[Whitedog404]

Well, not exactly, but Dexter, now 8 months old just went to in-kennel training for a month. He's gone through basic obedience but I want him to have more intense training, and right now due to terrific circumstances, I'm going to be unable to spend a lot of time training for intermediate classes, so I thought this would be a good idea. I found a fabulous trainer in a nearby state and feel this will be really good for Dexter. Has anyone else done this and, if so, how did it turn out? I know we'll have to continue a lot of work when he returns, but I'm looking forward to it.

 

[KatieStanley]

We sent our 9 mo old to the K9 University here in Texas...it was a 2 week "camp"...she learned TONS and came back with much better manners. After her two week stay, we did 6 weeks of once a week private lessons...now we go for weekly group sessions. The place we sent her had great reviews, etc. I'd just ask for some references before you do anything.

 

[Whitedog404]

The reason I picked this place is because I got really good references, and the trainer and his facility is so wonderful that I'd like to stay there! It's a farm, so Dexter will get up close and personal with all kinds of critters.

 

[AgileGSD]

Hope it goes well for you and your dog. Training at these sorts of places is very often old fashioned, correction based methods and once your dog is there, you have no way of knowing how they are being treated. I have known dogs who went away to board and train places and came back nervous, lacking confidence or different. I'm not saying this is always the case but for me personally, I couldn't imagine leaving my dog with strangers in another state to be trained and cared for however they see fit. Besides, there is no saying that the training the dog receives at a kennel is going to transfer to home and to the owner. You'll still have to train and work with your dog yourself, if you want your dog to be really trained.

 

[Whitedog404]

I wouldn't leave him just anywhere. Naturally. This trainer takes in about five dogs or fewer at a time and they sleep inside, next to his bedroom. I've seen the farm. It's spotless from the chicken coops to the small kennel/bath area. And the owner/trainer is a sweet guy who doesn't employ harsh training methods. He comes highly recommended and has several dogs, including a fabulously trained GSD. I fully expect to actively participate in training once I pick up Dexter. But, under the current circumstances, I knew I'd miss a lot of training if we went to class, so I didn't want him to miss training at this age, so this seems ideal. I'm confident he's having some terrific experiences that will serve us all well in the future.

 

[jakeandrenee]

Whitedog,
Keep us posted on how it goes!!!!!