We believe training doesn't stop after your sessions end! All dogs that go through our in-home training programs are invited to our Alumni Socials. Maintain your dog's social skills and training progress in a fun environment and keep them interacting with other dogs and people.
Rich began dog training in 2000, becoming a certified trainer and leading group obedience classes. In 2010, he founded Perfect Pooch, expanding into behavioral training while balancing a successful police career. He retired as a Police Officer in 2024 after serving as a Patrol Officer, Detective, and managing the Police Therapy Canine Program, where he trained therapy dogs to support police and professional staff after experienceing traumatic calls for service. Rich was also Nationally Certified as an Animal Cruelty Investigator through Colorado State University and investigated animal cruelty for 7 years.​ A lifelong animal lover, Rich now lives in Mesa, AZ, with his wife, two children, and a bustling household of pets!
Meet Our Trainer
Over 25 years experience
Rich Fairclough
Meet Alex and Winnie, my trusted canine assistants! Alex is a calm and confident adult Pit Bull-Lab mix who brings a steady, reassuring energy to every session. Winnie, a friendly and playful Yellow Lab, adds a dose of fun and warmth wherever she goes. Both dogs play an important role in helping our clients’ dogs learn proper social skills, build confidence, and stay focused in real-world scenarios. They love their job and are excited to meet new friends on the path to becoming the perfect pooch!
Alex & Winnie
TESTIMONIALS
-"I would like to offer my perspective on the depth and breadth of skills and knowledge that Rich Fairclough of Perfect Pooch possesses in the area of dog behavior. I have a fairly extensive background in canine training. In my youth, I was a Military Working Dog handler in the United States Air Force. In my four year enlistment, I handled Patrol Dogs and Narcotics and Explosives Detector Dogs. My last year on active duty I was the training NCO for the Military Working Dog Section at my base. After I separated from the Air Force, I was hired as a dog handler and trainer for a Sheri ’s Department, where I trained K9 teams for several police agencies. Again, I think it is fair to say I have an above average grasp on the concepts of dog training. However, when faced with challenges with my own personal dog, Rich is the one that I turn to. His understanding of the canine psyche is unmatched in my experience, and understanding why a dog is behaving a certain way is the key to modifying that behavior. I give Rich my highest recommendation. If you need help with any aspect of obedience or behavior issues with your dog, there is no one better to help you than Rich Fairclough!"
Respectfully, Scott Parr
We put our 5 year old Border collie mix, Zeke, through Rich's 6 week in-home training program, and couldn't be happier with the results! We were able to strengthen old commands, learn new ones, and achieve our underlying goal of getting Zeke to behave and work with new guests in the house. Zeke had aggression issues with friends and family we invited over in the home and using the tools we learned from the training program we were able to go on a 2 week vacation to Europe and leave Zeke with an in-home pet sitter who he had met only a handful of times before hand. We simply taught the pet sitter the same commands and boundaries Rich taught us and this allowed Zeke to learn to trust the sitter and become comfortable with her over time. We regularly got updates on our trip how my sitter was able to pet and show affection with Zeke, something we previously believed would never be possible! Thank you Rich!
- Alyssa W.
"Just in the first meeting, I learned some new techniques to use with my dog. These are things my previous trainer was not able to teach me in the 8 sessions I had with her. This gives me faith that I am on the right path with Richard!"
-Margie K.
"All good. Seriously, ALL GOOD! 2-hour session of tons of fully practical information, advice and hands-on training with our dog. I am pretty much a cheapskate. But the fee that Perfect Pooch charged me was worth every single penny, and I would do it again in a New York minute, it was that valuable to us."
-Dave C.
"Rich has been able to help us teach our 4 dogs what no one else has been able to accomplish!!!"
-Cathy K.
"Rich was great! Freddy was effectively shown who is "boss". His behavior modification is complete. We are working to reinforce all the good procedures Rich taught us. I highly recommend Rich to all dog owners who need help with solving their pooch's problems."
-Mike M.
We are a small dog training company committed to enhancing the lives of dogs and their humans by empowering owners through education and training, helping them create their “Perfect Pooch.” Our approach focuses on improving a dog’s mental well-being by providing structured leadership that teaches them to be calm, relaxed, obedient, and confident wherever they are with their pack leader. We believe that every dog and their owner(s) deserves to feel happy and comfortable in their shared environment.
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Founded in 2010, our business is proudly owned and operated by a recently retired Tempe Police Officer, Rich. We love all people and dogs for who they are, and strive to help them become the best version of themselves, both inside and outside their home.
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