Hamilton Dog Training Club Inc

I first learned of the Hamilton Dog Training Club (HDTC) from a couple I had just met at a dog show. They told me they were members of a dog training club (HDTC) and that they had great trainers, a consistent curriculum, friendly helpful members and lots of fun. That couple was right and that was 26 years ago and I have been training there ever since. I took my young dog to their beginner obedience classes and we earned our AKC Companion Dog Excellent degree training exclusively with the Hamilton Dog Training Club. Every dog I have owned since has gone through their program and I have had great success with my dogs both in competition and just enjoying my dogs at home, in the park, on therapy visits, and even on trips to the hardware store. I have also taken a number of dogs owned by others through their classes and those owners have told me they have never had better trained dogs. Of course, some of that might be me, but I am far from the best dog trainer out there. HDTC has a moderately sized building with plenty of room for medium sized classes and room for the dogs to move around and practice exercises like heeling and recalls -- and they have a special floor covering to keep the dogs and owners from slipping. Their methods include a variety of techniques with an emphasis on being fair to the dog. Their instructors are experienced trainers who are friendly, empathetic, love dogs and people and take teaching you and your dog seriously. I recommend the Hamilton Dog Training Club to everyone who wants to improve their dog's behavior.

DO NOT TAKE ANY DOG TO THIS "Training Club"! My boyfriend and I have been pet owners for nearly 16yrs, and just needed a refresher course so that we were both on the same page with our new rescue puppy. The facility stated that they offer positive training, they do not. They also stated that it is a friendly environment, it is not. They also state that if you cancel, you must give 7 days notice to get a refund minus a $25 cancellation fee, they do not refund ANY monies. This facility is not heated or air conditioned,(its essentially an 8 car garage), they have other dog training classes going on that is very distracting for owners and pets, the trainers are rude, and the management is completely uneducated when it comes to professional business practices. I filed a complaint with the BBB and the facility opted to not respond. I am now filing a Small Claims case in my county, as they refused to refund ANY of my money after attending 2 "classes". This Club uses choker cords when training, which they supply and put on your dog prior to class. The class size is absolutely ridiculous, the first night there were 11 dogs and the second night there were 6! Clearly they offer no personal one on one time, as we found they lecture their thoughts, beliefs and practices rather than teach anything worthwhile for training a dog. They also state that your pet will be in a class with other dogs in similar age range...well, I don't know about you, but how a 2yr old Great Dane is "similar" in age to my 5mo old boxer mix puppy is beyond my comprehension?!! Don't waste your time, money or energy at the Hamilton Dog Training Club...go to Pet Smart, where they stand behind their training with countless testimonies of well trained pets!