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Dogs spend up to 8 hours of playtime outdoors splashing in pools and waterfalls, running through tunnels and tubes, and romping over ramps. Canyon View Ranch has been featured on Access Hollywood, Animal Planet, Disney Channel, HGTV, BBC and others. Our trainers make learning fun and use lots of praise, love, and enthusiasm to build confidence and enhance your dog's bond with you.

We were wandering around Disneyland one day and decided there should be a place like it for dogs. So we began our search for land and found the perfect spot in the countryside of Topanga Canyon, located in the hills above Malibu.
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Your dog will be pampered 24 hours a day by a professional staff dedicated to providing a safe and happy environment. Our parks are designed to give our dog guests hours of outdoor fun and exercise, with lots of new friends with to play with all day long. We provide grooming for dogs while staying with us so that all our guests return home clean and ready for some hugs from you. Many of our clients first heard about us through a recommendation from a friend or neighbor. We consider that the highest compliment.
Your dog will learn to follow commands such as: sit, stay, heel, off, quiet, leave it, and come when called. The successful results of our trainers and our programs can be measured by the many letters of appreciation and referrals we receive from our clients. Here are just a few.
After most vaccines are administered, immunity is not immediate; it takes about five to ten days to become effective. So please have your dog vaccinated at least 10 days prior to the date of check in. Please do not take your dog to a dog park at least two weeks prior to boarding in order to help reduce possible exposure to Kennel Cough or other viruses.
Reviews (28)
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Maria M.
Jun 28, 2022
Canyon View Ranch is one of those places that when you visit for the first time you feel like you are in on a wonderful secret. Truly a dog sanctuary. Our one year old lab has stayed for numerous one week visits this past year and was just followed by a four week visit when we had an extended trip abroad. That's a long time to be away from a dog that we adopted at five months.

Our lab could not have had a better time with more caring and loving people. He was able to participate in Canyonviewranch's four week on-site training program. We now have the tools as a family to speak to our dog and for him to know what it is we want him to do. He is much calmer, much more focused and attentive. We thank you so much for the care and dedication you have for all of your dog guests. Steven took our lab under his wing and bonded with him and passed on all of his wonderful training techniques so that we can experience the same well behaved dog at home.

The follow up care and training opportunities at the ranch are a wonderful resource that give us the confidence that even if we have a training issue going forward help is only a phone call away. Thank you Canyon View Ranch.
Elaine E.
Jun 03, 2022
My husband and I had to leave town without much notice for a funeral. Our primary and secondary kennel were full so naturally I panicked and asked friends for recommendations. We came across CVR and I am so grateful. The first green flag was their strict vaccine requirements. Maria at the front desk helped me get my sweet Dracula set up for two nights and alleviated my stress of the trip being three days away.

