Buyers Beware! We trusted Anna (Childs) Feller of K9 Training & Adelhorst Kennels with our beloved dog Benji, who we enrolled in the "In-Home" Board and Train program for thousands of dollars. My dog never came home, he died in her care. Benji was taken to the vet prior to being dropped off at Anna's and given a clean bill of health( minus the Nystagmus) he was a young healthy dog who had his entire life ahead of him. Now he is dead. We also own a German Shepherd sold to us by Anna who we believed to be healthy and health tested. Venus is out of the Love/Boone pairing. Anna claims to health test all her dogs before breeding them, but this is also a lie. We got our German Shepherd genetically tested and we are once again devastated. The results show she has inherited both gene variants of Degenerative Myelopathy(DM). This disease is an inherited neurologic disease causing muscle wasting in the rear end, progressing to the inability for a dog to walk after six to twelve months. This disease is a life sentence, and was completely avoidable if she had genetically tested the parents, as she claims her breeding program does. I paid $2,500 and have a contract stating my dog is from a healthy genetically tested breeding, and I feel scammed. As a United States Marine Corps veteran, Venus was training to be my replacement service dog and now we are unsure if she will even get to finish up that training. I immediately contacted Anna when I got the results on my dog, and the excuses began. Ultimately she acknowledged that breeding these dogs together was irresponsible and unethical, but refuses to refund the $2,500 even after she said she was mailing me a check in August that I paid for the dog. What makes this especially concerning is that this also involves three separate litters( Love/Boone pairing)--18 puppies and 18 families who will be impacted by her irresponsible breeding. When a breeder tells the public that their German Shepherds are healthy and health tested, buyers should be able to trust that claim. I wouldn't recommend Anna of Adelhorst Kennels for training, your dog may never come home, ours didn't. Also, if you are looking for a German Shepherd puppy, research a reputable breeder, ask for the health certificates.Do not buy a dog from Anna, she's a sales pitch away from convincing you to pay thousands for an unhealthy dog. She is a Backyard Breeder, don't fall for it like we did. read more

I can only speak from my own personal experience, and ours has been nothing short of amazing. In September of last year, we enrolled our dog, Ledger, in Anna's in-house Board and Train program. And when I say Ledger was a strong-willed dog who was basically out of control, I mean OUT OF CONTROL! I've had dogs my entire life, and I had never had one as hardheaded and challenging as this dog. We had actually put Ledger through a different company's Board and Train program when he was about six months old, and unfortunately, when we got him back, we were dealing with the same dog and the same problems. Then we found Anna. Her Board and Train programs are typically around two weeks, but Anna doesn't simply send a dog home because a certain number of days have passed. She sends the dog home when she believes the dog is ready. Two days after we left Ledger with Anna, her father passed away. Despite going through an incredibly difficult time personally, Anna kept Ledger for as long as she felt he needed to be there. She did not charge us anything beyond the original cost of the program. That's something I've since learned is simply how she operates--if she doesn't believe a dog is where it needs to be, she continues working with that dog rather than sending it home just because the scheduled time is up. Who does that? But the biggest testament to Anna's training isn't just what happened during Board and Train. It's what has happened since. We have continued working with Anna through the different training opportunities she offers, and because of that continued training, my relationship with Ledger has grown tremendously. She hasn't just helped train my dog; she has taught me how to work with him, understand him, and become a better handler for him. Ledger is simply a different dog today. I'm incredibly grateful for the time, knowledge, patience, and dedication Anna has given Ledger and me. When you've lived with a difficult dog and then experience what that relationship can become with the right training and guidance, it's hard to put a value on that. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Anna to anyone who is willing to put in the work and continue what she teaches you. Our experience speaks for itself, and so does the dog I have today. read more

In September 2025 we began our journey with Anna Feller and Adelhorst Kennels. We enrolled our 19 month old lab in the in home board and train program. We sent a very stubborn, hard headed, wouldn't listen boy for some much needed training, after a horrible board and train experience with another organization. During Ledger's stay, Anna's father passed away. Despite Anna Fellers world being turned inside out, we knew Ledger remained in the best of hands. Anna's communication with us regarding the unexpected and knowing that Ledger's board and train stay would most likely be extended gave us complete confidence that we had made the right decision placing him in capable hands. There were ongoing lines of communication, and we were never left guessing where we or Ledger were in the process. Ledger came back to us a completely different dog in all the very best ways possible. After participating in follow up lessons, where we learned how to be better pet parents and build on the foundation Anna had laid for Ledger and us, it was the start of many more classes for us at Adelhorst Kennels. We continued with Ledger to make us better handlers and pet parents and to continue to grow and enrich his training. In the midst of this, we enrolled our 3 month old lab puppy, Koda to beginners obedience classes then advanced . Fast forward to now. Ledger has completed his CGC title and his Novice trick dog title. Koda has completed her CGC and with Anna Fellers expertise and training, Koda is now my registered Service Dog. None of this would have been possible without Anna & Adelhorst. We would never trust anyone else with our dogs. Anna's diligence, love, compassion and expertise poured into her profession and the outcomes achieved is nothing short of miraculous. We have said it before, and we will say it again, because of Anna's dedication and commitment our lives have been changed for the very best! Thank you will never be enough!!" read more

