smart, compassionate training.Even though we live a bit farther out, Steve was flexible and accommodating with our schedule. He offered practical advice tailored to our busy lifestyle, like how to keep our high-energy pup engaged on days when long hikes or extended walks aren’t possible. He also introduced us to enrichment toys that tire her out quickly—one favorite is the Jolly Egg, which she not only loves but has cleverly learned to carry around (see photo!).What we really appreciate is that Steve’s support doesn’t end after the early stages. We continue to check in with him when new challenges come up or when we just need a little guidance or reassurance.Training with Steve has helped us better understand our dog and how to work with her—not just train her. We’re grateful to have his ongoing support.If you’re looking for a trainer who truly cares about dogs and their people, Steve is the one to call!

2025-06-06T21:35:43.369Z

We had Connor as our Frenchie's trainer. He is fantastic! So knowledgeable about all aspects of training. And a plus is that he loves & respects your pet as he does his own. We 100% would recommend Connor to anyone needing help with their dog.

2025-01-11T22:56:53.305Z

I met with Steve for a free consultation. He brought another trainer with him and several dogs for my dog to work with. My dog had extreme reactivity and was a bite risk. Steve spent two hours with me, showed me how to effectively communicate with my dog what I didnt want, and we are only a few weeks out and my dog is wildly different. I went from dreading seeing other dogs on walks to looking forward to the challenge and seeing my dog learn a whole new way of being. Steve has been wildly helpful to me, and in a lot of ways he has gone above and beyond. He deeply cares about seeing dogs succeed and will go to bat for you dog if he sees you're also willing to do the same. Seriously, Steve has shifted my dogs trajectory. I am so grateful 🙏 10/10 would recommend. I will also say that he was not the only trainer I met with, there were 2 others I was considering. But from the first phone call I could tell that he just cared, and that helping the dog was more important than anything.

2024-11-12T17:57:02.780Z

We rescued our third dog and after a short time started working with Steven to help train mix breed large puppy. Steven is a true expert , professional, punctual, calm, appropriately direct and extremely dedicated and responsive to concerns/questions. Forever grateful to Steven beyond words as without his expertise, training and guidance we would be challenged to manage this puppy for sure. Thank you for ALL your help:)

2024-10-12T22:23:58.101Z

After two trainers told me my dog Bowie would be an aggressive dog for the rest of his life and there was nothing that could be done, I met with Connor Philips. Within 15 minutes of meeting Bowie Connor said with confidence that in about 3 months time Bowie would behave the way I wanted. This gave me tremendous hope for Bowie.After 3 months training Bowie was behaving in ways I didn’t think possible. We upgraded to e-collar training for off leash obedience and the results are nothing short of amazing.Bowie is the most incredibly well behaved dog now and everyone loves him. People used to tell there kids “Don’t pet that dog it’s a bad dog!” and walk across the street in fear. Now everyone comments on how well behaved he is and ask if they can pet him!Connor said he’d be there for us if we ever need help and has proven this to be true because our training was well over a year ago and I recently reached out to him on a particular subject and he walked me through the details. Bowie is living his best life which is due to Connor’s knowledge and training. Thank you!

2024-09-26T18:24:27.817Z

Steve is the best there is! I’ve had the pleasure of Steve training both of my pups and the each time the entire experience was seamless, positive, and completely transformed Ellie’s and Luna’s behaviors. Steve takes the time to not only teach your dog better behaviors, but also teach you as the owner, which I really appreciated (and needed)! If you’re looking for a trainer, look no further! 10/10 recommend Steve at Through The Leash!

2024-09-26T18:01:52.892Z

Steve has an excellent 2 week board and train program. I have seen numerous dogs before/after he has worked with them (including my own) and they come home a much different dog. Certainly worth the investment in you and your dog. Plus, he will work with you afterwards if you are having difficulties or have questions. A+

2024-06-25T22:07:28.166Z

Working with Steve has been a game-changer for me. My dog used to pull constantly on the leash, especially around squirrels, but now we confidently walk off-leash on greenways and busy sidewalks. Additionally, he listens better and remains calmer when we are out in public. The transformation is beyond what I ever imagined. Steve's expertise, patience, and effective methods have made all the difference. Highly recommend Through the Leash!

