Bonafide Dog Academy

I have never written a review, but I felt the need to share my experience and hopefully prevent anyone else who reads this from making the same mistake that I did. Before I got my new puppy, I wanted to make sure I had a trainer hired. Bonafide was “Best of Omaha,” so I thought it would be a good place to start. I spoke with Dawn, who was the owner at the time, and she encouraged me to register for the "out and about" program that my puppy would start the week after I brought her home. I was concerned that 10 weeks was too young to start her in training, but Dawn said it was the right time to start. I was interested in signing up for the "live and learn" program for $500 more, but was told that it was not an option because the business did not have a trainer with availability. After a long phone call with Dawn, I felt that I could trust her since it was represented to me that she would be my trainer, so I paid the $960+. Right after this, Bonafide was sold to the new owner and I was assigned to a new trainer, which could have nullified my contract. After speaking with my new trainer, I realized the "out and about" program was not what I thought it was, and I decided to do 9 private 45 minute sessions instead. I was brining my puppy to work with me, so I did not think the socialization emphasis of the "out and about" program was necessary for her, as she was already going to be socialized. I received an email stating: “Since you are opting not to have (my puppy) participate in the Out & About program, please note that sessions will not include any of the following components of our Out & About program: How to travel quietly in a vehicle in a crate How to calmly be away from family and other dogs in the house for short periods of time How to appropriately interact with new environments, people, and other dogs Basic good manner skill foundations - sit, down, come, off, give, polite walking, potty on leash, nipping Videos of training sessions uploaded to a private YouTube channel so you can review exactly how to train your pup between private sessions It seemed they were discouraging me from doing private sessions, which I found odd, so I detailed in writing that what I needed out of the training sessions: training my puppy to be comfortable being left home alone in her kennel without excessive barking. I was told in writing, thus forming a contract: "Rest assured we will work with you in the private lessons to achieve your goals with (my puppy)." After all the sessions, my puppy was nowhere near comfortable being left home alone in the kennel. I wrote the owner and explained that I believed she had a separation/isolation anxiety issue that was not being addressed during the program. I had done all my own training otherwise- potty training, sitting, walking on a leash, socializing, etc.- so we did not accomplish anything in our sessions that I could not have done on my own. Again, I asked about the possibility of the "live and learn" program and was told that my trainer did not have any openings. I believe that if my puppy had been allowed to do that program, which was my original request, she would not have developed separation anxiety. I wrote to the current owner after the program and explained that my goal was not achieved- my puppy was not comfortable being in her kennel for short amounts of time at home alone, and her separation anxiety was not alleviated-- I had spend almost $1,000 and had nothing to show for it. The disappointing response was: "At this point it might be better to see if another training firm can better meet your expectations." I would not recommend puppy training with Bonafide to any of my friends, as there is absolutely no reason to spend this kind of money to get no personalized assistance. We would have been better off with no training at all.

First, the facility is great for dog training. Second, they have a lot of experience with all types of dogs, for many many practices. Third, they worked with me so I can train my dog and we can develop a much stronger bond. Cani-cross has been a fantastic way for my dog to get a good workout and for me to get more fit. Rally-Obedience is the PERFECT speed for a hyper lab who wants to work work work.