Arfordable Dog Training — Local services in Converse

Arfordable Dog Training Testimonial

I want to express my pleasure with the work that Arfordable Dog training in Converse Texas has done with my German Shepherd puppy Thorin Oakenshield. We started Thorin at Arfordable at just over 4 months old when he had completed his puppy vaccinations. Thorin is my 6th GSD, they are an intelligent, and at times challenging breed as they mature. Providing a positive environment for them is key to having a well-adjusted dog throughout their lives.

The vast array of trainers working at Arfordable means that Thorin has gained experience being handled by multiple people all of whom are qualified, credentialed trainers. As part of the training process the dogs are create trained, socialized with full supervision, as well as obedience training. All the basics are covered, and the ability to progress to a high level of training is present. We elected to use a combination of twice a week board and train where Thorin received two training sessions along with socializing play sessions during per day. During the four-week beginning training Thorin attended two days of training per week, followed by a weekly group session, where I as the handler received training in dealing with Thorin and the desired behaviors. Each day’s training began with me able to provide input on what I was seeing, and working on, getting verbal feedback when picking him up from training about what he had worked on as well as any issues or things to work on between him and I. I also received a written report card by email detailing each of the days’ training sessions, including photos and videos from the session showing his progress.

We followed up the basic training period with a monthly membership that includes a monthly hour of one-on-one training at our home or public area that may be challenging Thorin. The day training allowed us to focus on areas that were challenging Thorin, and the weekly group class allowed me to work with him directly with distractions from other dogs.

The level of training, and commitment to continued development of subject matter expertise is evident by the level of continuing education, during my five months working with Arfordable, several of the staff have traveled as far as Chicago, and Kentucky for continuing education. When Thorin was struggling with crate aggression as other dogs moved by, Jessica Arfordables owner brought in her own dog to work with Thorin. As Thorin progressed staff took him to locations from local pet stores to Home Depot or parks to work on behavior and socialization. The real world outside the training facility exercises resulted in noticeable improvement and worked on issues such as loading and unloading from vehicles which at about 6 months suddenly became an issue for him.

I believe in having professional guidance even on topics where I am very competent. Having been involved in competitive sports all my life, I have always had coaches, going to Arfordable is no different than my going to a golf or tennis pro, shooting coach, or driving instructor. As a future diabetic alert dog, it is paramount for Thorin to have solid obedience and excellent public manners. I feel my money is well spent at...

Our boy had an incredibly hard first few months of his life, and for the first time in my life around animals I knew we needed professional help to give Teddy what he needed to thrive. He went to Arf Academy's three week "boarding school" as we called it. I was so, so anxious about this decision - both for his well being and for my financial investment!

Best investment I've ever made.

Teddy went in a very frustrated, very fear aggressive, and very dog scared pup. He's come out as a completely dog obsessed, friendly, well mannered, more patient boy. We as his owners learned SO much from their daily report cards, videos, and pictures - guiding us with his learning journey each day. We are completely better equipped for him and his needs, all thanks to the trainers here. We went to his weekly Friday group class training and getting to witness the bond he'd formed with the trainers was so awesome.

We were sent home with equipment, guides, one on one classes to set up, and classes to join for a few months. Teddy is a much happier dog and I am a much happier dog mom knowing what we did for him, putting him into the BEST board and train program around, was a smart move.

Also the fact he goes home with one of the owners every night and not just left in a facility? We're already preparing to board him again instead of trying to make something else work - and I've never trusted anyone before to board one of my animals!

We are so thankful for this training program. Not a single con, and worth...

It's hard to sum up my gratitude for Arfordable. I came to this facility feeling completely overwhelmed with a puppy whose reactivity issues had left me feeling helpless. I felt terrible for her and unsure of how to navigate her training especially as she kept getting bigger every day. I left my first conversation with Jenny already breathing a sigh of relief as I not only gained knowledge of her fear from her assessment but also of the plan that was immediately put into place for her.

Through the months that Marlie and I trained at Arfordable, Jenny helped my scared, incredibly reactive puppy begin to learn how to "dog" while I became a much more confident handler through learning what I needed to do to help her.

Jenny and her team are absolutely fantastic. The buddy-guarding system implemented at the facility is a saving grace for any reactive dog, allowing us to partake in group classes by making sure that Marlie maintained a sense of security in the intimidating environment.

If it wasn't for the fact that I had to move out of state, I would without a doubt continue training at the facility. Finding dog trainers who are not only experts in the field but also genuinely care about the well-being of your dog can be difficult to find, but Jenny and her team are...