Our dogs - a mix and two German shepherds have boarded at Sundowners for many years. I am devastated that the kennel is closing. Where else could I get care for a dog that recently had CCL surgery or where those in charge knew personalities to choose good play partners for them out in a run? Another era has gone by. read more

Sundowners Kennels - Luna has done so well at Sundowners. - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

Since my last review 8 months ago, I want to say that my opinion has about Sundowners has only gotten better. I brought my pup back here for a month (28 days) of board and train. She came back with more fine tuned obedience! We have also dropped her off many times for day care, weekends, and more when we weren't in town. Kate and her team has always taken great care of my pup Shelby. Every time we drop her off or pull into their driveway she wags her tail because she knows exactly where she is. And as for her owners, we always text Kate for any questions and concerns that show up every now and then and she always responds or even calls me to discuss. I don't know how we could've raised our girl without the help of Kate. If you care about your dog and want the best for them in ways you can't provide, seek out assistance at Sundowners!! read more

Cannot say enough amazing things about this place. Sad to see it go knowing there will never be a place as great as here. Not only did the dogs have staff that truly cared for them, it is just an all around amazing facility. Thank you for the best moments for all the pups. It was truly amazing to see the change for many dogs in terms of training or just care for a few days while their owners had to take some time away. read more

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Our first experience with using a kennel with our new dog we adopted just last year. We were skeptical about using Sundowner. Our veterinarian's office staff had not heard of this business and they're in the same town! My husband did the research and saw there were good reviews. We wanted to have our dog stay local in case something happened. Sundowner requested a first visit which was a "test" of sorts for the staff to see how our "Murray" behaved before they would take him in for a stay. We were relieved he passed and could come back. The staff our great except we didn't get any names. I think we were all nervous with this visit being our first time. They knew what they were doing and put us at ease right away. Murray had a lot of attention. He was a bit anxious so staff sat with him, brought him into the office, gave him another dog to play with, even put him near the fan since he would not stop panting ( sign of nerves?) It was one of the first hottest days of the year. The staff was surprised it was his first time being boarded so in that case we were told he did quite well. When we got him home, he went right to the backyard doing his thing, chewing on his bones, barking at squirrels and being chased by birds who have built a nest in a tree in our yard. We have already made an appointment for a few days this summer for him. What a huge relief to know he is well taken care of in our absence. Thank you Sundowner. read more

Sundowners Kennels - Murray the dog - Pet Training Near Me - Gilroy, California

I've had 3 of my dogs trained here so far. And, will continue to. The results have been amazing. The first time I went there (many, many years ago) was with a wild, high energy lab. I couldn't control her. They worked miracles with her and turned her into a search and rescue dog. Amazing training! I couldn't imagine living with a dog now, that didn't have training from Kate, Pluis and the other trainers there. I'm in Carmel, and it's worth the drive. I've had friends from L.A. and Santa Barbara take their dogs off there. If you don't understand how an e-collar works, and don't care to learn about it, don't go. If you want training from a place that cares about dogs and gets wonderful results, this is the place. And my dogs love going there! Sundowner's is all about the dogs, and the training! read more

My dog has been going to Sundowners for a couple years now for both training and when I go away on vacation. I can't believe how excited she gets when we pull in the driveway! She loves everyone on staff there (and she is a tough cookie) and enjoys her time there boarding as well as in classes. Kate has such a clear way of teaching and demonstrating how to do it, you can see the difference in just one session of training. We have worked on obedience as well as confirmation (show ring) training. Often when I go away, I sign my dog up for training as well which is great because you can see such a difference when you get home. It is so good to know that I always have a safe place to leave my dog whenever I need to leave town. read more

Sundowner just finished 4 months of duck school and obedience training with my 10 month old lab and I couldn't be happier. This is the 2nd dog they've trained for me and I had the same feeling with the 1st. I wouldn't hesitate to have them train my next dog as well. read more

We sent our five month old Shiba Inu to Sundowners Kennels for a month of training by a recommendation from a friend of ours and we couldn't be happier. As some may know, shibas are naturally independent, defiant and stubborn little pups. Our dog Bob was good natured but not too concerned about listening to anyone but himself. After a month with Kate and team, he is sweet natured, much more calm, and really nailing the basics "sit, stay, down, wait, heel," etc. He also seems really happy to please now versus constantly testing boundaries. We are so happy and grateful that we sent him! read more

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I breed and donate pups to Canine Companions for Independence and have looked to the Daverns for everything from kenneling/daycare, puppy socialization, Volhard testing, obedience training, remediation training for a breeding girl who had to be rehomed after her family lost it's home in the large Santa Rosa Fire, to training for AKC competitive (title) events (CD, CDX, JH, etc.) They understand dogs (and their humans) and have always over-delivered. If you want an exceptionally trained and cared for companion, field/hunt or AKC-show-conformation dog, look no further: the Daverns are the best-of-the-best at what they do. read more

