TO ENSURE ALL CLIENTS AND PET PARENTS ARE PROMPTLY NOTIFIED, THIS REVIEW IS CRITICAL. Huge fan of Best Retrievers, until we picked up one of our dogs "Boomer" 7/21/23, following two months of boarding and obedience training to go over the training in detail. Our other dog, "Pearl" remained home with us, during this time. While on-site reviewing the training at the Best Retrievers facility, our dog "Boomer" exhibited an unfamiliar cough. The cough, we initially thought, was due the use of a training choke collar. 7/22/23, an ER veterinarian, confirmed that our dog "Boomer" that was in the care of Best Retrievers for two months up until 7/21/23, has both kennel cough, and pneumonia. Green mucus was excreting from the snout, as well as both eyes. A photo taken at the ER vet dated 7/22/23 at 1:55 PM CST, is attached to this review. Best Retrievers was notified 7/22/23 at 4:18 PM CST via email, additional photo attached of email correspondence to Best Retrievers. 7/26/23 our other dog "Pearl", that remained home with us, while our other dog "Boomer" was at the Best Retrievers' facility, started exhibiting similar symptoms, and started being treated promptly 7/27/2023. read more

Best Retrievers - Photo taken at the ER vet - Pet Training Near Me - Paige, Texas

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You guys, Best Retrievers will not disappoint. I made the mistake of sending one of my 4 dogs to a different trainer (due to temporary geography). Next time I will drive cross-country to drop jer off for training with BR! They are family run business with integrity. And their quality dogs speak for themselves. Used them as finding the right dog/litter to purchase from, obedience, all the way up to Master title training. Cannot recommend enough! read more

Best Retrievers - Pet Training Near Me - Paige, Texas

We caved like so many during Covid and got a puppy. We had these visions about training her ourselves, and I (the wife) thought I'd casually watch videos online and easily whip out the most obedient puppy on the planet. I will spare you a detailed report on the speed at which that crashed and burned. We found ourselves in late 2020 with an unruly puppy that we loved, but if I'm being honest, didn't like very much. She was out of control and not a lot of fun to have around. We couldn't even take her for a walk without ending wildly frustrated almost every time. Enter Best Retrievers and their obedience program that saved us. We picked our dog up for a long weekend over New Years, and at only 4 weeks into her training, we could tell she was a different lady. She was suddenly a joy to have around, and she actually listened. At 6 weeks, I tried to tell them that that they must have the wrong dog. In fact, if our dog wouldn't have had an identifying mark on her back paw I'd have almost been certain of it. How could it be? We loved the Best Retrievers operation and people so much (and clearly so did our dog) that we decided to let our girl move forward into their junior hunting program. We recently brought her home for good, and when I tell you we're in love with her, just know that it might border on obsession. She is the best dog ever, and we're thrilled. But we're not thrilled because she's now just some robotically obedient dog. We're thrilled because the very best was brought out in her life. Her sweet and happy personality is exactly the same as when she started training, but her life and our lives are greatly enriched because of it. These guys handed us back the epitome of a loving and enjoyable lifelong companion. What we came to find out very quickly is that Best Retrievers is the definition of a family run organization. It's full of super sweet and kind folks that want the best for you and your dog. Everyone out there works so hard. I never in one million years thought I'd get as into our dog's training as I did, but here we are. In the last several months I've now observed a number of other professional and amateur trainers, and it doesn't take long to realize that Best Retrievers outfit is *actually* the best. They are so far above the rest that it's immediately apparent; you absolutely cannot miss it. Do yourself a favor and send your dog to Best. These guys are the zen masters of dog training, and we couldn't be more grateful for the ways in which they've guided us to right here with a talented companion we love so very much. read more

