Diane Horton
Aug 3rd, 2026
Cynthia and Mason are the most talented dog whisperers I could recommend for your fur babies. Cynthia had trained 3 of our dogs over the past 15 years. The light colored one and Brown one were our Pitties. Wonderful job with them. The Canecorso is our current fur baby. Totally different dog when we got her back. Highly Recommend Cynthia and her Staff. Well Worth the Price. We love the Fantastic Job they did with Breesi. 💓🥰
Response from the owner
Aug 10th, 2026
Thank you for your review Diane!
It’s been an honor to help you with your wonderful pups over the years!
Jess Sullivant
Jan 23rd, 2026
We are endlessly grateful to Cynthia and the team at A Better Bond Dog Training. Cynthia put our English Lab through her Board and Train program, and it truly changed our lives.
Cynthia is incredibly knowledgeable and brings years of experience to her work. She helped us understand our pup’s behavior through a breed-specific, genetics-based lens, which was such a lightbulb moment for us. She also helped us realize our dog was capable of so much more than we were allowing, once we stepped back and let her problem-solve and build confidence on her own.
Before training, we didn’t feel comfortable taking our dog many places because we worried about her safety. Now, we feel confident, empowered, and excited to experience the world with her. Just as importantly, Cynthia taught us how to be better dog owners. She is patient, thoughtful, and amazing at teaching humans and dogs alike, both of which are equally important in this process.
We recommend ABBDT without hesitation, and we’ve already said that any future pup we have will absolutely be going to see Cynthia.
Response from the owner
Jan 29th, 2026
Thank you so much! We adore Rosie and are excited to be an ongoing help on your journey with her!
Karen Fryar
Jan 8th, 2026
I want to thank you for the amazing job you did training our dog Annie. Because of you and your staff, our precious Annie has become a wonderful dog. We never would have known that she had dirty dog syndrome. We were also dealing with a fearful dog that had missed the crucial period of time where she needed to have interaction with other humans and dogs so that she would be well adjusted. We are so grateful to you all for your patience in working with a stubborn but sweet Otterhound.
Cynthia is very patient with dogs and the owners. She made sure that we understood everything about the training and why it works. She does not use fear based training, which would not have worked with our dog. Like she told us, she’s still the same dog but now with more skills and manners. Annie has made so much progress and we continue to work with her every day to make her the best dog possible.
Response from the owner
Jan 13th, 2026
Thank you Karen! Thank you for trusting us with Annie and to help your family. Both during her board and train and as you continue her progress at home.
Alondra Del Real
Sep 21st, 2020
Started working with Cynthia back in 2020 when we got my 1st corso & I knew that this breed needed constant training in their life. We did board & train with him & I was so amazed by his progress & how well Cynthia communicate his needs with us that we had continued working with her all these years.
She has now board & trained 3 of our corsos & has done private lessons with our 2 german shepherds. I completely trust her training methods!
Response from the owner
Apr 13th, 2024
Thank you so much Alondra! I adore you and your crew!
Heather Harrison
Jan 21st, 2025
I have been involved with rescue for over 30 years and have worked with many trainers. Cynthia is the BEST I have ever encountered. When we rescued Cash I knew we needed serious training as he is a Cane Corso. After his training with Cynthia, he is so cool and confident. We can take him anywhere. Cynthia has also taught us so much as well. She is 4 hours away from where we live but worth every mile it takes to get to her.
Response from the owner
Jan 21st, 2025
Thank you so much Heather! We have loved being part of your journey with Cash!
Becky Blackwell
Dec 29th, 2024
We are absolutely thrilled with the results we've seen from working with Cynthia and everyone from A Better Bond Dog Training! What stands out the most is their patience, consistency, and personalized approach. Cynthia took the time to understand our dog’s unique temperament and tailored the training plan specifically to fit our needs. Not only did they teach us effective techniques, but they also empowered us with the tools and confidence to continue reinforcing positive behavior at home. The level of care and attention to detail is truly remarkable, and we always felt supported throughout the process. Communication was clear and consistent during training and beyond. Cynthia continues to check-in with us and help with any questions or concerns we may have. She also organizes a Pack Walk once a month that has been beyond helpful in continuing our learning, as well as giving us a place and time to feel confident in the skills we have learned. We can't thank Cynthia and ABBDT enough for their dedication, expertise, and for going above and beyond to help us bring out the best in Millie and helping her live her best life!
Response from the owner
Jan 2nd, 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for trusting us to support your training journey with Millie. Looking forward to seeing you at the next pack walk!
Ronald Lee
Oct 24th, 2022
THE BEST DECISION IN MY LIFE EVER onboarding my pet, Demie(Italian Greyhound), with Cynthia and Matt.
She lacked confidence and was very afraid of the world. I tried a lot of trainings on my own and I failed. I didn't know what to do and why she barks at everything at that moment. Cynthia and Matt explained about her behaviors every single details so I can understand Demie more why she acted like that. I had multiple follow-up lessons as well for me to get trained how to train my pet. Cynthia took great care of Demie even when she hang out with other small dogs. I felt her sincere love for dogs. Their training skills are really professional, systematic, and detailed oriented trainers. Please don't hesitate if you are looking for dog trainers.
Response from the owner
Oct 24th, 2022
We are so thrilled with your success and ecstatic that you are using little Demie's training so much! Ya'll are awesome, thank you for the review!
Tiffany Banks
Mar 2nd, 2025
Training with Cynthia at ABBDT has been life-changing for both me and my dog, Sam. Before training, Sam was strong-willed, pushy, and demanding—and without realizing it, I was reinforcing those behaviors. He didn’t listen, and I struggled to set boundaries. But after working with Cynthia, it’s like night and day. He’s now polite, well-mannered, and looks to me for guidance. He no longer feels the need to take control, which allows me to see more of his true personality. He’s still a husky mix with plenty of opinions, but now he expresses them in a way that strengthens our bond instead of testing it.
Cynthia is professional, knowledgeable, and an excellent listener. She took the time to understand both Sam’s personality and my challenges, then provided a clear, effective plan and guidance that transformed our relationship.
The calm home-like training environment allowed Sam to get more individualized attention, and I didn’t have to worry about the stress of a large, chaotic facility—especially since he came from a shelter. This setting also helped make his transition back to our home and daily routine smoother.
One of my favorite parts of working with Cynthia is her private Facebook group, where I could see frequent updates of Sam’s progress and learn from her work with other dogs. The program also includes group obedience classes and pack walks, which are fun ways to reinforce the training and have fun.
This experience hasn’t just changed Sam—it’s changed me. The clarity, peace of mind, and confidence I’ve gained have been well worth the investment. And my relationship with Sam is a byproduct and a source of immense joy.
Cynthia and her team are outstanding. I can’t recommend them highly enough!
Response from the owner
Mar 4th, 2025
Thank you Tiffany! You and Sam make a fantastic team now and we are so grateful to be part of that process. He’s such a cool, intelligent dog and is so lucky to have you as his owner.
Sutton Kredt
Aug 14th, 2025
I’m so glad I invested in ABBDT for my pup and myself! Juni was a very nervous and reactive dog before training and I loved hearing about/seeing her progress during the 5 weeks she spent with Cynthia and Mason. They were so patient in building her foundation and instructing me on how to be a less anxious owner and advocate for my dog. Wonderful experience 🙂
Response from the owner
Aug 27th, 2025
Oh! Look at Juni on the beach! I am so happy for you two Sutton and sincerely appreciate all the trust you placed in us.
Remember we are just a phone call our a zoom session away from helping with whatever you ladies need, whatever your travels may take you!
Kim Barnes
May 21st, 2024
Can’t say enough good words about ABB- for background I had adopted a 2.5 year old mix dog at the end of 2023 who had never had any training and was very leash reactive towards other dogs. I live in a large apartment complex and dogs are everywhere so it was important that I was able to work with my dog ,Holly, to give her the best possible life. I had also had previous poor experiences with trainers and Cynthia made me feel very comfortable with her methods and approach.
Fast forward to today, not only does Holly have basic manors but I have the confidence to walk down my hallways and on the street and not have to worry about Holly having a bad reaction towards another dog. We are able to go on longer walks now, go to parks, and just have a better experience overall. The ABB team was great with communication via their fb group and texts/phone and I never had to worry about what was going on with Holly.
Training will be a long-term investment and I can’t wait to see how my dog develops over the next year and would highly recommend ABB for training needs.
Response from the owner
May 21st, 2024
Thank you so much for sharing your experience Kim! We are so happy to be an ongoing part of your training journey with Holly. She is a fantastic dog and definitely won the adoption lottery when you found her!
Heather Obermiller
Apr 4th, 2023
Even 5/5 stars seems inadequate for the amazing work Cynthia does at ABBDT.
Choosing ABBDT was the BEST decision I could have made for a training program for my little Shih-Tzu/Yorkie mix!
