Pros: Casper is extremely knowledgeable, actually cares, and is there to help you whenever you need it. We saw a huge improvement in our two dogs. Course Training was fun and inexpensive.
Cons: Dirt road entrance is wonky.
Overview:
We took two of our dogs here (pit and a lab) because they were not getting along, they got in a bad fight that resulted in taking one of them to the vet for her injuries. Now, they PLAY together, which they have never really done in the year they've known eachother, they would just deal with eachother and get in occasional fights that were pretty scary. We've seen a big improvement since starting with Casper. So overall, I'm surprised by the negative reviews, because Casper is amazing. He's extremely knowledgeable on behavior modification in dogs and he is actually passionate about it. Not only that, but you feel like he's ACTUALLY trying to help you and your dog. You can contact him basically 24/7 with questions, and during classes he doesn't stop once the time is up, he will help you until it's done right. So if you're looking for quick in and out, then Unleashed isn't for you. If you're looking to actually help your dog and learn how to make you and your dog's life better, then you're at the right place. Classes at Unleashed do run over time a lot, but it's because he wants you to learn and he wants it done right so that your dog will ACTUALLY succeed. The group classes are inexpensive. Plus, Casper makes YouTube videos of a wide range of different trainings that are helpful. For a further in depth breakdown, keep reading!
Background info:
We sought out help with two of our dogs, a black lab and a pittie, because they had gotten in a bad fight where our pittie was hurt. First we tried starting with Camp Mutt, but they priced us at over a thousand per dog for their 6 week basic obedience training, once a week classes. Feeling overwhelmed and doomed financially, we reached out to Casper for a second opinion. He came to our house for an in-home consultation, met our dogs in their natural environment, and discussed our goals and pointed out things he saw just being there in our house watching them. He showed us some training techniques, provided advice, and answered our questions. He really put us at ease and explained everything so thoroughly. He assured us that he can help us and provided us with reasons why our dogs are behaving the way they are. He also informed us that we don't need to do one on one training, which saves us a lot of money. He advised we start going to his group training sessions that occur once a week, so our dogs can socialize and build on their basic obedience skills. We paid $150 per dog for the 6 week course, and it was so worth it, I'm honestly amazed at how great our dogs are doing now.
6 Week Course:
Once a week we came to class at the designated time. I'd describe his classes as college seminars or presentations, but with hands on learning techniques. He talks a lot about the material we're learning that day, why it's important, what not to do, etc. and then he walks us through the technique. We work with the dog on our own, and he provides feedback or advice while we're training. For the trainings, Casper uses a Martingale collar, it is made of fabric and chain, and the chain can tighten for "corrections," which Casper will show you how to properly execute. It does not harm the dog, it is meant to get their attention and tell them they're doing something wrong. The collar has no prongs or other harmful aspects, so if used correctly as Casper shows you, there is zero harm to your dog. Casper also allows for the optional use of shock collars. He had us test the shock collar on ourselves, to which you will feel that there is also zero harm done to the dog as well. On the highest setting, it feels like the fake gum gag toy, where you pull the "gum" and it shocks you. It doesn't hurt. If either of these methods make you uncomfortable, I recommend just asking questions, talk to Casper, shadow a class, watch his videos, do some research.
Exam: Scary word, but the exam is not that bad. Casper describes the training and classes we go through as college level, whereas we test on a kindergarten level. SO as long as you keep up with the course and train with your dog at home here and there throughout the week, you should be golden.
Location: the location is a little odd, beware that the road is a little wonky and the location is not a typical business location. The classes are held in a pavilion across from his house. The road to get in has a lot of dips that fill with water when it rains, so definitely be careful driving through there. We drive a small 4 door sedan and we were okay every time, so it's not a big deal.
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions about my experience. Our doggos officially graduated today from their Basic Obedience Training! We'll be taking the Advanced Training next. read more