Specialty Dog Training

I dropped off an extremely hyper 3 year old Labrador here with Perry, who I couldn't control with a prong collar or a shock collar. I picked up a dog who was calm, disciplined, and a breeze to take on a walk. I don't have to turn around anymore when I see another dog passing by, making my life and Dallas' much easier, and more fun. Dallas also stays right at side on walks and doesn't try to take off ahead of me. HIGHLY recommend Perry, he formed a bond with Dallas and was incredibly knowledgeable on what Dallas needed. He kept me informed by sending me pictures and updates of Dallas training every few days. He also taught me exactly how to maintain his training at home, and I'm so grateful I sent my dog here. It was worth every penny!!!!

I can truly say that this place has changed the life of my dog AND me! I have a 2 year old Great Dane, Apollo, that used to be extremely fearful and reactive to all dogs and most people. He is the sweetest thing when he gets to know you but that was getting harder and harder to accomplish. I hated that he was constantly living in fear and being uncomfortable. I tried two trainers before deciding to take the leap and do a board and train program. I spoke with and did evaluations with 5 places before deciding on Specialty Dog Training. We met with our trainer, Perry, and Apollo fell in love instantly! I got multiple updates a week of Apollo’s progress and you could tell how much fun he was having. Although he was training, he was engaged and having a great time. I still keep in contact with Perry and he has been so amazing. You can really tell that he cared for Apollo as if he was his dog. Since his training finished a few weeks ago it is is I have a new dog. He listens so well and is so much less fearful. He has newfound confidence and is so much more content in everyday life. I can not thank Perry enough and I will recommend him to anyone! My mom is even going to be sending her new puppy to him when he get older.

Specialty dog training has been an answer to prayers and just what we needed. Shan is training us and is a PERFECT fit, skilled, experienced, professional and excited about what he does. We adopted Korra as a rescue. Part German shepherd and lab and other stuff, she is stubborn and strong willed. I am a petite young woman, so I was afraid of having a dog too big for me to handle, especially one so stubborn. We tried the training I had used in past dogs, then tried a trainer who specialized in shepherds but he was training her to be an attack protective dog, so we tried another positive training but it was going to take weeks just to get her to learn to come when called. Then we found specialty dog training. We started with one on one with Shan for three weeks and Korra thrived. We figured out her stubborn nature was boredom and once we taught her to "work" she thrived. So, we had Shan train her for four weeks in boot camp. She is so well trained and even better, she is excited to "work", meaning loves working on new training skills. Shan gave me confidence with my big stubborn dog and gave my dog joy in training. We worried she might be hard to train but she thrives on it which makes me LOVE taking her everywhere. So grateful for Shan. We are continuing our training to see how far we can go. We are now working on off leash behaviors such as walking with us off leash in full obedience, lying down immediately on command from afar, come every time, etc. We are very happy with specialty dog training!

Is there a way to give 10 stars? Graham Bloem and his staff at Specialty Dog Training and Shelter to Soldier are a professional, caring, first class team. We have had the amazing experience of going through the training of a service dog from start to completion with them, and we could not be happier. My daughter has also achieved great results after taking their 5 session puppy training classes. They love the dogs, and it shows. I highly recommend them for any dog training needs you may have. And, I want to say thank you Graham, for being who you are, and doing what you do.

To all future clients of Specialty Dog Training, I was impressed with all at Specialty Dog Training: the founder, trainers and staff--all wonderful. But the trainer that shaped my aggressive Aussie Shepard 6 year old mix to a controllable obedient man was Shan Foster. The ability of Shan as a trainer for your loving four-legged family member is hands down one of the best! He's knowledge and skill exudes confidence with outcome to back it up. You as the owner will also have to do your part but as long as you allow them to help shape you to be a better trainer then your relationship with your dog will reach new levels. With the highest recommendations we recommend Shan for your future clients and their family dog members. We loved Shan so much we sent our 2 newest puppy family members to him also. :) Love can come in many forms and with a trainer like Shan training you and your pup even the most aggressive cases will have a happy ending. Blessings and gratefulness to all of you at Specialty Dog Training, but especially you--Shan Foster. Thank you from our hearts and soul! Blessings of light and love, Guillermina Galvan, Bodb Dearg, Suddhatman, Ch'omack and Bonkai