Adams K-9

My experience at Adams K-9, and with Randy specifically, was less than desirable. Being a first time dog owner, I knew I had a lot to learn and was eager to get started. A friend of mine recommended I try Adams for the first-step in training for my new Cavapoo puppy, Wallace. He was/is going to go through extensive training to be a service animal (and I was hoping to give Randy the business of training Wallace through this process). Wallace was a very shy, but sweet and smart puppy (perfect for what I was planning on having him trained to assist me with). I had emailed Randy briefly before the first meeting in May, 2019. Randy told me about some things to read and I was following all instructions. Wallace was very shy the first day, but Randy did not make the experience better. He allowed all of the dogs to go off the leashes and my puppy was chases and trampled by the bigger puppies. I did not know what to do, so I simply stayed back and let Randy handel it. But it took this happening twice for him to intervene and say I should keep Wallace on a leash. Following this incident I emailed Randy to see if Wallace could socialize with my friends dog who was being board and trained at Adams K-9 (my friend had talked to another employee before she left and they said it should be fine for them to meet while she was away), as well as advice for how I should prevent Wallace from being chased again. Randy replied that the puppies could not meet. Then, he said "I think your dog is traumatized because you carry him too much and he's not getting socialized." This email was incredibly unprofessional and simply rude. I immediately contacted other dog trainers to get their advice on what he said and the two of them (from different organizations) said Randy should not have said that to me (a first time dog owner who is reading books, go to training, practicing for multiple hours a day with my puppy, and seeking advice). I continued to go to two more classes and I decided to not attend the last class, as I found a different trainer. My new trainor has brought out the amazing qualities I knew Wallace had: confidence, loyalty, and intelligence. She has also given me the tools to be a great dog owner, not criticizing me with no instruction. I have heard, half of training the dog is training the dog's owner. For those looking for professional and kind dog training, that will help you and your dog, I would recommend "A Dog's Life" in Grand Rapids and Compassionate Care Animals Hospital's trainers in Ann Arbor.

I had my dog Sunny there for the board and train program. She went in as a crazy puppy and came out as a young lady with manners. She is a very timid girl but immediately took to the trainers. The atmosphere at Adams k9 is so pleasant and calm that you forget there are a bunch of dogs around. They couldn’t be more respectful and communicative. I’ll will always recommend Adams k9. The experience changed my relationship with my dog and gave her the confidence to approach things that would have otherwise scared her completely. Thanks again for all your help!