Their dog trainer, Steven, was spending one-on-one time with a pup when we first arrived and I was happy to witness the interaction. Steven loves dogs and was a natural when he came to greet our big (actually giant) boy, another green flag. Check out was easy, we actually came an hour early by accident and they still accommodated us. Overall, I give our experience 5 stars. Thank you so much CVR for taking such good care of our boy at 'Disneyland'!
Luna M.
Feb 19, 2022
Wonderful amazing perfect! Best place for my fur babies ever! They care so much and really pay attention. And it is also the most beautiful place I have ever seen and I have lived in LA my whole life. It's Utopia for doggies (and humans). Love love love this place!
Will B.
Dec 21, 2021
Brought our American Eskimo here for a weekend stay while we were out of town. Since we got him from the shelter this was the first time we were having him board and spend multiple nights without us. We were definitely nervous, the staff was friendly, gave us updates and actually changed our dog's behavior! Let's just say our little guy is a talker, he likes to talk to everyone that walks outside our apartment and likes to talk to anyone that passes by us on a walk. After his weekend stay he learned to speak when spoken to. Would be happy to send our dog whenever we go out of town
Aren Y.
Sep 16, 2021
Brought our corgi here last weekend for 2 nights last weekend. The staff was all super nice and professional. Our corgi loved his visit, he loves the swimming pool now. Will definitely bring him back.
Liora S.
Sep 03, 2021
I cannot review Joe and his staff at Canyon View Ranch more enthusiastically. The care is top-of-the line, the grounds are every dog's dream -- complete with challenge courses, bathing pools and lots of fresh air to play. The staff is professional, bright, attentive and caring -- to owners and dogs. Our dogs absolutely love it there and we love leaving them knowing they are in the most capable hands one could possibly wish for. Joe is the most caring, gracious attentive owner, always happy to go the extra mile, make sure they are well cared for, groomed and just loved to death during their stay. Thank you Canyon View Ranch! Bravo to a world class operation.
Nick Lyon
Aug 31, 2021
I want to thank Joe and his team. After a week of bording and training, Panda no longer pulls on the leash and is very well behaved, especially since they taught me how to continue the training. She is much more responsive to everything really. I will definately bring Panda back for more. Great place, and even I would not mind playing in their dog area myself it's so nice!
Lisa Michele Talamantes T.
Apr 17, 2021
I am so grateful to have found Canyon View Ranch! The training that they provide is excellent. The Owners and Staff have created a beautiful and safe environment for my puppy. They train both my puppy and me! Joe, Randy and Monique assist me greatly when I leave him there. I trust them and they keep me posted on both challenges and victories my puppy is having. If you are looking for a safe and beautiful environment for you and your pet, try Canyon View Ranch! Lisa-Michele Talamantes
Alexa B.
Apr 12, 2021
In short, we arrived with two healthy dogs and left with two sick dogs! As mentioned in other reviews, Canyon View Ranch seems to be a kennel cough hotspot. We also witnessed some questionable training methods being implemented by owner/trainer Joe. He used his boot on our dog's leash, very close to her collar, in order to pin her down multiple times as she yelped. Personally, I would prefer people to use their hands and not their feet when interacting with my extremely docile dog.

When I approached owner/trainer Joe with my concerns, he said that I was comparing the situation to George Floyd having a knee on his back. I think that was tactless and socially insensitive. All other staff members were top notch and the grounds are incredibly clean. In my book, this should be a starting point and not an accolade. All I want for my dogs is for them to be healthy and happy! I'm sure you want the same if you've taken the time to read this! Don't be fooled by the pretty landscaping and alpacas! Your dog doesn't care about the landscaping or alpacas. I assure you!
Lorraine R.
Apr 07, 2021
They get a minus zero rating - dogs have been leaving that place as of today with pneumonia and kennel cough- do NOT take your dog there - it's a huge health risk -
Britt Polzien RollerSk ErMom
Mar 21, 2021
This is the best place to take your dog! My dog loves it here so much! I've tried other places, but Canyon View Ranch is by far her favorite!
Bonnie F.
Jan 10, 2021
My first Yelp review, and only because others deserve to know: 1) Not Positive Reinforcement Training. -When I arrived, my dog was on a choke chain. He has never been on a choke chain in his life. The choke chain was to ensure my dog could feel the yanking of the leash through all of his muscle and fur. They also claim that the choke chain is easier on the neck that a flat collar, which would damage the trachea with too much pulling.

All judgements aside in regards to training methods, YANKING ON A LEASH TO TRAIN LEASH WALKING IS NOT POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING. Therefore, the training I paid for was a complete waste of time and money, since it is not how my dog is being trained. They are FALSELY MARKETING POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING since it's the current trend, but are not doing it in practice. -When my dog jumped on me, the trainer told me to kick him.

And if he continued to jump on me, "kick him harder". Exact words. He did not say to block him or move back, as the owner Joe suggests in his response. I am not suggesting that the trainer encouraged abusing the dog, but this technique is simply NOT POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING. -For someone who has devoted a lot of hours to studying books, films and with trainers on Positive Reinforcement training for my dog, I could barely stand to listen to these instructions from the Canyon View Ranch trainer.

As soon as I saw the choke chain, I nearly just took my dog and left. The only reason I stayed for the lesson was to learn about what other non-Positive Reinforcement methods they had been using so I could monitor the aftermath in my dog's behavior. -My dog learned nothing, because he has been trained with POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT, so the training he received at Canyon Ranch was confusing and useless.

