I recently went on a vacation and needed to determine where I was going to leave my German Shepherd puppy. I have had bad experiences in the past with boarding at local kennels, so I knew I needed to do something different. I also wanted to have some obedience training done, but assumed I would do that at a different time.
During my Google searches for "kennels," "boarding," "dog obedience training," etc., I discovered Off Leash K9 Training, and there was a Lansing area location. When I saw the Board & Train Package, I knew my search was coming together.
After thinking about the training, the E-collar, and being away from my puppy, I had reservations. I would be leaving my puppy with someone I had not met; someone my dog had not met, and I became uncomfortable with my decision. I called the trainer, Mike Christie. He understood my hesitation and agreed to come to my house to meet me and my dog, and he did not make an additional charge. He spent 90 minutes with me and my dog. When I was preparing for my trip, I had a vehicle issue and had to take my SUV to the mechanic. Mike came to my house and picked up my dog; again, there was no additional charge.
While on my vacation, Mike sent pictures by text message of my dog in training and in play with his dog. I felt like my dog was a part of Mike's family, and not just a job.
My vacation lasted longer than the two weeks I expected (and the two weeks covered by the package I purchased), but Mike kept my dog for an additional four days, and, yet again, there was no additional charge. Finally, Monday evening my schedule allowed me to get my puppy. Mike was waiting with Klink when I arrived. The puppy had grown in both size and maturity. Mike took nearly two hours to discuss what I needed to do to maintain the training, and what to expect from Klink when we got home. He knows dogs better than anyone I have met. He showed me what Klink learned, and what he tries to do but needs further encouragement to accomplish. Klink can now join my wife and me in the living room and on the deck and even in the basement when we workout. He behaves and has focus that I had not imagined he would ever have. Mike also told me that if Klink needs any "touch-up" training, he will take care of it with no additional charge.
I had left Mike with a rowdy puppy that only understood his needs and wants. I now have a puppy that seems to really want to respond to what I expect of him. He is almost as anxious to learn as he is to play.
I strongly recommend Mike Christie and Off Leash K9 Training to anyone who has a dog that is less than perfect!
Steve Morgan read more
