Holland K9

I contracted John Holland through the app thumbtack. Initially I was drawn to his professionalism and wide range of experience to train my recently adopted massive/ pit mix. Unfortunately, about a week before my pup was due to train we were made to cancel. After signing Mr. Holland’s inclusive contract (which does not include any mention of payment being non refundable) and paying in full up front, he refused a refund. He offered a transferral if the services to a new dog but refused a refund. I was more than willing to pay a cancellation fee (which is also not included per the contract) however he still refused a refund. This now forced me to try and legally get my money back. After now months, I was finally able to get a refund. This is after he stopped replying and notices to serve his “business” went unanswered. I would advise anyone to refrain from dealing with this man and his “business”. The professionalism I experienced in the first call was not returned after booking and receiving my money. Be very careful with whom you trust your pups with.

My inquiry on Thumbtack yielded a quick response from Holland K9 Services. Within 24 hours of my initial inquiry, John and I were on the phone discussing my needs. I have a disability upon which a service dog would have a tremendously positive effect. John and I discussed my options. What I liked most about John was that he was frank and upfront about the process. Two other trainers who contacted me used the word "guaranteed." We're talking about a dog. I did not need someone selling me pie in the sky. John returns phone calls promptly. I tend to be an anxious person, so in my case, that was a lot of phone calls. Yet John was both kind and professional every time we spoke. My dog was a challenge. I know this because John was, as I said, upfront and honest throughout the process. I think his professionalism shined in that his dogged (pun intended) determination was such that he did what was necessary, taking extra time to do so, to get Tiger to where he is today. Yet in spite of the additional time involved, there was no mention of additional cost. We have a long way to go. Tiger is a service dog so having a trainer who is going to stick with me until we get the job done is important. When we started John made sure I understood that when Tiger came home, the job was only halfway completed. The John and Tiger part of the training was complete but the Steve and Tiger portion of the training would take some time. John's work ethic is such that I know Tiger is and will be an incredible service dog and that John will stick with me as long as needed to achieve that goal. The other point I wanted to touch on is value. I am extremely pleased with the cost for all that John is providing me. To say it is an excellent value would be an understatement. I would highly recommend Holland K9 Services. *** John and I have remained friends for several years after Tiger's training. He continues to be an empathetic ear who "gets me." My mental health is such that I can say that of very few people.

After a board and train in March and roughly 6 months of sporadic sessions due to last minute cancellations and lack of communication from John, he hasn't responded to my request for a refund 2 months ago. Looks like I'm going to have to sue to get it. Our contract included off leash obedience (sit, stay, down, come and heel) but that was never done. Even during the one on one sessions it wasn't even addressed.