I understand that positive reinforcement is a new concept, and definitely a shift in how we understand dog behavior. I am not judging which method a dog owner chooses, but they should not advertise a method that is very different from what they are doing. -They have offered no refund for the lessons. I paid extra for lessons that were completely useless, as they are not working within the Positive Reinforcement lexicon although I called and checked beforehand, of course.

Unfortunately Canyon Ranch has not read the literature or re-adjusted their outlook on dog training, they are simply marketing the "buzz" training word "Positive Reinforcement" because they know that is what people want to hear, but they are not doing their research or changing their methods. 2) My dog came home with Kennel Cough and had thick green snot running out of his nose for over a week. -When I called the vet about the kennel cough, he questioned the cleanliness of Canyon Ranch since my dog had been vaccinated against Bordetella & Parainfluenza in July 2020, only 5 months before his stay at Canyon View Ranch. "Have you seen the kennel in person? Did it look and smell super clean?

Do they require vaccines for all the dogs that enter?" he said. --When we called Canyon Ranch about it, they said it was normal, and that several other dogs had gone home with kennel cough too. -I wasn't allowed inside the kennel when I requested a tour, they said because of COVID restrictions. -Since then, they have offered a tour because we called and told them about the kennel cough. -after doing some more (belated) research on Canyon View Ranch, I found a history of the owners pushing to expand the number of dogs they board, which is probably why it's becoming a bit filthy. 80 dogs there, not the 30 they originally claimed would be the max for their business.

There are SEVERAL other reviews mentioning the lack of cleanliness of Canyon View. Unfortunately, I chose to only pay attention to the positive reviews when researching Canyon View because I really wanted this to be my dog's Wonderland away from home. Not the case :(
Amanda K.
Dec 22, 2020
I have been bringing my four dogs to Canyonviewranch for many years and have had them participate in training as well. They are so well cared for and have a lot of personal time with their caregivers. I have called as often as I've wanted during their stays and been given detailed updates on them. The staff of Canyon view are passionate and knowledgeable and have always taken time to discuss the pups and give advice.

It is extremely clean and my dogs always come home healthy and happy. You can also see your dogs on their Instagram. It is a pleasure knowing that our dogs are in the best place when we board them. Hands down 5 stars.
Max Zipperman
Dec 12, 2020
Couldn't be happier with Canyon View Ranch, especially my dog's training. The first that will strike you is how nice the facilities are and professional the staff are. But if you train your dog, get ready to be delighted week after week seeing how your dog improves. My trainer clearly really likes my dog and invests in him, and it's great to see the professionalism Joe instills in his staff.
Tracey R.
Nov 24, 2020
My son and I bought our golden retriever 'Oliver' to Canyon Ranch years ago. He was so unfriendly as to be practically unlikeable. As a last resort we brought him to Canyon View. We weren't hopeful, but you were. We bought you an apathetic and distant dog who showed no interest in anything and two weeks later you gave us back- Lassie!

It makes me tear up when I think of that beautiful, radiant and happy dog who ran to greet us when we got out of the car. He was everything my 12-year old son could have wanted in a 'best friend'. Everyone loved Ollie and everyone wanted to know what we had done to affect such a change in him. You did it, Canyon View, and we could never ever thank you enough. It's like you taught him to to speak dog and human and he was so proud and happy and in-love with life everyday after that until he passed away in 2010.

As we were driving away from Canyon Ranch with the best dog in the world in the back seat, I joked to my son- "They've given us the wrong dog but let's not tell them.".And when we returned to the Ranch for our 'checkup', Oliver couldn't wait to see everyone and showed such excitement at being there and such affection for his trainer and the whole place that it was abundantly clear that his memories of being there were some of the best of his life.

It was like old home week for him and he was very nearly doing back handsprings for joy. God bless you Ollie. We miss you everyday. God bless you, Canyon View Ranch. In your own way you are doing the Lords work. Gratefully, Tracey Ross
Jemili B.
Oct 24, 2020
I am very relieved and excited that I was recommended this place for training, boarding, and grooming for my boxer puppy, Kelso. This site is professional, clean (both oder and the facility itself), and a true delight! Kelso and I visited for a consultation for the 4 week on leashing training. Joe immediately greeted us and listened to my needs for Kelso and he was attentive, friendly, and informative (I mean, the man has been in business for 24 years!) While we walked the premises with the run down of what training would look like, I asked if Kelso could be bathed.

