We adopted our Doberman Pinscher/Malinois mix, Jack, from a rescue in South Carolina -- and to be honest, he was basically feral. He'd been abandoned, left to fend for himself, and didn't know a single rule. Life at home was chaos. Desperate for help, we took him to Peacock Bridge Kennels for their two-week intensive training program. They promised they could train any dog. We weren't sure we believed that, but we had to try something different. Two weeks later, when we returned for "human training," we were stunned. Jack was calm. He listened. He was happy. It felt like magic -- but really, it was the result of skilled, patient, compassionate trainers who knew exactly what they were doing. Peacock Bridge treated Jack with care and respect, and they taught us how to reinforce his training at home. Yes, the program is an investment -- but worth every single penny. We can't thank them enough for transforming Jack (and restoring our sanity). read more

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Peacock Bridge does an amazing job at training dogs. My dog, Iris, went through their 2 week training program with stellar results. She is so incredibly obedient. I'm amazed!! I would definitely recommend Peacock Bridge!! read more

When I brought home a 4.5 month old yellow English Lab puppy, I was told I was crazy, that the dog was crazy and "what was I thinking". I am sure it had a lot to do with the fact that I am over 65 and live alone however, I am a seasoned dog rescuer and my kids grew up with over 6 dogs in the house, many of which they brought home. To tell you the truth, I wasn't looking for a puppy but rather a senior dog and preferably a Great Dane. Somehow, I saw this puppy online and although I thought she was cute, I didn't give it any further thought. About a week later, I was with my daughter passing the place where the puppy was held. Long story short, I came home with "Honey Bear". Oh and she was a wild thing but that is typical of puppies. (Gone is the glass top on the kitchen table) !!!! I may have more gray hair too. Voice is raspy. Thank God for the blood pressure meds! I contacted my friend Andy aka the owner of Peacock Bridge Kennels and asked for a little intro. for her for the e-collar. (I had used these before but never did the introduction and basically only needed that part of the training) I dropped Honey Bear off for a few hours a day for about 4 days. ( I had the option to leave her overnight but I have separation anxiety :) ) On the 5th day, when I picked her up, Mike and Nicole brought her into the training room. OMG...she was a different dog. She heeled by my side (without a leash) like no dog I have ever had. She came when I called her which was my biggest issue with her. She no longer jumps on me or anyone. That's scary when they jump on my grandkids and knock them over. So, wow...oh wow!!! Also, Mike showed me how to correctly use the remote for her in training and off training modes. He even let me touch the prongs on the collar to see what it felt like. It doesn't hurt at all, it just gets your attention. So, a HUGE THANK YOU to Andy, Mike, Nicole and the staff at Peacock Bridge who helped with Honey Bears transformation! You're the BEST! read more

Peacock Bridge Kennels - Best Friends. - Pet Training Near Me - Reading, Pennsylvania

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Took such good care of my girls. Will always be the place I take my four legged family members. Like taking your babies to grandmas for the day, very attentive to the needs of our girls, gave us a summary of their day. Thank you ladies so much for the hospitality!!! See ya again soon. read more

Excellent training for our puppy better than expected. Got a new dog when we picked her up

Solid 5 star training program! Nobody thought my dog was trainable. He was knocking everyone down, chewing on us and our belongings, ripping clothes and destroying walls. 125 lb Newfie at 17 months old. He had been to training lessons but my entire family had given up on him. I decided I had to try and I saw Peacock Bridge Kennels sign. They can train ANY dog. THEY REALLY CAN. Homework is super simple even for a forgetful senior! read more

I've boarded my dog here multiple time throughout the last three years. There is nothing but good things to say about the facility and staff. The cleanliness is better than any other boarding facility in Berks county, in my opinion. The training program is great! However like every training program the owner must keep up with the training once the dog goes home. They send out a training booklet with all the information for you to study in time for the pick up lesson, which gives you plenty of time to come up with questions post training. Highly recommend PBK for your boarding and training needs! read more

