First Friend K-9 Training

Initially, I needed to board my newly adopted dog for about 2 weeks and decided to add obedience training while she was there. I only had my dog for about 2 months at that time, and while she was very sweet, she wanted to be dominant and had a real issue with "door-bolting", (i.e., had to run in/out a door first and not wait for handler), and leash pulling. Kyle was her trainer and did a fantastic job. I called to get updates from Kyle on a regular basis over the first 2 weeks and was so pleased with her progress reports. Near the end of the 2 weeks, I decided to visit the kennel and observe Kyle in-action with my dog, with the intent of perhaps extending her training program. Upon my visit, I was amazed at her skill and her comfort with Kyle and extended her stay to the full 4 week program. The end of the 4 weeks hit over a long holiday weekend and Kyle suggested I pick her up the day after the holiday versus picking her up early before the holiday - so I could be sure to get the full 4 weeks training. When I arrived to take my dog home, Kyle spent over 2 hours with us, training me to pick-up where he left off in her training and ensure I knew how to properly implement the commands. In addition, the cost of the 4 week program also included a novice obedience evening class so we could continue to strengthen what we both learned. All said, I've been extremely pleased with our experience and will most definitely recommend First Friends and Kyle to others.

each week a new subject was introduced and practice during the 1 1/2 hr. class. Then at the end of the class we were given a new command or new lesson. Then each session reinforced the lesson. Practice makes perfect.

I was very impressed with owners involvement in the community and his dedication to the dogs. He is taking one dog a month from the pound, training it, and then finding a home for it. He had kindergarten class come in and let them pet and play with the dogs for a field trip. I really enjoyed watching this. He does make house calls. They came out to my home and helped with the rescue dog we have. They give 1 on 1 time for any difficulties. It is a very good company and worth every penny. They also have grooming.

My dog came home from this facility sick. I should have done more research.

My dog was considered a neighborhood nuisance and had some behaviors that needed improved. We began with the Novice class and improvements were seen immediately. Bruce and his staff emphasize positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviors paired with immediate correction for inappropriate behaviors. This training practice is well supported in the empirical literature and brings about results that allow dogs to understand and comply with what is expected of them. When Bruce assists a handler with managing a completely unacceptable behavior (e.g., dog aggression) he delivers a firm correction immediately followed by reinforcement when the dog demonstrates the appropriate behavior. I have seen lots of opportunities for correction and in each instance the dogs respond with wagging tails when he reinforces them regardless of the strength of correction required for the behavior. He has a gift for understanding dogs and there is no doubt in my mind that many a dog destined for a shelter has been given the opportunity to remain in its home because the owners learned to be effective handlers at First Friend K9. We were so happy with the results of the Novice class that we enrolled in the Advanced and Agility classes. When we had visitors coming to stay at our home for a week with their dog, we had First Friend over to help our dog prepare for sharing "her space" with another dog. The visit went extremely well and we did not have a single dog scrap the entire week. In the meantime, I take my dog with me in public everywhere that I can and she is routinely recognized for demonstrating excellent behavior. Some other things that folks might want to know is that the classes are fun. There are the things one might expect to learn (e.g., stay, down, come) and the things that add enjoyment to having a pet (e.g, bow). Finally, I would like to add that I have watched Bruce work with youth who are participating as handlers in his classes. He is kind, gentle, and supportive with them. They are treated as competent handlers and we had one young man (about 10 years old) whose dog consistently won in-class competitions because he and his dog were best able to demonstrate the skills being observed. There are few businesses that I feel so passionately about, but First Friend K9 is at the top. I have never had a question that I was afraid to ask. I have always been provided with reasonable and well thought out responses. I have always loved dogs, but have never enjoyed dog ownership so much. Thanks First Friend!

My girlfriend and I brought out American Bulldog (1 year old) to Bruce's class. He and his assistant trainers did an awesome job it helping our unruly pup to become a more behaved dog. She is still a bit crazy, but that is just the puppy in her! At one point, our dog Ellie was tracking down other dogs in the middle of class. Bruce took the time to help me out in calming her down and keeping her under control. They even stayed after class once or twice for what seemed like Doggy Detention when Ellie wasn't understanding part of the training during class. I would highly recommend them to anyone and everyone. THANKS SO MUCH BRUCE!