Cynthia was a godsend in training him. I struggled for years with my dog being reactive toward other dogs to the point I could not even have a conversation with friends or family if other dogs were around. After the training and follow up lessons Captain is so much more comfortable on walks and being around non-reactive dogs! As well as improvements with his general obedience and excitability. I can honestly say my quality of life both for Captain and myself has improved greatly due to Cynthia’s expertise!
I believe it is not only her expertise, but also the compassion she has for each and every dog/owner she welcomes into her program that really sets ABBDT apart from other programs . It is clear as day how much my Captain loves Cynthia, and I do too!!
Words can never truly express how grateful I am to have met and worked with Cynthia. Truly life changing!!
Response from the owner
Apr 25th, 2023
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I adore Captain and am so glad the two of you are benefiting so much from his training and your coaching! Keep up the great work!
Danielle Plunkett
Jun 19th, 2024
Our experience with Cynthia & team of ABBDT has been hands-down the BEST, and exactly what we needed for our 2yo Cane Corso Pitbull Terrier Mix, Hopper.
We did a 6 week board & train with another facility when Hopper was 7mos old.
Even with a good training foundation, we were experiencing “teenage” behavior and reactivity/possessiveness in Hopper.
Hopper has progressed beautifully since working with Cynthia! She assessed his behavior/personality/demeanor and customized tools and training to his needs.
Cynthia’s communication skills are top-notch and so refreshing after having had poor communication during our initial board & train. She caters to helping owners understand behaviors in their pet and works closely with them to build confidence in handling.
Our home is much more peaceful and the stress level has significantly diminished with the tools and guidance Cynthia has provided. Our financial investment came with the most benefit for Hopper and our family. Thank you Cynthia!
Response from the owner
Jun 19th, 2024
Thank you so much for this fantastic feedback Danielle! It means the world to us.
Lauren McKinney
Dec 3rd, 2024
I HIGHLY recommend A Better Bond Dog Training. The results have been truly transformative!! Our puppy was an adorable furry terrorist. But not anymore!! Cynthia teaches you and your dog how to communicate. So now when we tell our dog to sit, he sits (even when the front door is wide open). He stays in his place. He walks perfectly on the leash! And when our dog steals socks, all I have to do is tell him to “leave it,” and he does!! Honestly not sure what we would have done without ABBDT. Can’t thank Cynthia and her team enough!!
Response from the owner
Dec 4th, 2024
Thank you so much Lauren! It is always an absolute pleasure to work with owners who are engaged in the training process. Thank you for trusting us with Canute during his board and train and through the years to come! Really appreciate you!
Erin Tyner
Aug 15th, 2025
Cynthia and her team are so awesome! I did a 5 week board and train for my 1 year old, very reactive pup. Walking him on leash was a nightmare, not having the tools myself to calm him down when something triggered his fight or flight made me anxious to take him in public, and just not having the ability to ease his fears were a few of my biggest struggles with him. This team took my very afraid little boy and helped him start a journey to being a more confident dog. Cynthia is a great communicator through the process and has continued to be a huge support as we’ve transitioned him back home! I’m so glad this program was so highly recommended to me and I look forward to continuing his training with their support!
Response from the owner
Aug 27th, 2025
Thank you so much Erin! Ron is such a joy and we loved having him with for the board and train portion of his training. We are very excited to continue watching the two of you grow and can’t wait to see his ongoing progress!
Thank you so much for trusting us with your wonderful boy. See y’all soon!
Emily Murdoch
Jan 22nd, 2025
We highly recommend A Better Bond Dog Training! From the very first call, Cynthia has been incredibly informative and patient with all our questions. She is always quick to respond, courteous, and flexible with our schedule. Our very anxious German Shepherd attended their tailored board and stay program, teaching her the skills needed to be a more confident dog and have faith in us as her handlers, leading to a more harmonious household. Through Cynthia’s take-home lessons, we've gained invaluable knowledge to maintain our dog's training. One of the standout aspects is her vast knowledge of dogs, their behavior, and finding quickly what works for them. Cynthia sets realistic goals, ensuring we understand the progress and milestones along the way. Cynthia and her team have worked tirelessly, ensuring we are never left in the dark. We can't thank them enough for their dedication to our dog, Jasmine.
Response from the owner
Jan 25th, 2025
Thank you so much Emily! My team and I are so thankful to be a part of your training journey with Jasmine! I really adore her.
Laura Jbeily
Dec 27th, 2019
I would not have the relationship that I have with my dog if I did not work with Cynthia. I want to outline 3 key things why I would take my dog, or any doggo for that matter, to Cynthia.
1. Cynthia is not only a gifted dog trainer and someone who will tell you how it really is but as her business name indicates, she is not trying to just modify your dog's behavior, she is working on literally, creating a better bond between you and your dog emotionally, mentally, and physically. You can only get so far with dog treats so it is ESSENTIAL that this bond is created because that is what is you will be building on when you take your dog home.
2. Yes, Cynthia will be working with your dog to learn the basics and polite behavior but something that I do not want you to miss (and something that I didn't really think about until after the fact) is that YOU as the dog trainer will be doing more learning than your dog! They are smart little stinkers. I am being honest when I say that I had to learn more than my dog did (how to communicate with him, to read him, to understand my own body language and how he reads that, etc.) and that was the hardest but most rewarding part. A brief intro to my experience with my dog, Teddy, is that he has leash reactivity and it is STILL something we work on on every walk. Training doesn't stop!
3. The cost. That is a major hiccup for so many people (and it was something I had to think about since I was starting my own business and not sitting on a stack of money) BUT another 2 things here: this is a long-term investment. I think it is a better deal to have a great long term relationship with your dog than to have a dog and dog owner who hate each other. Number 2, after seeing all that Cynthia does and buys to care for your dog for the duration of their stay, the cost is reasonable and make sense because she is also a small business owner herself!
All in all, Cynthia will have my business forever. She is honest, hard-working, and really wants you to love your doggo.
Response from the owner
Dec 5th, 2023
Thank you so much Laura !
Rachel Newell
Dec 29th, 2020
Cynthia and better bond dog training were amazing! Our dog Poppy was enrolled in the board and train program and we have been SO impressed. Cynthia was extremely communicative about our dogs progress and where she was at. She worked specifically with her to understand her particular problems and what she needed while incorporating things that were important to us. We love that our dog was inside the home and had real life experiences there. Cynthia was able to pick up on anxieties our dog had but we never quite realized. It’s been so helpful in having her as a resource as Poppy has transitioned home. As we’ve transitioned home Cynthia has been involved in the whole process and always available for text and calls as we need them. Thanks so much for everything Cynthia!
Response from the owner
Dec 29th, 2020
Thank you Rachel!
I highly recommend Cynthia and her staff at A Better Bond Dog Training. The expertise and care for each dog in their care can be seen by the dogs reactions to the trainers.
Response from the owner
Jan 14th, 2026
Thank you for trusting us to help you with Cedar! We appreciate you Lou.
My wife and I have tried using other trainers to help with a very anxious and reactionary dog that has had some incidents with strangers. None of them have come close to the impact that Cynthia has had.
Cynthia spent 8 weeks with our dog and it completely transformed her. Cynthia sees and has a deep understanding of the subtle behaviors of dogs and the core reasons behind them. It was apparent in the first 20 minutes of our first meeting that Cynthia speaks the language better than anyone we know.
You will not regret using Cynthia.
Response from the owner
Mar 30th, 2024
Thank you so much Dan! It has been a joy to work with your family and see everyone thrive!
A Canine’s Way Dog Training
Jan 1st, 2023
I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for Cynthia and ABBDT. I've known Cynthia for five years now, and have adopted three of my personal dogs from her. These three dogs have all become such huge parts of my life, and thanks to Cynthia they all had phenomenal starts inter training that have allowed all of us to truly enjoy life together in the fullest capacity.
Cynthia is an incredibly gifted trainer, that truly values the relationship between dog owners and their dogs. Her values and ethics as a professional trainer are truly unmatched. If you're looking for a trainer, look no further. You absolutely can't go wrong with Cynthia and A Better Bond Dog Training.
Response from the owner
May 17th, 2023
Thank you so much!
Rachel Garabedian
Nov 25th, 2023
A better bond dog training has been amazing to work with. Having our dog in the puppy and foundations programs this year have given us so much great foundational training for our dog! They are also always available for questions that come up while our dog is home with us! I never have to worry when boarding our dog as she is in great hands with Cynthia and her team. They are all incredible and will love your dog as much as you do while giving them valuable training and socialization!
Response from the owner
Nov 27th, 2023
Thank you so much for your feedback and your trust!
Jessica Cicone
Jul 30th, 2025
This place is the real deal!!
