Birch Valley K9

I couldn't be more honored to write this review for Allie and Tommy at Birch Valley K9. Let me start off by saying, they did not ask for a review (like many companies do), rather I felt compelled to make sure other (frustrated) pet parents know about how amazing they are. We got our GSD Atlas during Covid and went through several trainers where we weren't making progress with him. We both grew up with GSDs, but had never encountered the issues he was presenting and felt lost on what to do. He was reactive to strangers coming in our house and we started to lose hope, until we found Allie and Tommy. They are both so kind and you can tell they truly want you and your dog to succeed. Not to mention they are incredibly skilled and knowledgeable on all things dogs related. Now we feel we have the necessary tools to help manage Atlas' anxiety and behaviors. Their communication and ability to teach you as a handler is top notch. We got tons of updates on Atlas' progress/training while he was at his board and train, that we can refer back to. They went above and beyond to make sure that Atlas' training was tailored to what he needed (specifically for us concerns in our home). They also are quick to answer any and all questions we had to ensure we understood how to best train Atlas once he got back into the routine of our everyday lives. If you have any hesitation with their program, don't! Your pup will be well loved and cared for, all while learning so much through their training program.

Our dog, Uno, completed a 4 week board and train with Birch Valley K9 and I cannot put into words how life changing this process has been for our family. Having a 100 pound puppy with four young children was challenging to say the least, but not anymore. We now have a calm and confident dog and we are calm and confident owners. Not only has Uno mastered commands such as down with stay, sit with stay, come, and place command, but the much bigger value of this board and train was how Allie and Tommy took the time to teach our whole family, kids included, the fundamentals of having a well mannered dog. We are thrilled to be able to have a visitor come to the house and not have to worry about Uno immediately jumping and knocking them to the floor. Nope! Uno is on his “place” and he doesn’t move unless we say so. Pulling us on leash down the street? Not any more! He has learned to heel and we work on the technique daily for practice and he just keeps getting better. The list goes on! There were days, weeks even, when I regretted getting a dog. I wondered if we made a bad decision and I felt bad for Uno that we didn’t know how to handle him. Birch Valley K9 changed that and we cannot thank them enough!

We had a two year old high energy shepherd with anxiety that we were managing well enough when it was just my wife and I. Then we got the good news that a baby was on the way and we decided we needed a little more control and confidence over our dog. A friend referred us to Birch Valley K9 and we saw that they worked with high drive dogs. We tried a couple day cares at their beautiful facility that went really well. They were very accommodating to our dogs who can be scared of unknown dogs and people.This is not like other doggie daycares where it's just a huge pen with all the dogs mixed in. They have separate runs for your dogs or groups of dogs they have ensured are safe to be together. We then committed to a 4 week board and train and it was amazing the dog they gave us back. And almost more important was how willing and motivated they were to train US in how to maintain and progress our dog's training ourselves. Our Kaya is now much more confident and manageable even if we're busy with the baby. They bring you to the facility, they come to your house afterwards, and truly they are willing to work with you as much as you are willing to work with them. I still message and text them weeks/months after training. If you have questions they are always available to answer new challenges or situations you are facing after training. We are so grateful (Kaya included) for Birch Valley and the foundation of training and work they put into our dog.

My biggest regret is not sending Luca to Allie & Tommy sooner. If you’re the over protective… over loving dog mom looking at a ton of trainers and programs until you find the right one - stop now and call Birch Valley K9. Luca has spent the last 2 of his 3 years in the heart of downtown which has unfortunately resulted in A LOT of anxiety. I’m talking afraid of everything from cars to scooters to loud noises.. all city things. Picture a 75lb German Shepherd dragging me back to our apartment in fear every time you go on a walk. After the 4-week board and train it’s truly been night and day. Luca has gained confidence and is obedient through his anxiety. He’s also a much happier dog - it’s been 2 months since his training and you can find Luca at either an on or off leash heel every walk we take. Allie and Tommy I seriously can’t thank you enough.