I was really split between 2 and 3 stars. Our rescue dog
This place came highly recommended by my friend who also has a severely anxious dog. Our rescue dog was unable to stay alone for more than 10 mins without ripping chargers out of the walls, dragging his entire metal playpen across the living room trying to escape and then pooping and peeing when he escaped (we had set up a camera in the house to see how he was). We previously medicated him so much he was so drowsy! So we needed additional training to help him cope with his separation anxiety.
So I called and left a message to sign up for a consultation. I was called back almost immediately and met with Cassie that weekend. We loved Cassie and my dog seemed to take an almost immediate liking, which is HUGE! When we rescued him from an owner who neglected him for days at a time in a crate, he wouldn't look us in the eyes for weeks! He didn't drink or eat for almost 3 days! It did not take me a second thought to sign up for more than 20 classes that day for 1 on 1 lessons! We had Cassie for the first few weeks then we noticed we had different trainers. We were just shocked and confused because we had assumed we would just have Cassie, we were never told differently. After receiving an explanation from another trainer, Tina on the importance of exposing our dog to different trainers, we completely understood. I just wish the communication was more clear up front.
There is also a big sign on the door that says to walk your pet within 30 mins of entering the facility because they do charge $3 for each time your pet poops or pees. However, my dog is there for severe anxiety (was already on meds, calming collar and had a belly band) and still had accidents due to anxiety. I was told by one trainer that he better be careful because I would be charged for every time he had an accident, even though we walked him once when we left the house and another when we got to the facility before his sessions. To their defense, yes, it is in their rules they give you when you sign up. However, it just gave me more anxiety because paying for classes up front was not cheap! I happened to call twice (once about the different trainers and then again about being charged for the pooping) and spoke with Tina both times. Both calls started off with her sounding defensive and I regretted the calls almost immediately both times.
The facility is split separating the front and back. Our classes were primarily in the back part where there is also a pool. The floors are not in the best condition to begin with and my dog was very distracted with the sounds from the other classes going on. It was very difficult to keep him focused. He wouldn't take treats and at one point, the trainer suggested we bring steak (because we mentioned he had it for dinner once), to the next class; when we discussed our dog was so distracted on his walks with other dogs, we were told to have him eat outside.... I can't say we walked away with any helpful advice to pass on to his new owner.
Unfortunately, my rescue needed A LOT more attention that we could give him at home and he made very little progress with training sessions so I had to give him up to someone who was home more often and could provide him with the attention he needed. When I had told one of the trainers, she started crying, which made me feel like she really cared for the animals that she trains. Because of their "strict no refund or transfer policy", she said she will call me back in a few days to discuss my options because I still have 15 sessions left. I would have loved to donate them to a foster or someone else who could use them. Well, long story short. No call for 2 weeks and I called and left a message to see if they came to some kind of resolution. I NEVER asked for a refund, just an option to donate the classes. I am more upset I didn't even receive a call back. This part makes me feel like it was all a load of crap, the crying and the whole "I care" part.
The trainers here clearly love their animals but seem to lack in the communication with the human part. The humans who are paying for the classes. I was silly not to read these previous reviews before I went into this place and gave up more than a thousand dollars all for the love of my rescue believing he would get the best training. At least my baby is with someone who will provide him with better training than I did. This was my biggest regret when I had him. read more