I would consider myself a reasonably knowledgeable dog person, but when I made the decision to bring a Cane Corso puppy into my home in January, I knew I was going to need help making sure that pup grew into a well-behaved canine companion (and not a beautiful hellion!). My breeder recommended Cynthia at A Better Bond Dog Training by name, and let me know that she specializes in working with Cane Corsos (although I’m pretty sure Cynthia can train anything folks, probably even cats and my seven year old human).
My baby girl Frannie has blossomed during her two stay and trains! She did an initial Wonder Puppy Program where she came home on the weekends and learned structure, manners, beautiful leash work and a variety of commands. She just finished a five week program and has come home to us as a complete and total delight. I now have a nine month old dog who is trained waaaay better than any of my adult dogs ever were! But the part that I love the most is that she is NOT a robot; every aspect of what Cynthia, Mason and the rest of the team do is accomplished with love, honor, fairness and ALWAYS respect. This is not a one size fits all program, which I have personally experienced before with other trainers. Each dog is learned on an individual basis, and their unique traits/quirks/strengths/weaknesses are tapped into to help the dog gain confidence, trust and mutual respect, and then eventually the desired behavior.
We all want our fur babies to be with someone we can trust to love and care for them as much as we do, whether it’s a for a single day or a five week stay and train program. You will get that here. And let’s face it; even if our dog is far from perfect, half ugly, kind of a jerk on full moons (or every day maybe), we still secretly want someone to like them as much as we do. I can tell you truthfully, here they will!!
Response from the owner
Aug 27th, 2025
Thank you so much Jessica! I absolutely adore you, your daughter and Frannie. We are so happy to be part of this journey with you!
We are loving Cynthia and her team. We have two young Goldendoodles from the same litter that were becoming quite the handful. We used Cynthia for a board and train/puppy jumpstart program to get us heading in the right direction. It has definitely been worth it! Our puppies are doing amazing! They are walking on a leash well and have great puppy manners. We are continuing to work with her on their growth and feel positive about what to expect in the next year. We highly recommend a better bond!
Response from the owner
Dec 5th, 2023
Thank you so much!
Kathryn Crane
Jul 1st, 2021
This is the BEST time and treasure we have invested in a very long time. We’ve had a wonderful experience every step of the way and could not be more thrilled with the outcome!
We missed Bonnie while she was away but knew she was loved and cared for. 🐶. Bonnie and Cynthia put in a lot of hard work and we are so proud of our pup! Our children are more comfortable and the stress associated with a teenage pup is in the rear view mirror. Cynthia has taught us how to be better humans to our dog and has taught Bonnie the manners and discipline to be a part of our busy family life.
A better bond dog training deserves all the stars!! Thank you!
Response from the owner
Dec 5th, 2023
Thank you so much Kathryn! We miss Bonnie's beautiful face around here! She is the best little Bulldog!
Alondra Del Real
Sep 14th, 2020
We decided to get a Cane Corso for our next dog and we knew we needed to start him off right! I know some basics when it comes to training but I know i would need more help with this type of breed. Cynthia has been amazing when she took our Boy Jiovanni for board in train, we had a few hiccups during his training (he started to limp) but Cynthia notified us ASAP and worked with us so we don't overwork his growing joints but still get his training done.
We also started to do private lessons with our shepherd mix, as she has some reactivity towards other dogs and ppl, she has been doing amazing progress with the few lessons we have already had!
Love Cynthia and her team!
Response from the owner
Dec 5th, 2023
Thank you Alondra! It is still a joy to see the fantastic Cane Corso Jio has grown into all these years later!
Megan Miller
Dec 22nd, 2020
Cynthia and the whole team at A Better Bond training were absolutely wonderful! Our anxious and spastic sheepadoodle puppy was out of control and scared of everything. The team was able to teach our pup how to be brave and show us how to help her through those anxious moments, along with basic manners, and finishing up potty training. Cynthia was always available for a quick chat and was constantly checking in with status updates and progress reports on our girl. We are so thankful we found A Better Bond Dog training, and will continue to keep in touch as our pup grows.
Response from the owner
Dec 22nd, 2020
Thank you Megan!
Leslie Vander Gheynst
Mar 19th, 2024
We love Cynthia. Our pittie puppy was having struggles coming from an unknown background. Cynthia has helped our puppy and our family with strong rules, structure, and ongoing support!! So grateful for our relationship with A Better Bond Training.
Response from the owner
Mar 20th, 2024
Thank you so much! It has been wonderful to watch your family’s ongoing success with Gretchen. You all have so much to be proud of!
She really hit the adoption jackpot with you!
Emilee West
Nov 30th, 2024
We couldn’t be more grateful for Cynthia and Mason at A Better Bond Dog Training. From start to finish, they went above and beyond in caring for our dog, Koda. Their communication was fantastic throughout the entire board-and-train process, keeping us updated on his progress and answering all of our questions. Cynthia’s knowledge and dedication to Koda’s well-being really stood out—she took the time to understand his personality and tailored the training to suit his needs.
Mason was equally amazing, providing hands-on care and consistent guidance to help Koda build confidence and improve his behavior. It was clear that both Cynthia and Mason genuinely had Koda’s best interests at heart, and they made sure we were equipped with the tools to continue his training at home.
We’re so happy with the transformation we’ve seen in Koda, and we can’t recommend A Better Bond Dog Training enough. If you’re looking for trainers who truly care and know how to bring out the best in your dog, this is the place!
Response from the owner
Mar 1st, 2025
Thank you so much for trusting us to help you and Koda! We really enjoyed working with you and your family!
Shanna Dearmore
Nov 10th, 2020
Cynthia was awesome with our dog, Barley. He had bitten our other dog twice and was showing signs of aggression that made our home a very uncomfortable place.
Cynthia was very professional, she came to our home and met all of our dogs and assessed the situation. She was upfront with the cost and the plan she thought was best for Barley. We were very nervous leaving him for an extensive board and train but also had reached a point where he could go with her or we would need to re-home him, which we did not want to do. We learned while searching for help that we could not take Barley to someone to just do obedience training, he needed to see a behaviorist before a trainer would work with him. Cynthia provided both.
We are so thankful we sent him! The end result has been a blessing. We now have a dog that is much more at ease in our home around our kids and other dogs...that is HUGE! Barley is able to be outside with us around other people, dogs and kids and is very well behaved and trusted. We can take him on walks/runs and feel safe with him. I would definitely recommend Cynthia to our friends and family if we needed to. I had no idea what a difference behavioral and obedience training could do, not only for our dogs life but for our family’s life too! We are forever grateful for Cynthia’s help and guidance.
Response from the owner
Nov 10th, 2020
Thank you Shanna! We are so glad to have helped Barley succeed in your family ❤️
Troy Bertram
Dec 5th, 2024
Cynthia and her team are exceptional. Canute transformed from a handful to an attentive and engaged dog eager to learn. ABBT equally did a great job equipping us as dog owners to learn how to apply taught skills.
Response from the owner
Dec 8th, 2024
Thank you so much for trusting us with Canute and for being so invested in your dogs training journey!
As the first time owner of a Cane Corso, I knew from my extensive research that I would need to invest in training early on to prevent issues from forming down the road.
I had initially planned to work with a trainer I met through my rescue but because of his breed, she pointed me in the direction of Cynthia and A Better Bond Dog Training and Behavior. We couldn’t be more grateful for the recommendation, Cynthia’s training knowledge in general is beyond my wildest dreams then add in her personal and professional experience with this breed. It was a match made in heaven!
We’ve been consulting via FaceTime and Zoom due to the Shelter In Place orders, not to mention he is currently on exercise restrictions because of a fractured leg. Cynthia didn’t even bat an eye when I told her about his injury! Her response was to continue as planned, we would adapt things to fit his physical limitations and focus heavily on making him mentally strong. I’ve seen drastic positive changes in how he interacts with me and the world around him in such a short time!
I couldn’t have asked for a better trainer for Capone and have recommended her to many of my friends looking for training for their pups as well. We will continue to use her for all our training needs and sending others her way for years to come! Thank you for everything Cynthia!
Love from Taylor and Capone ❤️
Response from the owner
Dec 5th, 2023
Thank you so much Taylor!
Stacy Gonzalez
Oct 24th, 2022
Our sweet cane corso, Grace, has been a handful to say the least. On top of just being a puppy, we also received her with health issues, Cynthia and Matt have taken the time and patience to not only create a very manageable dog, but also train her humans! Cynthia took everything into consideration and provided the best training! She is always available for questions, concerns or anything else pertaining to Grace. This is Grace's home away from home! I will not trust her with anyone else!
Response from the owner
Dec 5th, 2023
Thank you Stacy!
We “foster failed” our Belgian Malinois. Sending her to Cynthia for B&T is the best decision we ever made. Teaching her to navigate in life today is so important. A lot is expected of our companions for them to be “well behaved”. She started out life learning to fear people. ABBDT transformed our girl. She still has a long road ahead but Cynthia and her staff has taught us how to lead her and help her navigate life.
