First Friend K-9 Training

Bruce and his staff are absolutely excellent at teaching people to train dogs. He basically "trains the owner" because most people do not know how to train our own pets. Bruce (and staff) are encouraging, gentle, kind, and makes the classes fun. His handling of our dogs is one of the most impressive things about him and his staff. He is patient and loving and gentle to the dogs that he "borrows" to train. It's so amazing how my 9 year old puggle responded to the training he taught. I had no idea how to train and be so gentle. Bruce makes such funny comments and then teases in such a way that you actually hope he WILL pick on you....owners learn so much from him and I am astonished how my dog has responded and learned to obey me without having to yell. I love First Friends and even though I don't have a puppy right now.....I'm going back to the next session because it is so much fun. Would I recommend him? NO QUESTION!!!!! ABSOLUTELY!!!!!

Bruce and his team are simply amazing. They know this business very well and do a great job with the dogs and owners. We could not have asked for a better experience.

Bruce and staff were knowledgable and professional. Their extensive dog training through the years is a benefit to anyone that uses their services. I can't say enough about how much they have helped my dog and I. Would highly recommend First Friend K-9 Training to anyone that wants a well behaved dog.

Wonderful experience for both me and dog. Course objectives were met. Bruce McNabb and staff are professionals with vast knowledge and experience of dog behavior. I am 100% satisfied. I will recommend First Friend to my friends. First Friend facility is large, clean, and well maintained. Class involved 8 sessions with home exercises and practice each week. Individual assistance is provided if needed. I've used four other obedience training providers over the years and First Friend is by far the best. They are committed to positive outcomes for the dog.

Bruce is top notch. He loves dogs, he understands dogs, he can read dogs, and he can read the owners! What you get out of your dog is so much about what you put into them. The more you put into them, the happier you and they are, and your relationship can be one of the best you ever have. His training style is reward and consequences, similar to what a good parent would be. Your pup does something good = reward. They don't....a small tug on the training collar. They want to please....they need to learn what you want them to do to please you, and you need to learn how to show them what you need. A happy dog is a dog that understands that they are NOT the alpha. A happy owner is one that knows how to be the alpha. If you can find this spot, you can have a dog that is well adjusted and lives a happy content life while bringing you tons of joy. He is not for everyone. He requires you use a training (prong) collar. I appreciate that not everyone believes in them, but if you know how to use them they are very effective.....and if you use them correctly, they do not hurt the dog. I have used them on 4 of my GSDs, and once you settle in, it is very similar to a harness on a horse. They let the dog know which direction you are going, and what you want them to do. He is a strong trainer with the people. He has no patience for handlers that say "my dog won't do it". The reason he is this way is people that get dogs that are not willing to put the time into training them tend to give them up because they are a "bad dog". They are not....they have a bad handler. It kills him that 11.5 million dogs are euthanized every year. 50% of dogs that are adopted, are euthanized. 3 milllion dogs a year that are under 1 year old have their owners give up on them. If you get a dog, you are responsible for training them....and it takes time and commitment. No excuses. If you can handle this truth, he will teach you how to have a well adjusted dog. I have not one, but two GSDS pups that are 6 months old. I can take them anywhere......and people always comment on how well behaved they are. I am very proud of our work so far....and can't wait to see how far Bruce and I can take them!

First Friends knows their business well! I was greeted as soon as I walked in the door. Bruce is amazing with the animals! One-on-one time was even given as needed. Great place.

First dog on my own, they helped teach me to responsible and caring owner while developing a strong bond between my puppy and me! Would recommend first friends K-9 to anyone!

We have a very challenging large puppy who "flunked" puppy training at another dog school. K-9 training's 8 week course was perfect balance of strict training and fun! Amazing teachers who offered great advice for our puppy.

Bruce McNabb has a genuine love of dogs and it was reflected in the training provided. He takes his job seriously and wants the best for both the dog and owner. The training has made a huge difference in our pet's behavior and expectations.

Bruce and his assistants demonstrated patience equally with all dogs, whether they were shy or aggressive. The classes were organized and well run. The inclusion of humor in the classes makes them fun!

I can't say enough about the quality of the training class and professionalism of the staff. We did not take our first German Shepherd to any type of training. We purchased our puppy from First Friend and wanted to make sure that we were starting off right. The Puppy Kindergarten Class and upcoming Novice Obedience Class fees were included with the purchase of our puppy. They followed up weekly classes with emails and we were able to stop by during the week with additional questions. We look forward to future classes at First Friends.

