All-Star Dog Training vs Proactive Dog Training: which fits your training goals?
Both of these Durham trainers post nearly identical composite scores and both specialize in board-and-train work for anxious or reactive dogs, so the real choice comes down to training philosophy and how each structures follow-up. Here's how they compare for anyone picking a Training Programs provider, based on our methodology.
Verdict
The right pick depends on whether you value scale and structured aftercare or a specific training philosophy with a built-in safety net. All-Star Dog Training suits owners who want a bigger track record and a clear path into group classes once board-and-train ends. Proactive Dog Training suits owners drawn to a play-based method and the reassurance of a free extension if their dog needs more time, backed by a team of trainers owners describe as genuinely bonding with their dogs. Both score identically overall, so this comes down to which training style and follow-up structure matches how you want to work with your dog.
Which should you pick?
Pick All-Star Dog Training if
- You want the higher-volume, higher-confidence track record with 350 reviews behind it
- You plan to continue with group classes or refresh packages after the initial program
- You prefer a structured private-lesson follow-up led by a small named team
Pick Proactive Dog Training, LLC if
- You like the idea of a play-based training method over a more traditional structure
- You want a built-in guarantee of a free extension if your dog isn't ready to graduate on schedule
- You want a wider roster of named trainers who build individual relationships with your dog
The differences that matter
- Training method and structure. All-Star leans on personalized programs under Michael's team with private lessons following board stays, while Proactive builds its programs around a play-based approach that trainers like Javier and Amy use to reinforce lasting compliance.
- What happens if a dog isn't ready. Proactive explicitly offers free program extensions when a dog needs more time before graduating, a specific guarantee not mentioned in All-Star's offering.
- Review volume and confidence. All-Star has a larger review base (350 vs 135) and higher confidence rating, giving buyers more data points to judge consistency.
- Ongoing reinforcement after training ends. All-Star pairs its programs with discounted group classes and refresh packages, while Proactive's follow-up is framed more as open-ended support from the same trainers who worked the dog originally.
- Staff-dog relationships named by owners. Proactive owners repeatedly name multiple trainers (Javier, Amy, Kat, Breanna, Cam) as building individual bonds with their dogs, a broader named roster than All-Star's Madison and Rebekah.
Side by side
- Google rating
- All-Star Dog Training: 4.9 (350 reviews)
- Proactive Dog Training, LLC: 5 (135 reviews)
- Services
- All-Star Dog Training: daycare boarding, grooming, dog training, puppy daycare
- Proactive Dog Training, LLC: puppy daycare, dog training, dog walker
- Best for
- All-Star Dog Training: Owners wanting a larger, established program with structured post-training classes
- Proactive Dog Training, LLC: Owners who want a play-based method and assurance of a free extension if training needs more time
- Specialty fit
- All-Star Dog Training: Anxiety, reactivity, aggression with owner-education focus
- Proactive Dog Training, LLC: Reactive and anxious dogs with an emphasis on relationship-building and play
- Verification
- All-Star Dog Training: Google-verified
- Proactive Dog Training, LLC: Google-verified
- Composite score
- All-Star Dog Training: 93
- Proactive Dog Training, LLC: 93
Within 3 points of each other, so treat them as effectively tied on overall quality. The choice below is about fit, not the score.
What reviewers say
All-Star Dog Training
Owners consistently report dramatic behavioral turnarounds after board-and-train stays, with staff sending updates and photos throughout. Trainers teach owners the techniques to maintain progress at home, and many continue with group classes for ongoing reinforcement.
The facility serves puppies through senior dogs, handling anxiety, reactivity, and leash manners. Michael leads a team that personalizes programs; named trainers include Madison and Rebekah. Private lessons follow board stays, and discounted group classes and check-ins keep dogs on track after initial programs end.
Proactive Dog Training, LLC
Owners report their dogs show lasting behavioral change months after board-and-train, with staff providing daily video updates and explaining training methods. Trainers like Javier, Amy, Kat, Breanna, and Cam build relationships with dogs and stand behind results, offering follow-up support and willingness to extend programs at no extra cost when progress warrants it.
Still deciding which works best?
Tell us what you need once and hear from suitable dog day care center in Durham, NC.
Enquiries submitted through our forms may be passed to partner providers who can do the work, and we may receive a referral fee. Our rankings and scores are based on our published method only, independent of any referral fees.
FAQ
- Do both businesses offer board-and-train programs?
- Yes. Both All-Star Dog Training and Proactive Dog Training run board-and-train stays with daily photo or video updates and follow-up support afterward.
- Which has more reviews?
- All-Star Dog Training has 350 reviews at a 4.9 rating, while Proactive Dog Training has 135 reviews at a perfect 5.0 rating.
- Does either offer a guarantee if training doesn't go as planned?
- Proactive Dog Training specifically offers free program extensions if a dog isn't ready to graduate, which isn't mentioned in All-Star's program details.
- Which is better for reactive or anxious dogs?
- Both specialize in this area. All-Star emphasizes owner education to maintain progress at home, while Proactive emphasizes a play-based method for lasting compliance.