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| - Before we found Hunter Canine, we used another training facility with great success. However, when we finally moved closer to the area and went back we stopped by to look into them again (this time for our new female) the overall atmosphere didn't feel right for us anymore - the facility had such high turnover, no one remained who we remembered and we felt we had outgrown those who were left.
Hunter Canine was highly recommended to us by friends who were just starting the Board and Train program with their malinois. Chad is the Training Director and Andrew is the Head Trainer - Hunter Canine has a small number of people involved with the training, every person knows every dog. When our two dobermans (five year old male and 1.5 old female) started getting into it after we moved, we decided to send our female (Zin) to Hunter's three week training retreat. During the three weeks of training Zin had at Hunter Canine, I was so impressed with the training programs, I decided to sign two of my other dogs up for Basic Obedience classes.
The training retreat option for Zin was the best fit for her and our pack. The facility at Hunter Canine is top notch. Instead of being crated all day, the dogs are in larger areas with other dogs (as their personalities allow). They do eat and sleep in airline crates, and the rest of their time is spent in training, or relaxed with other dogs.
In three weeks, Hunter was able to train Zin with basic commands, but more importantly, trained her to really *listen* and pay attention to her handler. During the same time Zin was in training, Chad was also preparing us to bring Zin home, and be ready to be consistent to keep up her training. Chad explained - if we wanted to bring Zin home and have her listen to us as well as she did the staff at Hunter, we needed to be willing to continue to work with her. Hunter wasn't training her to be a well trained dog the rest of her life - they gave her an amazing foundation and then showed us how to continue her training at home. While it's taken hard work at home too, it's also worked amazingly well, even when her adrenaline gets up, she listens to us instead of ignoring us. Zin is signed up for the next set of classes and until they start the follow up retreat classes with Andrew were a perfect refresher for her, and a chance to practice with other dogs/distractions around.
I also put two of my other dogs through Basic Obedience class at Hunter. Da'shain, my 7 year old male standard poodle, behaved well enough at home, however the exposure around other dogs, and learning more formal behaviors was good for him. I also brought my snarky male doberman another night, Dred has already been to training camp at a different facility a few years ago but I brought him anyway because he *loves* to work, needs the exposure around other dogs, and I'm hoping to take him through Intermediate classes next. Chad was our instructor and the classes were everything I expected and more. The classes showed me how to teach my dogs, and every week was practice with new homework being sent home with us. The classes are very much a group class, I did not feel like an individual among many people. Chad also took time every week to patiently answer questions and help everyone in class. The 8 weeks helped me get comfortable having Dred around other dogs. When I'm relaxed, Dred is more relaxed.
I'm on the waiting list for Zin for swimming/dock diving lessons starting next month and I can't wait! Then intermediate and Canine Good Citizens classes in the fall.
Too long; didn't read: Hunter Canine is an incredible facility, from typical puppy obedience to greater challenges with your dog, Hunter Canine can help you. Chad and Andrew are professionals who know dogs and have the ability to help you learn your dog, between them and their entire staff, they're experienced, friendly, and always learning. This review is timeless because I know I will never outgrow what I can learn from the staff at Hunter Canine.
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