Response from the owner
Nov 1st, 2023
Thank you so much for your review Hank. I am grateful to be a part of your journey with Tasia!
Jessika Le Vea
Nov 12th, 2023
I have a 4 year old deaf pitbull Zero. With him being deaf it was very difficult to train him because I didn't really know what I was doing. I was desperate for help, and I came across ABBDT, and it's been the best decision I have made for my boy. He never really had any sort of structure before, and with Cynthia's guidance, I have learned how to do that for him, and he's just so much better for it. He's still a work in progress but I'm so glad Cynthia was willing to take on the challenge because he wasn't easy but seriously look no further you have found your trainer. She's amazing and so committed to and loves what she does.
Response from the owner
Nov 12th, 2023
Thank you so much Jessika! It is wonderful to be part of your journey with Zero. It continues to be an absolute joy to see the two of you enjoying life together!
Korok Chatterjee
May 16th, 2023
Had a great experience with the behavioral modification board and train program for my dog. Cynthia is great at communicating exactly what the situation is and explaining training principles, in addition to accommodating my travel schedule and even keeping Turbo for an extended time based on his progress. Would recommend!
Response from the owner
May 17th, 2023
Thank you so much Korok!
I’ll be reaching out to schedule a follow up with you this week.
Super excited and very thankful to continue helping you and Turbo on this journey!
Crissie Ferguson
Oct 19th, 2019
A Better Bond Dog was so amazing with our Doodle. She was eating rocks and had to have two surgeries. She needed training on not eating things she wasn’t supposed to and behavioral training. She came back to us an amazing dog that we love dearly.
It was a great experience and would highly recommend them. Not only for the training but the follow up and solid commitment.
Your dog will be in great hands and you will be thrilled with your outcome.
Response from the owner
Mar 18th, 2020
Thank you Crissie! I do love Miss Riley!
Lisa Sailer
Oct 11th, 2019
It’s been almost two years since I had the privilege of meeting Cynthia at a training seminar that she hosted. I knew instantly that she was my type of trainer! Her calm and compassionate manner is the perfect compliment to the way she understands dog behavior and helps the human to
learn and how communicate with their dogs.
Response from the owner
Mar 18th, 2020
Thank you for these kind words my friend!
Lindsey Palkovic
Aug 26th, 2022
We feel so lucky to have found Cynthia Garlaska and a Better Bond Dog Training! We have a reactive Great Dane and other methods of training weren't helping. Cynthia's approach through not just training, but also behavior modification and building a better human-canine relationship, have been a game changer. She has taught us how to understand where his reactivity is coming from and how we can improve ourselves to help support him. We know change doesn't happen overnight, but we wouldn't be where we are now without her guidance. She has been a lifesaver!
Response from the owner
Oct 24th, 2022
Thank you so much Lindsey, Django is such an awesome dog and we really enjoy every lesson with all of you!
Leslie Rubenstein
Nov 28th, 2023
Our relationship with our dog is night and day after working with Cynthia. She understands every nuance of a dogs behavior and what’s behind it, but also how to modify and impact the cause, and train not only our dog but more importantly us. Our home is a MUCH happier place and our dog is a MUCH better behaved part of our family.
Response from the owner
Dec 5th, 2023
Thank you Leslie! I am so happy to be part of your journey with our beloved otterhound Gilly ❤️
Janine Morgan
Oct 7th, 2019
My doggie had a bit of a 'ruff' life before me, unfortunately I don't know much about what happened before. After the transition home from college and her first heat cycle, she wasn't acting right - trying to defend or attack new people, wasn't walking well on a leash, and didn't play well with her previous doggie friends, guarding her toys and food.
I interviewed trainers - one even said I just needed to EXERCISE her more!!! I was baffled at this, but Cynthia talked me through options, and after meeting with her I didn't need to meet with anyone else - I booked immediately.
Rylee's training took a little longer because of the situation, but Cynthia really did her do-diligence, even through some tough personal events. She was open with me and kept me in the loop. Rylee was a different dog when I got her back, it was incredible!!
She's still got some training and lots of work to do on my end to earn her trust and build our relationship, but Cynthia continues to help me work towards Rylee and I being where we want. Behavior modification cases may take a bit longer, it's not an overnight fix! But it's absolutely worth every cent.
Response from the owner
Oct 7th, 2019
Thank you so much Janine ❤️
Annalee Tello
Feb 1st, 2024
If you have a fur baby and needs training I’ll definitely suggest to get with Cynthia, I’m new to being a dog owner and myself and my doggy learned so much of what she has training him so far. She won’t disappoint you with the training she provides for her program, you can count on this wether it be enforcement of doggy behavior, or any issues you’re having with your dog that you can’t control. Go to CYTHINA SHE GOTS YOU 🙏🏽
Response from the owner
Feb 2nd, 2024
Thank you so much Annalee! We love Royce and are so grateful to be part of your journey with him!
Jensen McBurney
Oct 21st, 2022
Cynthia and the ABBDT team are exceptional! Prior to their help I was struggling to communicate with my dog to address behavior issues. After the board and train, my dog is more relaxed, confident and I am able to communicate expectations with ease. I cannot recommend their services enough!
Response from the owner
Oct 24th, 2022
Thank you so much Jensen! Randy is such a great dog and we are so happy you are able to enjoy him so much now!
Andrea Simone
Nov 2nd, 2022
Where to start….I had found myself in over my head in a construction project at the same time my family’s name came up to bring our new puppy home. Constant construction coupled with two small kids (4 and 7) and a very senior dog that was king of the house and not at all interested in a new addition to the family made for a perfect storm of puppy crassness.
Cynthia and Matt have been a rock for our family. Lupo was able to learn and maintain his wonder puppy classes. They worked with us in between his puppy classes and Foundations stay and train, helping me maintain is training. Helped identify a few allergies that I had not realized he had and finding alternatives to their training methods due to Lupo’s allergy was critical and above and beyond. They were our life savers when we had to expectedly travel for an emergency when I had no other options to board him.
Lupo has amazing recall and great understanding of commands. With all the people in an out of our house and opening the fence to our back yard. I have not had to worry at all about him just taking off at the first site of freedom. He plays so well with other dogs, something that I was really worried about since our senior dog doesn’t have too much interest in him.
I honestly don’t think I would have made it through the last 9 months without A Better Bond Dog Training and cannot recommended them enough.We
Response from the owner
May 17th, 2023
Thank you so much Andrea!
I am so grateful for you, your family, sweet Lupo and precious old Barley. And very thankful to be part of your success!
Haydeh Davoudi
Nov 21st, 2020
How do you get 5 dogs,3 of whom are adopted and none of whom you want to give away, to co-exist so peacefully that it feels like you are living with only one?
You send them Cynthia Garlaska and A Better Bond Dog Training. You will not find a better, more knowledgeable or kinder trainer. I highly recommend her and her amazing staff.
Response from the owner
Nov 21st, 2020
Thank you so much Haydeh!
Guns, Goats And Glory
May 6th, 2022
Cynthia is an amazing trainer!! Her knowledge, compassion and intuition come thru in every interaction. I can’t say enough good things about my experience!
Response from the owner
Oct 24th, 2022
Thank you so much!
Sandra Amen
Mar 25th, 2024
Such a gifted trainer. She has really turned around our skittish Mal and continues to advise us. Very experienced and dedicated!
Response from the owner
Mar 25th, 2024
Thank you so much Sandra!!! I’m so grateful to be part of your journey with Tash!
Anthony Lee
Dec 29th, 2025
Brought both our rescue dogs here and completely transformed them!
Response from the owner
Dec 29th, 2025
Thank you so much Anthony! We are very honored to hav been able to help with their separate journeys.
Megan Speers
Mar 1st, 2025
Cynthia is the best dog trainer in Cedar Park.
Response from the owner
Mar 1st, 2025
Thank you so much Meg!
Heather Harrison
Sep 5th, 2026
I have been involved with Rescue, Foster and Dog Adoptions for decades. Along the way we have tried many trainers, I can say with 1000% certainty there is no one better that Cynthia Huff Garlaska and her crew.
Response from the owner
Sep 5th, 2026
Thank you, Heather. We are honored that someone with decades of rescue, foster, and adoption experience rates Cynthia Huff Garlaska and our crew so highly. Your trust and support mean the world to our team and motivate us to keep improving. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to help dogs and families.
Alyssa Lee
Aug 26th, 2026
Cynthia and Mason trained my poodle Rocket. They run a great program, and Rocket learned a lot, including walking loose/off leash. Rocket is reactive, but they make great strides and helping with his reactivity.
Response from the owner
Aug 26th, 2026
Thank you so much Alyssa! We love working with Rocket and are looking forward to helping you with him more throughout his adolescence!