Like so many other families during the COVID lockdown, we decided to get a puppy. Our family friends have had a long-standing relationship with Best Retrievers and we decided to get a Labrador puppy from them. It was a very exciting experience for our whole family.  We had placed a deposit for a pup from a specific litter. We got to see weekly picture updates on Facebook through the Best Retrievers Whelping Service site about all the puppies from that litter.  When the day came to get our new family member, the Best Retrievers staff was super friendly and very helpful as we picked our new pup to bring home. Kristin is very knowledgeable and helped explain some puppy basics before we left for home. Best Retrievers does have a Puppy Imprinting class what we did not take advantage of. We tried teaching our pup the basics over the summer. Not sure we did so good with that on our own. We did take advantage of their Gundog Training. It is a tremendous program. It is amazing what they have taught our dog in just a few months.  The trainers are amazing and do a great job with keeping you up to date with what your pup is doing.  We received photos and videos every Friday.  When she finished, we got to come down and spend a couple hours with her trainer, Nathan, as he went through everything she was taught.  They also taught us about her disrespectful behaviors and how to make corrections for that. Right now our pup is working toward getting her Junior title. Without Best Retrievers, she would never have been ready to do this.  This is a great company and they really care about the dogs and customers that they work with.  We will be Best Retrievers customers for life!!! I highly recommend them! read more

Best Retrievers - Pet Training Near Me - Paige, Texas

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I have known and done business with Kristen and Rody Best since 2006. In all those years I have seen how they handle their business, their clients, and our fur-babies. Since I have 3 dogs in various stages of training with them, I have been out to their facility at all times of the day and evening through the years. I have surprise visits to the kennels dropping off supplies and have never seen them unkept or gross. They disinfect the kennels daily. They keep very detailed instructions of any medication, or supplements each of my dogs is supposed to receive, and keep updated vet medical records, (they have even reminded me of upcoming vaccines needed). Before landing with Best Retrievers I interviewed at least 4 other training facilities (some were horrifying). I am so thankful for Rody & Kristen and the Best Retriever family... my dogs are treated like part of the family. I even have a special needs pup with allergies, and they took her into their home during her training (3 years). Rody & Kristen are passionate about what they do. You can tell the trainers LOVE their jobs, I am always amazed the trainers know every dogs name, personality and their strengths and weaknesses and adjust their training so the dogs learn and succeed. All my dogs are excited and happy to go to "school" and know where we are going when we start heading that direction. I have never had one act apprehensive or stressed when I drop them off. I have experienced every stage of the training levels they offer from puppy obedience to Master titled dog, and have been thoroughly pleased. Their approach to training is methodical (but adaptable to each dogs personality), each stage of training and each handler is taught how to be consistent so the dog can achieve its full potential. I almost forgot to mention they also take the time to train "us people" how to handle and communicate with our pups for continued successful companionship. I cannot rave enough about every aspect of my experience with Best Retrievers! They live up to their name in my opinion, they ARE THE BEST!! read more

Best Retrievers - Master Title Bella Thank you Best Retreivers! - Pet Training Near Me - Paige, Texas

They continue to lie about the treatment of our dog.. their own vet advised us to " get the dog out of there" these owners are reckless and only motivated by money. We have spent thousands on vet bills since our dog was there. They also sent two other dogs home . That should tell you something. The facilities are not sanitary and this is neglect! We will continue to dispute our charge with our card company and will not be taken advantage of. read more

So disappointed. I have known and used these people since they were at Triple Crown in Round Rock and have two other dogs trained there over the years. I have two dogs that I have been trying to schedule a 3-4 month stay for training since November and can't get a call text or email. I think that if we trust our dogs to be taken care of there needs to be communication. I will not ever consider these people again. read more

Best Retrievers is just that, the BEST! We sent one of our dogs to their facility for basic obedience and will never again have a dog that is not trained there. In the past, we trained our dogs ourselves, but seeing the difference that professional training makes is like night and day. They made a point to show us the facilities when we dropped our dog off. They also made sure we knew how to keep the training consistent once we got home. They not only taught us the commands and the proper way to give them, but made sure we felt comfortable with reinforcing them so the training did not go to waste. I recommend them to everyone I know with a new puppy or even an older dog that needs some obedience help. Our dog is truly a joy to have around because he wants to please us by following what he learned during his time at Best Retrievers. read more

