BorderBo

Hey Glenn You are more than welcome - you are 100% right in what you say. One does need to have absolute trust and confidence in the facility one chooses to leave their treasured pet at. I have that confidence with Pet Resorts, particularly since I have discovered that Bo is an adept escape artist and is not a suitable candidate to be left at many kennels - from both sides of the fence! I can go on a break or a work trip and know that Bo is happy, well-cared for AND safe. He is coming back to Dural for a week in late August and I look forward to seeing you all then! :)

We have even more in common, BC Crazy! :laugh:

Another happy Vepo Pet customer I have two - XL for home and a L for taking to trials and training cause I can't get the XL into the CX7 cargo space! I have a crate escape artist and these are strong and secure - they aren't light to lug around but thems the breaks when you have a houdini. :)

Hi Tixx For what it's worth, I have tried the B&T program at Pet Resorts AND subsequently had one on one lessons with Steve Courtney. In my opinion, it really depends on what you want or need to achieve. If you have limited dog training experience and are looking for a good foundation in basic obedience to get you started and you are boarding your dog while you are on holidays in any case, the trainers at Pet Resorts are first class. If you have more complex behavioural issues that need addressing (as I did) then I can highly recommend Steve. I sent my recently acquired border collie x rescue dog who was around 9 month old to the Pet Resorts Dural facility for a 2 week T&B program approx 1 1/2 years ago. Bo was very rambunctious and dog reactive (not dog aggressive but would get over-the-top excited at seeing another dog, lurching, lunging, often pulling me over and sometimes dragging me). After working with two trainers with little success with the reactivity issues and, after speaking with the head trainer at Pet Resorts about Bo, I decided to give the B&T option a go - I probably needed the time out more than anything else at the time as I was very stressed and worn down with the reactivity. I can highly recommend the team at Pet Resorts. Bo came back to me with a very solid foundation in basic obedience and it was obvious at the hand over that he had been well looked after and had forged a trusting and respectful bond with his two trainers, Jodie & Zoe. Glenn, Jodie and Zoe couldn't have been more helpful, supportive or professional in my dealings with them. However, the training I subsequently did with Steve taught me the skills I needed to confidently and successfully work through Bo's reactivity in addition to some other behavioural issues. Today, I would definitely prefer to train my own dog because I love nothing more than to train and work with Bo but I didn't have the skill base or confidence back then that I have today, thanks to Steve and now Vickie Priestley at K9 Pro Agility who has taken our training to a whole new level :) I would disregard the negative "reviews" you've heard about Pet Resorts. Bo went back to Dural for a week's boarding earlier this year and he was very well taken care of and safely and securely contained (a number one priority for me for Bo is also an adept escape artist). Hope this info help and good luck with whatever choice/s you make. :) Cheers, VM

I have pm'd you Vicki :) Thanks, Vicki .... another Vicki! lol! If you tell me your middle name starts with an M and ends with an E, like VP's and mine, it's going to get really spooky! Have received safe and sound and have given you some further details. :)

Hi Vickie, This sure does make sense to me. I have always thought with Stella if I can find an activity / job that she loves & focuses on I would be able to channel a lot of her edginess into something positive. Stella certainly wouldn't fit into any group or club scene. She just wouldn't settle & she would be upsetting all the other dogs cause at times with certain dogs she charges at them. And also I think general obedience would bore her to tears as she likes things at a fast pace. Even when I am walking her she is walking at a really fast pace & she seems to be so alert. She see's & hears the slightest things even if it is behind her she will spin around in a flash. Thats why I thought Agility would really suit her. I have no experience in Agility at all but it looks like a lot of fun for both her & I. It would stimulate her & she gets to focus & do her favourite thing "run". I will have to look into this I think as I feel like idle time is just ticking by when she could be learning & I could be learning how to keep that active mind of hers stimulated. :) Stella and Bo sound like soul mates! :laugh:

