This is the letter I wrote to the owner...
Dave -
Its taken me awhile to write this email...In part because I've been focused on rewinding some behaviors learned whilst at your facility and because I've been too upset to write this complaint effectively.
My dog Gabby had board / train reservations at your place from April 30 - May 20. This was her first time at a kennel so it stands to reason I would be concerned about how she was doing. I mentioned this when I brought her whilst the person (Wolf - a name I cannot recall now) who said I'd get an update call soon after drop-off. I waited a couple of days to see if anyone would let me know she was ok; no call was received. I called to check on her and it took two days before someone called me back to say she was fine. I asked about her training, the videos and when would I see them. I wanted proof my dog was indeed fine and being trained. This person said they'd send videos - nothing was received.
I called again during her second week - again, and the same conversation transpired and again, nothing was received. I'm sure you getting the jist now. Know also that by this time, I'm in another state and if I could have taken her home, I would have.
Pick up date: While there were at least three people working that day, the trainer guy seemed to be the only one who could work with customers? There was a very young man (15-16 yrs old perhaps?) that yelled at dogs multiple times. Given the building has very high ceilings, THIS KIDS YELLING sounded 10x louder and like an echo chamber! After his yelling the third time, I stood at the window and made eye contact with him...my way of letting him know yelling was not appreciated. Question: how would any dog not think he was being yelled at?
I arrived early so I could spend some time with the trainer. I had questions and was excited to see how well Gabby learned the only three things I asked for: an immediate recall, to heel and to place. Gabby is not my first dog, she knew alot before she arrived. Because she is so strong, I couldn't get her to do these last three things well - which is why I brought her to training along with boarding. I received her FEEDING schedule - reflecting she was fed three times daily as requested so great...she ate.
Basically, other than boarding, I've seen nothing to demonstrate the training I paid for:
I received nothing related to her training. No video. No schedule demonstrating she was trained or now she did.
I asked to see that she learned "place"...and it took the guy three times to get her to place - not impressed.
It took a number of days to get basically calm her down when loud trucks drove by,
She barks all the time now,
She does NOT heel, place or come to me on command.
She does NOT heel, place or come to me on command.
As you may guess, I will not bring Gabby there ever again. Also, dog friends talk and THEY can see that Gabby doesn't know the only three commands I asked for - so you won't be seeing them either. Third, this letter has been posted on Yelp with a one-star rating. read more