Not only did my baby boy look clean, but he was clearly in good hands by how happy he looked. I am sure that Kelso will be cared for by the best of the best. Another thing to note, I know that people may have had different experiences with this site (as seen by the Yelp reviews), but don't be discouraged by them! You need to go for yourself and let your best judgement and your pup experience the site! Myself and Kelso had a wonderful time. I look forward to what Kelso learns when I put him in training on Monday
Natalie L.
Sep 30, 2020
Canyon View Ranch is a top notch boarding and training location. Not only are the facilities impeccable, but the attention provided to each dog from ownership all the way to facilities personnel is fantastic. Our mildly aggressive and socially awkward dog did the 30-day board/train and he was certainly improved after his stint at the Ranch. The personalized trainer was able to build a good rapport with our dog and made him feel comfortable and more open to listening. We have already recommended the Ranch to others and will be dropping our dog off in a couple weeks for boarding while off on vacation.
Ally W.
Sep 05, 2020
This is an amazing place to train your dogs! Ask for Christian Wirth! He trained our German Shepherd and Labradoodle to perfection! We are so grateful we had him! No complaints
Rachelle K.
Apr 24, 2020
I'm sad to give this review because The trainer was very kind to me. But after my dogs coming home from staying there for 3 weeks. My dogs came home extremely sick. Diarrhea, cough, vomiting & etc. took them to the vet to find out they have Kennel Cough. When I called canyon view ranch to ask what happened and how they didn't catch this, they said they had no idea and to send them the bill from the vet and they would reimburse me because the dogs got it from their camp.

I sent them the bill and never heard back. They have ignored every call, voice mail and email of mine. Had to spend almost 400$ on medication for my dogs and my dogs were extremely sick for 2 weeks. very disappointed
S. Goldman
Feb 05, 2020
I have 4 dogs and Canyon View took such good care of all my dogs and provided each specific training and care for their individual needs. One of my dogs is a deaf boxer and they did a fantastic job training him as well. They are kind, courteous and have fair rates for the services they provide. Boarding is an amazing value as well as very enjoyable for the dogs. It's like sending your kids to camp.
Jeff L.
Oct 12, 2019
We took our black lab there for a week and he came out very tired as was to be expected. They were great with him (though I wish they had a webcam). They also followed the instructions to give him ear medication. So all in all we were very happy and will bring him in again. I will tell you, it is not an easy ride getting to the ranch so drive carefully!
Alice Howe
May 13, 2019
I just love this kennel, the owners are super professional and very loving with the animals and always concerned that everything is going well. The trainers and the office employees are sincerely nice. My dogs jump out the car every time we go there. It's a peace of mind for any dog owner. Thank you Canyon View you save my life after the fires and I will forever grateful Alice Howe
Elizabeth Bloze
Dec 14, 2016
Our three German Shepherds including a rambunctious puppy stayed at Canyon View Ranch for weeks. The puppy chewed up the living room rug, all the pillows, and the leg of the grand piano! They all returned happy, lively, and well-behaved. Our dogs have gone back several times. They leap from the car with joy. We love it. They love it. It's like sending my kids to the coolest camp, and worth every penny.

Thanks to Tyler's training, when Rocket carried an Anichini pillow out the dog door, all I said was, "Leave it!", and he never touched it again. We can leave our shoes out and nothing gets destroyed.
Christina A.
Jul 14, 2016
My dog boarded here 4 years ago shortly after I rescued him while he was still a puppy. I left him for a month with Canyon View Ranch while I went to Europe. I was nervous about leaving him here and now I know why. It is quite clear nobody checks the dogs bodies carefully each day before they get put back into their crates as stated on the website.

To that end, I wonder what kind of supervision is provided as well. When I picked up my dog, Tony, he had a deep puncture wound on his neck that had to be cleaned out and stitched up by a vet at Overland Vet Clinic. See attached vet notes on day of pickup. He was given antibiotics for several days. She was in shock that this happened at a boarding facility and NOBODY CALLED ME ABOUT IT OR KNEW ABOUT IT!

