Honesty, pricing, process and quality scores appear once 5 customers have rated them.
About The Middle Paw
The Middle Paw is a trainer-first, results-driven dog training company proudly serving California.We specialize in immersive Board & Train programs that create real transformation for dogs and their families — whether you're raising a new puppy, struggling with reactivity, or just tired of repeating commands your dog ignores.Our mission is simple: provide honest, effective, and lasting dog training that prioritizes the wellbeing of both the dog and the owner. We combine balanced training methods with clear communication and a structured environment so that dogs learn how to behave confidently in the real world — not just the training yard.Every program includes one-on-one daily coaching, real-world exposure, owner education, and lifetime support. Whether your dog needs a reset or a full behavioral transformation, we tailor every experience to your goals and your dog’s personality.The Middle Paw was founded by a team of experienced trainers who came together after years of working in the industry — driven by a shared belief in doing things the right way. We're not here to sell hype. We're here to help dogs and their people build a better life together.
The Middle Paw (themiddlepaw.com) has 22 customer reviews on Folks Told, with an average rating of 5.0 out of 5.
My puppy started out being your typical mischievous brat. Pulling while going on walks, zoomies on and off the couches, whining and barking when he was put in the crate for rides or just to be crated when we stepped out. We were having a difficult time potty training due to our work schedule. It seemed hopeless. We wanted to give him a great home and do everything for him. Luckily we found The Middle Paw. And Kristi came to the rescue! She gave him the perfect foundation for us to build upon. He's doing alot better! Loves walking next to us, loves going on car rides, doesn't mind being crated while we step out. He has a set schedule for his potty breaks. He actually sits by rhe door and stares at us to let us know its time. The Middle Paw gave us a big leap in his journey to becoming a well behaved puppy. He's still a work in progress but has improved alot! Thank you guys so much! Toby thanks you Kristi
Reply from The Middle PawNov 20, 2025
Love this so much – thank you for sharing this 🙏🐾
Toby was an absolute joy to work with, and it’s clear how much you care about giving him the best home and structure. Kristi has been bragging about how well he’s doing on walks and with his crate, so hearing about his potty schedule and him sitting by the door to let you know it’s time is just awesome.
He is still a work in progress, like every young pup, but you’re doing all the right things and it really shows. Thank you again for trusting The Middle Paw (and Kristi!) with Toby’s foundation. We’re always here if you need anything as he keeps growing. 💛🐶
AB
Aric B.
Phenomenal Dog Trainer
Kristin changed my big dog 117 pounds St Weiler. He had a very fearful and aggressive side when he was puppy. Could not socialize outside family. She was able to break his bad behavior and today he is very loving guy. Thank you again Kristin
#kristithetrainer
Reply from The Middle PawAug 15, 2025
Thank you so much, Aric, for your wonderful review! Hearing about Leo's journey from a very fearful and aggressive dog to a loving and wonderful companion is exactly why we do what we do. We remember how challenging his start was, and his transformation is a powerful testament to his resilience and, most importantly, Kristi's (Kristin's) profound expertise.
It means the world to us that you have the "utmost confidence" in her. Helping a dog like Leo find his confidence and feel safe in the world is the greatest reward. We're so proud to have been a part of this incredible journey and are thrilled that you now have such a fantastic companion.
Thank you again for trusting The Middle Paw!
AA
Annice A.
How do you spell Dog whisperer..?
How do you spell Dog whisperer..?? KRISTI that's how! From day one Kris is amazing with my fur baby, Daisy. She has a way of explaining things to make it easy to do and remember. Now if I could get Kris to train Daisy's humans to be more consistent!!! Lol
Great place, great people. I highly recommend! Thank you Kristi 😊
Reply from The Middle PawJul 30, 2025
Thank you so much, Annice, for your wonderful review! We absolutely love your spelling of "Dog Whisperer" – Kristi certainly has a magical way with dogs and their humans! ✨
It fills our hearts with joy to hear how amazing Kristi has been with Daisy from day one, and how quickly she's made a difference. Her talent for explaining things in an easy-to-understand way is something we pride ourselves on; empowering owners is just as important as training pups!
And we completely get it about the "human" part of the training journey – consistency can be a challenge! 😉 We're always here to offer continued support and guidance to ensure you and Daisy keep thriving together.
Thank you for your kind words about The Middle Paw being a "wonderful place" with "wonderful people." We truly appreciate your high recommendation and are so glad to be a part of Daisy's journey!
CH
Chris
Magic w our special needs girl!!
We unexpectedly found our pack of 2 grow to a pack of 3 - we rescued a double-Merle, deaf and partially blind Aussie mix (also GSD and Malinois). A spunky, happy and high energy girl but was born needing some extra care, attention, and training. This is when we found #kristithetrainer! Our young special needs girl Moxie was testing boundaries with our very large (and very patient) Shiloh Shepherd which caused some dust ups. We had both of them stay with Kristi (Sedona for a couple weeks and Moxie for a month) and OHHHHH MAN were so glad we made that decision. She not only did amazing work in the girls’ dynamic but also really helped Mox and catered to her unique special needs. Mox has sign language down, follows instruction, etc. and has gained a ton of confidence because of Kristi’s training. We were so impressed that we’ve continued using #kristithetrainer for going on 3 years now - wouldn’t use anyone else!