Very unprofessional. They need to learn how to communicate with people. I work with people and customer service is key. The training they do is nothing compared to other places. They do not meet training expectations. read more

I don't recommend this boarding / kenneling facility due to a worker there spraying the barking dogs directly with a hose. What an inhumane way of treating animals. While picking up my dog I actually witnessed someone working at the kennel spraying dogs 2-3 times directly with a hose after they had barked. Also, while I was checking my dog out of the facility they attempted to overcharge me for my dogs bath. When I checked my dog into the kennel several days earlier I asked them (in person) how much it would be for a bath for my dog. I was told a minimum of $50 and at most $5 more - making it a total of $55 for a bath. After being quoted that price I agreed on them giving my dog a bath. A few days later one of the owners of Sundowners calls me and accuses me of trying to get away from not paying the full price of a bath. Hey, I got news for ya' - when I'm quoted a price, I hold you to it. I'm an honest and trustworthy person and I don't appreciate Sundowners Kennels trying to tell me that I'm not. It's pretty obvious that the person checking my dog in needed more training on quoting prices for dog baths / grooming. We will never bring our pet here again due to the above unprofessional business practices. If you're looking for a kennel / boarding place in Gilroy I suggest checking out The Dog House Inn in Gilroy. The high quality of service and professionalism they offer at The Dog House Inn can't be matched! read more

Kate is AMAZING! I would give 10 stars if I could! I have done private lessons with Kate at her location with a 5 year old Aussie and a 5 month old Aussie. She is focused on you and your dog and nothing else. Her understanding of the way a dog's mind works is genius. I treasure my time with Kate; she is guiding me as much as she is my dogs. I have valuable tools to take with me after each training session. Toodles is a love and helpful during training as well. Woof! Go see Kate!! read more

Sundowner is the only place I will leave little Gus when I need a sitter. I did try another place but only left pup their for an hour and picked him up - ugh!! I absolutely love the cleanliness, the fact that the owners take such a sincere interest in each and every dog that stays there. I also love that the owners have a genuine passion and love for animals. Kate and the team do a lot of off hours activities that involve rescue team or some similar activity with their dogs!! This truly shows me that they do this type of work from the passion that they have to care for animals. read more

This is a great kennel. I have trusted Kate and her team with my golden doodle for training and boarding. They love and know dogs and take great care of them. read more

We recently boarded our puppy at Sundowners. She has a sensitive stomach and the staff kept us informed on how she was doing while we were on vacation. Not only did they see to her needs but also had some great suggestion for her tummy! Sundowners staff is always friendly, helpful and the kennel is always clean. Most of all the dogs are happy! read more

Beware of this place SHOCK COLLARS ON ALL THE DOGS BIG AND SMALL THEY BOARD AND TRAIN. false advertisement to never mentioning they use Shock collars on your dogs They also Spray your dog with water hoses. these people are nuts and cruel to dogs. Took my dog for a day try out just to see how my dog does, the place is nice location. when I arrived I ask them not to use there shock collars on my dog, they informed me that this is how they keep all the dogs that stay there from barking they do not allow the dogs to bark, and its safe to use shock on the animals. when I went to pick my dog up at 3:30 it was quiet all dogs were inside in dog crates and cages. my dog was very thirsty and hungry when we got home and very happy to be home. Question being, DO all the dog owners who bring there dog to Sundowners know they use shock collars. Read less read more

We have used Sundowner for training and boarding many, many times. They are the best! When we leave our German Shepherd, we are happy to see her so excited to be there, and feel so confident that she will be well cared for. It's wonderful to not have one moment of worry about our beloved pet!!! read more

My dogs have been going to Sundowner kennels for many years for both boarding and training.. Kate and her staff provide a wonderful environment and make each dog. ( and owner) feel very special. The kennels are very clean and roomy and everyone gets outside for plenty of exercise. As we have large dogs, it has been wonderful having Kate train them through their "rambunctious" childhoods and teenage years. Thanks to Kate, they are very sociable with other animals and people ( both children and adults.) . It is wonderful to have Sundowners available as a resource for canine care and training. read more

This is the place to bring your dogs for a home away from home experience. The staff is friendly and very accommodating. Most requests you make they are able to meet. Ensuring that your dog is safe and well while they are staying at the kennel is their number one priority. They also offer other great services to have your dog in the best shape possible when they return home. The training that they provide is above anything I've ever experienced. If you want your dog squeaky clean and shiny before they get home the kennel also offers bathing. Definitely a place I will be using every time I need to have my pets kennels. read more

