I've been hesitant to write this update, but I decided that I would've wanted to see a review like this when I was doing my research, so here it goes. We did 1 week of drop off training, and about 8 days of puppy socialization. It's worth noting that this was all completed during Phase 1 & Phase 2 of Virginia's Covid-19 reopening plan.
The first day, I called to let them know we were outside, vaccination papers in hand, ready to go. My pup went in no problem, but because I was a little overwhelmed (the place is next to a very busy road + masks = difficult to hear), I didn't hand them my vaccination papers. I should've known it was a big red flag that they didn't ask for them. I reached out and emailed them over anyway. Throughout the week, I got exactly 0 communication about what she was learning. Even a short report when picking her up would've been helpful so I could at least be aware of what she was learning. I guess that part doesn't really matter at the end of the day, we did get the wrap-up lesson with me, pup, and the trainer.
As time went on, I saw even more red flags. Once, I pulled up and a staff member was smoking a cigarette and walking a dog. I don't care at all if anyone smokes, but I want it very far away from my dog. I was taken aback that it would be allowed or even considered by staff members. Another strike. Then, I was picking up my dog a few times, and there is one particular staff member who absolutely yanks my dog so hard because she gets excited to see me. I get that they want her to comply with & be consistent about her training, but she yanked my dog so hard she fell onto her back, then blamed it on my dog. Unacceptable in my opinion.
Overall, their attitudes towards me and my dog were stale. They consistently made comments about how she misses me during the day ("Yeah, I get it [name], you miss your mom all the time"), and said it with such disdain that it really disheartened me both as an owner and as a client. There would also be times where I was waiting outside and calling them to come grab her (Covid restrictions in place called for this) for upwards of 10-15 minutes. Then, as soon as we would switch leashes, my dog would be very visibly upset and cry for me--not quite the attitude I would want to see from her, especially considering she does NOT do this at the vet, which has the same drop-off procedures, but they have staff that love my dog & care for her in a very compassionate way.
I can appreciate that maybe they were disorganized because of Covid restrictions. But I cannot get past the way they treated me, my puppy, and I suppose other dogs in their care. At the end of the day, I did like our trainer and she was the best part of this whole experience. My puppy has stellar leash manners & a great framework has been set for her so I can keep training for her success. Unfortunately, I felt like I had no other option with my dog's training/socialization, as her socialization window was coming to an end and there were little to no other options available for her during restrictions. However, I think if I could do it all again, I would choose a different place. I hope other people have very different, much more positive experiences. read more