Diane Horton
Aug 3rd, 2026
Cynthia and Mason are the most talented dog whisperers I could recommend for your fur babies. Cynthia had trained 3 of our dogs over the past 15 years. The light colored one and Brown one were our Pitties. Wonderful job with them. The Canecorso is our current fur baby. Totally different dog when we got her back. Highly Recommend Cynthia and her Staff. Well Worth the Price. We love the Fantastic Job they did with Breesi. 💓🥰
Response from the owner
Aug 10th, 2026
Thank you for your review Diane!
It’s been an honor to help you with your wonderful pups over the years!
Jess Sullivant
Jan 23rd, 2026
We are endlessly grateful to Cynthia and the team at A Better Bond Dog Training. Cynthia put our English Lab through her Board and Train program, and it truly changed our lives.
Cynthia is incredibly knowledgeable and brings years of experience to her work. She helped us understand our pup’s behavior through a breed-specific, genetics-based lens, which was such a lightbulb moment for us. She also helped us realize our dog was capable of so much more than we were allowing, once we stepped back and let her problem-solve and build confidence on her own.
Before training, we didn’t feel comfortable taking our dog many places because we worried about her safety. Now, we feel confident, empowered, and excited to experience the world with her. Just as importantly, Cynthia taught us how to be better dog owners. She is patient, thoughtful, and amazing at teaching humans and dogs alike, both of which are equally important in this process.
We recommend ABBDT without hesitation, and we’ve already said that any future pup we have will absolutely be going to see Cynthia.
Response from the owner
Jan 29th, 2026
Thank you so much! We adore Rosie and are excited to be an ongoing help on your journey with her!
Karen Fryar
Jan 8th, 2026
I want to thank you for the amazing job you did training our dog Annie. Because of you and your staff, our precious Annie has become a wonderful dog. We never would have known that she had dirty dog syndrome. We were also dealing with a fearful dog that had missed the crucial period of time where she needed to have interaction with other humans and dogs so that she would be well adjusted. We are so grateful to you all for your patience in working with a stubborn but sweet Otterhound.
Cynthia is very patient with dogs and the owners. She made sure that we understood everything about the training and why it works. She does not use fear based training, which would not have worked with our dog. Like she told us, she’s still the same dog but now with more skills and manners. Annie has made so much progress and we continue to work with her every day to make her the best dog possible.
Response from the owner
Jan 13th, 2026
Thank you Karen! Thank you for trusting us with Annie and to help your family. Both during her board and train and as you continue her progress at home.
Alondra Del Real
Sep 21st, 2020
Started working with Cynthia back in 2020 when we got my 1st corso & I knew that this breed needed constant training in their life. We did board & train with him & I was so amazed by his progress & how well Cynthia communicate his needs with us that we had continued working with her all these years.
She has now board & trained 3 of our corsos & has done private lessons with our 2 german shepherds. I completely trust her training methods!
Response from the owner
Apr 13th, 2024
Thank you so much Alondra! I adore you and your crew!
Heather Harrison
Jan 21st, 2025
I have been involved with rescue for over 30 years and have worked with many trainers. Cynthia is the BEST I have ever encountered. When we rescued Cash I knew we needed serious training as he is a Cane Corso. After his training with Cynthia, he is so cool and confident. We can take him anywhere. Cynthia has also taught us so much as well. She is 4 hours away from where we live but worth every mile it takes to get to her.
Response from the owner
Jan 21st, 2025
Thank you so much Heather! We have loved being part of your journey with Cash!
Becky Blackwell
Dec 29th, 2024
We are absolutely thrilled with the results we've seen from working with Cynthia and everyone from A Better Bond Dog Training! What stands out the most is their patience, consistency, and personalized approach. Cynthia took the time to understand our dog’s unique temperament and tailored the training plan specifically to fit our needs. Not only did they teach us effective techniques, but they also empowered us with the tools and confidence to continue reinforcing positive behavior at home. The level of care and attention to detail is truly remarkable, and we always felt supported throughout the process. Communication was clear and consistent during training and beyond. Cynthia continues to check-in with us and help with any questions or concerns we may have. She also organizes a Pack Walk once a month that has been beyond helpful in continuing our learning, as well as giving us a place and time to feel confident in the skills we have learned. We can't thank Cynthia and ABBDT enough for their dedication, expertise, and for going above and beyond to help us bring out the best in Millie and helping her live her best life!
Response from the owner
Jan 2nd, 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and for trusting us to support your training journey with Millie. Looking forward to seeing you at the next pack walk!
Ronald Lee
Oct 24th, 2022
THE BEST DECISION IN MY LIFE EVER onboarding my pet, Demie(Italian Greyhound), with Cynthia and Matt.
She lacked confidence and was very afraid of the world. I tried a lot of trainings on my own and I failed. I didn't know what to do and why she barks at everything at that moment. Cynthia and Matt explained about her behaviors every single details so I can understand Demie more why she acted like that. I had multiple follow-up lessons as well for me to get trained how to train my pet. Cynthia took great care of Demie even when she hang out with other small dogs. I felt her sincere love for dogs. Their training skills are really professional, systematic, and detailed oriented trainers. Please don't hesitate if you are looking for dog trainers.
Response from the owner
Oct 24th, 2022
We are so thrilled with your success and ecstatic that you are using little Demie's training so much! Ya'll are awesome, thank you for the review!
Tiffany Banks
Mar 2nd, 2025
Training with Cynthia at ABBDT has been life-changing for both me and my dog, Sam. Before training, Sam was strong-willed, pushy, and demanding—and without realizing it, I was reinforcing those behaviors. He didn’t listen, and I struggled to set boundaries. But after working with Cynthia, it’s like night and day. He’s now polite, well-mannered, and looks to me for guidance. He no longer feels the need to take control, which allows me to see more of his true personality. He’s still a husky mix with plenty of opinions, but now he expresses them in a way that strengthens our bond instead of testing it.
Cynthia is professional, knowledgeable, and an excellent listener. She took the time to understand both Sam’s personality and my challenges, then provided a clear, effective plan and guidance that transformed our relationship.
The calm home-like training environment allowed Sam to get more individualized attention, and I didn’t have to worry about the stress of a large, chaotic facility—especially since he came from a shelter. This setting also helped make his transition back to our home and daily routine smoother.
One of my favorite parts of working with Cynthia is her private Facebook group, where I could see frequent updates of Sam’s progress and learn from her work with other dogs. The program also includes group obedience classes and pack walks, which are fun ways to reinforce the training and have fun.
This experience hasn’t just changed Sam—it’s changed me. The clarity, peace of mind, and confidence I’ve gained have been well worth the investment. And my relationship with Sam is a byproduct and a source of immense joy.
Cynthia and her team are outstanding. I can’t recommend them highly enough!
Response from the owner
Mar 4th, 2025
Thank you Tiffany! You and Sam make a fantastic team now and we are so grateful to be part of that process. He’s such a cool, intelligent dog and is so lucky to have you as his owner.
Sutton Kredt
Aug 14th, 2025
I’m so glad I invested in ABBDT for my pup and myself! Juni was a very nervous and reactive dog before training and I loved hearing about/seeing her progress during the 5 weeks she spent with Cynthia and Mason. They were so patient in building her foundation and instructing me on how to be a less anxious owner and advocate for my dog. Wonderful experience 🙂
Response from the owner
Aug 27th, 2025
Oh! Look at Juni on the beach! I am so happy for you two Sutton and sincerely appreciate all the trust you placed in us.
Remember we are just a phone call our a zoom session away from helping with whatever you ladies need, whatever your travels may take you!
Kim Barnes
May 21st, 2024
Can’t say enough good words about ABB- for background I had adopted a 2.5 year old mix dog at the end of 2023 who had never had any training and was very leash reactive towards other dogs. I live in a large apartment complex and dogs are everywhere so it was important that I was able to work with my dog ,Holly, to give her the best possible life. I had also had previous poor experiences with trainers and Cynthia made me feel very comfortable with her methods and approach.
Fast forward to today, not only does Holly have basic manors but I have the confidence to walk down my hallways and on the street and not have to worry about Holly having a bad reaction towards another dog. We are able to go on longer walks now, go to parks, and just have a better experience overall. The ABB team was great with communication via their fb group and texts/phone and I never had to worry about what was going on with Holly.
Training will be a long-term investment and I can’t wait to see how my dog develops over the next year and would highly recommend ABB for training needs.
Response from the owner
May 21st, 2024
Thank you so much for sharing your experience Kim! We are so happy to be an ongoing part of your training journey with Holly. She is a fantastic dog and definitely won the adoption lottery when you found her!
Heather Obermiller
Apr 4th, 2023
Even 5/5 stars seems inadequate for the amazing work Cynthia does at ABBDT.
Choosing ABBDT was the BEST decision I could have made for a training program for my little Shih-Tzu/Yorkie mix!