They kept our dog for four weeks, and assured us through phone calls, that he was fine and progressing well. We were shocked when we picked up our dog. He had suffered a 20 pound weight loss, acquired an intestinal infection, bed sores, and multiple scabbings on his neck from improper use of a prong collar. We subsequently had multiple vet bills, had to speak to a Hamilton County Sheriff to investigate cruelty, and worst of all, we were later served papers by Mr. McNabb for canceling the second half check payment. My dog suffered and Mr. McNabb's business continued to do the same to others. Two years later, WXIN showed a report with very similar occurrences and Mr. McNabb was charged with animal cruelty. Animal cruelty, case number 292010-1319.

They are extremely knowledgeable and they are very good at solving problems. They understand and solve behavioral problems in dogs. They did a good job of teaching me how to get my dog to behave properly. They come home if there is a problem and I cannot take my dog there.

After a failed attempt at obedience training at a different facility, I took my very smart, yet overly "enthusiastic" lab to First Friend after several recommendations. My dog was already familiar with many of the skills that were taught in the novice class, but only performed them in the absence of distractions. With Bruce's training methods, immediate improvements were seen in my dog's behavior. My dog has never reacted adversly to her pinch collar; she actually gets quite excited when I get it out. Classes were somewhat large, but there was always plenty of space and personal attention. Training in an environment full of distractions helped prepare my dog for real world situations in which obedience would be most important. The progress of the dogs in our class was unbelievable at the end of the 8 wk. session. After completing the novice class, I enrolled my dog in 1 yr. of advanced training and agility. The advanced training and agility classes were great for learning advanced skills, maintaining accomplished skills, and expending energy. Bruce and the other instructors were always available outside of class and happy to help with any questions or concerns. I learned how to better understand my dog's behavior, so that I could work with her to successfully learn skills and correct undesirable behaviors.

I took my dog to FF for their Novice class, and thought they were a little rough, but my dog seemed to be improving, so I stayed. While in class I met the groomer there, Diana. My dog has always been a bit of a problem to be groomed and I had all but given up on her ever being cute again. Diana offered to help and with much hesitation, I let her. I brought my baby in at 9 am and she was done by 12:00!!! Diana had all of her fingers and my baby looked great! She seemed relaxed and comfortable with Diana. I recently went back to FF for a SCHEDULED grooming app. with Diana, and was greeted by someone I did not recognized. they refused to tell me where Diana was currently grooming. I left with my dirty dog and made some phone calls. I found out that Diana is now grooming for Invisible Fence. I took my little one there and was so impressed that all I can say is go see for your self!

My dog is difficult to groom and Diane is the only one who is able to do it. She is very helpful and professional. My dog always looks great when she's done.

I have taken three different dogs there to be in their classes.

The obedience classes have 30 to 40 dogs which can be overwhelming. They do boarding and in kennel training.

It was very effective. I'm very happy and the results are excellent. My dog and I are two different people. I would definitely use them again if I wanted more advanced training.

We absolutely love First Friends! We took our dog there for Puppy Kindergarten, then Intermediate Class, and now we are in the Annual Class. I think our dog is so well behaved mostly from taking him to classes with Bruce. Bruce is a very good teacher, and if you do what he teaches you, you will have a very well behaved dog. We enjoy going there because they really take an interest in you and your dog. If there is ever a behavior happening that we have a question about, they answer it and help you work through the problem. We enjoy it so much, we are going to enroll in the agility class next. It's a wonderful facility for learning and training your dog.

It went very well. All the trainers are positive and helpful, but Claudia and Jodi go above the norm. They make sure you are handling all the information and they watch for any potential problems and quickly give you methods to correct the problems. They are always willing to go the extra mile to make you and your puppy successful! Thanks, ladies!

Our rambunctious springer spaniel came back from in-kennel training a new dog. The trainer then spent more than an hour with me, demonstrating what she had done and watching me while I tried her techniques. We followed up with an eight-week novice training class where I was able to review and practice everything my dog had learned at boarding school. Although the class was large (probably 25 dogs), there was lots of individual attention because there were several trainers in attendance as well as the teacher. The staff is highly motivated to make sure EVERYONE succeeds, no matter their limitations or those of their dogs. This includes pleasantly fielding questions that come up during the week between classes. Everything recommended for training (and nutrition) is available in their small shop. I was grateful for this convenience. Items are on a par, cost-wise, with the chain pet shops, and in some cases they are lower. I am most grateful for their teaching us to read dog food labels and understand what I am putting into my dog. I am also grateful that he taught us how dogs think and how, all-too-often we superimpose our human emotions and traits on our canines. I just understand dogs so much better now. The bond between my dog and me has definitely been strengthened! I highly recommend First Friend.

