"Friendship is a living thing that lasts only as long as it is nourished with kindness, empathy and understanding."
Anonymous
"Maya Angelou reminds us: '...people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' You could have written that! Thank you so very much."
            Maggie
             
          
          
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
              
                
                  Philosophy
                
                
We are dedicated to kindness, understanding and two-way communication, connecting you with your dog through positive, reward-based techniques.
                
                Learning should be fun and set both you and your dog up for success.
                
                We use dog-friendly approaches that get results quickly. The techniques are easy once you know what will work with your dog and how to do it consistently.
                
                Simply great dogs do not just happen. It takes a relationship based on mutual respect, caring and appreciation. Our goal is for all dogs to live happy, content, fun lives.
"For the best dog, you have to have the best trainer - which I had. Janice, for eight years I have continued to be amazed that you were able to bring a feral dog from the woods in the back of your house to the place he holds in our home now. Thank you again and again for all the time and effort and love you put into Morgan. I know that he held a special place in your heart too, and I am grateful you were able to allow me to be his "forever mom."
					
					Donna
Jon Medina 
            
              
              Jennifer Rockenbaugh
Jon Medina 
            
              
              Jennifer Rockenbaugh
"Your place is beautiful. It is definitely the nicest dog-training center I have ever been to!"
            Caroline
          
          
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
              
                
                  Facilities
                
                
                  ARF is located on two fenced acres in northwest Austin. There are indoor and outdoor class and seminar spaces plus private boarding and spa areas. Our indoor spaces are fully air-conditioned and heated. Our landscaping is dog and people friendly.

We provide protected play areas for small, medium and large dogs, an agility course, a labyrinth and an in-ground swimming pool. Your dog will romp, run and relax in the tranquil hills of Austin with all of the luxuries we can provide.
"Your place is beautiful. It is definitely the nicest dog-training center I have ever been to!"
            Caroline
          
          
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
            
              
                
                  Facilities
                
                
                  ARF is located on two fenced acres in northwest Austin. There are indoor and outdoor class and seminar spaces plus private boarding and spa areas. Our indoor spaces are fully air-conditioned and heated. Our landscaping is dog and people friendly.

We provide protected play areas for small, medium and large dogs, an agility course, a labyrinth and an in-ground swimming pool. Your dog will romp, run and relax in the tranquil hills of Austin with all of the luxuries we can provide.
Testimonials
                               
                           
							  
                            
	
	
Private Lessons
You helped the three of us learn to communicate, and understand each other. Your training skills were amazing, and your instruction was easy to take home and follow. Jackson loved doing his homework, he enjoyed coming to see you, and we liked the affection you showed him.
 (Billy)

 
Behavior Solutions: Fear and Anxiety
And I wanted to say thanks again for all of your help and guidance over the last 6 months. The change in our dog's behavior is night and day. It's made a big difference not just in our household running smoothly, but also in our ability to enjoy and have fun with the dogs. We really appreciate it. (Rance)

 
Behavior Solutions: People Aggression
You are a genius, an absolute genius! How can we thank you? At the Vet and the pet store, he hasn't growled at people in months. And now, he's actually going to people, all tail wagging! (Linda)

One of your training exercises paid big dividends a few weeks back. Ron was limping and we took him to the vet. He laid on the floor as the vet went over every toe and inch of his leg. Ron took it all in stride. (Dave)


 
Behavior Solutions: Dog Aggression
We just finished a dog show and Shane's behavior was so drastically different that people commented on it. We sat around the waiting area without any incidents and I was able to chat with other people. It was just amazing. (Susan)

I adopted a pit mix from a local rescue group.  Bonnie came to me with high arousal issues that often led to aggression towards other dogs.  After learning Janice’s reward based techniques and applying her thoughtful coaching, Bonnie totally trusts me and turns to me in stressful situations rather than reacting on her own.  She has become a true friend and a great dog!  Thank you Janice for giving us a beautiful and peaceful life together. (Debbie)

 
Behavior Solutions: Compulsive Disorders
Only one session with Janice gave us so many tools and tips in working with our English Cocker Spencer.  We adopted Spencer from the Austin Humane Society after we fell in love with his sweet, quiet manner and sad eyes.  Then we learned he suffers from a compulsive disorder, anxiety and fear.  Janice taught us how to help Spencer feel safe and secure so he doesn't have to act out.  We followed her homework and the results have been amazing!  So many people have commented that he's a completely different dog - sociable and polite, and just much happier around people and other dogs.  We even let him off leash at a park recently and he behaved perfectly with joggers, bicyclists, and even a couple of big black labs.  He took it all in stride and enjoyed every minute of it.  We can't think Janice enough for the difference she has made for our family.  (Amanda and Carolyn)

