Dog Boarding And Obedience Training

[tixx]

hi all,

Ive got a 2yr old male lab x cocker that i want to enrol in some obedience training classes around sydney.

Im going away on holidays for 2 weeks soon and was thinking of organizing the training while he is boarding at a kennel that way i can have both of it done at the same time.

now the question is, its so hard to find a decent kennel / training combination in sydney, i was hoping people could recommend some places for me.

Simba has stayed at the australian pet resort in dural a couple times about a year ago, and seemed to have fun, but ive found a few reviews lately suggesting they neglect their dogs. Ive also no idea how good their training program is.

i thought about enrolling him at guard dog training center in berkshire park as they convinced me they had a great obedience program, and it includes free problem troubleshooting later on as well as baiting training so that he only eats out of his bowl not out of strangers hands. but ive found a few reviews advising people to stay well clear of this company as their pets have had major issues after coming back.

There was also another trainer near bringelly that my parents took their dog to, but which completely mentally damaged the dog. the dog has never been the same since, suffering depression and fear and always being down. They were forced to come get the dog early because it apparently tried biting the trainer multiple times, the dog was never like that at home, so the trainer must have done something bad to her. I dont want to go there either.

many people suggest k9pro, but steve doesnt offer boarding/training only personal 1-1 one off sessions.

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers

[persephone]

only personal 1-1 one off sessions.

..and this is my favourite sort of training scheme :)

Welcome to D O L .

You and your dog need to work together to become good communicators, and 'speak' the same language, IMO.

Training your dog is certainly not 'done' in 2 weeks ...and by having another person train your dog , you miss out on seeing exactly HOW your dog learns , how he processes information , and , most important- you miss out on the opportunity to learn how to effectively communicate during this time .

Dogs have a complex system of body language ..and all dogs learn at different speeds/have different rewards to which they respond best .By doing 1:1 training, your chosen professional can show you how your dog is thinking, why he is acting the way he does, and teach you the skills to communicate with, and train your dog.

:)

some reading for you

LINK

[Tazar]

Pity you are not in Melbourne....

Boarding and training does work well as long as there is a proper handover back to the owner. This means the trainer taking the dog back to its owners home and spending 2-4 hours explaining the methods used and what the owner needs to do to maintain what has been taught. It takes about 12 months to train a dog, IMO, so the owner MUST be committed to continuing the training or they are wasting their money.

I'm sure some one will be along soon with some recommendations in Sydney.

Good Luck :)

[Gretel]

Training is more about training the owner than the dog and then the owner trains the dog :)

[itsadogslife]

Doing the training yourself is the best way (with the help of a professional). If not, your best bet might be to email Steve at K9pro and ask if he has any recommendations.

[Red Fox]

hi all,

Ive got a 2yr old male lab x cocker that i want to enrol in some obedience training classes around sydney.

Im going away on holidays for 2 weeks soon and was thinking of organizing the training while he is boarding at a kennel that way i can have both of it done at the same time.

now the question is, its so hard to find a decent kennel / training combination in sydney, i was hoping people could recommend some places for me.

Simba has stayed at the australian pet resort in dural a couple times about a year ago, and seemed to have fun, but ive found a few reviews lately suggesting they neglect their dogs. Ive also no idea how good their training program is.

i thought about enrolling him at guard dog training center in berkshire park as they convinced me they had a great obedience program, and it includes free problem troubleshooting later on as well as baiting training so that he only eats out of his bowl not out of strangers hands. but ive found a few reviews advising people to stay well clear of this company as their pets have had major issues after coming back.

There was also another trainer near bringelly that my parents took their dog to, but which completely mentally damaged the dog. the dog has never been the same since, suffering depression and fear and always being down. They were forced to come get the dog early because it apparently tried biting the trainer multiple times, the dog was never like that at home, so the trainer must have done something bad to her. I dont want to go there either.

many people suggest k9pro, but steve doesnt offer boarding/training only personal 1-1 one off sessions.

Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers

One word - don't.

Google them. Also do a search both here and on Specialist Canines. I'll let you come to your own conclusion..

[Clyde]

Pity you are not in Melbourne....

Boarding and training does work well as long as there is a proper handover back to the owner.

I agree. Hopefully you will find some good recommendations.

[Skye GSD]

Totally agree with Persephone - when you own a dog you should be solely responsible for it's well-being and training. Becoming a team is a huge part of the training process so no outsider can train that for you. I would be looking for a good boarding kennel, allowing your dog to have a two week holiday as well, and find a good trainer when you get back.

[fuzzy82]

You should be aware that boarding and training is usually very heavy handed, because they need results as quick as possible, otherwise their clients aren't happy. So they usually go straight for the check chain or prong collar and use it liberally.

