Canine Concepts

My wife and I rescued a two year-old Siberian Husky in Feb 2013. When we found that he seemed to have some dominance issues, we searched for a trainer who could help us and our puppy. A trusted friend recommend Tom. We have been extremely happy. Our puppy has made great progress, but perhaps more importantly, my wife and I have learned a lot from Tom about managing our own emotions, and dealing with our pup's dominance issues in a variety of situations. Tom clearly cares about the dogs and the humans in his class, and goes above and beyond to help both. We never hesitate to recommend him. more

I met Tom 18 months ago and worked with him with my older dog. Unexpectantly, she passed away due to cancer. After some discussion, Tom brought in an all black German Shepherd puppy from the Czech Republic for me from a breeder that he knows. The dog is amazing. He has perfect conformation and is highly intelligent. At only eight months old, he knows all basic obedience commands and is starting protection dog training. Tom is a terrific dog trainer. He loves working with dogs and their humans. It is a pleasure working with someone who is doing what he is passionate about. I am proud to call Tom a friend and give him my highest recommendation for all things dog related. I have seen him take nearly hopeless dogs and turn them into wonderful members of a family. I have seen him bring in a awesome puppy and help him reach his full potential. Tom is terrific. I cannot thank him enough for all of his help. more

Amazing Results: We recently rescued an owner-abandoned white German Shepherd mix - about 6 years of age, 85 lbs, and NO obedience training. She had not done well in her foster homes due to over-rambunctiousness and dog aggression. We had worked with large rescue dogs before, so we thought we could handle her, but she was proving too much for us and our dog trainer in Cincinnati. Shortly after we moved to Pittsburgh in June we found Tom and Canine Concepts. To make a long story short - we have a different dog thanks to Tom. She is obedient, safe around our cats and other dog, great with people, and - while still dominant around other dogs - we now know how to handle her and the situations properly. If we had not found Tom, this amazing, lovely creature would have not found her forever home. His training techniques are great, he has provided everything he promised, and the costs are very reasonable for the level of service provided. I would highly recommend him, and have! more

Canine Concepts values honest business and makes sincere efforts to go above and beyond for clients. The claims in the post named DO NOT BE DECEIVED have been fully addressed with the Attorney General’s office and in Civil Court with thorough documentation from Canine Concepts. No action was taken against Canine Concepts because no grounds for misconduct or misrepresentation were determined. Furthermore, the Civil Complaint was dismissed without prejudice in court (Docket# CV-0000535-10). It was proven in court by Canine Concepts’ attorney that Canine Concepts was NOT in violation of the PA Dog Purchaser Protection Law. AKC documents are not provided until invoice balance is paid in full. Canine Concepts accommodated this client in many ways, most importantly, allowing her to keep a dog without fully paying for it. It was also proven that Canine Concepts made numerous attempts to contact this client for all services mentioned in this post. In court, this client stated satisfaction of training sessions completed. It is discerning that people go to such extremes to make claims publically to defame others but fail to disclose their own shortcomings. more

I started with a six month old hyperactive female boxer. I have trained dogs before, but Tom has shown me a new ""concept"" in training my ""canine"". Even a trainer can benefit from quality training. Tom has made a difference in guiding me to a higher level of training. The first time I met Tom, I noticed how his dog totally adored him as she jumped into his arms. Then I knew that was the kind of trainer I wanted to be, a motivated and positive trainer. I wanted that for my dog. My energetic boxer who loves to jump has improved leaps and bounds! As I continue to work with Tom, I am amazed at what I am able to accomplish with my dog. Pros: Commits to get the job done! more

Before I started working with Mr. Gross, I considered putting my dog down because of difficulties handling him.I have 15 years experience with dog training. Perseverance is the best way to describe Mr. Gross’ dedication and determination to turn my dog into a more obedient canine. He has exceptional ability to see the connection between dog and handler. In all of my years of training, NO ONE ever took the time to focus so carefully on dog and handler as a team.He amazed me with his encouragement, expertise, and guidance in a positive way.His knowledge of dog training is incredible. We made great progress. He was very accommodating. Training sessions were worth every penny I paid. My gratitude is beyond words.He is very passionate about dog training.He only wants to work with you and your dog. Pros: Devoted individualized instruction that works! more

Paid $3,000.00 for 100% DDR German Shepherd 3-generation pedigree plus shipping, tattoo/microchip, AKC & foundation-obedience-personal protection training. Mr. Gross refused to provide the contracted documents & services. Mr. Gross failed to have dewclaws removed. My vet said no tattoo/microchip existed. After spending thousands of dollars in addition to the $3,000 paid to Mr. Gross, I had to hire an attorney, pay costly legal fees and incurred costly medical bills for my dog plus am awaiting for my dog to have dewclaws removed (another $600) and need to neuter him. I also filed complaint with Attorney General for Mr. Gross' fraud and breach of contract and requested that a local consumer agency investigate and compile a report on Canine Concepts/Thomas Gross, Jr. Mr. Gross is in violation of the Pennsylvania Dog Purchaser Protection Law, 73 P.S. Section 201-9.3(f)(2)-(3). Don't want anybody else to be deceived by Mr. Gross. Pros: Avoid Canine Concepts/Thomas M. Gross, Jr. Cons: My experience with Canine Concepts/Thomas Gross, Jr. more