2024-05-08T22:08:03.369Z

"Through The Leash dog training services, and especially Steve, have been a game-changer for us and our 1-year-old Husky mix, Newman. Steve's expertise and effective methods have transformed Newman's manners and obedience remarkably. We're thrilled with the results and highly recommend Through The Leash to anyone seeking exceptional dog training services."

2024-04-26T15:02:08.947Z

Steve, at through the leash, trained my dog Lylla and it was the best decision I have made. I sent Lylla to Steve when she was 3 months old and she came back a completely different dog. Steve trained Lylla to listen, walk next to me without a leash, and how to interact with other dogs in public. My life with Lylla now will be so much better with how well she is trained and the training has opened up so many different options for activities I am able to do with her in public.

2024-03-18T22:05:14.463Z

I’m so grateful to have found through the leash and that they assigned us Connor Philips as our trainer.Our puppy kept fighting with our older dog and was showing aggression towards us sometimes. We didn’t know if we’d be able to keep him and were so stressed. We called through the leash and they had the trainer, Connor Philips, come over to our house two days later. He did an evaluation and assured us that this was a problem he would be able to help us with.One of my favorite parts of this training program is that you’re not paying for a certain number of sessions, the training goes on until the goals are achieved. Also, this training doesn’t involve using treats to bribe your dog, like a lot of other training programs do.If you’re in North Carolina/Charlotte area, definitely request Connor. He is absolutely amazing and so so so knowledgeable. He’s patient, has a flexible schedule, takes you and your dogs specific needs into consideration, is happy to answer your questions and is so kind.We aren’t even completely done with the training yet but my dog has done a complete 180. He just turned 1 year old and I’m already able to take him off leash hiking for miles, bring him out in public without any reactivity, and have him walking right by my side on the leash.This training is 100% worth the money. They train you to be able to communicate with your dog and then you have these skills for life. You can use this knowledge on all your dogs in the future.

2024-02-27T01:22:45.332Z

We had the pleasure of working with Steve, the exceptional dog trainer who truly transformed my Vizsla puppy from wild and crazy to well-behaved and awesome. From the moment we started our conversations )before committing to training sessions,) it was evident that Steve had a deep understanding of canine behavior and a genuine passion for helping both dogs and their owners.One of the things that impressed me most about Steve is that he had a personalized approach. Through the boarded training, he took the time to understand my puppy's unique personality, quirks, and challenges, and tailored his training program accordingly. Whether it was teaching basic obedience commands or addressing specific behavioral issues, Steve trained her and then provided clear guidance and practical techniques that were easy to implement at home.Steve has a strong commitment to ongoing support and follow-up. Even after our boarded training was complete, he met with us to reinforce training and remained very accessible for any questions or concerns that arose. This level of dedication not only helped reinforce the training techniques but also provided invaluable peace of mind knowing that support was just a phone call away.Thanks to Steve’s expertise and guidance, my puppy has blossomed into a well-behaved and obedient companion. I cannot recommend him highly enough to anyone in need of professional dog training. If you're looking to unlock your dog's full potential and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend, look no further than this exceptional trainer.

2024-01-21T03:35:23.914Z

Connor was great! He’s incredibly patient and helped us achieve all of our goals with our golden retriever, Finn. We are so glad we decided to do both on and off leash training. It’s made us feel confident taking Finn on walks or out in public places and he loves it too. 10/10 recommend

2024-01-19T17:31:22.812Z

We adopted a 7month old Golden Retriever from a family member who couldn’t keep him. After the initial meeting with Steve, we put Oakley in a 3 week board & train with Steve. Within the first day Oakley was walking in a heel & had learned the “place” command. Steve met with us a few times during the training & showed us not only what Oakley was learning but also how we needed to learn & reinforce the commands. Oakley came home much calmer and under control in the house. He listens so well to his commands and walks so well on & off leash. Oakley’s behavior is night & day after training with Steve! Steve is always open for questions & continues to meet with us to help us when we’re struggling with a particular command or situation. I highly recommend Steve for any training needs!

