They claim they use the only methods of training approved by the AKC, which is not true. They use old-school, obsolete methods of punishment, which the AKC does not endorse. The AKC only recommends positive reinforcement. I have yet to find a vet that recommends this type of training. It involves using a loud, stern voice and yanking forcefully on a choke chain so the dog gets choked when he does not do what you are asking. For a very long time this was the only way training was conducted, but as we have learned more about animal training in general, it has been abandoned for positive methods.
I have a dog I got as a young adult, who was quite nervous and noise avoidant. I thought taking him to training with other dogs would boost his confidence. A neighbor recommended this place. I talked to Cindy on the phone and got the spiel about the AKC endorsement blah blah blah. I bought a choke chain along with the other equipment they require. I went to one class and my dog was more fearful after it than before. They kept telling me to yank harder, use a more stern voice and they kept yelling at me to keep him away from the other dogs, all whom were bigger. It was a very negative atmosphere. After the class, when I tried to practice, when I put the choke chain on my dog, he refused to move. He was so scared he was going to do something wrong. I also was afraid he could get hurt there since they kept telling me to keep him away from the other dogs.
I started training dogs in the 1980's and was part of a dog training club that met weekly. I took a subsequent dog to a training facility when I moved to Illinois and trained him in obedience and agility. I also briefly showed him in conformation. My mother trained dogs in obedience and competed for many years. All of her dogs earned the highest award you can get in obedience, along with championships, so I grew up around dog obedience training and shows. I have never encountered anything like this: the negative environment where my dog had to be wary of the other dogs and no interaction was allowed. If a dog is so highly aggressive he is going to attack he does not belong in a group training situation. If he is just unsocialized training offers a place to teach him how to behave around other dogs. I have always found, for my dogs, a big part of the pleasure they got from training was being able to greet other dogs and socialize.
I sent an email to Cindy explaining why I was not returning and she replied that I would forfeit the $150 I paid. I wrote back and asked her for clarification. I said something to the effect, "I just want to be clear. You are saying you will be keeping my money. Is that right?" Then I got an e-mail from her attorney. Nasty people. Not anyone you would want to entrust your dog to or associate with. read more