 
Classes
You have made such a huge difference to Sarge and how he interacts with the family; he consistently responds to any and all commands from me. You’re a great trainer and what you do touches so very many lives, even those at home of which you are unaware. (Trish)

 
Calm with People
Daisy has become such a better dog around people.  Friends even comment on her calmness. You are great with the dogs and us humans too, thank you. (Gail and Daisy)

 
Really Reliable Recalls
Our Wirehaired Pointing Griffon is very skilled at opening doors, and yes that means doors to the outside too.  Thank you JANICE for our really reliable recall! When we use our special word, his head shoots up and he makes a mad dash for us!  The magic of that special word means more to our hunting dog than free access to the greenbelt and all its attractions! (Mary)


Unknown to me, someone left my backyard gate open. I went out back to discover the gate was open and Bogey was gone.   We live on a winding, blind curve so cars can come round the bend without seeing a dog wandering in the street.  We have coyotes in our neighborhood.  I yelled our "magic" word.   To my amazement and relief, almost immediately, Bogey came CHARGING around the corner of a neighbor’s house - with a big smile on his face.  (Bogey smiles - he really does.)  He thought it was a drill at Janice's and boy was it fun!  Bogey was none the worse for wear and thought it was a grand adventure.  I was SO THANKFUL that we had practiced this really reliable recall.  In fact, I need to go practice right now.  (Emy Lou)


It was early in our training.   Shiner ran … around the corner of a building heading toward South 1st Street (a very busy road).  We yelled the secret word and, even though he couldn’t see us, he came running back around the corner to us – all within seconds. It was great!  (Scott)

 
Pre-adoption Counseling
The pre-adoption consultation was incredibly valuable. Even though we’d had dogs for years, it was amazing how much we could still learn.  While we weren’t sure exactly what to expect, we wanted to make a good choice for our family including the cats.  You helped us get clear on what we wanted. We learned to understand what dogs were telling us about who they are and what they need from a family. (Kathy and Alice)

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ARF Inc Dog Training — Dog Training in Austin, TX

ARF Inc Dog Training is a dog training business in Austin, Texas offering board and train, private lessons, and group classes, working from a dedicated training facility. They describe their approach as reward-based training, accept aggression and reactivity cases, and list CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, and APDT credentials.

Austin, TX • Training facility • 4.6 ★ (22 Google reviews)

Verified listing

Last reviewed: Oct 10, 2026

Transparency Score

43 / 100

Limited information

How clearly this listing publishes the details owners need. See our methodology.

Price transparency
0%
Method transparency
100%
Program clarity
50%

About ARF Inc Dog Training

Based on what the business publishes about itself

ARF Inc Dog Training is listed among dog training programs in Austin. Published program types include group classes, private lessons, board and train. The rest of this listing covers only what their public materials state.

What dog training programs does ARF Inc Dog Training offer?

Group classes cover puppy foundations, socialization, and basic obedience, while private lessons address everything from general manners to serious behavior issues like aggression, fear, and resource guarding. ARF Inc Dog Training also offers board-and-train as well as boarding, daycare, and spa services at their Austin facility.

Board-n-Train

Price not published.

Dog stays on-site at the facility for structured training while boarding.

Dog boards at the facility on two fenced acres while receiving training from staff.

Focus: Basic obedience

Boarding, Spa & Daycare

Price not published.

Overnight boarding combined with spa services and daytime play, not primarily a training program.

Dog stays overnight at the facility with access to play yards and spa amenities.

Focus: Basic obedience

Private Lessons

Price not published.

One-on-one training sessions tailored to the dog and owner's specific goals.

Owner and dog work directly with a trainer in individual sessions.

Focus: Basic obedience

Behavior Solutions

Price not published.

Behavior modification work addressing issues such as fear, anxiety, aggression toward people or dogs, and compulsive disorders using reward-based coaching.

Trainer works with the owner over a series of sessions, providing homework and coaching.

Best for: Dogs with significant behavior problems such as aggression, anxiety, or compulsive behaviors.

Focus: Aggression, Fear & anxiety, Separation anxiety, Resource guarding

Foundations for Puppies

Price not published.

A program aimed at young puppies covering foundational skills and early learning.

