Obedience regressed, ears injured, and training relied only on ecollar pressure…read more
I sent my 6-7 month old Doberman to Aiyana for a 4-week board and train program. My goals were to refine her obedience, stop leash pulling, and build confidence. Unfortunately, the experience was very disappointing.
Positives
* My dog did gain a little more patience and became more confident around dogs at a distance.
* These improvements are appreciated, but they do not justify the cost of a full board and train program.
Concerns
* Breed Bias: Aiyana often commented negatively about Dobermans, saying things like "This is why I wouldn't own a Doberman." For someone advertising all-breed training, this was unprofessional and discouraging.
* Ear Care: Since my puppy is still posting her ears, I asked to take her home on weekends to do it myself. Aiyana declined until week 3, when I found her ear had been wrapped so tightly it cut into the skin. On another occasion, her ear was bleeding and the glue was completely dried out. When I gave feedback, instead of handling it professionally, she became defensive and refused to continue ear posting on any other dog as if she is doing a favor.
* Training Regression: Instead of improving, my dog regressed. She used to know the difference between sit and down, but came back ignoring sit and defaulting to down. Leash pulling was not addressed -- I was simply told to "use a prong collar," even though she had walked nicely without one before.
* Reliance on Ecollar: I have no issue with ecollars when used properly, but this training relied almost entirely on constant pressure. Without the collar, my dog would not listen at all to her. That is not effective or sustainable training.
* Shocking Statement: At one point, Aiyana even told me, "I cannot do anything if a dog acts a certain way with someone else." Hearing that from someone calling herself a professional trainer was unacceptable.
* Professionalism: She frequently reminded me that she had given me a discount, as if that excused the lack of progress. Sessions were delayed and if I arrived a little late due to her schedule changes she would blame me (we also have work and things to take care of and the road time, i am 40min away from her, i also never had the problem to go back to her anytime that worked), and I never received a proper recap or hand-off at the end as after i communicated about her ears she said she is uncomfortable working with us now .
Final Thoughts
While there were minor improvements in patience and confidence, the main goals of obedience and leash training were not achieved. My dog returned with ear injuries, regression in commands, and unreliable training that relied entirely on tools instead of teaching.
I gave her time till even after the board and train being finished to wait for our recap session because maybe just maybe something would change .
Which wasn't given because i gave my concern on my dog being hurt and her material not being taken care of . I wasn't blaming her -- just asking for more attentiveness.
This program did not meet the level of professionalism, communication, or results I expected from a board and train. For anyone considering training services, I strongly recommend looking elsewhere for a trainer who provides consistent progress, safe handling, and clear communication.