What people say about Quinebaug Kennels

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 Kurt has delivered in terms of Autumn's training. I was very impressed at the control he has with her while she's in the field or just by his 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 his 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. Kurt 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,
Dave Kistler

Dear Jennifer,

I just had to sit down and write this email to thank Quinebaug Kennels for helping my family.

We have a large family. Myself, my husband 3 kids an 18 month Cairn Terrier and our 10 month old GSP, Oliver. We brought Oli home 7 months ago and he was a handful from the get go. In my research of the breed I found the need for obedience training a must so as a backup I found you guys through the internet as well as friends who knew you through Cabela’s. I didn’t know if we would need to contact you as we had successfully trained Dobermans, Shepherds and Terriers in the past. Sure enough Oli proved way to dominant for either of us to handle.

I contacted you late one night after a horrible day with Oli and got a prompt call back from Jan the next morning. She said he could come in the next week. She was awesome to talk to. She explained the boot camp and answered all of my questions until I was comfortable with bringing Oli in.

When we dropped him off it was one of the hardest things we had to do. While he was horribly behaved, we never commit to a dog with any thought of us having them short term. Oliver was scared but he was taken to the Kennel and that was the last of Dominant Oliver we have ever seen.

Kurt spoke to us and assured us he would have Oli respecting us our space and our commands. I left with confidence he could accomplish this task. My husband on the other hand was not so sure.

In speaking to Kurt over the next weeks we did find out just how stubborn Oli was. I can’t believe Kurt ever got through to him. BUT HE DID! Kurt is amazing. He stuck with Oli and our family wants to thank him for giving us our life back. He made a believer of my husband as well.

Oliver is now heeling, sitting and coming when called, respecting everyone’s (including our Terrier’s) space. Most of all Kurt gave him the chance to chill out and be happy. In 6 months Oliver never licked me, his ears were never back and he cold not stop pacing to save his life. He now gives me soft kisses and rests comfortably on his bed next to the couch. Thanks to Kurt and his training he is actually fun to be around. I took him for his first walk around our neighborhood and not only did I not end up face down on the ground but he heeled the entire way and we had a nice relaxing walk.

When out at the park the comments are always the same - my friend has GSPs and she can’t walk them, they don’t come back and my shirt is filthy after they greet me. "What a great puppy you have." All of this with Oli’s butt on the ground looking at my husband for what to do next.

The kennel facilities there are perfect for active dogs as well. Oliver is going to become a permanent fixture for boarding over the years - we wouldn’t bring him anywhere else. His ears perk up whenever he hears an ATV on the trails. The hour and a half drive is so worth it.

Thanks to Kurt and Jan and everyone at Quinebaug Kennels for a truly life changing experience.

Libby Dowling
Proud owner of an obedient GSP J

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 Kurt noted many times, Jo-Jo was very stubborn. But Kurt was really able to get her to let go of that need to dominate. 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 Kurt 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 Shannon 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 Kurt and the girls 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 Quinnebaugh 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!

Best regards,

Kat Donnelly, PE

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, Kurt 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 Kurt as he spent the most training time with Mandy I would like him to know she is turning out to be a gem.

Sincerely,

David Kline

Jennifer, Jan, Kurt 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 creeped 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.

Chuck Brush and family

"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 with Kurt, and he did a wonderful job with her. She is so obedient! I never thought she could be so calm! He was very patient and caring with her and he made us feel comfortable talking to us a few times a week on her progress. We are very thankful to Kurt as he has 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, Kurt 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, Kurt will be the first person I call!

Thank you again!

See you soon,
Deb, Dave & Lilly Laperle

P.S. We have recommended Quinebaug Kennels to all of our friends.

"I know I have probably said it hundreds of times

but thank you does'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, Amy Welch and Christopher Cournoyer, Pomfret,CT

PS: Thank you to all of your staff as well for taking such great care of Ella and Bain when they board at the kennel. It gives us such peace of mind to know we can go away and the dogs are being well taken care of and exercised just as much as they would be at home.

"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.