Best for: Puppies starting their training journey.

Focus: Puppy training, Socialization, Basic obedience

Classes

Price not published.

Group training classes covering obedience commands and recall work in a class setting.

Owners and dogs attend together in group sessions.

Focus: Basic obedience, Socialization

How much does ARF Inc Dog Training cost?

ARF Inc Dog Training does not publish program pricing online. Contact them directly or request a quote through Barklen for current rates.

Board and Train pricing

Board and Train pricing at ARF Inc Dog Training in Austin, TX
ProgramPriceLength
Board-n-TrainNot publishedNot stated
Boarding, Spa & DaycareNot publishedNot stated

Private Lessons pricing

Private Lessons pricing at ARF Inc Dog Training in Austin, TX
ProgramPriceLength
Private LessonsNot publishedNot stated
Behavior SolutionsNot publishedNot stated

Group Classes pricing

Group Classes pricing at ARF Inc Dog Training in Austin, TX
ProgramPriceLength
Foundations for PuppiesNot publishedNot stated
ClassesNot publishedNot stated

Consultations and evaluations

  • Special Topics: Baby Preparation / Pre-Dog Counseling: Not published

What training methods does ARF Inc Dog Training use?

The program explicitly identifies as force-free in its training approach. They do accept dogs with aggression cases, working through behavior issues like fear, anxiety, and resource guarding in their private Behavior Solutions sessions.

Public materials reviewed by Barklen do not specify which training tools are used.

Who runs ARF Inc Dog Training?

As described in the business's own materials

Janice Patton, Founder and Behavior Specialist

According to their site, has worked with dogs since 1996, focusing on difficult behavior issues such as separation anxiety, phobias, and aggression, and is active in dog rescue and rehabilitation.

Credentials listed on their site: Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA), Certified Dog Behavior Consultant (CDBC), Honors graduate of San Francisco SPCA Training Academy Counseling program, Master's degree in Education from University of Texas, Member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) and International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC), and Chairs the APDT Awards Committee. Barklen has not independently verified these.

Jon Medina, Team member

According to their site, part of the ARF team supporting day-to-day dog care, with ongoing training and mentorship under Janice Patton.

Jennifer Rockenbaugh, Team member

According to their site, part of the ARF team supporting day-to-day dog care, with ongoing training and mentorship under Janice Patton.

Where does ARF Inc Dog Training offer dog training?

ARF Inc Dog Training operates from a dedicated training facility in Austin, TX, offering board and train stays at their facility, private lessons, and group classes.

Their site says they works with dogs of all breeds, ages, and ability levels, and their owners, including families dealing with behavioral challenges, new puppy owners, and those considering pet adoption.

ARF operates on two fenced acres in northwest Austin, offering both indoor and outdoor spaces for classes, seminars, boarding, and spa services.

The dedicated facility sits on Yucca Mountain Road in the 78759 zip code. Parking arrangements and accessibility features aren't described on the site.

What should you ask ARF Inc Dog Training before booking?

Generated from what their public materials leave open

  • They don't publish pricing. Ask what a board and train stay costs and exactly what is included.
  • Ask for proof of liability insurance.
  • Ask which training tools, if any, they use and when.
  • Ask whether you can visit your dog during a board and train stay.
  • Ask if anyone is on-site overnight.
  • Ask how often you will get photo or video updates.
  • Ask how many dogs each trainer handles at once.
  • Ask about current availability and whether there is a waitlist.

Location and hours

9116 Yucca Mountain Rd, Austin, TX

Hours are not published in the materials Barklen reviewed. Confirm before visiting.

How Barklen reviewed this listing

Barklen reviewed ARF Inc Dog Training against the business's public materials and published this listing. That is not a check of licenses, insurance, or certifications. See our methodology for what a verified listing does and does not mean.

Details the public materials do not address (owner visits during programs, progress updates, overnight staffing, insurance, guarantee, dogs per trainer, and others) are turned into the questions above rather than filled in.

Last reviewed by Barklen: Oct 10, 2026

What Barklen could verify

Programs listed
6 programs (board and train, private lessons, group classes)
Published pricing
None published
Training method
Reward-based
Aggression and reactivity cases
Accepts aggression cases
Facility
Training facility
Certifications
CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, APDT

Contact ARF Inc Dog Training or request a quote

Contact ARF Inc Dog Training directly by phone or through their website, or request a quote through Barklen and we will pass it along.

+1 512-372-9273Website

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