We've used Peacock Bridge for both boarding and training: Boarding: We haven't boarded our dogs anywhere else, so I can't objectively compare, but I didn't have any complaints. The staff is friendly and professional, and my dogs weren't scared to come back, so they can't have had TOO bad of a time. Training: We have had one dog trained, and are currently having our second dog trained by Andy and his crew for the 2-week in-house program. First, as a disclaimer --- THEY USE ELECTRONIC (aka "shock") COLLARS as part of their training program. If you have an ethical objection to this, then don't bother taking your dog to train here. As for me, I tested the shock collar on myself (true story), and decided that, although it's definitely not a pleasant feeling, its not painful, and is certainly better than smacking a dog for getting into trouble (something that Andy & his trainers are very much against). The first dog has completed the 2-wk training, and while we still have work to do with him at home, he's so much better than before - we can actually take him out in public, let him run off-leash in parks, and generally do all of the things we couldn't do with him before (because he was a stubborn little dachshund who thought he was the boss). They focus on the off-leash "come" and "down" & "stay" commands to build a strong obedience foundation (for the standard obedience school ... they also have puppy school, etc). Overall I'm very pleased - my dog came back as the same dog (I was worried he might return as a robot, with no personality) -- he was still loving and playful, if a little more timid (he's still getting used to his position at the bottom of the totem pole, rather than the top!). The downside - it's not cheap. It cost $1750/dog for the obedience school, and even the boarding costs seem a little pricey for a rural Pennsylvania area. But the staff is very friendly and professional, and they take good care of the dogs (and kitties, too!) read more

We have been using Peacock Bridge Kennels for well over 10 years. It's a safe place for your dogs while away on vacation. The staff is friendly and professional. One complaint: If you choose the later pick up time (5-6pm or after 12noon) they will charge you and extra day even if your dog does not stay the night. read more

Yelp is a Piece of crap scourge on businesses and has turned customers into monsters. If you're reading yelp reviews ask yourself if you're interested in basically ruining your life to start a business, pour all your money and hard work into bringing a product or service to market only to have entitled malcontents complain online under fake names. read more

Negative training by using shock collars. I would recommend doing your research and finding a trainer who emphasizes positive training instead of training based on shocking fear. Your dog deserves the best. read more

My pibble was trained at PBK, I used the boarding method and remote collar. It made the difference in her life and yes it was $3000 and it was the best money ever spent. She went from a lunging, pulling 56 lbs. of muscle mass that was impossible for me to walk to a dog that can now safely enjoy time off leash and run like a dog is intended-in appropriate areas, of course. I rarely have to use "nick", she typically responds to voice and "page" which is vibrate, no stim. If you have an unruly dog that you dread walking, consider PBK. If you are against remote collars, test it on yourself. It is unpleasant and painful at higher levels but we wouldn't subject our dog to something we wouldn't do to ourselves. Positive reinforcement is a fairy tale to some bully breeds and this was somewhat of a last resort which worked fabulously for us. Just keep in mind, it requires a lot of personal discipline, training has to be maintained. You will be trained when you pick up your canine. If you don't learn how to continue the training and aren't committed to it, you may have an experience like Nichole H. I also use PBK for boarding for many years, various dogs and have never had an experience that was less than positive. Highly recommend. read more

This place is a joke!!!!!!! Save yourself the couple grand for "Training" and buy a shock collar at Cabela's. The do nothing more than shock your dog. Our dog became very aggressive after his two week nightmare with the place. When you take your dog there, you will meet the owner and that is the only interaction he will have with your dog until you go to pick them up, then he will tell you to get the dog excited to see you and when they do he shocks them again. This is cruel for any animal read more

Boarding and training our American Bulldog was definitely worth every cent. Prior to training I was very scared to take Otis for a walk because of his aggressive/protective behavior toward other dogs. Being a rescue with an unknown background proper training was a must if we were going to keep him. I've used Andy's training techniques religiously and have never had a problem. Does he need an occasional reminder to behave?....yes. But we enjoy a daily walk and I know, if there's any issue or concern, Andy will be there with an answer! read more