The classes were an hour long for 8 weeks.

They helped us train our Schnoodle puppy. He really learned a lot and is a great dog after the training! Classes are a little large (20-30 dogs per class on average), so there isn't much individual attention, but Bruce will single out trouble dogs and work with them personally. So unless your dog is a handful, you'll probably end up doing most of the training yourself. Of course, most of the training should be done at home, and Bruce does expect "homework" to be done, as he has been known to dismiss dogs when they have fallen considerably behind the rest of the class. But he's very patient and has a way of controlling even the most aggressive/stubborn dogs. The only question is whether or not the owner can do the same! (And my guess is, with Bruce's help, most owners can.)

I was not happy with the training at all. I have two cocker Spaniels that just came from an animal rescue. I have no idea what these dogs have been through but suspect at least one might have been abused. The first thing he did was outfit both dogs with pinch collars. During the session, which last about 1 1/2 hours, my dogs both yelped in pain the entire time. They were both behaving but I think they were terrified. I used the collars later that evening and one of the dogs was visibly shaking. I don't want to train my dogs by terrorizing them. He was also very big on selling his product, which I had not anticipated. His approach is very militant, and I think an outdated method of training. I would not use him again and would not recommend the company to anyone.

They were absolutely fantastic. I'd taken my puppy in for training at a different company, and still had issues with controlling him and establishing dominance. Bruce and his helpers did everything possible to help me with him. They taught us basic commands including sit, stay, heel, come, and leave it. It was a great experience, and I'm surprised at how much more control and respect the dog an I share after just 8 classes. I've already got my dog signed up for the advanced training, which is also $100, but is offered for a whole year for basic training upkeep, and some off-leash training as well. I'm also going to be taking him in to the agility class, (also $100 for a year) where he'll learn to do ramps, jump through hoops, tunnels, and tetter-totters. They really helped turn my strong-willed puppy into a well behaved dog, and I thank them immensely for it!

For being first time dog owners, we learned a lot from First Friends about the basics of training a dog and care of our dog. Bruce and his staff even showed us the proper way to clip toenails! In week 5, Bruce brought out these metal choker chains with the spikes in them and had us put them on the dogs for the class. They said these were really necessary if we wanted to control our dog. I didn't feel comfortable using this on our puppy and didn't want my children to pull too hard on the leash with our dog wearing this and possibly hurt her. In the last class, they showed us what our dogs would learn to do if we took the next level class. That is completely appropriate to do for obvious business reasons. However, when each one of us went up to receive our diploma, we each were asked if we were going to sign up for the next class. It just seemed like too much pressure. Every product they recommended they also sold in their store. That seemed like a conflict of interest.

It was a good experience for both dogs. Our older dog was a sweet dog in need of manners. Because I have 3 small children, training the dog myself was difficult. The primary problem with the dog was jumping on people. That is no longer a problem. The puppy class was very helpful. It was a large class, but I was happy with the results. The trainers were very helpful and encouraging. We took the older dog back for another week of training because we were going out of town, and the dog had recently shown aggression toward the puppy over his food bowl. That problem also seems to no longer be an issue. While the training may seem expensive, it is worth every penny. I will be enrolling in more First Friends classes and will recommend them to friends.

Our dog needed some basic training and we had some friends refer First Friends. We are very pleased and think it is worth the money and the drive for us. Bruce was a great trainer and really understood what he was doing. Plus he was very passionate about it. I would highly recommend letting First Friends train your dogs.

I am a licensed attorney and I really resent being called a liar. And I am disturbed by the failure of the First Friends management to acknowledge that a mistake was made - an accident, I'm sure - and to make restitution. I put my dog through two courses of puppy training at First Friends, and I boarded her there sevderal times. I spent hundreds of dollars there in just a year or so. They've lost me as a customer and other Angies List members should be forewarned.