There was not very good communication with the owners or the trainer. I paid $1,900 for the 6 week obedience training and my dog is only a little better. I truly believe I could have received the same training with a 2 week course. My dog also has sores all over his feet & legs to which they have no reply. Then to top it all off they charged my card that was in file without authorization while I was getting them another account to use. I do not recommend them to anyone. Shop elsewhere if you care about you money or your dog. read more

I have had several dogs over the years and have trained most of them myself. Never again. My dog, Cannon was trained at Best Retreivers and I'll never have another dog that is not trained there! They took their time to make sure that Cannon (and I) were properly trained and almost 2 years later, I still have absolutely zero problems. He went through their Obedience course and the difference is astounding!! I really like that they use positive reinforcements (like praise and treats) so that Cannon wants to do whatever he is asked to do. From the place bed, to heeling, to getting into his kennel whenever I am not home, he was trained correctly and positively. I can not recommend them any higher. They are the absolute "BEST". read more

Best Retrievers is without a doubt the most professional folks in the game. My dog has been trained there for going on 5 years now and I have been nothing but pleased with everything. They are honest and communicate well to keep you informed on your dog. They are also super flexible with coming to visit, drop off or pickup your dog. Professional staff & clean kennels and plenty of ribbons and happy clients to back it up, there is no where better. read more

Services include 1.) Puppy Training- Get your puppy started off on the right foot! 2.) Basic Obedience- The foundation for any dog, whether it be a companion or hunting dog. 3.) Boarding- For those that need a place for their best friend to stay while away on holidays and vacations. 4.) Retriever Training- In-Kennel Training and Private Lessons available. I have used the Services of Best (they were recommended by a friend) for both boarding and Retriever Training. The training was extremely effective and at a reasonable price. The training was worth the cost, as they took my dog to the field 5 days per week, strengthened her marking and retrieving skills, and taught her 2 new obediance commands. I am impressed with this operation every time I visit, as Rody and Kristen are solid, hard working folks who strive for you to be a satisfied customer - and to give you a good value for your dollar. In addition, they help 'train' the owner as much as the dog. It is apparent that they love animals, and know how to treat each animal's personality individually in order to be most effective. They easily earn my highest recommendation!! Call them for directions. read more

This was our family's first pet and first time utilizing training. It was an experience that none of us will forget. The customer service at Best is top notch. They really care about each dog and place the highest priority on care and training. My trainer Tim was awesome! He was very personable and always kept us up to date on our dogs progress and health/eating habits. It felt as if our dog was the only one there, and that's what impressed me. Even though they are well known across the country, you still get a down home feel and a personal touch that makes you feel comfortable with leaving your family friend there. Kristin walked me through the initial process and made it very smooth to get our dog there. She also made it possible for my dog to be kenneled right down the street at another great facility until his scheduled start date. I believe they get it right here because they treat people like family. We will be back for sure. I highly recommend Best Retrievers to anyone even outside the central area. read more

Best Retrievers - World class trainers producing world class dogs. - Pet Training Near Me - Paige, Texas

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What a wonderful place. Great place for puppy training and dog hunting and obedience. The owners are a fantastic married couple with a full team of trainers and caretakers. DEFINITELY worh the drive from Austin. Everytime we take our labrador there she kumps right out of the car and races toward all the other dogs. It's a great place especially if you are going out of town for a long period of time and dont want your dog cooped up in some sort of downton dog kennel. The pupoy training program is great too. read more

