Lavaca River Ranch

Lavaca River Ranch is a dog and dog-owners dream. I cannot recommend this place enough. My golden retriever puppy took a two-week intro to obedience course while we were out of town. When we picked her up, we were amazed to see how much she had learned over the short time. Michael has worked with dogs for over twenty years. It's incredible to witness how much he understands them (and loves them). He was also kind enough to text me status updates on my pup each day as I missed her very much. The videos of her galloping around the open fields and into the pond with the other dogs made it clear she was doing just fine at summer camp without me. Before we left, Michael carefully walked us through his training methods and had us practice with her. Here, we saw how much our pup enjoyed being a student and being challenged by new things. At this point, Michael was focused on training us as he wanted to give our pup the tools she needs to succeed. This place is truly unique and worth every penny.

As a first time mini Australian Shepherd owner, I didn’t know what I got myself into! Jade was full of mischief, anxiety and fear. For lack of better words, she was a maniac who loved to chew up very expensive things! As a last hope, I brought her to Michael for obedience training and house breaking. Michael is a dog whisperer! She is a different dog now! The anxiety and fear are gone. She is so much calmer. She’s a super smart girl who “works” perfectly for Michael, but thought she was still going to herd and manipulate me! Michael spent lots of time building my confidence of being the pack leader and boss with Jade. After several lessons, Jade turned the corner and started to “work” for me. Michael was extremely patient with both Jade and me throughout this process. I can’t say enough great things about Michael as a dog trainer and a person. Thank you for saving us, Michael!

Michael is an incredibly talented gifted dog trainer. Not only patient with the dogs, but patient with the owners. His goal is to not only teach/train your dog, but to teach you, the owner so that you and your 4 legged family member or your hunting dog communicate perfectly with each other. For us it was training Gracie our 65 lb black lab how to behave in a manner that allows me to take her anywhere in public or have her around elderly frail family members and young toddlers alike in a calm obedient manner that makes those frail and young family members safe. Gracie’s energy and enthusiasm for life was making it difficult to allow her to roam around our older and much younger family members with out constant fear she would accidentally knock them over or want to jump everywhere in her excitement. She still gets plenty of opportunities to be a big ol’ lab playing hard in the pasture or back yard. when I need her to become 100% obedient 100% of the time and remain calm and listen to me she does it and it’s because Michael had the knowledge and patience to teach her and us. Highly recommend him!

I’ve had the pleasure to take my dog, Lulu, for obedience training with Michael. I don’t have enough words to explain how good he is at his job. After just the first week, the biggest accomplishments were crushed, and he bounded over ever obstacle with her, and I couldn’t be more thankful. If you want someone who is going to love and want the best for your pup, just like you do. Michael is the person to see!

Michael has been training and boarding my dogs for the better part of 15 years. There is not a better dog trainer in Texas and a true testament is that when I take my dogs back year after year for a tune up or boarding they couldn't be happier to see him. I have complete trust in Michael and know he treats my dogs as if they are his own. The facilities at Lavaca River Ranch are top notch and will be sending my dogs back to camp soon, as my daughters call it.