Anna and her team have truly been a godsend to me and to my now 2-year-old Cavapoo, Copper. Copper first went to Anna when he was about 4 months old for her board-and-train program. From the very beginning, she became like a second dog mom to him and helped build such a strong foundation. Over the past year and a half we've continued with training classes whenever our schedule allows. One of the biggest things that speaks volumes to me is how much Copper still loves going there. I know he has always been well cared for and loved because when I tell him we're going to Anna's he can't wait to jump in the car and see Anna and Michael! Copper isn't just an ordinary dog to me. During a difficult time in my life, I was looking for a companion who could help me rebuild my confidence and get my life back. Copper has been the most incredible companion and has played such an important role in my journey. What makes Anna especially amazing is that she didn't just train Copper--she built a relationship with both of us. She was always patient, understanding, and supportive, making sure that Copper and I were set up for success together. She took the time to teach me how to communicate with him and gave me the knowledge and confidence I needed to continue his training at home. Through this experience, Anna has not only helped Copper become the wonderful dog he is today but she also opened the door to a new passion for me: training and becoming involved in the dog community. I am incredibly grateful for Anna and her entire team. If you're looking for trainers who genuinely care about both you and your dog--and about helping you succeed as a team--I truly cannot recommend them enough. read more

Anna Childs is not just a professional dog trainer. She is a trainer that actually assists clients to transform their relationships with their dogs. She is results oriented and gets results quickly. She does not use treats which is a huge advantage. Anna's methods of training uses a combination of positive reinforcement and correction. You are guaranteed to see results in just one 8 week session. Her prices are extremely reasonable for the value that you get! Say goodbye to the puppy, beginner, intermediate, then advanced classes that will cost you around $100-$150 per class with minimal results. Anna is fun and personable. She makes learning fun! She is also one of the only trainers in the area that will work with dog aggression issues. Her other focuses are obedience titling and preparation for therapy dog work. She has a boarding facility and she does private training sessions. Her classes are held on Sunday evenings at Doanes Park in Pleasant Hill. Her business is pretty much word of mouth. Anna encourages you to come and observe one of her classes at no charge. Try her! I believe you will be thrilled with the results! She is also the owner of Adelhorst Kennels, which specializes in breeding German Shepherds. read more

Anna is the best! I've done two group classes and 1 private lesson with Anna and I have a completely different puppy! Anna takes a no-nonsense, individualized approach to training and will do whatever it takes to help you train your dog. I've learned so much in a short time. My main goal for training was safety. We live on an acreage on a busy road, and my top priority was off leash control so i can keep my pup safe and give him a long healthy life. We set our foundation in class, and then with one private lesson, we transitioned to off leash control. I've had many dogs, but this is the first dog I've trained with Anna, and this is the first time I've had a dog heel on either loose leash or no leash! And his recall is better than I've ever had which is key on this farm! I'm thrilled with my results and would recommend her to anyone needing help training their dog! I should mention she's very affordable and fair, as well, and worth every penny! read more

Three years ago we rescued a Terrier/Corgi mix from a local rescue organization. Lincoln faced numerous obstacles coming from a puppy mill type environment. He was scared of everything, from a leash to stairs. A friend pointed me towards Anna's classes. She was very accommodating to our needs. We enrolled Lincoln in her class and had to take a one-on-one session before hand to get him used to the leash. To this day, he follows the commands he learned in her classes. In regards to the poor review about her training methods, there is nothing wrong with her methods as they work. Just because a method is different from what you like, there is no need to knock it. She does advocate a prong collar but the method works. She has boarded all three of our dogs and she grooms them as well. She is nothing but helpful and I would recommend her for training, grooming, or boarding. read more

Anna is truly a gifted trainer. She is able to help everyone from a beginner to advanced dog handler. She has so much compassion for her clients. We sent our 11 year old boy and his miniature schnauzer to Anna. The results were immediately visible. Anna was able to get him to come out of his shell. Anna was the second trainer we tried. We would never go anywhere else! Anna is able to help with aggressive or scared dogs. Watching the progress of these dogs in the 8 week class is mind blowing! Anna had a vested interest in Brayden and Lacey's success not only in his 4H dog show (which she attended on her own time), but in him becoming a more coifed dog handler. She sat with him and talked him through what he did well and what mistakes he made during the show. They are ready to start working for next years fair! read more

