PLEASE READ IF YOU'RE CONSIDERING THIS FACILITY!
After giving my dog a month to readjust, I'm leaving an honest review of my experience.
I chose this business because of its reviews and proximity. I explained that my German Shepherd puppy had service-dog potential but I couldn't train him myself due to health reasons. The owner seemed knowledgeable, so I invested over $2,400 for their basic obedience board-and-train.
From the start, there were red flags. The contract included extra charges--such as several hundred dollars for potty training--despite those services being advertised as included. They also charged a mandatory $55 bath fee. (This is important later on)
During his stay, communication was minimal and our dog rarely appeared on their social media until we specifically requested more updates.
At pickup, the trainer demonstrated commands using a prong collar fitted far too loosely and incorrectly. When my puppy hesitated, the trainer harshly snapped the leash, making him yelp, cry, and visibly shut down in fear. Despite this, he continued applying hard corrections until he got up from the ground.
After returning home, we discovered they never gave back his collar and he smelled strongly of urine and feces, despite the bath charge. While settling him in after bathing him ourselves, we also found a 5-6 inch injury on his thigh. A vet confirmed it was rope burn and that he also had a staph infection--both of which occurred during his time there. None of this was disclosed to us when it happened or at the end of his stay.
Previously, they had refused to give me a tour of their facility. After everything that happened, I contacted animal control to get more information. Anyone considering this facility should know that their animal control records are public and free to request. The reports include dogs dying in their care, kennels covered in feces and urine, roach infestations, unsafe kennel wiring, and reports of dogs yelping like they're being hit. From the notes, it looks like they often refuse access to animal control during surprise visits until they can temporarily clean their facility to meet code.
The only positive was that my dog came back with a good heel and place. Nothing else with his training stuck despite daily reinforcements of what they taught him since being back.
Cons:
Collar not returned
Returned dirty and smelling of urine/feces despite bath fee
Upcharged for services listed as included
Came back with a staph infection
Came back with a 5-6 inch rope-burn injury
Now fearful of men raising their voices
Had to provide all his food/treats (You'd think with board and train, the price would cover that?)
Pros:
Good heel and place read more