It's worth the drive from my Carmel Valley home to work with and train my dogs with Pluis and Kate at Sundowner Kennel. Their expertise is broad and their knowledge top knotch (Pluis Davern trains Search and Rescue dogs all over the US and is an internationally known dog show judge). In addition to their skill, I am impressed with their empathy for the dogs and kindness to the dogs. There is joy in their voices when they commend a dog for learning a new skill--"that's it" they'll say and provide a reward. They train incrementally, taking the dogs through each part of a task and then chaining the tasks together until a full blown desired behavior is achieved. It's beautiful to behold. They are never "on the clock" either, they work with a dog or dog/handler team until they attain success. Another thing I've noticed is their joy in sharing with each other or other staff the successes of a dog. It's not the same old thing, it's exciting and newsworthy when a dog "gets it." I haven't had occasion to board my dogs at Sundowner yet, but wouldn't hesitate for a moment to do so. The dogs in the kennel are obviously happy and well cared for. Sundowner has huge grassy areas for the dogs to have outside free time. The kennels have paddocks attached so the dogs can go inside and outside when kenneled. It's clear to me that the staff at Sundowners love the dogs and love their jobs, they start early and stay late, and the dogs reflect, with their joyful demeanors, the care they receive. I can't recommend Sundowner Kennel highly enough. read more

Although it is a trip up from Monterey, I always feed good when I take our dogs to board at Sundowners, knowing that they will be well cared for and be happily playing with other dogs. It's like doggie day camp! In the past, we had a dog on a raw diet which the staff easily accommodated. Dogs are matched for personalities, so appropriate playmates are chosen. The outdoor play area is huge! In late April-early May, we boarded our female German shepherd that we had adopted from the Monterey County SPCA. The owner of Sundowners and her daughter, who also trains, had observed Luna's "emotional" state during obedience classes we attend. Both of them worked with Luna while we were gone on a trip. When we got back, Luna was a different dog. Both Luna and I are more calm. I highly recommend Sundowners as a boarding and training facility. read more

In a word: this is the BEST! We've been taking our German Shepherd to Pluis and Katie to correct his reactive behavior - they show such love and, of course, incredible skill, and now our GSD just won his Obedience Qualifications! read more

Over the last 15 years I have boarded my 3 dogs with Sundowners, all rescues from the San Martin shelter. This facility is the best!!! My first dog (Charlie) would start whining when I turned onto Watsonville Road to get to Sundowner. He would pace back and forth in the back seat. He loved that place. My second dog (Onyx) also couldn't wait to get in the door. She had the best time there and also loved Sundowner. I now have my third dog (Sandy) a lovely girl. She also carries on in the back seat while driving down Watsonville Road. I can't put into words how pleased I am with this place. I am an old grandma and these companions have brought me so much joy and security over the years. The caretakers at Sundowner love the animals as much as I do and it is wonderful to witness the true caring that they give dogs. Sandy will be there again the end of July for 10 days and I know she will be happy to see me when I pick her up, but will miss the interaction with all the other buddies. Thank you to Kate and all the caring staff. You are the best!!! read more

We've been using Sundowners Kennels for years and adore them. They take wonderful care of both of our dogs and can always fit us in. They are treated very well, get plenty of exercise and get to spend lots of time together, just like at home. I would recommend them to anyone needing boarding for their dogs. Great place! read more

Regarding Dawn W's 1 star review... What a shame that she didn't take the time to learn anything about e-collars before trashing them. The reason kennels want to have the dogs be quiet is because barking stresses out the animals. Keep in mind that there is no way to totally remove stress from a boarding situation. But keeping it as low as possible is what you *want* for your dog. He/she will remain healthier and happier with minimal stress. Properly and correctly administered to deter barking, an e-collar is incredibly effective AND humane. The electrical stimulation is used to immediately communicate to the dog that his/her behavior isn't desirable. It's a medium tingle effect (yes, I have tried it on my inner arm), and has no lasting effect once the stimulation is removed. The fact that Dawn W. states that the kennel was quiet is proof that Sundowner knows how to effectively train. And they do...they've been active in various dog sports for many, many, many years. I have been to the kennel many times and it is always quiet and extremely clean. Who would not want to board at such an exceptional place? read more

Sundowners is a fantastic sleepover camp for dogs who like to have fun and a great place for them to learn new skills, correct bad behaviors and make new friends. The huge play areas, year round sunshine and fresh air are perfect for active dogs. Pluis and Kate are outstanding trainers who love all breeds and always reward them with kindness and compliments. Pluis is in demand as an AKC Judge all over the world and she trains Search and Rescue dogs for fire departments in many big cities across the USA. Kate also has great experience training dogs and together with Pluis, you couldn't ask for a more highly qualified team. Our dogs love to train with them and we are always happy with the care they get when staying for a few days. They happily feed our dogs the raw diets that we bring for them (plenty of freezer space) and they make sure our dogs get plenty of exercise. It's well worth it for us to drive an hour to Sundowners for training and we highly recommend this kennel for overnight stays. read more