Cynthia was a godsend in training him. I struggled for years with my dog being reactive toward other dogs to the point I could not even have a conversation with friends or family if other dogs were around. After the training and follow up lessons Captain is so much more comfortable on walks and being around non-reactive dogs! As well as improvements with his general obedience and excitability. I can honestly say my quality of life both for Captain and myself has improved greatly due to Cynthia’s expertise!
I believe it is not only her expertise, but also the compassion she has for each and every dog/owner she welcomes into her program that really sets ABBDT apart from other programs . It is clear as day how much my Captain loves Cynthia, and I do too!!
Words can never truly express how grateful I am to have met and worked with Cynthia. Truly life changing!!
Response from the owner
Apr 25th, 2023
Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! I adore Captain and am so glad the two of you are benefiting so much from his training and your coaching! Keep up the great work!
Danielle Plunkett
Jun 19th, 2024
Our experience with Cynthia & team of ABBDT has been hands-down the BEST, and exactly what we needed for our 2yo Cane Corso Pitbull Terrier Mix, Hopper.
We did a 6 week board & train with another facility when Hopper was 7mos old.
Even with a good training foundation, we were experiencing “teenage” behavior and reactivity/possessiveness in Hopper.
Hopper has progressed beautifully since working with Cynthia! She assessed his behavior/personality/demeanor and customized tools and training to his needs.
Cynthia’s communication skills are top-notch and so refreshing after having had poor communication during our initial board & train. She caters to helping owners understand behaviors in their pet and works closely with them to build confidence in handling.
Our home is much more peaceful and the stress level has significantly diminished with the tools and guidance Cynthia has provided. Our financial investment came with the most benefit for Hopper and our family. Thank you Cynthia!
Response from the owner
Jun 19th, 2024
Thank you so much for this fantastic feedback Danielle! It means the world to us.
Lauren McKinney
Dec 3rd, 2024
I HIGHLY recommend A Better Bond Dog Training. The results have been truly transformative!! Our puppy was an adorable furry terrorist. But not anymore!! Cynthia teaches you and your dog how to communicate. So now when we tell our dog to sit, he sits (even when the front door is wide open). He stays in his place. He walks perfectly on the leash! And when our dog steals socks, all I have to do is tell him to “leave it,” and he does!! Honestly not sure what we would have done without ABBDT. Can’t thank Cynthia and her team enough!!
Response from the owner
Dec 4th, 2024
Thank you so much Lauren! It is always an absolute pleasure to work with owners who are engaged in the training process. Thank you for trusting us with Canute during his board and train and through the years to come! Really appreciate you!
Erin Tyner
Aug 15th, 2025
Cynthia and her team are so awesome! I did a 5 week board and train for my 1 year old, very reactive pup. Walking him on leash was a nightmare, not having the tools myself to calm him down when something triggered his fight or flight made me anxious to take him in public, and just not having the ability to ease his fears were a few of my biggest struggles with him. This team took my very afraid little boy and helped him start a journey to being a more confident dog. Cynthia is a great communicator through the process and has continued to be a huge support as we’ve transitioned him back home! I’m so glad this program was so highly recommended to me and I look forward to continuing his training with their support!
Response from the owner
Aug 27th, 2025
Thank you so much Erin! Ron is such a joy and we loved having him with for the board and train portion of his training. We are very excited to continue watching the two of you grow and can’t wait to see his ongoing progress!
Thank you so much for trusting us with your wonderful boy. See y’all soon!
Emily Murdoch
Jan 22nd, 2025
We highly recommend A Better Bond Dog Training! From the very first call, Cynthia has been incredibly informative and patient with all our questions. She is always quick to respond, courteous, and flexible with our schedule. Our very anxious German Shepherd attended their tailored board and stay program, teaching her the skills needed to be a more confident dog and have faith in us as her handlers, leading to a more harmonious household. Through Cynthia’s take-home lessons, we've gained invaluable knowledge to maintain our dog's training. One of the standout aspects is her vast knowledge of dogs, their behavior, and finding quickly what works for them. Cynthia sets realistic goals, ensuring we understand the progress and milestones along the way. Cynthia and her team have worked tirelessly, ensuring we are never left in the dark. We can't thank them enough for their dedication to our dog, Jasmine.
Response from the owner
Jan 25th, 2025
Thank you so much Emily! My team and I are so thankful to be a part of your training journey with Jasmine! I really adore her.
Laura Jbeily
Dec 27th, 2019
I would not have the relationship that I have with my dog if I did not work with Cynthia. I want to outline 3 key things why I would take my dog, or any doggo for that matter, to Cynthia.
1. Cynthia is not only a gifted dog trainer and someone who will tell you how it really is but as her business name indicates, she is not trying to just modify your dog's behavior, she is working on literally, creating a better bond between you and your dog emotionally, mentally, and physically. You can only get so far with dog treats so it is ESSENTIAL that this bond is created because that is what is you will be building on when you take your dog home.
2. Yes, Cynthia will be working with your dog to learn the basics and polite behavior but something that I do not want you to miss (and something that I didn't really think about until after the fact) is that YOU as the dog trainer will be doing more learning than your dog! They are smart little stinkers. I am being honest when I say that I had to learn more than my dog did (how to communicate with him, to read him, to understand my own body language and how he reads that, etc.) and that was the hardest but most rewarding part. A brief intro to my experience with my dog, Teddy, is that he has leash reactivity and it is STILL something we work on on every walk. Training doesn't stop!
3. The cost. That is a major hiccup for so many people (and it was something I had to think about since I was starting my own business and not sitting on a stack of money) BUT another 2 things here: this is a long-term investment. I think it is a better deal to have a great long term relationship with your dog than to have a dog and dog owner who hate each other. Number 2, after seeing all that Cynthia does and buys to care for your dog for the duration of their stay, the cost is reasonable and make sense because she is also a small business owner herself!
All in all, Cynthia will have my business forever. She is honest, hard-working, and really wants you to love your doggo.
Response from the owner
Dec 5th, 2023
Thank you so much Laura !
Rachel Newell
Dec 29th, 2020
Cynthia and better bond dog training were amazing! Our dog Poppy was enrolled in the board and train program and we have been SO impressed. Cynthia was extremely communicative about our dogs progress and where she was at. She worked specifically with her to understand her particular problems and what she needed while incorporating things that were important to us. We love that our dog was inside the home and had real life experiences there. Cynthia was able to pick up on anxieties our dog had but we never quite realized. It’s been so helpful in having her as a resource as Poppy has transitioned home. As we’ve transitioned home Cynthia has been involved in the whole process and always available for text and calls as we need them. Thanks so much for everything Cynthia!
Response from the owner
Dec 29th, 2020
Thank you Rachel!
I highly recommend Cynthia and her staff at A Better Bond Dog Training. The expertise and care for each dog in their care can be seen by the dogs reactions to the trainers.
Response from the owner
Jan 14th, 2026
Thank you for trusting us to help you with Cedar! We appreciate you Lou.
My wife and I have tried using other trainers to help with a very anxious and reactionary dog that has had some incidents with strangers. None of them have come close to the impact that Cynthia has had.
Cynthia spent 8 weeks with our dog and it completely transformed her. Cynthia sees and has a deep understanding of the subtle behaviors of dogs and the core reasons behind them. It was apparent in the first 20 minutes of our first meeting that Cynthia speaks the language better than anyone we know.
You will not regret using Cynthia.
Response from the owner
Mar 30th, 2024
Thank you so much Dan! It has been a joy to work with your family and see everyone thrive!
A Canine’s Way Dog Training
Jan 1st, 2023
I can't even begin to express how grateful I am for Cynthia and ABBDT. I've known Cynthia for five years now, and have adopted three of my personal dogs from her. These three dogs have all become such huge parts of my life, and thanks to Cynthia they all had phenomenal starts inter training that have allowed all of us to truly enjoy life together in the fullest capacity.
Cynthia is an incredibly gifted trainer, that truly values the relationship between dog owners and their dogs. Her values and ethics as a professional trainer are truly unmatched. If you're looking for a trainer, look no further. You absolutely can't go wrong with Cynthia and A Better Bond Dog Training.
Response from the owner
May 17th, 2023
Thank you so much!
Rachel Garabedian
Nov 25th, 2023
A better bond dog training has been amazing to work with. Having our dog in the puppy and foundations programs this year have given us so much great foundational training for our dog! They are also always available for questions that come up while our dog is home with us! I never have to worry when boarding our dog as she is in great hands with Cynthia and her team. They are all incredible and will love your dog as much as you do while giving them valuable training and socialization!
Response from the owner
Nov 27th, 2023
Thank you so much for your feedback and your trust!
Jessica Cicone
Jul 30th, 2025
This place is the real deal!!
