Dear Jennifer, We just wanted to thank you and your staff again for the excellent job you did training Maggie. When Lorraine and I had our first lesson with you. Maggie was hyper,... (more) - Larry & Lorraine Oakley
Before Quinebaug, Maggie was hyper, undisciplined and hard to handle...
Dear Jennifer,
We just wanted to thank you and your staff again for the excellent job you did training Maggie. When Lorraine and I had our first lesson with you. Maggie was hyper, undisciplined and hard to handle. We loved her, but she was a real handful. What we ended up with several months later is a well- mannered family dog that shows real promise as a first class hunting dog. We are amazed at how well Maggie obeys basic commands and how well she handles herself at home and in the field. We’ve still got a way to go, but we can now see what the finished product will look like in another year or so. Everyone that has seen her at home and in the field are amazed at how far she has come after being trained by you and your staff. You are a great trainer with an amazing staff who has a real feel for dogs. We plan on having you and your staffs help us in the future as we finish Maggie’s training. Your facility at Quinepaug Kennels is absolutely beautiful and we would recommend you to anyone that needs help turning their family dog or hunting dog into the dog of their dreams.
Thanks again for everything,
- Sent in by Larry & Lorraine Oakley
We were at a loss on how to corrrect her chewing habits and poor manners...
I am writing this recommendation to share the positive training experience I have had with Quinebaug Kennels. My name is Julie and I have an 11-month-old Golden Retriever named Bradie. Bradie received minimal home training during the early months of her life. She lacked manners, did not respect the space of others, and chewed incessantly. Her chewing was completely out of control. She ripped up wall-to-wall carpets, among a laundry list of other items. We couldn't even let her sleep in our bedroom without waking up to see that she had destroyed our comforter while we were sleeping.
Bradie was sent to "Boot Camp" for 4 weeks at Quinebaug Kennels because we were at a loss on how to correct her chewing habits and her poor manners. It wasn't easy to drop her off and leave her for 4 weeks, but it is unarguably the best decision we could have made.
4 weeks later, I was absolutely amazed when you brought Bradie out to do a demonstration for me of what she had learned. She "looked" like Bradie....but I couldn't believe this was the same dog. After the demonstration, you showed me how to handle Bradie myself. In no time she was heeling, sitting, and remote sitting for me. She was off her leash within a few minutes of me working with her. I couldn't believe it!
At home, Bradie comes when called, heel is near-perfect, sit -stays are consistent, and Bradie has been on her best behavior. Her demeanor is so different and pleasant! We can now enjoy Bradie instead of constantly feeling frustrated with her. She is truly a pleasure to have as a member of our family. I wasn't sure "boot camp" was going to help with the chewing problem because her training was not in a home environment where she could chew. However, We left Bradie out of her crate alone the night after we brought her home while we ran some errands. We were gone for two hours and I was thrilled to return and find that she was on her best behavior. (In the past, we could not leave her alone for 5 minutes without finding something that she had ruined.) I can now go to work for my full 8 hour work day without having to crate her!!
I highly recommend Quinebaug Kennels whether you have specific issues to address or general training. I am very proud of Bradie when family and friends comment about her good behavior. I now expect it from her, but they serve as a reminder of the transformation that took place thanks to your trainers. Should you select Quinebaug Kennels, I am confident your dog will produce similar results.
Sincerely,
- Sent in by Julie Desaulnier
A trained dog makes for an ecstatic owner!
Hi Jen,
It was nice to see you the other day even if it was a fleeting moment. You've really built a great business from your love of animals. You have a wonderful facility and knowing that Autumn is in the care of Jan and the girls is very comforting.
In any case, I'm writing you to tell you how happy I am with the results that you have delivered in terms of Autumn's training. I was very impressed at the control you have with her while she's in the field or just by your side. More importantly that control was easily turned over to me and my son, which in my mind is the best testament of all to your skill as a trainer. I've seen "trained" dogs that are awesome with the trainer and then when they get home the owner can't do a thing with them. Quinebaug has really brought out the best in Autumn's abilities and instincts while maintaining the soft and affectionate nature of an English Setter.
Additionally, she has really settled down in the house and responds to our commands without correction and is just a joy to have around. Your tag line that a trained dog is a happy dog is the absolute truth, but I'll also add that a trained dog makes for an ecstatic owner.
