First Friend K-9 Training

Bruce and his staff are extremely good at what they do. They understand that to train a dog, they must also train the owners. Because of what they have taught me I have dogs I can take anywhere. On walks, to the dog park, to visit friends in their houses, and to public places like the pet store. I have 100% confidence they will walk next to me at all time, sit when I ask them to, down when I ask them to and stay until I release them. When at the dog park I can call them at any time and they always come and sit right in front of me. When people ask me how I trained my dogs to be so good, I always tell them it was with the help of First Friends K 9 Training Services. Bruce and his staff are also actively involved in helping dogs that need a 2nd chance. Last year they took in over a dozen dogs and provided them medical treatment when needed, trained them and then worked to adopt them out to new homes. They are also actively involved in supporting many other animal organizations. Everyone at this facility truly cares about all dogs. It shows in their dedication in teaching you and your dog how to live a happy life together

From the very beginning to the very end of going to the above mentioned classes at First Friend K-9 the experience was very educational, fun and pleasant. The training staff is very knowledgeable and tentative to the needs of their customers, both K-9 and people. And Bruce the Owner and trainer is very educated in the field of training. There are several different types of classes that start at different times to accommodate the working people. When I signed my puppy up for the class I received informational packets that let me know general information about the behavior of dogs and training information. At the first class I received another packet which contained more information and also a book about what to expect at each weekly class and what we would have for homework. There are all breeds, sizes and ages of dogs in both of the classes we attended so the socialization was so educational along with the training...sit, stay, down, how to walk beside the owner, how to allow children to approach you dog, etc. I learned alot!!!!! I would most definitely and most likely will continue to train the puppy I have now and any other dog that I get in the future at First Friend. And I would recommend First Friend to my family and friends.

Bruce McNabh (trainer) is very knowledgeable and professional. He sincerely cares about dogs and their owners. I continue to train both my dogs there.

We couldn’t be happier with the coaching and support we have received from Bruce and his trainees. Our golden is off to a great. Thanks to all the good instruction and socialization.

I have a Wire Hair Fox Terrier dog that has a strong will. I took him to first friends and with Bruce’s instructions he has become a good dog. We go once a week, however, we practice the techniques he has taught us at home.

Loved it! Learned a lot about training our dog. Would definitely recommend this program.

I've used FFK9 for kenneling on many occasions. I feel very comfortable leaving my dog with Bruce and the gang there whether it's for kenneling, day care, or training. They all know both my dog and I and we are greeted by name when we get there. My dog is always very excited when we get to FF. Staff is very friendly and caring.

The training and boarding experience were very postive. Our puppy received the training and services that were advertised. We received updates on his progress and our phone calls were responded to in a timely manner. Our puppy and family were welcomed in the First Friends K9 family. We have been very happy with the service and continue to attend trainings and purchase pet supplies from the facility.

We have found them to be knowledgeable and attentive to our dogs. They are also friendly and professional. We have used them many times in the last 2 years, and had good experiences.

Bruce takes an individual interest in every dog and handler. Bruce is a great trainer and his staff is "Top Notch". All you have to do is ask for help, and they are ready and willing. Highly recommend to anyone who is serious about training their dog. He is a gentle but still gets the training done. Some people are against prong collars, they must not know how to use them properly!!!!

I just love everything about them. They are very compassionate to the animals and are committed to make them all they can be. They have a firm belief that every animal should be trained in compassion and love. We left her there for overnight training and boarding programs as well and were a little apprehensive. However, they did an excellent job and we are so happy! Our dog loves it there as well and even when we go back, she is excited to be there and her tail wags uncontrollably! We're planning on getting another dog in the near future and I'll be leaving the area. I plan on coming back for 2 weeks just to have them train/board my new dog because I wouldn't trust anyone else!

We started our German Shepherd in Novice Class and have been attending the Advanced Classes for over a year. The classes are extremely affordable and cost even less than the basic Box Store dog training fees - Except you get SO much more! We have about a 45min commute to the facility once a week, but it is worth every second and every penny. I've never had a dog so well behaved and trained. I couldn't be more thankful to First Friend. They make training so easy and fun! I plan to "stay" with this family!

Boo and I, are now enrolled in the First Friends, agility and advanced classes. This has been a wonderful experience. Bruce, knows how to help you train your dog.

great dog socializiation and basics

I brought my dog Cole to have help in training both he and me. Bruce was a fantastic teacher and taught me how to help my rescued Labrador Retriever to become a calm, controlled, happy, well-disciplined dog. I have been a weekly member of class for three years and would not miss a class for anything! I would highly recommend First Friend K-9 to anyone who wants to train their dog to become a happy, trained family dog.

