Excel Dog Training Inc

I was at the class when Naomi's puppy was swatted on the butt as it was aggressively going after a chocolate lab puppy over a food toy - not the first time, either.In the incident described, their shepherd puppy was quickly escalating, growling and hackles up, going for the neck of the lab puppy. Because the owners did not intervene, the trainer swatted him to divert attention so she could grab him without getting bitten and defuse the situation. My own dog had disciplined their puppy just minutes before this, and sent him running under a chair after he got in my dog's face. People need to understand that there are many drawbacks to what is called "purely positive" training - one of them being that there is a time and place for a physical correction, same as they would get from their mama. Excel Dog Training uses Balanced Training methods. This includes attention getters like a touch on the butt, a pop of a collar, teaching dog that it's okay to be held and squirming and fighting is NOT acceptable through "puppy holds"... (Do you want them to have to be sedated every time they go to the vet because you didn't teach your dog it's okay to be touched? I doubt it!!) I have been going to Excel for years, and will continue to. Pete and Margaret know what they're doing, and they're very honest and professional about it. With years of experience, they can quickly recognize a situation that needs attention, and will be up front with you about it. I trust their methods.

Not a positive reinforcement trainer. She teaches submissive holds and how to dominate your dog. Our 3rd "class" she picked up our 3mo.old by the scruff and hit him hard enough to scoot him across the floor, when he was guarding treats and giving attitude...vocally. He did no harm. We left, never went back. My boyfriend was furious. I wasn't as upset about it until reading many articles online about how this is the worst way possible to handle the situation. Several trainers in the area agree, and assured us that our pup is vocal but not aggressive. Thank god we dropped out before she could cause long term damage.