Rucker Dog Training

I was excited to take my dog here based on all the reviews. I signed up for the "In Home Board & Train". I knew in advance they were going to use a shock collar but I didn't realize they were going to make my pug wear it all the time, even in the crate (except at night). It's also thier plan to make your dog wear the shock collar for the rest of thier life, except when sleeping. Thier "off the leash" training really means "off the leash but with a shock collar instead". It appears many people are OK with that. I am not. My Zoe is a lap dog. I don't want to pet a shock collar. I couldn't believe when I actually saw what the collar looked like at the end, as it has two large prongs sticking out of the collar. With as tight as they made her wear it, I feared physical injury to her throat but thankfully she is OK. I can't imagine long term use. What I expected was for her to be trained at his home where I dropped her off. "In Home" training to me meant training in real life situations which it wasn't. Maybe she was trained there some, but not in the home, and what I was told at the end was that she was in a crate all day and night except for during her two 15-minute training sessions, potty time, and a brief play time. I am probably being generous by saying she spent 2 hours per day out of the crate. When I took her home she was a mess. Of course I took the collar off. She did not listen to anything at all unless I had a treat in my hand. To me, she wasn't actually trained to do anything. Just conditioned to respond to a zap or a treat. Ultimately, she learned a couple of tricks. Sit, down, and place. Niether of which she would hold for more than a few seconds. No manners, not potty trained, wild, and listened to nothing. For me, I feel I didn't get anything for the $3800 I spent except a week of boarding while I was on vacation. She was there for 3 1/2 weeks. She also came home with a mild respiratory illness. I gave it two stars instead of one because I blame myself for not doing more research before I left her there. I liked Scott, but she is no better off than before I took her there. She hates her crate now and barks at the strangest things which she never did before. In my opinion, this place is best suited for bigger dogs, (not lap dogs), or people that don't mind continued use of the shock collar for the dog's entire life, (that never even crossed my mind) and the amount of time they will spend in a crate while there. If I had known either of those things in advance she would not have gone there. I have never had any dealings with a dog trainer before so I had no idea what questions to ask. Since I didn't know, it's important that I let others know, so they can make an informed decision. The staff was nice.

Rucker Dog Training had the horrific job of training my Brody James. He didn’t listen, he would run away and drive his fur sisters crazy. He would chew on anything and everything. He was spoiled rotten and still will be…… I can’t help it. Brody has been a pleasure to have back home. Every time we go out we train and he LISTENS!!!! He NEVER listened to me before Rucker. Scot and the staff go above and beyond to make sure you have the training and knowledge to take home for continued success! Looking forward to training classes and board and review, when I head out of town to keep him on track! Remember……. The owner has to continue to work with your fur babies in order for them to succeed. We hold the button to their future!!!

Rucker Dog Training went ABOVE AND BEYOND for our dog. We adopted a 3 year old rescue, Duck. The first trainer we went to told us we should return the dog to the shelter. The second trainer didn't want to do an assessment without us completing muzzle training him, which we were not able to accomplish (Duck being extremely aggressive against the muzzle). Then comes Rucker Dog Training. We showed up at the impeccably clean facility with Duck barking his head off! The trainer team was experienced, firm and compassionate. They were transparent that it was going to take Duck longer than 2 weeks. (The fixed fee for B&T was incredible for this service!!) We followed Duck's progress through the frequent IG updates and were shocked how much Duck has improved and progressed. After one month, we went in for the take-home lesson, which was very thorough. It was so incredibly apparent to us that the trainers there loved Duck and wanted the best for him! We have had Duck home for a few days now. Not only is he following commands, but he also seems to have a more relaxed demeanor. I think Rucker finally taught us and Duck how to communicate with one another. I know that the road is still long in maintaining Duck's training and the Board and Train is not a magic bullet. We are looking forward to continuing with the lessons and keeping up with the lessons we all have learned.

Cannot say enough good things about this place and the team! I first contacted RDT looking for advice on the training process for a dog to become a therapy dog for the school I work at. They were beyond helpful and quickly convinced me to start then, and come meet some puppies they had available. I met Winnie and was sold. Before I brought her home, I went to few classes with her to learn her and get a grasp on training. I got her at 3 months with a solid foundation of basic obedience. Scot and his team have supported us through every step since then. We attended class a couple times each week and I knew I could reach out for help whenever needed. At 6 months Winnie passed her CGC test and the school district test. She is so loved at school and really a game changer. Her gentle demeanor and well-trained behavior are a testament to the outstanding care and expertise provided by Rucker Dog Training. They truly understand what it takes to raise and train dogs that are not only obedient but also loving and adaptable to various environments. Winnie is the best dog I could have ever hoped for. I am so grateful.