So thank you again for putting Autumn in such capable hands and we look forward to seeing you in a few months for a tune up before fall hunting season.
My very best to you and your team,
- Sent in by Dave Kistler
We did not want to break her sweet and spunky personality!
Hi Jennifer,
I have been meaning to pop you a quick email about your kennel and staff for a long time. We were initially very worried about leaving our (spoiled) girl in kennels and with the prospect of e-collar training. We weren't sure she'd have fun, which is one of our top priorities. And, we didn't want to break her sweet and spunky personality. On the other hand, we really needed some help getting her to be better behaved on walks and off-leash. So, we dropped her off at bootcamp back in November 2007. As your trainers noted many times, Jo-Jo was very stubborn. But they was really able to get her to let go of that need to dominant. When we picked her up the first time, we noticed a HUGE positive difference in her behavior. Although she still jumped a little on passive people, she listened to us 1000% times better, and no longer jumped on us! We were very impressed with what your trainers had done. So, we decided to leave her in boot camp on our next vacation in January 2008 to refine her skills.
When we pulled up to Quinebaug, Jo-Jo was going nuts to get into the place. When she saw Patricia and Jan, she hopped on two feet with excitement to get closer to them. We felt a real and genuine sense of relief that she loves it there. And, for her second training session, she did almost everything without any even using the e-collar. We are so excited at the work your staff has done and consider you to be excellent trainers. Anyone that can get Jo-Jo to do something she doesn't want to do one minute, and get a kiss the next, is tops in our book. We are also very pleased with the care that she received while with you, and she always comes back clean! We love Quinebaug kennels and so does Jo-Jo! Thanks so much for all the services that you provide (Jo-Jo loves the ATVs), for the great staff, and most of all, for giving us a place for her to stay where we don't have to worry. We know she is having a great time!
- Sent in by Kat Donnelly, PE
Mandy's performance without questions exceeded my expectations!
Hi Jennifer,
As the sleet/freezing rain whirls outside and Mandy is asleep on her bed, I thought I would drop you a line on Mandy's first year a field. Mandy's performance with out question exceeded my expectations! No matter with what she was confronted, she handled it in true Mandy fashion, with drive and desire. Whether hunting upland birds or waterfowl she was always in the game. I have been fortunate to have hunted waterfowl with good retrievers that have made amazing retrieves; however, on two occasions Mandy handled downed birds that were extraordinary given the degree of difficulty and her inexperience. For a springer, I swear she is part lab. As for upland, the girl has a nose and she knows now to use it. I could not wait for each outing as it was thrilling to watch her confidence and performance grow. We quickly learned that she does not quit regardless of how dense the cover or bad the conditions. Of course, this can only be attributed to the foundation established by you and other members of your staff. That foundation, with the continued guidance makes it possible for us to continue achieving great results. We not only have a great dog a field but more importantly a great buddy no matter the activity (hunting, fishing, boating, mountain biking, hiking or just hanging out). Needless to say where we go, Mandy goes. Please share this note with your staff, in particular your trainer as he spent the most training time with Mandy I would like him to know she is turning out to be a gem.
- Sent in by David Kline
The drive across the state is well worth the piece of mind!
Jennifer, Jan, and staff,
I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the work and training you have done with Harley. He has developed into a fine hunting dog and seems to get better every day we hunt. He absolutely loves the water retrieves. His nose is really developing along with his attitude. If I try to send him into a particular area, he will enter and get downwind of the spot and if he doesn't smell birds, it's like pulling teeth to keep him in there. If he scents birds, you can't keep him out.
Both of my boys are now old enough to hunt, so Harley has a lot more birds to find. We still have days when we limit out in 25 minutes.
We had two events last week which I wanted to share with you. Another hunter came and asked if I could have Harley do a water retrieve for him because he didn't have a dog. Harley had not seen the bird shot or marked it in any way. I figured that I would finally get to fully utilize my hand commands, wrong again. When I called Harley to the edge of the water and had him sit, he immediately scented the bird (from at least 20 yd's), dove into the water and made a perfect retrieve.
Later in the day he pointed a bird on a steep bank leading down to the water in a very thick area. I couldn't get to the bird to flush it. Harley slowly crept forward and nudged the bird with his nose. It didn't fly. He proceeded to push the bird with his nose down the bank toward the water until it flushed.
