We chose k9 kompanion for our training after a few friends had great success with their pups. If you’re not lucky enough to know anyone personally who has used them, let me be your reference. I have a 7 year old hound mix, Ollie, that has always struggled with anxiety and unders…Read full reviewClose full review
We chose k9 kompanion for our training after a few friends had great success with their pups. If you’re not lucky enough to know anyone personally who has used them, let me be your reference. I have a 7 year old hound mix, Ollie, that has always struggled with anxiety and understanding boundaries. He wanted to do the right things, but I couldn’t show him how. He struggled a lot with distractions and would be difficult to walk without an anxious meltdown or two each day. It was really hard to trust him in situations other than cuddling on the couch, but we wanted him to have a fuller life with more adventure. We decided to commit to training that would build his confidence, as well as the trust in our relationship. We decided to send him to Kat and Tiff for doggy boot camp for 3 weeks to see real results. Signing up was really easy and Sarah, the business manager, helped us answer any questions that we had. She was also amazing at keeping us updated with timeline and medical/ financial requirements before drop off day. Her quick, warm and informative communication was one of the first green flags of working with K9 Kompanion. On drop off day we got explicit instructions about where to go and what to do, as well as a group text that included the trainers, my boyfriend and me. We arrived, and we got a tour of the property, met some other dogs and got even more details about what Ollie would be doing each day. Kat answered all of our questions and made us feel really at ease. During the three weeks he was there, we received an incredible about of photos and updates via the group chat. Every time I really started to miss Ollie (every 24 hours or so...) there was an update on my phone. Pictures showed the progress that he was making with his training, but also gave me insight into how he was feeling. His body language showed that he was attentive and focused, but also having the time of his life with his newfound friends. The group chat was one of my favorite things about working with k9 Kompanion, aside from the incredible results. After three weeks, we coordinated drop off day. We received the “doggy parent” instructions in advance, which helped us know what to expect when Ollie came home. We also received training videos and information sheets that we can reference as we continue the home portion of the training. Kat and Tiff kept us updated with drop off plans and then drove Ollie to our house. They reintroduced him and stayed with us for about 90 minutes to make sure that we were comfortable with the tools, strategies and expectations of the training. This part of the program was invaluable, because we got to practice with the pros and they were able to see some of the areas in which Ollie has struggled at home. There was no judgement as my boyfriend and I struggled with the new routines, only curiosity and kindness along with the intense knowledge and skill that they provided. Not only were they able to help us with general training and follow through, but they showed us what to do when he lost his cool on a walk and how to teach him to trust that we would take care of him so that he didn’t need to be so worried. They left us with guidelines, tools, tips and tricks, but mostly the confidence to continue helping our best boy live his best life. We no longer worry about him meeting other dogs or people, running around off leash or even barking at the Amazon truck. The only thing that I would change about this experience is the timeline. I wish I had committed seven years ago.