Hi BC Crazy I can really relate to your issues with Stella. I have a rescue BC x Kelpie with decent drive whom I struggled to cope with just this time last year. Bo was a very different dog to what I had been used to. He was high energy (still is) but it was manic energy and he was also very reactive to his environment, particularly dogs. I worked myself into quite a state over several months and eventually decided to send him back to rescue after trying several trainers and getting nowhere fast - my coping mechanism failed me! Long story short, I re-adopted him (as my coping mechanism was failing me without him!), worked with a good behaviourist and then began training agility with Vickie who has posted on this thread :) Agility has given Bo a positive and challenging outlet for his drive - he simply adores it and displays a good work ethic and motivation to work for me these days. Our bond has strengthened no end and my confidence in handling him has soared as a result of this training! If you are open to the idea, having a couple of agility lessons to trial your interest (Stella's too) could be well worth your consideration - it could be just the outlet that Stella needs. It's also ALOT of fun and you'll meet some really nice people :) Bo was not(probably still isn't) the type of dog that could have been trained the foundation work within a group of other dogs and it sounds like Stella may be better suited to one-on-one training to begin with too. I can highly recommend Vickie Training a novice handler AND dog is not an easy gig and I'd say Bo and I have been hard work at times! :) Bo has blossomed through this training - he is a joy to be with and train. He is a very contented and balanced boy these days. If I can provide you with any support or further information, please do not hesitate to PM me. Despite all the stress you are under, try and keep the faith - I feel confident you and Stella will land on your feet just like Bo and I have :) Vicki

I am a very happy K9 Pro repeat customer. I have found their products to be of first class quality and my orders have always arrived promptly by express post within 24 to 48 hours of placement.

I said "not oozing with great trainers" NOT there were none. I would have continued to search WA if I had not sent an email to Steve Courtney and been totally satisfied with our progress. Why is it that some people cannot be happy that someone else is having success with their dog - irrespective of the method used?????? With all due respect, Bedazzledx2, I am very familiar with Skye GSD's history and her postings on DOL - I am bemused by your disappointment for I have not seen her disparage WA trainers online or during my own personal conversations with her. She ultimately found what worked for her and her dog and I'm pleased you are happy for her - as we all should be. Though, to be honest, it doesn't much sound like it.

Hi Tia My dog, Bo, and I are successful students of K9 Pro's LLW Programme as well. Bo, like your Harper, was very reactive - to dogs, birds, anything that moved, but particularly dogs. I did not do my LLW program by long distance. I consulted with Steve one-on-one for this behavioural issue as well as some others, however, I know other clients of K9 Pro who have undertaken this program by Long Distance, including Skye GSD, and who are as happy with the program and results as I am. Like anything in life, do your research (as you sensibly are) and also take into account (as you sensibly are) those who have actually walked the walk (on a new found loose leash!)- everyone has an opinion and is entitled to it, of course - but, from what you've indicated, you are keen to hear from those who have actually undertaken the program for their constructive feedback. In my humble opinion, I think you would find it of great value but as others have suggested on this thread, it would be worth emailing Steve and his team so they can adequately assess your own personal situation and needs. For what it's worth, I personally have the highest regard for Steve and his professional capabilities - I can assure you, Tia, you and Harper will be in good hands if you do decide to proceed. Good luck and let us know how you progress - reactivity is no picnic, I know this only too well - BUT - we have it sorted now thank goodness and I am enjoying a loose leash walk thanks to Mr Courtney! Hope to hear how you ultimately go - Cheers, Vicki

Hanging out for the November workshop, Vickie & K9 Pro Team! It will be a cracker!

Amazing run, Vickie & Trim! HUGE congrats to you both - such a well-deserved win!

I can imagine how distressing this situation must be for you. I am another who can highly recommend Steve Courtney from K9 Pro. Good luck and do keep us posted.

Definitely bug-bitten

It is, Tilly! Thank you!