I realize that I will never be out competing with Harley, as I do not have the time commitment to finish him properly. What I do have is a great hunting dog, thanks to your assistance, which is all I ever really wanted. Thanks again and I will continue to utilize your kennel during our vacations and should Harley be in need of a tune up. The drive across state to your facility is well worth the peace of mind that he is always properly cared for and exercised. Thanks again for everything you have done in Harley's development.
- Sent in by Chuck Brush and Family
We feel so comfortable leaving Lilly in your care!
Dear Jen & Staff,
Dave and I want to thank you and your staff for the wonderful care you have given to our puppy, Lilly. She attended your "Boot Camp" training and you did a wonderful job with her. She is so obedient! I never thought she could be so calm! Your trainers were very patient and caring with her and they made us feel comfortable talking to us a few times a week on her progress. We are very thankful that you all have made our Lilly much more enjoyable.
Jan and the girls were always comforting when we called to check on her daily. Never once were they "too busy" to talk to us. They always had some great stories to share!
We have kenneled Lilly twice since her Boot Camp and she is happy and excited to see the girls, the trainers and her friends. I can't tell you enough how that makes us feel so comfortable about leaving her in your care. It was extremely hard and emotional for us to leave her for 3 1/2 weeks of boot camp, but I would not hesitate to do it all over again. If we ever get another puppy, Quinebaug will be the first place I call!
- Sent in by Deb, Dave & Lilly Laperle
Your NAVDHA training for our Griffons was a success!
I know I have probably said it hundreds of times
but thank you doesn't even begin to cover the gratitude Chris and I feel for all you have helped us accomplish with our Wirehaired Pointing Griffons. When we first came to you a year and a half ago we needed help not only with obedience training, but our first priority was to get Ella, our then 7 month old Griff, and myself ready for our first NAVHDA test for Natural Ability. This was no small task for you since Chris and I had absolutely NO hunting experience!! Your patience with both of us was greatly appreciated. You basically took us from square one with field work and tracking, not only working with Ella but training me as a handler so I would be well prepared on test day. Ella scored a respectable 76 points and earned a Prize III, I was thrilled! We would have never made it through test day without you.
So when we brought home our second Griffon puppy, Bain, in March of this year you were of course the first call we made to get him started with gun dog training and get him ready for his NAVHDA test as well. We were actually able to get started earlier with Bain and it really paid off. He scored a 97 out of 112 points and earned a Prize II! For only my second time running a pup in a NAVHDA event I was ecstatic. THANK YOU for answering all of my questions, quickly responding to the countless emails I sent you throughout the training process for both dogs, and being such a great support not only with the NAVHDA training but with all of the obedience work you have done with both dogs as well."
Thanks Again,
- Sent in by Amy Welch and Christopher Cournoyer, Pomfret, CT
Teal's exhausted when she comes home... it is great!
I am so happy with Teal's routine.
She is so exhausted when she comes home. It's great! Her obedience training is obvious to everyone who meets her. You would be so proud to watch her follow my hand signals.
I also love your staff. I interact with Jan and Jess the most.They always have something nice to say about Teal. I get great updates and feel like I could ask them anything. Jess calls Teal,"Little Valley" because she acts like Valley Girl when she was a puppy. Teal also is sitting every time the ATV stops. I often call the kennel if I need help in the morning. For example, Jan will meet me at the car if I'm running late. This means a lot because I don't have to take Sophia out of her car seat. I could not be happier. I have told everyone at work to use Quinebaug if they go away.
- Sent in by Martha Woods
Well behaved pet and hunting dog!
Hi. Angela and I just wanted to send you a note stating how pleased we were with you and your staff, when our dog Beau was at your kennels. He has come home a well behaved pet and is working his way to being a very good hunting dog. I especially want to thank the trainers for their help and time, as well as thanking Jan for her help when we would come to visit/take Beau home for an evening. He was obviously very well taken care of, which was our main concern.
Again, thanks to all of you for taking such good care of our little guy, and making us feel comfortable at the same time. We truly appreciate everything you did for Beau, as well as for us! We know that whenever we might need to kennel Beau, it will only be at Quinebaug Kennels!"
Thanks again,
- Sent in by Jim & Angela Skoglund and Beau
