Alaska Dog Sports LLC

Learned just about nothing from this place. The lady there, short stature and short-haired, is very rude and odd. It is more than what would ever seem needed. Came here with a few different family members on different classes, and all thought the same. It is a fairly small room, and there is not a whole lot of room to move around that also gives other dogs enough room. Everything "taught" is beyond basic, and would have been better off just getting free, short and simple videos on YouTube. I try to have an open-mind and give the benefit of the doubt for anything and everything, but this is one where I really can't seem to do that.

For basic obedience and learning how to “speak” dog, Alaska Dog Sports did a through job. As far as “speaking” human, we struggled to get clear and consistent communication on what the limits of the program were. We inquired about options to work towards a specific certification that has an outlined rubric, I was told it would be reviewed and we would be contacted, we continued to attend group classes, but no one ever followed up, even after I had reminded the office. When I inquired about specific therapy dog programs, I was consistently told, “we used to do that in past,” but we don’t currently have a group for that. When I inquired about 1:1 training, I was offered to work with the one trainer that specializes in it, but then due to no fault of her own, she couldn’t continue after the initial session. It took two weeks for us to be offered another trainer to complete the session that was missed. Unfortunately, it seemed to be less than we had expected because the trainer did not have the expertise that we needed. The group classes are great for the basics, but if you desire advanced or specific work, it might be best elsewhere.

We have done no less than 5 courses, emailed staff, and honestly been the odd dog at times. Not once do i believe we had any bad experience. Owner and staff have all been amazing, willing to changes courses, transfer bills to other courses, pretty much anything i could think of and more. All in pursuit of the dog's best interests. I'd say i would go back, but we're in at least class 3... So the proof is in the pudding? Do keep in mind the class sizes are small, no PetSmart sort of mobbing going on!

Had a new baby and couldn't make class so I could help my wife with our other 3 boys and this company was not willing to refund the remainder of the classes or give us a credit or anything. Answered my first email and ignored the others. I also run a snow removal company and we got 2 winter storms that also had us scrambling to get all the work done, again no understanding at all. Also no plan for their dog training classes, they pretty much just wing it and it shows.