The class was wonderful! Teddy is our first dog, and Bruce and his staff helped us learn how to handle and enjoy our new puppy.

They did a great job. Bruce is very knowledgeable in the canine arena. He is very compassionate and passionate towards dogs. However, if you're expecting coddling - it's not happening. He's very stern, but very good. They work on basic commands and behavioral issues. It can be intimidating, but after two or three classes; you get the hang of it. Our dog is not as spastic as before. She still needs some more work, but it's helped alot.

Outstanding experience from scheduling to graduation. Received training techniques that are foundational to a well trained, obedient and happy dog. The class was hands on for 6 wks with assistance from staff to correct the trainer and dog during class for successful training at home completing our assigned homework. Bruce McNabb and staff are knowledgeable, friendly and enthusiastic ... Encouraging and motivational for success!!! FFK9 is hands down the best K9 training opportunity in the Indianapolis area!!! I have witnessed the results of other training facilities/trainers via dogs owned by family/friends and NOTHING compares to FFK9 dogs!!!! We just graduated PK, it was amazing!!! We have a JRT and she is doing great and we are advancing to Novice class @ FFK9... Very excited and happy!!! Just can't say thanks enough!!! Highly recommend!

The training was successful, reasonably priced, and detailed. But so popular that the classes are very full. They managed some good one on one work best as they can.

If you want a well behaved dog, this is the place to go. They expect a lot out of the dogs and owners, so you see a big difference between the first class and graduation (8th class).

We know several people who have used First Friend for their training needs, and have seen positive results and know that these folks were pleased with the overall experience. We've also chatted with a few folks who were not as impressed, or didn't necessarily like the style of the training. Bruce, the owner and head trainer, tells you up front that his training works, but that it may not be for everyone. I immediately appreciated that he acknowledges this. I wish all products/service providers would be so bold. He is pretty intense, but at the same time entertaining. Bruce has a gift not only in how he trains dogs, but in how he teaches us, the owners how to train our dogs. He runs a tight ship, and you are encouraged...required...to keep up both in class and with your homework. We paid for results, and this is how he insures you get them. Our 3-year old mixed breed has had a stressful couple of years. We had a house fire in 2012, which moved us to an apartment for a year. While in the apartment, we had our first child and started building a new house. We moved into the house in September of 2013. So our pup Lucy A. never got a whole lot of training or attention, and B. she has had a fairly unstable home. All of this being said, she is a bit skittish, and can lash out from time to time. She tends to lash out at other dogs, and is VERY protective of us/our home. Lucy immediately responded to the training exercises we learned at FF. I think just the consistent attention helped her attitude as much as anything. The exercises have really made her a pleasant dog to have around. We can take her for a walk without her pulling like a sled dog, and when people come over she is much more controllable. We graduated Novice class, but know we are not done training or working with Lucy. We understand it is up to us to continue with the exercises if we want her manners to continue to develop. We may even go for the advanced class! We owe Bruce and his staff a huge thank you for all of the help! They are all excellent to work with!

Bruce was effective in teaching the class how to train their dogs using a mix of positive and negative reinforcement.

We took our puppy through both classes and Bruce and staff did a great job helping us train our new puppy. Bruce is intense but makes sure all are serious and fully master the importance of dog ownership and training. Used them from April to August 2014.

The trainers were very well organized. My dog has learned a lot.

Bruce is an excellent trainer that is very patient with the puppies. He is insightful and the staff is friendly and very helpful.

Outstanding. Very professional. Excellent schedule for training every week. Always takes time for owners with specific questions. Always takes time to work with dogs that might be slow learners, owners too. Very knowledgeable about all dog issues, problems and training. Bruce has been doing this for 30 years. He helped us train a stubborn dog 4 years ago. He helped us calm him down to a loveable pet. So we came back again with our new dog. We won't go any other place. We recommend him to every one we know.

Bruce and his staff were great, The training was challenging for both owners (handlers) and dog, but we're BOTH better trained as a result.

Training went great. It is always hard to train the owner and the dog...the owner more so than the dog. Half the class dropped out pretty quickly as this takes real commitment on the owner's part. It is not easy when you work and have other commitments. I was so glad we didn't miss a class and we just graduated this Tuesday. Bruce McNaab is a stickler for details, which is very good and needed so a large group of people and dogs are all working in the same "mode". I cannot say enough. They deserve an A+++++

Excellent course. Would recommend to anyone that has a new dog. Well worth the time and money spent. Bruce and his employees are outstanding.