Anna Childs has such a beautiful dog kennel. Always very clean and full of happy dogs! I got a puppy from her in January 2014 and I never knew the relationship you could have with a dog could be so great! He is my little fury best friend and so very loyal. The training classes she offers for dogs really made all the difference in the world! I grew up thinking you were lucky if you could teach your dog to sit and stay. My dog now knows how to sit, stay, come, lay down, and heel next to me. I receive so many compliments on my German shepherd's behavior, obedience and not to mention his looks! I HIGHLY recommend Anna's beautiful dogs and effective obedience classes. read more

We bought a German Shepard from Anna. Met the mother and father of our Shepard first. They were well behaved and beautiful dogs. We took our Jessie to training classes and got great results. The love and compassion Anna shows her dogs and owners is wonderful. It is a structured class that you will walk away with a trained dog and owner. The best part is my 4 year old at the time was able to help train Jessie. I would highly recommend Anna. She commands respect from the dogs, which is the way it should be or you have a out of control dog. I give Anna, her family, her training, kennel and breeding of dogs a 5 star with complete confidence. read more

Anna Childs is an amazing dog trainer!! I LOVE that through Anna's training my dog listens to me and respects me. No treats necessary, only my voice! Anna is amazing at knowing just what each individual dog needs in order to correct the behavior the owner is struggling with. Anna is tough, but no dog ever leaves not wagging it's tail! I have been able to show my dog at AKC obedience trials and have done very well. I am also in the process of getting her certified as a therapy dog! I have a very high energy weimeriner. None of this would have been possible without Anna!! She is an amazing trainer! read more

I had a very rambunctious puppy that went through beginners class and he now successfully can walk and not jump on everybody we pass at the park. I can take him to the vet and he sits calmly. The class has really taught him so many great things. I was also able to use some of this training for my older dog. The atmosphere was amazing. Anna was very patient and loving towards my crazy puppy. I would highly recommend bringing your puppy or even an older dog to her classes. She's able to connect with them on a different level and it really has helped us. read more

Anna has been training and breeding German Shepherds in Iowa. She specializes in dog aggression modification and dogs with behavioral problems that most trainers turn away. She trains and competes in dog obedience trials and has earned many titles. Anna is a results oriented trainer who uses a variety of techniques to achieve significant results within 8 weeks. Anna has expanded her role to work with Unity Point Hospice and Paws 4 Therapy, Inc. in helping people who are interested in preparing for therapy dog work. read more

I rescued a one year old Labrador/Great Dane and made arrangements with Anna for 2 weeks of boarding and training. What a wonderful experience for both of us. Anna and Jess trained the owner/me and we are working diligently on our lessons. I have always said, "there's nothing MORE enjoyable than a well behaved dog"! Beau has found his forever home and will live a life of love and leisure. Thanks Anna and Jess, if you aren't enjoying walking your dog, get them trained, text Anna, you won't be disappointed! read more

I have two of Anna's dogs and both trained through her. I take my dogs everywhere and am always complimented on how well behaved and beautiful they are. Her training is very logical, correct and reward with love. My dogs will do anything for me. I have seen results before my eyes in several occasions of aggressive dogs re-trained into very obedient and loving dogs. She takes the time and is persistent, and through it all she makes it fun. I give her card out to everyone! read more

We did training with Anna at our hooked a year ago. She was super knowledgeable and helpful! Branch has grown so much and she helped us with training with the rest of our dogs. They have grown and learned so fast. We recently boarded 2 of our dogs and Tommy was amazing with the dogs, very professional! He will definitely do great things with their board and train program. He has patience and enjoys his time with the dogs! read more

Anna is wonderful! After just one class my puppies were consistently sitting and heeling. After a full 13 weeks they were a dream to walk with. Anna is strict but gets better results with just a few classes compared to repeated classes with other trainers! We have boarded the dogs with her and loved the fact that they had consistent training and were in a clean safe place with someone we know and trust. read more

Anna has done a wonderful job helping our son prepare for his county fair dog show. She is the second trainer that we have worked with and we saw immediate improvement when we started with Anna. She did an amazing job helping and support our son during the show. She is exceptional with kids and has built our son's confidence. We are ready to start preparing for next year's show with Anna now! read more

We just completed the begin and advanced training classes with our 2 year old rescue dog. Anna is an amazing trainer who customizes training to each dogs needs. This is our second dog that we have taken through training at Adelhorst. We also board our dogs when we go out of town and the staff at the kennel treat our dog as if they are their own and the facility is always clean. read more