Gardner Dog Training

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I was fortunate to have been referred by my veterinarian to Gardner Dog Training for my 5 month old Great Dane recently. She had a rough start in life and training had been delayed due to her health issues, so she (and I!) were dearly in need of help. I scheduled an in-home private session with Terry, who is an absolute master at his craft. He knew almost instinctively what her issues were and suggested ways to assist me in correcting them which were nearly immediately effective! As she is already very large and strong, I was having problems handling her when walking on leash, and with his guidance and instruction she is walking on leash better than she ever has. He obviously has a love of dogs and is skillful at working with them to attain a well-behaved, well-adjusted and happy companion. I will be continuing Jolene’s training in Gardner’s obedience classes, and will recommend them to anyone who is in need of an excellent training program for their dog.

I'm only giving them 1 star because I can't give them none! My SIL just reviewed and we are beyond upset. Being a responsible dog owner, I am looking for training for my pit mix. I contacted Gardner because it looks like a lot of people like them. They were very adamant with finding out her breed and when I told them she is a boxer/pit mix, they informed me that "(Their)  insurance does not permit pit bulls in our group classes.  We could take a look at her if you like to see if she looks like and acts like a pit." This is coming from professionals, or so they claim. "Looks like and acts like a pit"?!?! What is that supposed to mean? Is she a goofy, loving, fun puppy? Yes. Then they offer me private in-home training which cost $100 an hour! Then they say, "(Pit bulls) often are overly focused on the other dogs in the group classes and play arouses them to get over stimulated risking the safety of the dogs and people." This is all being said about a 4 month old puppy. She still trips over her own feet if she walks too fast. I have been doing some training on my own to keep her brain working. She already knows "sit" and is doing well with walking on a leash. My "dangerous" pit also lives in a house with another dog, which is only 25 pounds full grown, and 3 cats. Believe it or not, they have all survived her. Yes, sometimes she can get overly excited, but what puppy doesn't? She hasn't once ever made me fear mine or my families safety. I would think that a "professional" establishment would want to change the stereotype rumors about pit bulls but instead, they are enforcing them! It breaks my heart that my little Luna is being turned away and judged just because of her breed. If you have pit bulls or love a pit bull, don't go here. If they feel like they can't train a 27 pound, 4 month old pit, then can they really help you?

I wish I could give this zero stars but I have to at least give it one for website purposes.

I am completely disappointed with this place. I called them to confirm that I had a spot in the class. They new the age and the breed of my dog and called me back and said I was all good to know. Upon my arrival to the class I was turned away because he looked similar to a pit bull. He is not a pit bull. No one else who has met him thinks he resembles a pit bull.
The lady said that it was written on their website and registration form that they do not allow pit bulls or dogs that resemble pit bulls in their facility. I looked their website over and the registration form, NO WHERE on anything is this stated. And even if it was, I would have still signed him up because he does not look like a pit bull.

I am outraged that we were discriminated against. He is a great dog and is great with our kids. I just wanted him to learn how to walk better on a lease and how to lay down and stay, basic commands.

I then get a call from them saying they do in home visits for pit bulls. MY DOG IS NOT A PIT BULL. I don't have anything against pit bulls, I think they are great dogs and its just about getting proper training but I am angered that they kept calling him a pit bull on the phone.

This was a very disappointing experience and will never recommend them to anyone.

Gardner Dog Training has been our go to dog training venue for nearly 20 years, during which time Karla and Terry helped us to train 3 german shepherd dogs, all of them adopted from rescues. We also have relied on Karla and Terry for house visits to help us understand our dogs interactions with other dogs we were considering bringing home. Their advice and insight into the animals has proved right every time. We have found their classes to be very interesting, informative, well-paced and, above all, practical and effective. We didn't just learn techniques; we learned how to understand our dogs feelings and motivations much better. What we've learned with Karla and Terry has made us much better dog owners than we ever could have been without their teaching. We are very grateful to Karla and Terry for the great job they do and have no hesitation in recommending Gardner Dog Training to anyone who is serious about taking responsible care of their best friend.

Karla,

I would like to thank you for nothing. Your out dated training and lack of knowledge into prey drive dogs has resulted in my parents being physically attacked by a once very nice dog. Your instructions to provide treats to an animals biting behaviors has resulted in an animal who thinks they must preform through biting for a reward. Not to mention the day you picked him up by his leash and shook him violently causing him fear to even get in the car because he thought he was coming to your place of business. I hope you can continue to ride on your old show dog reputation or your business will be belly up soon. Your husband seems very nice but you are rude and cause harm to the customers you serve. Shame on you for your ignorance. Wolfgang is the dog I'm speaking of. Funny how he would not preform in your presence but he has no fear of any other trainers, dogs are a great judge of character.

rate Gardner Dog Training with 0 stars... would worst experience

Heather Sharp