Customer ReviewsforPuppy Hotail & Spa

I communicated with ************************* at Puppy Hotail & Spa (now also with K-9 Battalion) about dog training and boarding for our young dog. We arranged a lengthy multi-week session for boarding and training. I dropped our dog off at the location. We visited a few times during the multi-week "training" to "walk" with the trainer and our dog. We were hopeful, trusting, and optimistic.At the visits, our dog was increasingly not himself. His tail was between his legs. He was timid and scared. The progress with training seemed minimal. Corrections were unusually harsh and with an e-collar. It did not appear that he was making much progress between visits (it did not appear much time was spent with him). It also seemed our dog was kept outside in the snow in a large pen with other dogs (there were igloo/house type things they could get inside of). I had concerns, but was a new dog owner and continued to trust the process. Fast-forward a year and half, and after additional training at a very highly recommended and accredited location in another state, I realized what a terrible situation I put my do into at Puppy Hotail & Spa. In hind-sight, I should have removed my dog from the sub-par situation at Puppy Hotail & Spa. It was not a positive or healthy experience for my dog. The "training" was minimal. Our dog became reactive, less social, and just sad. The negative training practices and harsh e-collar exposure had to be corrected by another trainer who trained and used the e-collar in a more effective and healthier manner. I do not recommend Puppy Hotail & Spa for dog training and rate them with zero stars. To others seeking legitimate training for their dogs, search out accredited and well-recommended trainers, and trust your instincts.

When we first talk to clients on the phone we usually spend an hour understanding the client’s concerns. When clients drop off their dog for training, we spend an additional hour talking with the owner to emphasize the importance of teaching the dogs to look to them for safety. While we don’t focus on specific commands, dogs naturally pick them up during training.
Between training sessions the dogs socialize in play yards. During bad weather or as the day ends, dogs are moved indoors to individual runs with food, water and elevated beds.
***** contacted us three years ago about her one-year-old female dog, *****. ***** had the aggressive behavior of lunging and barking at people. While we recommended a 30-day program, ***** chose a two-week option with the understanding of the importance of follow-up lessons. We never heard from ***** after her last lesson.
E-collars are part of our training for consistent control. If used inconsistently or not put on properly the e-collar can cause adverse reactions, especially in dogs that are reactive. Clients are told about potential issues and encouraged to use our e-collar brand, though some choose their own. 
During the two private lessons with ***** she mentioned no concerns with the training. We demonstrated *****'s improved behavior around strangers. We believe training is an ongoing process.