🐾 Kids at the Dog Park: Real Stories, Safety Risks & Smarter Solutions
If you’ve spent time at an off-leash park, you’ve probably seen it:A parent strolls in with a stroller 🚼 or […]
If you’re searching for a dog park in Waldwick, New Jersey that goes beyond standard play spaces, Kathy Santo Dog Training stands out for its comprehensive services and warm, community feel. This highly-recommended facility offers more than just a safe place to exercise and socialize your dog; it’s a training center with options for puppy classes, beginner obedience, agility, and dedicated play days. Local dog owners rave about the caring and experienced staff, making it a staple for pet-friendly activities and dog lovers throughout Bergen County.
Unique for its strong emphasis on training and dog development, Kathy Santo’s location also serves as a hub for socialization events and special gatherings. Client feedback emphasizes the joy dogs feel upon arrival and the transformation seen through participating in the variety of classes. With passionate trainers and a welcoming community, Kathy Santo Dog Training is an excellent pick for those looking for dog-friendly activities, puppy care, and trusted boarding services in the area.
I’ve trained three of my dogs with Kathy over the last 20 years, and now my newest Ellie, is loving her time attending the “Academy”. The progress she’s made in just a few short weeks has been truly remarkable. She’s like a whole new dog (in the best way possible)! The trainers are kind, knowledgeable and clearly dedicated. Ellie absolutely loves play care and can’t wait to run inside each time we arrive. I highly recommend KSDT!
Kathy and team are great. Highly recommend.
UPDATE: 09/14/2025 – My wife and I are so happy that we found Kathy’s Dog Training. Our Boerboel is now 8 months old and is a powerful yet loving dog. He’s been going to puppy, beginner, and agility training with Kathy for several months. He loves going for Play days and training classes to interact with Kathy and all her wonderful support staff. Kathy is always present and shares her expert knowledge with everyone. We have boarded Rocky with Kathy and team (Courtney) on multiple occasions and he is always so happy to see them. Kathy and Team are the best.
We’ve had multiple incidents where dog feces has been left on our property by the dog walkers. I finally got to witness one of them do it and called him out on it. He exclaimed he didn’t have bags on him and would circle back around but he walked away and left the dog feces. Also we have been noticing our signs keep getting stepped on by them as well. We don’t have them up to cause trouble but to make sure the dog walkers are aware we don’t want urine nor feces on the property. We have small children with dog allergies.
We have been training with Kathy Santo since we rescued Elly. She was a Tasmanian Devil when we adopted her. Kathy and her team have helped significantly train Elly and me so that she is now a well-behaved dog. I recommend Kathy to everyone that I meet who has a dog that needs training (and the owners, too).
I can’t tell you enough how wonderful this establishment is. The people are caring and very well trained. I initially went there to look for boarding and Doggie Daycare. I am now a believer and would shout from the rooftops to encourage my friends with puppies and dogs to experience Kathy’s training. I used an at-home trainer, and my dog learned how to sit, lie down, and give paw. After a few weeks, he was back to pulling on the leash and basically stop responding to commands. After 1 day of play care with fast track, my dog responded to all commands.
At 1st, I thought Kathy’s program was a bit of overkill, but she is the best trainer we have had, and we are on dog number 8.
Love this place, I would leave my son there if they could train him as well! We love their special events as well.