I know a lot of people are ok with that, but I'm not, and I think one should know that before signing up for boarding and training.

[tixx]

thanks guys for all your replies.

I have tried taking him to a puppy class for several weeks, but being a large group i had trouble keeping him under control. he goes nuts around so many dogs, and eventually had to pull him out of it. the large group scenario just wasnt right for us at the time. i agree that working with the dog and training him yourself is the best way forward, but for someone inexperienced and with a difficult dog it can be troublesome. dont get me wrong, simba is super smart and full of energy, but he is very easily distracted and goes bonkers around other dogs etc. i cant really afford to be doing 1-1 private classes every week at 200-300 per hit. I have taught him to sit, drop, shake and working on stay now, so I am trying but i need to ween him off food rewards as thats the only time he really listens. also the real problematic issues ive got with him is pulling like mad on the leash, jumping on everyone and being completely uncontrollable around other dogs. he doesnt show aggression towards them he just wants to play but it can come off as if hes looking for trouble.!

I also do agree that dog training is 2 step process. teaching the dog to perform a task and teaching a dog to listen to you or several people. doing both those things at the same time by an amateur is a tedious task, and in situations like this pro training teaching the dog the tasks, then a proper handover teaching the owner with some follow up sessions maybe can be of great benefit to everyone.

Any suggestions of places in sydney that are reputable would be great guys! :) surely they arent all bad?

[ChristineX]

Hi Tixx,

it seems to me that going from home to a large group was too much of a step up in distractions - can you gradually increase the amount of distracting going on, and work up to a large group of dogs?

If the grounds where the class are being held is large enough, start at the opposite end of the grounds and work your way in towards them, one step at a time (practicing all those commands/tricks) until you can join them with your boy staying focused. It does take time, it's not an instant fix.

[huski]

Just so you know - most of our clients don't require more than one lesson and follow up lessons If required are less than the initial consult price.

I don't think B&T is bad when done well but I don't know of a a place to recommend off the top of my head.

[Erny]

You should be aware that boarding and training is usually very heavy handed, because they need results as quick as possible, otherwise their clients aren't happy. So they usually go straight for the check chain or prong collar and use it liberally.

I know a lot of people are ok with that, but I'm not, and I think one should know that before signing up for boarding and training.

But also know that not all B&T establishments/businesses are like what Fuzzy82 has painted at all.

However Tixx, whether B&T is the service your dog and yourself most require is something that should be discussed and determined. An honest trainer/behaviourist/business should point you in the direction s/he thinks best for your both, or at least discuss and explain options so you can make the decision you most require/want.

[Nekhbet]

I know a couple of people at Pet Resorts and I don't see how they would neglect the dogs. If you have been happy there before I would continue using it. As for reviews, unless you see the actual proof remember, there is a lot of access these days for EVERYONE's opinion on the internet. If your dog came back happy and cared for then why believe someone you have never met.

As for places like guard dog training centre ... the proverbial ten foot pole is not long enough.

Edited June 20, 2012 by Nekhbet

[tixx]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

I might have to get in touch with you guys at k9pro for at least a session or two.

Cheers

[melzawelza]

I know a couple of people at Pet Resorts and I don't see how they would neglect the dogs. If you have been happy there before I would continue using it. As for reviews, unless you see the actual proof remember, there is a lot of access these days for EVERYONE's opinion on the internet. If your dog came back happy and cared for then why believe someone you have never met.

As for places like guard dog training centre ... the proverbial ten foot pole is not long enough.

Couldn't agree more. I also know quite a few people at Pet Resorts and they are true friends of the dog. Go with Pet Resorts Glenn Cooke who oversees all training is arguably one of the best trainers in the country.

Boarding '& Training works well as long as you have a good handover lesson and you commit to continue working hard. It will give you a good head start - but that's it. You need to continue.

Also agree on Guard Dog Training Centre stay well away!!!!

[BorderBo]

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

[Herr Rottweiler]

Hi all,

Good post and the reason why I think it's a good post is because i do think it's important to question where you leave your pets and your children as it's a big trust issue that needs to be considered AND being a pet owner myself and knowing the anxiety I have about ensuring my pets are being cared for, I fully understand it.

Before I continue, I should mention that I'm the Glenn that oversees the operation for Pet resorts Australia, both Dural and Terrigal and like all business's we do our best to get it right to the best of our abilities, however there will always be pets that are not perfect candidates to stay in kennels, just as there are some children who don't cope well at day care. Most of the kids will run off and play while some will stress and cry for their parents.