Reply from The Middle PawJul 25, 2025
Thank you so much, Christopher, for this incredibly detailed and heartwarming 5-star review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear how Kristi has made such a profound difference for your unique pack, especially with your special needs rescue, Moxie.
It's truly inspiring to hear how you opened your home to Moxie, a double-Merle, deaf, and partially blind Aussie mix. We understand the specific challenges that come with dogs needing extra care, and it fills us with pride to know that Kristi's expertise was exactly what your family needed to navigate those initial "dust-ups" and build a harmonious dynamic between Moxie and Sedona.
Kristi's dedication to tailoring her training to Moxie's unique needs, including teaching sign language and building her confidence, perfectly exemplifies our commitment at The Middle Paw to every dog's individual journey. We believe every pup deserves the chance to thrive, regardless of their background or challenges.
Your continued trust in #kristithetrainer for nearly three years now is the highest compliment we could receive. It truly means the world to us that we've been able to support your amazing family for so long.
Thank you again for sharing your story and for your incredible recommendation! We look forward to many more years of supporting you, Moxie, and Sedona.
EA
Erin A.
There are not enough stars to give…
There are not enough stars to give #kristithetrainer for the support, training, and guidance she's given our pup, Dexer, AND us!! From the moment I spoke with Frank about the program, I knew they were thorough and knew their stuff. The countless questions, onboarding coordination, and attention to detail, it was 5 stars all the way!
We had issues with Dex controlling his excitement. This led to pulling on the leash, jumping on people, and nipping when he got excited. We were desperate when we found them, to say the least!
#kristithetrainer deserves a million stars! She sent us countless videos, photos, and training videos of Dex along the way. She kept us up to date on both fun and important things along his journey. When we picked him up, she spent as much time as we needed making sure we were comfortable and solid before bringing him home. And in the days following, she provided unbelievable support and words of encouragement.
3 months ago we were considering rehoming Dex, heartbroken that he was just not a fit for our family. Today, he is thriving! He is going to doggy daycare, playing with other pups, safe within our home, etc. #kristithetrainer gave us tools to ensure that we are comfortable and Dex has the support he needs at home.
I am happy to report that he has not jumped on one person since being home! He actually has patience. He hardly pulls on a leash, and that's only the real anomaly when he's VERY excited and immediately listens when I correct. He actually knows when he does something wrong now and even puts himself on a timeout in his crate when he knows Mom's upset. ;)
If you are considering a trainer for ANY reason for your pup, you are in the best hands imaginable with #kristithetrainer and The Middle Paw! We not only now have a dog with manners, that we have control over, but he was loved greatly along the path of training. It's more than we could have wished for!
Reply from The Middle PawJul 25, 2025
Wow, Erin, thank you for sharing such a powerful and heartfelt review – and for those wonderful pictures of Dexter and Kristi! We're truly touched by your kind words and the incredible effort you put into telling your story.
Hearing about the transformation of your pup, Dexter, and the peace it's brought to your family, is exactly why we do what we do at The Middle Paw. It warms our hearts to know that from your very first conversation with Frank you felt confident in our thorough approach and dedication. We truly strive to provide that detailed coordination and attention to every client from day one.
We completely understand how desperate you must have felt dealing with Dexter's over-excitement, leash pulling, jumping, and nipping. It's truly inspiring to see how far he's come! Kristi's tireless work, from the countless videos and photos that kept you updated, to the comprehensive pick-up session and unbelievable post-training support, is a testament to her profound commitment to both dogs and their families.
Your honesty about considering rehoming Dexter just three months ago makes his current thriving state even more remarkable. Knowing that he's now confidently playing at doggy daycare, is safe within your home, and that you have the tools to continue his progress, is the greatest reward. It's fantastic to hear he's no longer jumping, has developed patience, and is so responsive on the leash – even putting himself in his crate for a timeout! 😉
We're so proud to know that Dexter was not only trained with expert manners and control but was also "loved greatly along the path of training." That deep care is a cornerstone of our philosophy.
Thank you for trusting The Middle Paw and #kristithetrainer. We're honored to have helped you and Dexter find such a joyful and harmonious life together, and we couldn't ask for a better recommendation!
LT
larry T.
3 week training was worth the extra…
3 week training was worth the extra money. He learned his basic on leash , enjoys crate time and is learning potty training. We have good communication for the long road ahead of us thank to #kristithetrainer.
Reply from The Middle PawJul 25, 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful 5-star review! We're absolutely thrilled to hear that the 3-week training program was so valuable for your pup, and that he's now excelling with his basic on-leash skills, enjoying crate time, and making great progress with potty training.
Building clear communication for that "long road ahead" is exactly what we aim for, and it warms our hearts to know that Kristi's dedication has made such a positive impact. She truly goes above and beyond to set both dogs and owners up for success.
Thank you for trusting The Middle Paw with your furry family member. We're so proud to have been a part of your journey and are excited for all the continued progress you'll make together!
