Stonnie Dennis Dog Training & Boarding

Before I sent my dog to Stonnie, I was stressed out about life with my new puppy. The embarrassingly high pile of books and absurd amount of money I spent on online training subscriptions were doing more harm then good. They often contradicted one another, and as a result, I was overthinking everything. The bond I was expecting to form between us just wasn't happening. When I had a month I'd be out of town, I figured I'd board and train her to make better progress. A few weeks before leaving town, I found Stonnie's training facility, and got my dog signed up. When I arrived at Stonnie's I was expecting to just drop my dog off, but he took the time for me and my dog to get acquainted with what would be her home for the next month. Whatever nervousness I had about leaving her for the first time all but vanished. I couldn't have been more comfortable leaving her – I just watched her having the time of her life, meeting and playing with other dogs. During that time Stonnie showed me well trained dogs, and dogs that were still progressing. I then took my dog through the small challenges course, and she was her usual distracted self. She had a lot of catching up to do, but I was confident leaving her in Stonnie's hands. I really appreciated Stonnie kenneling all the dogs before I left, so my dog wouldn't see me leave. Really thoughtful. Wow, was the month off such a destresser. I have to say it was the perfect amount of time away, and I was really excited to pick up my pup. Once I got there, I hardly recognized her! She was one of those dogs that were performing so well, and so attentive to her handlers. We went through the course, went for a couple of walks, and tested her stays. Just perfect. It hardly took a week for my dog to get reacclimated once home. I could tell she did a lot of work at what I consider her summer camp, and I wanted to keep up with it. So I got to watching Stonnie's instructional videos and filling out my online training journal. I honestly didn't expect to use the journal, but it has been the single most helpful part of the process. I am not only able to see what the progress she is making, but also what steps in my thinking and approach towards her I have been making. Thanks to Stonnie, that attitude has become how to live with my dog, rather than how to train it. So much easier (and fun!) now. Whatever questions or worries I might have usually vanish in a day's time because Stonnie looks and comments in my journal regularly. And he doesn't just give some simple reductionistic answer. He either lays out the proposed technique I should try, provides a very appropriate analogy, or just gives good life advice. I couldn't recommend a trainer more highly. I still watch Stonnie's videos regularly, keeping up to date with whatever wisdom he has to impart. If you want to truly enjoy loving life with your well-behaved pup, look no further than Stonnie Dennis at Cabin Creek Kennel.

Stonnie Dennis has changed my life as well as my dogs life. I’ve searched for a trainer long before I even got a dog. And I’m glad that I stumbled across Stonnie’s YouTube channel. Stonnie’s Philosophy of training dogs is what got me. He states that he trains dogs to come when it’s called, to walk politely on a leash and make sure it’s not being rude, disruptive from your neighbors perspective. Meaning you can take it to your neighbors barbecue and know that it will sit there and not jump on people or knock over the grill. You start your training well before you get your pup. He sends you information on how to get your house ready for your new puppy. This is not a fly by night training course. He along with his family take their time training your pup. Gunner (my dog) is able to walk politely on a leash now. I can walk him with one finger. Keep in mind he’s only five months old. And he’s a Labrador Retriver at that. If you know labs you know that they can be a handful sometimes. He stays when I tell it. Even under distraction. Dogs running around people talking and moving around. And he just sits there. Keep in mind I live in VA and I’ve traveled to Kentucky for training. That’s how confident I was in Stonnie. I plan on using him again if I get another Lab. I strongly recommend him. Do your own research on him. You won’t be sorry. Thank you Stonnie for helping me and Gunner.

so grateful we found Stonnie! Stonnie and his family have been wonderful to work with. We sent our 16 week old Lab for training and have been amazed at the experience. Not only has our puppy clearly had the time of his life ! He has gained so much confidence and has been given experiences that we could never had provided him. We feel completely confident now taking him into any situation knowing that he has wonderful manners and self control but most importantly we have the tools to handle any situation and the support from Stonnie to continue his training at home. This growth makes him one happy puppy who never gets left at home because he happily comes along for every adventure . There just isn't any other program out there like this, highly recommend!!