Joey Luke's Dog Training

We got our Australian Cattle Dog puppy Riley at 9 weeks old. We sent her to Joey Luke's at 5 months and today she is 9 months old. Riley was a challenging puppy, and with two kids at home under 5, we found very quickly that she was going to be difficult. Her herding instincts and nipping made things very stressful for the first couple months. All was tolerable until she started showing resource guarding and food aggression. She had assigned particularly high value to the kids' stuffed animals and would steal them, hide under the table, and growl at anyone who tried to take them back - even snap at anyone that got too close. It got to a point when she was about 4 months old that we had decided that she was too much of a risk to have around the kids. Our fear was that the kids would be unaware she was guarding would end up getting hurt. We decided that she either had to change, or we would have to find a new home for her. We reached out to several trainers and were impressed by Joey Luke after the first call. He was professional, knowledgeable, and assured us that we would be able to get in touch with him or his team at any time, even after the training was complete. We had one additional face to face consultation with Joey and Riley at Joey's home where we were able to get some additional questions clarified, as well as see Joey interact with our puppy. We decided to do the "board and train" program which was a 3 week program were Riley stayed with Joey for intensive training. Our main concern was the food aggression and resource guarding, but we were also interested in general manners, recall, walking on leash, etc. I can say that even though I liked Joey, I was skeptical as to how a dog could be transformed in only 3 weeks, especially with something like aggression. All I can say is that Joey and his team exceeded all expectations. We got regular updates via social media and text. At the end of each week, we got a personalized video of what the trainers were working on and how Riley was progressing. One thing about the training is that it is an ongoing thing - you as the owner need to keep up on the training and continue to practice or else the dogs may fall back into their bad habits. Having an open line of communication with the training team makes that aspect much less stressful. It also helps that with the board and train, you get two in home training sessions with Joey or his team where they come to your house, can see the dog in its normal environment, and provide additional feedback on what to do to ensure your training is effective. The most impressive thing that the team was able to do was to teach Riley the "out" command. If she has anything she shouldn't have, like a stuffed animal, all we have to say is "out" and she not only drops it, but walks away from it so we can safely remove it. At this point, after months of reinforcement, the aggression is a non-issue. Walks are an absolute pleasure. Riley walks at our heel, doesn't pull or get distracted, and can even walk off leash with us. Recall was also an important ability. We can play in parks or hike in the woods off leash and Riley will come when called every time, from any distance. The entire process has been great, and no one was more skeptical than me. The board and train seemed pricey (although was in line with what other trainers were charging) but I can honestly say I would do it again in a heartbeat. When you consider the average lifespan of a dog, it comes out to a couple hundred dollars per year, for an excellently trained dog. When you look at it that way, it's a no brainer. I just want to thank Joey and the team again for the wonderful job they've done, and assure anyone thinking about using their services that they are the real deal, and will continue to be a resource for the life of your dog. They truly saved our relationship with Riley, and set our whole family up for success throughout her life.

Nothing but good things to say about this facility. Joey took his time with us in the consultation and answered all our questions and thoroughly went over the process of the training programs they offer as well as what was best for our dog Roxy. We were both very hesitant to do this board and train program but they put our minds at ease with their knowledge of training dogs and knowing their individual behavioral problems to work on. The constant updates made us realize Roxy was in good hands and being provided great training. Joey has given us the tools to have her now succeed in any future problems that arise. We now have a well adjusted dog who is calmer and we can enjoy as part of our family. I highly recommend Joey Lukes Dog Training Facility.

Could not recommend Joey Luke's Dog Training enough! Our dog Roman was a rescue with extreme hyper reactivity both in the house and even more so outdoors. After just the first training session with Joey, we noticed a HUGE difference in his behavior. Since completing the Pro-Trainer Program, Roman is now finally relaxed in the home, listens to our commands and is unbothered by outside noises. Additionally, walks, which used to be almost impossible to go on, are so much more enjoyable without any pulling! Everyone we have encountered has been very kind, responsive and helpful, and we look forward to continuing our relationship through the additional support resources offered through group walks and touch-up training sessions!

We have an American Lab (very high energy) who is about to turn 1 year old. We were recommended by our vet, to explore training with Joey! Before our training she would jump on the counters, us and anyone that came in our house. Would not come when called in from outside. Would not drop things when asked too. Going for walks she would pull a lot. After our training she does not jump up on the counters, even while we are preparing food. Does not jump on us/other people that come in the house. Today we had 3 workers come to Install counters. They rang the doorbell, I put her on her bed in a place command. She stayed while I let them in, I left her there for about 20 minutes. Gave her the free command she never once jumped on anyone or bothered them. Wonderful dog!! Walking is so much nicer now. She will walk in a heel on my left side. I walked her off leash in a heel position for 1/3 mile in my subdivision. She was great. We went to my daughters this past weekend where I am now able to let her jump out of the car to a field to play ball/go potty on our trip there. It was well worth doing the training at Joeys. They are very helpful. I sent many questions/videos to make sure I was doing things right. They responded very fast to my questions. We are getting a new puppy in March and Joey will be a part of his training too!