Thunderbird Dog Training

TL/DR: Thunderbird Dog Training is absolutely THE BEST, Kayla is a skilled and talented professional who definitely delivers and keeps expectations *both for you and your dog(s)* realistic and goal oriented. After using her board and train program for 3 weeks our boys *and us* are all very well trained, well mannered individuals. We can actually take our boys out in public and regularly receive compliments from others about how well behaved and trained they are. Kayla came highly recommended from a friend and without her board & train program, we would have had to separate and rehome both of our boys. She was our last hope and we are so glad we chose to trust her and her program! For those who have time: Meet Winston & Wilder "The Boys." Two aussie shepherd/GSP (mix) brothers from the same litter. As puppies they were adorable, cuddly, playful, and everything puppies should be (including mildly destructive). As they grew they became not only bigger in size, but more destructive, chewing everything from patio support beams, couches, shoes, clothing, even baseboards, not to mention all of the counter surfing. We tried treats and treat boards, chew toys, bones, walks around the neighborhood, training at home using the same training techniques we'd use previously with other dogs... all without success. We tried Zoom Room but they had such terrible separation anxiety that even being across the room from each other was too much for them to process and we were told they were "too wild and distracting to the other dogs" for group sessions. After trying individual sessions through Zoom Room we still saw no progress and began considering other options. Whenever we went to work (we work long hours) we left the boys unattended together in an indoor/outdoor kennel system. One night, while at work, the boys got into a fight. When we got home we rushed both of them to the vet for care. Initially the vet believed it was a fight over a toy or food and separation anxiety played a role. We got rid of the food and toys in the kennel overnight and started them on fluoxetine. This went well for about 2 weeks until the next fight, worse than the last. The vet believed that the boys were exhibiting a behavioral issue called Littermate Syndrome. The vet's solution this time: rehome one or both of the boys to separate homes. We were crushed. By now they were almost 1.5 years old. How would we "pick" which one to rehome? What if their destructive behaviors or constant crying when separated were too much for the next owner to handle and they ended up being abandoned or surrendered? We couldn't bear the thought of separating or rehoming either of our boys. While we researched dog training programs we paid for someone to house/pet sit everytime we went to work to keep them safe. However this was never a long term solution. I had discussed our latest struggles with our boys with a trusted friend/coworker who recommended Kayla and Thunderbird Dog Training to us. We reached out and got a response the next day. After discussing over the phone our struggles with Kayla, she explained to us her program, what she thought she could do for us, and answered all of our questions. She was extremely knowledgeable and understanding. We dropped the boys off with Kayla and visited once a week for training sessions. After just a week they were so much more behaved, walked well on a leash, and could be separated in crates without crying incessantly. Week after week we saw progress and by the end of the program they were so well mannered that we could take them out in public, the dog park, etc. and they actually listened to us. To this day we still keep them separated while we are gone to work or away for any length of time to prevent any future fights. However, we can keep them separated and they no longer cry incessantly. We reached out to Kayla for a follow-up session almost 1 year later. She came out and gave us other training tips to get the boys back in shape after we had faltered with their training. She's absolutely the best!

I can’t recommend Kayla enough! My dog, Rugo, has had a difficult past, and I was nervous about sending him for a two-week training program. But Kayla was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding throughout the entire process. She kept me updated with photos and progress reports, which made me feel so much more at ease. Rugo came back more confident and well-behaved, and I can see such a positive change in him. I’m so grateful for Kayla’s expertise and care—she truly goes above and beyond!

I reached out to Kayla for help with my dog's tendency to nip people who come to my house. If my dog still struggles with this, it is because of my failings as an owner, definitely not lack of effort on Kayla's part. She has been incredibly supportive and encouraging through all of our sessions, and the behavioral work she gave us to practice is accessible and useful. She has worked hard to accommodate both my dog's needs as well as mine and I couldn't ask for a better experience. We worked via videocall and she was effective and professional. I recommend her enthusiastically to anyone.

My rescue Dachshund had some major issues with aggression and reactivity. I have tried other online training programs with little luck in getting any results so I finally decided to invest in a board and train for him and the results are insane! Kayla did an amazing job working with him to overcome his reactivity and aggression towards strangers and other dogs. He has so much more emotional control in situations where he would have lost it before and I have so much more confidence in being able to handle any situation with him!!