Lakeside K9

Talon came to me as an overweight rescue, no training, no manners, no socialization. I spent months gaining his trust to be able to feed him, take him outside for potty business, getting a collar and leash on him, and teaching him to walk on a leash. And while we managed to accomplish these things together, we had hit wall as far making further progress. He would violently react to any other household member simply passing by his crate, body slamming the walls, growling, and barking, so much barking. He could only have closely supervised free time in the house during which time he would still bolt back to his crate for security. And all his interactions with my other dogs were negative. Talon didn’t even know how to play, at all, not with someone or another dog or even with a toy. That’s where Chanda and her team stepped in. Talon arrived fearful, anxious, and lacking all confidence. At his evaluation a great deal of information was gathered, goals set, questions answered, and my mind set at ease. I had no reason to worry! By the end of the first day I received a text update including photos! Throughout the entire process I received almost daily updates, photos, and videos of Talon’s behavior modification training, on and off leash training, even his field trips! I was thrilled being able to visit him during boarding, being further brought updated on his progress, and with the one-on-one training sessions provided along the way. I love that all of my major concerns were addressed including a training session with my son whom Talon had always been highly reactive towards. The training taught them both how to work on neutral ground and how to respect each other. Coming home day was so exciting! Chanda and her father brought Talon home, helped us with re-introduction, worked out some boundaries, walked through and took time to practice with us his commands, expectations, and standards. How to avoid a return to old behaviors and make corrections was also covered and a very helpful information packet was provided. Before I tell you how it all turned out, let me add that the follow up has been amazing! Checking in to see how things are going, genuine interest and valuable input on concerns and minor issues, and celebrating our successes with us! Talon has been home about 2 weeks now and what a difference! He has the whole world at his feet and the basic skills and new found confidence to explore it! He has been able to spend hours out of the crate hanging out in the kitchen and living room just observing and taking in everything that it means to have a family, he has not been reactive to the other dogs and can pass by their crates without engaging (we are still work toward having free time with another pup) and the other dogs can pass by his crate without him making a charge. We have enjoyed a few trips to Lowe’s and Tractor Supply where he was perfectly mannered, minimally stressed, and he allowed several strangers to pet him with relaxed confidence. I was thrilled to spend an entire afternoon with Talon off-leash as I re-potted and planted flowers and cleaned up our front porch. For the first time Talon was just a happy dog! I didn’t give him any real commands, I just let him hang out and he never left my side. He inspected my dirt, sniffed my gloves, alternated between sunning near the car and cooling off in the shade of the trees. He followed close at my side for the many trips from the carport to the front porch and back. He didn’t scurry away from the broom or bolt in fear at the leaf blower, he just chilled out in the steps. We shared some watermelon which he took gently from my hand. We ended our day and enjoyed our flowers on the front porch as we practiced the fine art of Southern Front Porch Sittin’ and watched the world go by (without barking like a maniac or chasing it down like a serial killer). Yep, just being a dog, that’s what it’s all about. And life is good!

I took my puppy Ziggy to Lakeside K9. He stayed for the month training program and I am happy to say that he came back well behaved and happy. I am so grateful to Chanda & her team for a well done job. Chanda is patient, sweet, & very knowledgeable. She also trained us so that we would be better puppy parents. Ziggy sit/stay, heels, knows his place, does off & on leash amazingly and much more. A well behaved dog is a great joy & its beneficial for not just us but for him also. This place rocks!! 😁😁

I have had two dogs go through this program. Chanda and her staff do a fantastic job with dogs and their owners. Each dog has unique needs and Chanda offers individualized training based on the dog’s specific needs. Keep in mind that Chanda cannot “fix” your dog but rather begins to change the dog’s mindset through training and positive reinforcement. She then teaches and trains the owner how to be the most important part of the solution and it is up to the owner to stick with the program. There’s no magic here. It takes time and consistency and perseverance but I promise if you stick with the program your life with your dog will be enriched. Chanda is also always available via email or text for any questions and continues to support the dog and family well after the formal training. I will always use Chanda’s services with each new dog we get.