For the longest time my 10-year-old daughter wanted a Golden Retriever puppy. When the opportunity presented itself, I was able to bring one home for her. After all, I knew these were one of the best family dogs and incredibly smart. Thinking I could train Duke ourselves, I quick…Read full reviewClose full review
For the longest time my 10-year-old daughter wanted a Golden Retriever puppy. When the opportunity presented itself, I was able to bring one home for her. After all, I knew these were one of the best family dogs and incredibly smart. Thinking I could train Duke ourselves, I quickly learned I was unable! Thinking I knew what I was doing, I struggled to get any improvements on his leash skills, crate training, and listening to basic commands. Then dealing with the destruction of our couch when he was home alone, I was starting to question the decision to get a dog!! But we fell in love with our furry family member, so I had to do something before giving up. After doing extensive research for trainers, I came across First Choice Canine. With over 100 5-star reviews and success stories, I went ahead and scheduled a consultation with KB. Within a very short amount of time, KB was able to see that Duke was dealing with anxiety and lack of confidence. He was confident that after the training program both myself and my 10-year-old would be able to walk him around off leash. It sounded too good to be true! After receiving a price estimate for the 5-week program, I had to chew on it and see if perhaps I could somehow work on what I was doing to train him at home. As Duke continued to grow, the results turned into my daughter coming back in from trying to take him for walks with scrapped knees because he reached a weight to pull her around. This was it for me, I knew I needed KB's help. Talking with Ashleigh through email, I asked countless questions, and her responses were always prompt, friendly, and informative. I dropped Duke off and hoped for the best. I received an update with how Duke was settling in within 24-hours after dropping him off. From there, the weekly updates with pictures allowed us to know how he was progressing and see the happiness in his face! When it was time to pick Duke up after a long 5-weeks, KB spent over an hour with my daughter and I showing us the commands Duke learned and how to use and reinforce them. I also received a phone call after hours from KB just to answer a few questions I had. Absolutely top-notch support!! It has now been 4 weeks since we picked Duke up, and we completed the 2 follow up sessions. Much to my amazement, KB was right! We now walk Duke off leash with ZERO issues. We walk past other people, other dogs, countless distractions, and he does not break from our side! KB and the crew at First Choice Canine are absolutely incredible. The results with our dog are simply amazing! It is a big decision to send your dog away for any length of time, but I would recommend First Choice Canine to anyone with a dog who needs to be trained. Duke also has now picked up on our nightly routine, and as soon as he sees us turn the lights off, he shows himself to his crate. What used to be non-stop whining in there has turned into laying right down and going to sleep. He is definitely a happier dog, and we couldn't be more pleased with the results. Duke has become what I pictured for our family dog. Thank you, 1,000 times, to KB, Ashleigh, and the whole crew at First Choice!