We passed! I have been taking my dogs to weekly dog training classes with Bruce and his staff for 3 years. We started with Puppy Class when the dogs were about 10 weeks old, passed and went on to Novice Class, passed and have been participating in Advanced Class for 2 years. Attending the classes prepared us to pass the Canine Good Citizenship Test. In addition, Bruce and his staff have helped us solve both training problems and grooming problems. The facility is set up for dogs and everyone on staff is helpful. Bruce and his staff know dogs.

Purchased female Shepard Stated traing in puppy class Moved to advance Moved to agility And now working on her k9 companion training Flawless from the start . And always there to answer question or give advice . Stands behind his dogs and training 110%

Bruce and his staff are great . They not only provide professional training, they also have great groomers, sell top brands of dog food , treats and pet supplies. They are concerned about the total well being of the dog - training as well as the nutritional needs of the animal. I would recommend First Friend K-9 training to anyone who wants to get their pet well trained , and have an enjoyable time doing it.

Bruce McNabb is extremely patient, a great quality when training not just dogs but humans, and knowledgable. Focus of the training is on the handler, as it should be, with the handler then being the principal for the dog. We have been going to FFK9 for over 2.5 years and I look forward to each week's session, as does my dog. We have just completed AKC certification for Canine Good Citizen, a great accomplishment for both me and my happy-go-lucky pup.

Excellent. Please read my comments above.

We've been clients of First Friend K9 for over two years and loved every minute. Bruce and his staff are extremely competent, knowledgeable and go above and beyond expectations. In fact their service is worth far more than they charge. Our dog has grown into an obedient, loving, well-adjusted pet through the care and training we've received. We recommend FFK9 to people every chance we get, especially to first-time dog owners.

Our dogs and us ended up very well trained.

I was incredibly pleased with the results of one week of in-kennel training for my beagle, Gus. Rip Charlton did an fabulous job of teaching and reinforcing the behaviors I wanted Gus to learn. He was a great listener, asking good questions and being very attuned to my needs for Gus. Rip incorporated my desires into his training and then spent time with me personally to show me what Gus has learned and how I could continue these behaviors. Gus returned home a well-behaved Beagle. Knowing the boundaries and rules of the home makes for a much happier owner and a more contented Gus. Thank you Rip! I recommend you highly.

Over a year ago I checked out First Friends and made arrangements to take our 18 month old rescue dog in for a 5 week training / boarding program. I was nervous about leaving him but after multiple calls and confirming conversations with Bruce and his staff, I felt confident about the decision. Unfortunately, we lost Dart to a rare and rapid case of leukemia just one week later. We were heartbroken and touched by the sympathy card Bruce and his staff sent. A few months later I fell in love with a little 7 week old beagle, named him Gus, and brought him home. Knowing how stubborn beagles can be, and how much I wanted to make sure he developed well, we used his first 3 months to just love on him and then signed up for Puppy Class when he was 3 months old. Bruce does a wonderful job of training the owners the basics on not just caring for your pup but also the best way for you to provide for your pet. I felt like I was in a parenting class. It was obvious how much Bruce cares about the animals. During the Puppy Class I learned about daycare offerings and took advantage of them to offer Gus the opportunity to socialize with other dogs. He loves to go, and comes home happy and all tuckered out after his visits. I use it as often as I can because Gus loves being there and having time with the other dogs. The grooming services are great too. While beagles don't need a lot of grooming, Gus has had his nails done several times and gotten a good bath as well. They did a beautiful job with him. Training services at First Friends are a real bargains. I've done individual days of training when I ran into difficulty getting Gus to grasp the concept, as well as hourly training for me when I wasn't working well with transferring the concept to Gus. The trainer I've worked with most is Rip and he has been fantastic. He is consistent and communicates incredibly well with me as the owner. Most recently I needed to board Gus for a week and decided to take the opportunity for some additional training. I was having difficulty breaking Gus from jumping on everyone along with a few other bad habits. Rip spent the entire week with him and at the end of the week he came home a new dog! He will stay in a down command for over 30 minutes without breaking, we walk him now instead of him pulling us every time we go out, he enjoys his crate and sees it as a relaxing spot, and he is just generally more content. My 5, 7, and 10 year old grandchildren can even walk him as Gus will respond to their commands as well. I could not be more delighted with the work our trainer, Rip, did with him. He was excellent and communicated so well with me as the owner. He made time to talk with me and understand Gus and his needs, reported often on his progress, and questioned me about other concerns. He then worked with me to catch up to Gus' newfound progress. I brought a very happy Gus home and I am delighted with his newfound skills. My granddaughter thinks Gus got "fluffier" while there (because he gained a few pounds). A real bargain for the price. High quality services at a very affordable price. I recommend First Friends highly and will definitely use them again and again.

The whole story plus repercussions are included in the first portion of this e-mail. Sorry. Belle Delint-Eaglesfield September 21, 2011