5/5
Short but sweet: We love Canine Balance Training and are so grateful for the work they did transforming our dog.
Long version: Our dog Iggy was overall a very calm, smart Shepard mix but had become unpredictable in his aggression. What was once non-existent, started popping up at seemingly random surroundings and places and without much warning (a potentially dangerous combo) . Under certain circumstances (when some imaginary territory had been established by him...) he was even becoming aggressive towards humans. We had gotten to a point where trust was broken and we didn't feel we had control or understanding of how to prevent this behavior. Luckily, after much research, I found Canine Balance Dog training who really educated Iggy and us in a very short time.
Emily and team were WONDERFUL with Iggy and with us for a number of reasons:
1) At the time, we were in the bay area and they were super flexible and were able to meet in Davis for pick up for their 3 week board and train program. They have done this again for just boarding and met us half way for pick up which is so nice.
2) Though it is not cheap, I actually found it to be a great value, especially if you compare the cost of just boarding your dog for 3 weeks. Additionally, Iggy was being trained on his recall and during the last week, we received a message in which they said, "He's doing well with it but could be better and more reliable, could they keep him an extra week at no additional charge, to make sure he continues his improvement?" That is INCREDIBLE. I would say, Iggy's recall is now one of his best skills and I'm grateful they cared so much to make sure he nailed it. Obviously, I'm sure this isn't a thing they do all the time but it certainly shows they care about the results.
3) It seemed like a much healthier environment for him to be for such a long time, one where they're taken out into the world, on hikes etc., as opposed to many training places where they never leave the "facility". What good is it if you have a well-trained dog in one environment but still don't feel comfortable taking him out with you?! Because his aggression was more environmental, this was essential to us and I think a very important point for any dog to get true success.
4) A week into Iggy's training, my father passed away. I mentioned it during pick up since it had flipped our lives up side down and a couple days later received a gift basket with a note from the team sending their condolences. This was AFTER we had already picked Iggy up and paid. It was one of the more generous acts of kindness I had received during an incredible difficult time and showed me they genuinely care about the dogs and their owners in a way that no other trainers I looked into could even pretend to match.
5) Most importantly, Iggy's demeanor and our understanding of him and his aggression has improved immensely. He does well with rules and overall seems happier than he was without. He also came back healthy. No weight gain or loss, no anxiety, no fur loss. I've heard horror stories from other facilities but with Canine Balance training, it was as if we had been taking care of him the whole time. I'm so proud of this dog and we now get compliments all this time on how well trained he is. He was never totally unruly but even strangers really notice how calm and tuned in he is. That is a ringing endorsement that it's not just noticing a difference.
Obviously, I love this training team and their philosophy. It worked well for us and for our happy good boy.