Having said that 99% of the pets who stay with us have a great time and go home with the same happy attitude they arrived with. We have made mistakes in the past and probably will in the future (hopefully not) but we are always willing to work through the mistakes and learn from them while maintaining an honest, transparent relationship with the owners. Any facility that pretends they don't have the occasional hiccup is being less than honest and having worked in the industry for 21 years I have pretty good knowledge of whats going on and I pay attention when people speak to me.

Some of the online comments may be justified by former disappointed clients but we also feel that most are staged which is very easy to do. the reason we feel this is because we have taken the due diligence to attempt to look for and contact these people in the hope that we could satisfy their concern and listen to their grievance.

We are transparent about our operation and always working at getting better at what we do, in fact our staff demand it. We had a visit from the RSPCA a while ago with a report that we were doping dogs to keep them quiet. I laughed and told the inspector to take his time and go look at all the dogs and then tell me what he thought. I also said if he found any dog that even looked suspiciously intoxicated then we would pay an independent vet to do a blood test and give the report directly to the RSPCA. He was there for several hours looking through the facility and how we store and supply medication. He then shook my hand, congratulated Pet resorts for having a happy environment for the dogs, appologised for wasting my time and went on his way. In addition, i did tell him he was welcome to call anytime if he wished to as we have nothing to hide.

Our staff are all avid Pet lovers and that's why they turn up to work. Pet care at our level is hard dirty work but they love the animals so much they are passionate about it and do their best to ensure their stays are enjoyable and as stress free as possible. We have great people at Pet resorts and I'm very proud of them.

If you're concerned about leaving your pets anywhere, go have a look and ask the questions you need to feel better about your decision. Most pets do exceptionally well in kennels and a small percentage wont but good staff will always ensure that they work with those pets to reduce their anxiety AND explain to the owners that they did feel the stress.

A big thank you to our loyal clients on DOL and thanks for your kind words and support, particularly BorderBo, whose lovely boy was only just with us at Dural not long ago.

If you have any questions, fire away.

Glenn

[BorderBo]

Hi all,

Good post and the reason why I think it's a good post is because i do think it's important to question where you leave your pets and your children as it's a big trust issue that needs to be considered AND being a pet owner myself and knowing the anxiety I have about ensuring my pets are being cared for, I fully understand it.

Before I continue, I should mention that I'm the Glenn that oversees the operation for Pet resorts Australia, both Dural and Terrigal and like all business's we do our best to get it right to the best of our abilities, however there will always be pets that are not perfect candidates to stay in kennels, just as there are some children who don't cope well at day care. Most of the kids will run off and play while some will stress and cry for their parents.

Having said that 99% of the pets who stay with us have a great time and go home with the same happy attitude they arrived with. We have made mistakes in the past and probably will in the future (hopefully not) but we are always willing to work through the mistakes and learn from them while maintaining an honest, transparent relationship with the owners. Any facility that pretends they don't have the occasional hiccup is being less than honest and having worked in the industry for 21 years I have pretty good knowledge of whats going on and I pay attention when people speak to me.

Some of the online comments may be justified by former disappointed clients but we also feel that most are staged which is very easy to do. the reason we feel this is because we have taken the due diligence to attempt to look for and contact these people in the hope that we could satisfy their concern and listen to their grievance.

We are transparent about our operation and always working at getting better at what we do, in fact our staff demand it. We had a visit from the RSPCA a while ago with a report that we were doping dogs to keep them quiet. I laughed and told the inspector to take his time and go look at all the dogs and then tell me what he thought. I also said if he found any dog that even looked suspiciously intoxicated then we would pay an independent vet to do a blood test and give the report directly to the RSPCA. He was there for several hours looking through the facility and how we store and supply medication. He then shook my hand, congratulated Pet resorts for having a happy environment for the dogs, appologised for wasting my time and went on his way. In addition, i did tell him he was welcome to call anytime if he wished to as we have nothing to hide.

Our staff are all avid Pet lovers and that's why they turn up to work. Pet care at our level is hard dirty work but they love the animals so much they are passionate about it and do their best to ensure their stays are enjoyable and as stress free as possible. We have great people at Pet resorts and I'm very proud of them.

If you're concerned about leaving your pets anywhere, go have a look and ask the questions you need to feel better about your decision. Most pets do exceptionally well in kennels and a small percentage wont but good staff will always ensure that they work with those pets to reduce their anxiety AND explain to the owners that they did feel the stress.

A big thank you to our loyal clients on DOL and thanks for your kind words and support, particularly BorderBo, whose lovely boy was only just with us at Dural not long ago.

If you have any questions, fire away.

Glenn

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! :)

[Herr Rottweiler]

Always a pleasure BB. He loves being there and even when I go into the kennels at night he walks to the door with a doggy smile on his face when he see's me.