I have had nightmares about knowing that my dog, like my child, was hurt and could have come down with an infection. He also came home to over 5 ticks attached to his head, around the ears, one of which ended up in my bed and on body. DO NOT BOARD YOUR DOG HERE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, PERIOD. The owners did not care and never called me back. I have since found a local dog sitter and it has worked out great so far.

Please private message me for their website. I will post photos of my Canyon Ranch itemized bill, my dogs head puncture wound, ticks I collected in a bag off his head and the vet bill incurred on the same day shortly. Update, as I was cleaning through my files during a recent move, I finally uploaded vet's notes for puncture wound in neck the same day I picked him up, and pictures of wound and ticks I had to take off of him.
Lisa J.
Aug 11, 2015
I would like to give you an update that we have been reimbursed in full for our dogs stay and medical bills to date, however not without several emotionally charged, haughty emails and voicemails from both the owners. These emails and voicemails were highly inappropriate given we were already upset with the severe illness of our dogs and they flip flopped a couple of times in their decision to reimburse us as they were upset I had posted on Yelp about our experience.

In the end they did do the right thing, yet it was very upsetting to be a recipient of their hostile reactions. Honestly, I could not even respond to their last emails and voicemails. One of the email responses they wrote back was in paragraphs written in angry red letters. Yet they said my emails were 'snotty' (they were not, rather factual) and that our dog probably looked unhappy, in a photo they sent "because we raised it from a puppy and that we were mean people and they never want to hear from us again." Honestly, we had a wonderful tour experience there with all the staff when we first went to inspect their property on June 20th.

We had pleasant interactions with everyone including the other couple we toured the facility with. Sincerely, these guys exaggerate, dramatize and don't tell the truth. The tone in which they spoke to me was inappropriate and filled me with additional anxiety on top of stress dealing with my dogs illness. While the facility is beautiful, I have come to learn they continue to operate under an expired permit that is for only 30 dogs.

Apparently at any given time they have upwards of 100+ dogs there. If this is accurate information, this could be a major reason why they seem to have a consistent problem with Kennel Cough and parasites at their facility as it is too difficult to keep everything sterilized with so many dogs and not enough staff. I even heard from one vet that a dog died there last year.

In the end, while we have been reimbursed, I could never recommend this facility for the safety of our dogs would always be in question. I hope the upcoming hearing regarding their expired permit on Aug 26th will result in them having to adhere to the permit allowances should it be renewed and that this will be a wake up call to them to inform dog owners immediately if there is a case of kennel cough at their facility, giving owners the opportunity to not check their dogs in, or to retrieve them.

If you wish to attend the hearing to find out about all the grievances surrounding CVR the hearing information is below: August 26th, 9:00 AM downtown at L.A. County Dept. of Regional Planning 320 West Temple St. #1348 Los Angeles, CA 90012 Best Wishes and Blessings to Randall Neece and Joe Timko of Canyon View Ranch and all concerned.
Gary Chang
Mar 06, 2015
We boarded our dog several times at Canyon View, until the last time. Our 7 pound dog was bitten by another dog. Canyon View released our dog to our friend without informing him of our pet's injury. When all was done, $200+ at the vet, and an apology from the owner, but no refund, or offer to pay for the medical expense. NEVER AGAIN.
Pat MacNeil
Dec 26, 2013
We have taken our Dog to Canyon View Dog Ranch off and on for the past 12 years. I have had dogs all my life and never seen a more caring and helpful staff. I think it is the cleanest and best maintained kennel you can find. The health of the animals in their care is their main concern. My dog has gone there several times a year and is 13 years old and they give her all the attention possible.
Melissa Yoes
Mar 18, 2012
You can see for yourself when visiting this place that the dogs are so well cared for, healthy and happy. I love how they have trainers in the yards playing with the dogs. They screen the dogs to make sure they are healthy and sociable. My heart feels so good to see there are places such as this. Much better than putting your dog in a kennel where they aren't getting the exercise and social interaction. Love this place. Highly recommended!