2024-01-19T15:08:37.393Z

Wow, Just Wow... We rescued a sweet pup in November. PAR (Piedmont Animal Rescue) is a amazing group of individuals and Steve was at the meet and greet. Steve said reach out if wee had issues. We struggled for almost 2 months with nipping, insanity and destruction! I reached out to Steve, he came last night and gave us a few pointers. Willow did great and we will continue following Steve's instructions. I SO recommend him and his company...

2024-01-09T22:21:48.045Z

Steve was recommended to us as "The Best Trainer" in the area by the Director of Piedmont Animal Rescue where I volunteer. Steve exceeded our expectations! Our dog Bo was a little under a year when we started working with Steve. Bo was 85 pounds at 11 months and thought every person and dog loved him which caused problems with walks and visitors. He jumped on people, pulled on the leash and would not listen. Steve knew exactly how to train Bo and us, is patient, understanding and makes it a fun and rewarding experience. Steve's training skills and expertise changed our lives, we now have a well mannered dog and we are all happier. People with other dogs compliment Bo on how well behaved he is on passing of even when we stop to chat. The Tuesday before Christmas we met Steve at Birkdale Village for a training session and Bo was amazing. I would have never done this before training. I highly recommend Steve if you want "The Best Trainer" in the area.

2023-11-21T22:12:15.814Z

I cannot express enough gratitude for the incredible transformation my dog has undergone with the help of Steve. My furry friend used to be quite reactive and unpredictable, making travel and public outings a challenge. However, after undergoing training with Steve, I am delighted to share that my once-reactive dog is now a well-behaved and calm companion.Steve possesses an exceptional ability to understand and connect with dogs. The personalized training approach not only addressed my dog's reactivity issues but also built a strong bond between them. The positive impact is evident in every aspect of our daily lives, and it's truly heartwarming to witness the positive change.What sets Steve apart is the commitment to continuous improvement. The addition of a more sophisticated class allowed us to refine and build upon the skills acquired in the initial training. This advanced training not only fine-tuned my dog's behavior but also honed my abilities as a responsible pet owner.Thanks to Steve's expertise, I can now confidently bring my dog on a plane, knowing that he will behave impeccably. The training not only focused on correcting undesirable behaviors but also equipped me with the tools and knowledge to continue fostering a positive environment for my canine companion.If you're seeking a dog trainer who goes above and beyond, look no further than Steve. The results speak for themselves, and the joy and freedom I now experience with my well-behaved dog are priceless. Thank you, Steve, for making a significant difference in our lives!

2023-11-14T02:41:57.320Z

Steve Urbanski is the absolute best trainer! He has worked with my puppy and me and she is learning to be a nice, polite little girl. I highly recommend him.

2023-09-11T16:50:20.569Z

Kayla was amazing with our dachshund puppy, Iroh. She was very patient with Iroh and with us. She was there to answer any questions we had between our sessions and taught us how to effectively communicate with Iroh. We are excited to continue working with her on Iroh’s advanced training. 10/10 recommend!!

2023-09-06T21:00:27.738Z

Sam Ferry is an incredible trainer, my 3 year old Pitbull needed some additional training and she did so amazing with him. She made me and him feel so comfortable with everything and I am so happy with his results so far. I highly recommend this company and Sam as a trainer!

2023-09-01T23:27:43.397Z

We used Steve with our 4mo old female lab. To say we have been blown away is an understatement. Our Ellie girl is so well behaved and listens to everyone in our house and she’s only 6mo old. Something our other 3 labs never did. Not only did Steve work with us but he got our twin sons involved too. They love working with our girl, especially recalling her. We wanted to be able to take our girl to the ball fields, camping and be well behaved and still be a dog. Steve’s love and passion for training dogs is so easily to see. He is one of a kind and any future pups we get we will be sending to him for puppy boot camp. They are in the best of hands with him. Our Ellie girl absolutely adores him as well. If you have a dog and need some help I cannot recommend Steve enough.