I would consider myself a reasonably knowledgeable dog person, but when I made the decision to bring a Cane Corso puppy into my home in January, I knew I was going to need help making sure that pup grew into a well-behaved canine companion (and not a beautiful hellion!). My breeder recommended Cynthia at A Better Bond Dog Training by name, and let me know that she specializes in working with Cane Corsos (although I’m pretty sure Cynthia can train anything folks, probably even cats and my seven year old human).
My baby girl Frannie has blossomed during her two stay and trains! She did an initial Wonder Puppy Program where she came home on the weekends and learned structure, manners, beautiful leash work and a variety of commands. She just finished a five week program and has come home to us as a complete and total delight. I now have a nine month old dog who is trained waaaay better than any of my adult dogs ever were! But the part that I love the most is that she is NOT a robot; every aspect of what Cynthia, Mason and the rest of the team do is accomplished with love, honor, fairness and ALWAYS respect. This is not a one size fits all program, which I have personally experienced before with other trainers. Each dog is learned on an individual basis, and their unique traits/quirks/strengths/weaknesses are tapped into to help the dog gain confidence, trust and mutual respect, and then eventually the desired behavior.
We all want our fur babies to be with someone we can trust to love and care for them as much as we do, whether it’s a for a single day or a five week stay and train program. You will get that here. And let’s face it; even if our dog is far from perfect, half ugly, kind of a jerk on full moons (or every day maybe), we still secretly want someone to like them as much as we do. I can tell you truthfully, here they will!!
Response from the owner
Aug 27th, 2025
Thank you so much Jessica! I absolutely adore you, your daughter and Frannie. We are so happy to be part of this journey with you!
We are loving Cynthia and her team. We have two young Goldendoodles from the same litter that were becoming quite the handful. We used Cynthia for a board and train/puppy jumpstart program to get us heading in the right direction. It has definitely been worth it! Our puppies are doing amazing! They are walking on a leash well and have great puppy manners. We are continuing to work with her on their growth and feel positive about what to expect in the next year. We highly recommend a better bond!
Response from the owner
Dec 5th, 2023
Thank you so much!
Kathryn Crane
Jul 1st, 2021
This is the BEST time and treasure we have invested in a very long time. We’ve had a wonderful experience every step of the way and could not be more thrilled with the outcome!
We missed Bonnie while she was away but knew she was loved and cared for. 🐶. Bonnie and Cynthia put in a lot of hard work and we are so proud of our pup! Our children are more comfortable and the stress associated with a teenage pup is in the rear view mirror. Cynthia has taught us how to be better humans to our dog and has taught Bonnie the manners and discipline to be a part of our busy family life.
A better bond dog training deserves all the stars!! Thank you!
Response from the owner
Dec 5th, 2023
Thank you so much Kathryn! We miss Bonnie's beautiful face around here! She is the best little Bulldog!
Alondra Del Real
Sep 14th, 2020
We decided to get a Cane Corso for our next dog and we knew we needed to start him off right! I know some basics when it comes to training but I know i would need more help with this type of breed. Cynthia has been amazing when she took our Boy Jiovanni for board in train, we had a few hiccups during his training (he started to limp) but Cynthia notified us ASAP and worked with us so we don't overwork his growing joints but still get his training done.
We also started to do private lessons with our shepherd mix, as she has some reactivity towards other dogs and ppl, she has been doing amazing progress with the few lessons we have already had!
Love Cynthia and her team!
Response from the owner
Dec 5th, 2023
Thank you Alondra! It is still a joy to see the fantastic Cane Corso Jio has grown into all these years later!
Megan Miller
Dec 22nd, 2020
Cynthia and the whole team at A Better Bond training were absolutely wonderful! Our anxious and spastic sheepadoodle puppy was out of control and scared of everything. The team was able to teach our pup how to be brave and show us how to help her through those anxious moments, along with basic manners, and finishing up potty training. Cynthia was always available for a quick chat and was constantly checking in with status updates and progress reports on our girl. We are so thankful we found A Better Bond Dog training, and will continue to keep in touch as our pup grows.
Response from the owner
Dec 22nd, 2020
Thank you Megan!
Leslie Vander Gheynst
Mar 19th, 2024
We love Cynthia. Our pittie puppy was having struggles coming from an unknown background. Cynthia has helped our puppy and our family with strong rules, structure, and ongoing support!! So grateful for our relationship with A Better Bond Training.
Response from the owner
Mar 20th, 2024
Thank you so much! It has been wonderful to watch your family’s ongoing success with Gretchen. You all have so much to be proud of!
She really hit the adoption jackpot with you!
Emilee West
Nov 30th, 2024
We couldn’t be more grateful for Cynthia and Mason at A Better Bond Dog Training. From start to finish, they went above and beyond in caring for our dog, Koda. Their communication was fantastic throughout the entire board-and-train process, keeping us updated on his progress and answering all of our questions. Cynthia’s knowledge and dedication to Koda’s well-being really stood out—she took the time to understand his personality and tailored the training to suit his needs.
Mason was equally amazing, providing hands-on care and consistent guidance to help Koda build confidence and improve his behavior. It was clear that both Cynthia and Mason genuinely had Koda’s best interests at heart, and they made sure we were equipped with the tools to continue his training at home.
We’re so happy with the transformation we’ve seen in Koda, and we can’t recommend A Better Bond Dog Training enough. If you’re looking for trainers who truly care and know how to bring out the best in your dog, this is the place!
Response from the owner
Mar 1st, 2025
Thank you so much for trusting us to help you and Koda! We really enjoyed working with you and your family!
Shanna Dearmore
Nov 10th, 2020
Cynthia was awesome with our dog, Barley. He had bitten our other dog twice and was showing signs of aggression that made our home a very uncomfortable place.
Cynthia was very professional, she came to our home and met all of our dogs and assessed the situation. She was upfront with the cost and the plan she thought was best for Barley. We were very nervous leaving him for an extensive board and train but also had reached a point where he could go with her or we would need to re-home him, which we did not want to do. We learned while searching for help that we could not take Barley to someone to just do obedience training, he needed to see a behaviorist before a trainer would work with him. Cynthia provided both.
We are so thankful we sent him! The end result has been a blessing. We now have a dog that is much more at ease in our home around our kids and other dogs...that is HUGE! Barley is able to be outside with us around other people, dogs and kids and is very well behaved and trusted. We can take him on walks/runs and feel safe with him. I would definitely recommend Cynthia to our friends and family if we needed to. I had no idea what a difference behavioral and obedience training could do, not only for our dogs life but for our family’s life too! We are forever grateful for Cynthia’s help and guidance.
Response from the owner
Nov 10th, 2020
Thank you Shanna! We are so glad to have helped Barley succeed in your family ❤️
Troy Bertram
Dec 5th, 2024
Cynthia and her team are exceptional. Canute transformed from a handful to an attentive and engaged dog eager to learn. ABBT equally did a great job equipping us as dog owners to learn how to apply taught skills.
Response from the owner
Dec 8th, 2024
Thank you so much for trusting us with Canute and for being so invested in your dogs training journey!
As the first time owner of a Cane Corso, I knew from my extensive research that I would need to invest in training early on to prevent issues from forming down the road.
I had initially planned to work with a trainer I met through my rescue but because of his breed, she pointed me in the direction of Cynthia and A Better Bond Dog Training and Behavior. We couldn’t be more grateful for the recommendation, Cynthia’s training knowledge in general is beyond my wildest dreams then add in her personal and professional experience with this breed. It was a match made in heaven!
We’ve been consulting via FaceTime and Zoom due to the Shelter In Place orders, not to mention he is currently on exercise restrictions because of a fractured leg. Cynthia didn’t even bat an eye when I told her about his injury! Her response was to continue as planned, we would adapt things to fit his physical limitations and focus heavily on making him mentally strong. I’ve seen drastic positive changes in how he interacts with me and the world around him in such a short time!
I couldn’t have asked for a better trainer for Capone and have recommended her to many of my friends looking for training for their pups as well. We will continue to use her for all our training needs and sending others her way for years to come! Thank you for everything Cynthia!
Love from Taylor and Capone ❤️
Response from the owner
Dec 5th, 2023
Thank you so much Taylor!
Stacy Gonzalez
Oct 24th, 2022
Our sweet cane corso, Grace, has been a handful to say the least. On top of just being a puppy, we also received her with health issues, Cynthia and Matt have taken the time and patience to not only create a very manageable dog, but also train her humans! Cynthia took everything into consideration and provided the best training! She is always available for questions, concerns or anything else pertaining to Grace. This is Grace's home away from home! I will not trust her with anyone else!
Response from the owner
Dec 5th, 2023
Thank you Stacy!
We “foster failed” our Belgian Malinois. Sending her to Cynthia for B&T is the best decision we ever made. Teaching her to navigate in life today is so important. A lot is expected of our companions for them to be “well behaved”. She started out life learning to fear people. ABBDT transformed our girl. She still has a long road ahead but Cynthia and her staff has taught us how to lead her and help her navigate life.
