Customized K-9

I am longtime customer and went to him for nearly 2.5 years and no long time customers are there anymore. In the beginning was it good with reward based training, keeping it fun and one on one training sessions. This changed over time and he tried to make me use an e-collar and training based on compulsion. From day one was it clearly stated that I want to compete with my dog in dog sport like agility, obedience etc. so I need a happy reliable working dog. I went twice a week to the group classes regularly and all the other days did I work my dog at home. I did not get the performance from my dog based on the instructions of him. I have trained different animals for several years so I knew better and decided to change my training and go on my own. I did it successful without his help and came to the point where my dog executes quick, reliable and happily what I tell him to do. He even got that reliable that I did the group class with him off leash. When I mean off leash means no e-collar or any other remote device used and no leash (I do not consider a dog off leash with the use of e-collar. It is just an invisible leash). Everybody was impressed in the group class and especially the ones who know the dog longer. I work my dog every day and I got the first working dog title on my dog which is a BH (companion dog title). Anthony never supported my goal. Since I train on my own my relationship with the dog improved and so his performance and even today do we improve as a team. We keep working every day and commitment and working every day is not an issue like mentioned in reviews. Before signing a contract go there and watch the group class. Most of the dogs in it wear an e-collar and also a lot of compulsion is used to make the dogs obey. One day was an approx. 5 month old Rottweiler puppy in the group class with an e-collar. He was using the e-collar and the more he used the worser the situation got. Sad when the owner realizes that the puppy behaves better without the e-collar. The trainer should have come first to the realization and not the owner. I do not board my dog for training in generally. If you are looking for a pet that knows basic commands on leash and with e-collar than this could be the right trainer. If you want more you are better advised to look further. The training he provides to his clients is different as with the dogs he owns. There is a huge difference between training of client’s dogs and the dogs he owns. Do I recommend him anymore? No is the answer.

I trained passive response K9's for the United States Customs Service and worked as a Canine Enforcement Officer with my K9 "Money" for many years. I live in California and visited Anthony in South Carolina in December, 2014 because I've followed Enzo on FB since his birth. I wanted to visit that guy and play a little with him. Anthony allowed me to take Enzo and do some on and off lead obedience work with Enzo. What an incredible pup. I then watched Anthony teach a group class and witnessed 6 or 8 dogs with their handlers all working very well together in close quarters. Having observed other puppy classes I can attest to the fact that these dogs were well-above average in their abilities. I'm now an attorney and read one of Anthony's contracts. His willingness to train for the "life" of the dog is nothing to be laughed at. So, for those of you who are disappointed in your dog's performance, I have a suggestion. Take the dog to training. Work harder. Be committed. Control your anger and temper. Just maybe - maybe - your working relationship with your dog will improve.

My wife and I have had the pleasure of working with Anthony at Customized K-9 since October of 2014 and have nothing but good things to say about our experience and the progress our dog has made. When we first started training Boone (then a seven month old puppy) at Customized K9, we didn't really know what to expect. We're long time dog owners, but still felt his behavior was outside the norm for puppies and thought we might have a problem dog on our hands. We started with Anthony's individual sessions which helped get not only Boone, but us as his extended trainers to the point where he could reliably be counted on to perform and behave as expected. When Anthony wanted to challenge him and take him out of his individual training comfort zone and have him work in with the group classes, we really didn't think he was ready, but to help Boone get to our stated goal of following his commands in any setting Anthony felt it was an important step. He was absolutely correct and we've been pleasantly surprised at how Boone's responded and continues to respond to group. Like anything in life, you only get out what you put in. Anthony's individual and group training experiences give the dog and dog owner the tools they need to expand on the foundation he's built with you. I'm not sure what else you can ask from a trainer and I would recommend Anthony and Customized K-9 to anyone looking to take their dog's training and their training abilities to the next level. ***Note added 3/11/15**** Just so I'm clear on this, the individuals or more likely the individual that has what appears to be a personal issue with the owner of this business is/are chastizing the clients who have had nothing but good experiences with Customized K9? I'm a real client. I've had NONE of the issues mentioned in negative posts. I'll continue to use and recommend this trainer and his services. Shame on you for suggesting otherwise.