Wilde Acres

We were hesitant going into the board and train because of the financial investment it required, but both my partner and I fully agree it was worth it. We adopted our high energy pit bull-heeler mix at 8 months and when we left her with Wilde Acres shortly after her first birthday, she couldn’t maintain calm at home (always mouthing on us and jumping on us), was completely unable to walk on a leash (pulling so much she was choking herself), and wouldn’t come when called even without distractions. Not only did she come home after 3 weeks walking beautifully on leash and with great recall, but she’s calmer overall too. As a very busy family who didn’t have the time to invest in our dog’s training, we are so glad to have found a facility as high quality as Wilde Acres. Working with Cam at the pick up session was great and we felt confident bringing her home. Our kids loved the updates on IG and seeing her so happy really helped ease our minds. We’ll continue to use Wilde Acres for any boarding in the future.

When I first adopted my mastiff mix (Cane Corso, Presa Canario, Bullmastiff, etc.) in late 2023, I struggled to maintain consistency with obedience training and also reactivity issues. I found Wilde Acres in my search for dog trainers, and I decided to go with them because: Carter and his team have extensive and evidenced knowledge in canine behavior and training methods, the numerous training classes and programs offered, and the land they have for training (~7 acres). Since working with them, I have seen them retain many of the same trainers, which speaks to a positive working environment, and also grow their program to training specialties, such as scent. Below is my personal training journey with Wilde Acres, as well: I first started my training at Wilde Acres through individual lessons with Carter. Carter took the time to watch my dog's behavior and also get to know me as her handler, in order to give me the best advice for training her. He was realistic and honest with his advice, and he provided helpful and valuable ways to motivate my dog and maintain consistency. After a few lessons, I felt the board & train package would be good for her in order to instill training through the repetition that's provided with board & train programs. I was moving at the time of her training, so she went for five weeks (usually four). After her training, I noticed a massive and positive shift in her behavior. I tell people it's like she was permanently put on Xanax. She was so much calmer! She seemed much more comfortable on our walks, she no longer pulled me on the leash, she followed the leash and my commands, and her reactivity diminished significantly. She does still have reactivity every now and then, but it's much less, and it's easy to anticipate as her handler. Please note I did change some aspects of my lifestyle, such as moving to a bigger place that was less crowded, and she had less exposure to busy areas. But her training would have still been required to have her more under control. After her training, I still called Wilde Acres every now and then to discuss any behavioral issues or if I had any questions. I just sent her for a second board & train, not because she needed it, but due to a busy schedule I had on a large project at work, and I needed a safe place for her with experienced handlers. The team at Wilde Acres welcomed her back so warmly. She had such a great time at her second retreat. All of the trainers (Cam and Lexi) had so much fun with her at Wilde Acres, and she responded greatly to their training methods and handling. I was also able to call regularly and talk with Emily or Heather, and they would give me updates on her or talk with me about things I had going on that affected my dog (schedule changes, lifestyle changes, extensions to her boarding, etc.). We're going back today for a follow-up lesson, as well, and we look forward to coming back in the future!

We brought our bully buddy Trace home a year ago as a puppy and decided that we needed assistance in refining his manners. A few friends recommended Wilde Acres and we had a consult and ultimately decided on day school for Trace. He has made such great progress with his trainer Alexis and he clearly adores her. We also just picked him up from his first kennel stay at Wilde Acres and he was happy, healthy, and tired! We are so thankful to Wilde Acres for all the work they do, especially for our Trace.