Response from the owner
Nov 1st, 2023
Thank you so much for your review Hank. I am grateful to be a part of your journey with Tasia!
Jessika Le Vea
Nov 12th, 2023
I have a 4 year old deaf pitbull Zero. With him being deaf it was very difficult to train him because I didn't really know what I was doing. I was desperate for help, and I came across ABBDT, and it's been the best decision I have made for my boy. He never really had any sort of structure before, and with Cynthia's guidance, I have learned how to do that for him, and he's just so much better for it. He's still a work in progress but I'm so glad Cynthia was willing to take on the challenge because he wasn't easy but seriously look no further you have found your trainer. She's amazing and so committed to and loves what she does.
Response from the owner
Nov 12th, 2023
Thank you so much Jessika! It is wonderful to be part of your journey with Zero. It continues to be an absolute joy to see the two of you enjoying life together!
Korok Chatterjee
May 16th, 2023
Had a great experience with the behavioral modification board and train program for my dog. Cynthia is great at communicating exactly what the situation is and explaining training principles, in addition to accommodating my travel schedule and even keeping Turbo for an extended time based on his progress. Would recommend!
Response from the owner
May 17th, 2023
Thank you so much Korok!
I’ll be reaching out to schedule a follow up with you this week.
Super excited and very thankful to continue helping you and Turbo on this journey!
Crissie Ferguson
Oct 19th, 2019
A Better Bond Dog was so amazing with our Doodle. She was eating rocks and had to have two surgeries. She needed training on not eating things she wasn’t supposed to and behavioral training. She came back to us an amazing dog that we love dearly.
It was a great experience and would highly recommend them. Not only for the training but the follow up and solid commitment.
Your dog will be in great hands and you will be thrilled with your outcome.
Response from the owner
Mar 18th, 2020
Thank you Crissie! I do love Miss Riley!
Lisa Sailer
Oct 11th, 2019
It’s been almost two years since I had the privilege of meeting Cynthia at a training seminar that she hosted. I knew instantly that she was my type of trainer! Her calm and compassionate manner is the perfect compliment to the way she understands dog behavior and helps the human to
learn and how communicate with their dogs.
Response from the owner
Mar 18th, 2020
Thank you for these kind words my friend!
Lindsey Palkovic
Aug 26th, 2022
We feel so lucky to have found Cynthia Garlaska and a Better Bond Dog Training! We have a reactive Great Dane and other methods of training weren't helping. Cynthia's approach through not just training, but also behavior modification and building a better human-canine relationship, have been a game changer. She has taught us how to understand where his reactivity is coming from and how we can improve ourselves to help support him. We know change doesn't happen overnight, but we wouldn't be where we are now without her guidance. She has been a lifesaver!
Response from the owner
Oct 24th, 2022
Thank you so much Lindsey, Django is such an awesome dog and we really enjoy every lesson with all of you!
Leslie Rubenstein
Nov 28th, 2023
Our relationship with our dog is night and day after working with Cynthia. She understands every nuance of a dogs behavior and what’s behind it, but also how to modify and impact the cause, and train not only our dog but more importantly us. Our home is a MUCH happier place and our dog is a MUCH better behaved part of our family.
Response from the owner
Dec 5th, 2023
Thank you Leslie! I am so happy to be part of your journey with our beloved otterhound Gilly ❤️
Janine Morgan
Oct 7th, 2019
My doggie had a bit of a 'ruff' life before me, unfortunately I don't know much about what happened before. After the transition home from college and her first heat cycle, she wasn't acting right - trying to defend or attack new people, wasn't walking well on a leash, and didn't play well with her previous doggie friends, guarding her toys and food.
I interviewed trainers - one even said I just needed to EXERCISE her more!!! I was baffled at this, but Cynthia talked me through options, and after meeting with her I didn't need to meet with anyone else - I booked immediately.
Rylee's training took a little longer because of the situation, but Cynthia really did her do-diligence, even through some tough personal events. She was open with me and kept me in the loop. Rylee was a different dog when I got her back, it was incredible!!
She's still got some training and lots of work to do on my end to earn her trust and build our relationship, but Cynthia continues to help me work towards Rylee and I being where we want. Behavior modification cases may take a bit longer, it's not an overnight fix! But it's absolutely worth every cent.
Response from the owner
Oct 7th, 2019
Thank you so much Janine ❤️
Annalee Tello
Feb 1st, 2024
If you have a fur baby and needs training I’ll definitely suggest to get with Cynthia, I’m new to being a dog owner and myself and my doggy learned so much of what she has training him so far. She won’t disappoint you with the training she provides for her program, you can count on this wether it be enforcement of doggy behavior, or any issues you’re having with your dog that you can’t control. Go to CYTHINA SHE GOTS YOU 🙏🏽
Response from the owner
Feb 2nd, 2024
Thank you so much Annalee! We love Royce and are so grateful to be part of your journey with him!
Jensen McBurney
Oct 21st, 2022
Cynthia and the ABBDT team are exceptional! Prior to their help I was struggling to communicate with my dog to address behavior issues. After the board and train, my dog is more relaxed, confident and I am able to communicate expectations with ease. I cannot recommend their services enough!
Response from the owner
Oct 24th, 2022
Thank you so much Jensen! Randy is such a great dog and we are so happy you are able to enjoy him so much now!
Andrea Simone
Nov 2nd, 2022
Where to start….I had found myself in over my head in a construction project at the same time my family’s name came up to bring our new puppy home. Constant construction coupled with two small kids (4 and 7) and a very senior dog that was king of the house and not at all interested in a new addition to the family made for a perfect storm of puppy crassness.
Cynthia and Matt have been a rock for our family. Lupo was able to learn and maintain his wonder puppy classes. They worked with us in between his puppy classes and Foundations stay and train, helping me maintain is training. Helped identify a few allergies that I had not realized he had and finding alternatives to their training methods due to Lupo’s allergy was critical and above and beyond. They were our life savers when we had to expectedly travel for an emergency when I had no other options to board him.
Lupo has amazing recall and great understanding of commands. With all the people in an out of our house and opening the fence to our back yard. I have not had to worry at all about him just taking off at the first site of freedom. He plays so well with other dogs, something that I was really worried about since our senior dog doesn’t have too much interest in him.
I honestly don’t think I would have made it through the last 9 months without A Better Bond Dog Training and cannot recommended them enough.We
Response from the owner
May 17th, 2023
Thank you so much Andrea!
I am so grateful for you, your family, sweet Lupo and precious old Barley. And very thankful to be part of your success!
Haydeh Davoudi
Nov 21st, 2020
How do you get 5 dogs,3 of whom are adopted and none of whom you want to give away, to co-exist so peacefully that it feels like you are living with only one?
You send them Cynthia Garlaska and A Better Bond Dog Training. You will not find a better, more knowledgeable or kinder trainer. I highly recommend her and her amazing staff.
Response from the owner
Nov 21st, 2020
Thank you so much Haydeh!
Guns, Goats And Glory
May 6th, 2022
Cynthia is an amazing trainer!! Her knowledge, compassion and intuition come thru in every interaction. I can’t say enough good things about my experience!
Response from the owner
Oct 24th, 2022
Thank you so much!
Sandra Amen
Mar 25th, 2024
Such a gifted trainer. She has really turned around our skittish Mal and continues to advise us. Very experienced and dedicated!
Response from the owner
Mar 25th, 2024
Thank you so much Sandra!!! I’m so grateful to be part of your journey with Tash!
Anthony Lee
Dec 29th, 2025
Brought both our rescue dogs here and completely transformed them!
Response from the owner
Dec 29th, 2025
Thank you so much Anthony! We are very honored to hav been able to help with their separate journeys.
Megan Speers
Mar 1st, 2025
Cynthia is the best dog trainer in Cedar Park.
Response from the owner
Mar 1st, 2025
Thank you so much Meg!
Heather Harrison
Sep 5th, 2026
I have been involved with Rescue, Foster and Dog Adoptions for decades. Along the way we have tried many trainers, I can say with 1000% certainty there is no one better that Cynthia Huff Garlaska and her crew.
Response from the owner
Sep 5th, 2026
Thank you, Heather. We are honored that someone with decades of rescue, foster, and adoption experience rates Cynthia Huff Garlaska and our crew so highly. Your trust and support mean the world to our team and motivate us to keep improving. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to continuing to help dogs and families.
Alyssa Lee
Aug 26th, 2026
Cynthia and Mason trained my poodle Rocket. They run a great program, and Rocket learned a lot, including walking loose/off leash. Rocket is reactive, but they make great strides and helping with his reactivity.
Response from the owner
Aug 26th, 2026
Thank you so much Alyssa! We love working with Rocket and are looking forward to helping you with him more throughout his adolescence!