Buyers Beware! Our 6 month old puppy spent 3 weeks at Best Retrievers. The first week and a half appeared to go well. However, for the last 10 days of her stay there, she contracted bordetella, pneumonia and mycoplasma (another form of pneumonia) and visited their vet multiple times. Three times we offered to bring her home, but we were repeatedly told that she was "doing better". We were also told by their trainer that vet bills would be covered by Best Retrievers. Their Vet called us after having our dog on 10 days of an antibiotics and told us to "get your dog out of that place". When we picked her up, she was gravely ill. We immediately took her to our Vet, who confirmed her illnesses and said she should have never been allowed to stay as long as she had. Her treatment was subpar and the reason she was so ill. She's been home for 5 days and continues to suffer with kennel cough, lethargy, constant vomiting and eye/nose discharge. The owner has refused to provide a refund for the final week (where we were told she was lying sick in a corner) and is refusing to cover Vet bills for treatment when our dog was in their care. Unbelievable. We would never recommend this place and this owner's response demonstrates a total lack of professionalism. Find dog training elsewhere! UPDATE: Our dog has been home two weeks now. She's been back to the vet 3 times and is on her fourth round of antibiotics. We've spent over $600 just since she's been home to get her back to health. AVOID this place! read more

Took my dog here for gun dog training in January. My dog was 6 months at the time of dropping him off. Samantha was my trainer. During the time of his stay Samantha was very good at updating me with photos and progress. However, after one month i decided i would pick him up for the weekend. When i arrived i noticed my dog was thin and had not gained any weight at all. Which was odd for his age. He was gaining almost 3 lbs per week prior to taking him in. He also seemed out of it and not excited to see me. When i asked about his weight, i was told that he looked fine and that they thought he had filled in quite a bit. I did not think to much of it as i was in a hurry to get on the road back to Houston. When i returned that evening and fed my dog, he ate his food in about 15 seconds, which is not normal for my dog at all. The next day i decided to take him into the vet and get him weighed and checked out. When i arrived to the vet and put him on the scale the vet said "that cant be right". Not usually a good sign. When i dropped him off for training he weighed 54lbs. A month later he weighed 52lbs. My vet told me that he did not look good and that it is not normal at all at that age for him to lose 2 lbs. I left and called Best Retrievers to tell them, and there response was that they work the dogs hard and that it was very normal. When i told my vet that, she said that if the dog is being worked harder, more food is needed. I feed my dog twice a day. 1-1.5 cup in the morning and the same in the evening. Best retreivers said they do 2.5-3 cups one time a day, in the evening after training. With that info, i was not sure as to why he was losing weight, so my vet told me to just watch him closely. I feed him Purina Pro Plan Puppy Chow, and had the intentions of switching to Purina Pro Plan Sport since this is what Best Retrievers feeds there dogs and recommends. I had about 1 week of puppy chow left when my dog returned. For the next week my dog gained 3 lbs. Bought the PPPsport and started feeding him that. He did not take well to it at all. He was puking or having diarrhea every single day and after every meal for almost a week. Took him to vet and they told me to stop feeding him that and to try something else or go back to what he was eating. They also told me that this was most likely the reason he lost weight while in training, he was not holding down any food at all. This made sence becasue when i brought him back he was consistently licking his but, as if it were sore. When i called Best Retrievers, it took Rody a week to call me back, and that is becasue i finalled texted him my concerns. I told him that being that they fed him after putting him up for the day, when checking on him in the morning, someone should have noticed, a puke fest or diarrhea all over the kennel. Especially since this probably went on for a month! His reply was they would have noticed and that did not happen. I also told him that i did not noticed any training had been done, most likely due to the fact it was probably very hard for him to concentrate on training with not feeling good every single day. I insisted i get a refund, and to me that seemed only fair as i could have asked for way more. He told me he had to get off the phone but would call me back the next day. Two days later, i texted him that he did not call. He apologized and said he would call me that night. This went on for two weeks, and he never called back! I have never written a bad review on anyone before, but if the owner of a company does not want to call a customer back, especially after what happened and what my vet said, i have no choice. Please do not take your dog here! I do believe they have some awesome trainers here, but if they have so many dogs that they cant see one getting sick, to me that is not worth risking your dogs health or life for. Take your dog somewhere else! read more