Since the last review posted here, the price of training has increased to $3000! Now, I don't have $3000 just laying around, but I borrowed money to pay it because I couldn't handle my dog's aggressive behavior towards other unknown dogs anymore. However, $3000 later, the only good thing I can say is that my dog does definitely listen better. Her leash pulling was also completely fixed; however, it wasn't long until she went back to her old ways. As for her aggressive behavior, it did not change even a little bit. When she is in attack mode, nothing fazes her. And when I would call them to tell them (let me tell you that they are NOT easy to get a hold of since there is only one person dedicated to post training support - you never hear from the actual trainer) they would just tell me to increase the shock level. I gave up trying to get a hold of anyone. They also send you a survey afterwards which I answered honestly and even wrote a long note saying exactly what I am saying here and I never heard a word back. Their website says satisfastion guaranteed but that's bullshit. For $3000, my dog should have came back 100% cured of her aggressive behavior as they claimed they could fix. Also, when I called them before I sent my dog to training, they told me her chewing behavior would be addressed; however, after I paid $3000, they told me they can't fix any behavior unless you catch them in the act. These people are crooks who only care about money. read more

Yes, it's expensive but I believe it's worth it. My dog used to 'drag' me down the street for his walks. He would jump on people & other dogs because he loves everyone! He just wanted to play. But at 60 pounds he extremely strong he just couldn't control himself. Now he is very well behaved - no fear of law suits now. read more

Good place to board your pet but as the previous post mentioned, if you pick up between the 5-6 time frame they will charge you for another 24 HOURS! in reviewing other Kennels in the area they do not follow that practice. As long as your ok paying for a night your dog didn't stay, then it is a safe place to board your pet. read more

My dog was there for 2 days, was so sick when I picked her up I had to take her to the emergency dog hospital before we ever got home, called them and they said she was fine,not,she ended up on antibiotics and pain killers, will never use them again, go to pet smart! read more

We have sent 4 dogs ( 3 Rottweilers and one Pit bull/ Husky mix) through the training program at Peacock Bridge Kennels. I am getting reading to send my 5th dog, a 110 lb. Pitt Bull rescue through the training program as well. The reason all of our dogs ( which we still have and thoroughly enjoy) went through Mr. Bensing's training program was simple.. they are large and they are breeds that have a very bad reputation. Even though they are Rottweilers and pit bulls, they are incredibly friendly.. however, they were very hard to walk on a leash and because of their size, could be very intimidating to people around them. People do not necessarily want to do a "meet and greet" with an overly excited dog such as the ones we own.. We also live on land.. therefore, when we are out with the dogs to run them.. be it on the property or elsewhere.. we needed to KNOW they would come when called. They do!! They all listen beautifully and are basically ambassadors for their breed as a result of the training they have gone through.. not to mention their effervescent personalities, of course. They are wonderful around all other dogs and children. As a matter of fact.. they run with pugs and other small dogs religously. My dogs did not come out of Andy's program with a different personality or their spirit broke, they came out with very good manners. Actually, even though they were trained with the "electronic collar".. we hardly ever have to use it. Andy, Fay and the rest of his team do a wonderful job. I can't say enough about how happy I am with the results that Peacock Bridge Kennels yielded with my dogs. I can walk them anywhere and not worry about whether or not I am going to be "tubing" behind them eating asphalt... they don't jump up on people, they come when called.. they are dream doggies. read more

I highly recommend peacock bridge kennel. We took our puppy for the two week training and have had a dramatic change in her! They addressed our concerns and corrected them. They also gave us the tools and information we needed to maintain the behavior. Very satisfied!!!! read more

They use an electric collar to train your dog. When you come to pick your dog up you are told that one exercise you need to do with your dog is turn the collar up very high and yell "come" and hold the button in until the dog turns to come towards you, meanwhile your dog is yelping in pain. They actually tell you that you want your dog to "vocalize!" That's the nice word they use for yelping. Also, before you can take your dog home they have to show you your dogs neck so you can confirm that there are no burns on their neck from the collar! So if you burn your dogs neck you can't complain to them. We made the mistake of taking our puppy to this place and we still feel terrible for putting him though that. We gave them almost $2,000 to electrocute our puppy. This is not the place to take your dog for obedience training. We have since used only positive reinforcement training and our dog is much happier as are we. read more