Martha Woods

"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 Kurt for his help and his 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 - Jim & Angela Skoglund and Beau

"As always...

great knowing there's a place to bring Bailey-he has brought so much joy to us...we all love him a lot."
Sincerely, Chris, Patsy and Franklin.

"Dear Jennifer:

I wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed our hunt this past Sunday. I had a wonderful time with you and your dogs. The time and patience that you've invested with them really shows out in the field. When I do start looking for a dog again, I will be sure to get in touch with you. It is obvious that you love your dogs very much and treat them like family, just the way it should be."
Sincerely, Daniel M. Makin

"As a veterinarian, I refer my clients to Quinebaug Kennels

without hesitation and have been doing so for approximately a year and a half. It is common for me to hear on a daily basis that my clients were satisfied beyond their expectations. My clients rely on and trust me with their pets. They expect a certain quality of care from me as well as those I refer them to. I am confident that the care they receive is exceptional. Jennifer provides an invaluable service to this community of people. I am well aware the extent to which people have the ability to care for their pets. Leaving your "family member" in the care of someone can be stressful. This is not the case for clients at Quinebaug Kennels. Dog training services are also provided and praised. Jennifer's dog handling skills are excellent."
Dr. David J. Lambert, Quinebaug Valley Veterinary Hospital

"I have been a client of Jennifer Broome and Quinebaug Kennels for over three years.

As someone who resides over 60 miles from her farm, I must have a good reason to make the drive - and I do.

I first ran into Jennifer at Addieville East, where she was giving a retriever demonstration to close to 100 people. She was there as part of the grand opening of Robin Hollow Outfitters.

Jennifer's demo was the best I had ever seen, giving excellent insights into technique and subtleties of temperament in each dog. I was impressed, her references were excellent, but I was most impressed with her responsiveness to my questions via phone, email and face to face. Her response was timely and business-like, and you got the sense that she was running a business, and was not just a person who "trains dogs."

However, there were a number of excellent trainers who were within the same driving distance, so why pick Jennifer?

Jennifer offered more services for the dollar. Her training rates were similar to others, but she offered more "soft services for the dog's well-being, specifically more exercise time, more time outside, and certainly more consistent physical and verbal contact with our dog.
Perhaps the most important reason was that my wife and children were most comfortable with Jennifer. Her interactions with them convinced them that our dog was at a great place, not puppy jail. The result has been that our dog has spent more and longer time at Quinebaug than if he were dropped off at another facility. The family refers to Riley being at "camp", rather than at the kennel. That comfort probably gives Jennifer 2-3 weeks more kenneling time per year.
Quinebaug's location is easy to get to, straight out of Massachusetts and a straight ride down 395. More importantly, the local area allows us to meander when we want, taking in the antiques, restaurants and other local attractions. As a result, the drive does not seem to be that long and therefore we choose to bring our dog to Quinebaug rather than a local facility.
Finally, I've referred five Massachusetts residents who have in turn brought their dogs to Jennifer for either training or boarding. Each has been thoroughly pleased, have returned, and like me, feel the few extra minutes it takes to get there is not a large hurdle and well worth it.

I'm excited about Jennifer's expansion plans and anticipate the result will be that I spend more time at Quinebaug Kennels." Sincerely, Robert McInturff

"Quinebaug Kennels offers everything you need for your pets and hunting dogs."

My wife and I learned about Jennifer 7 years ago after we got 2 dogs in Seattle, WA-a started gun dog and an 8 week old puppy. First, we were impressed that she was interested knowing how our gun dog was trained and finding out her methods fit right in and there was no interruption of the process. Then Jennifer taught us in short order how to socialize the puppy and get her off to a good start with manners.

Jennifer has done an amazing job with both dogs. Besides being gun dogs, they are our companions. We have boarded our dogs many times at Quinebaug Kennels and they return to us happy, healthy and clean. I am convinced by our dogs' eagerness to see Jennifer and the results that we are in the right place for their training and care.
Dave Olson, Wakefield, RI

"When Hamilton, a large black and tan coon hound, dramatically entered my life a year ago, I read every available book on dog training, enrolled him in a training class and asked questions of everyone."

Although he was over a year old he had zero socialization skills and wanted to bully other dogs on and off leash. Six months after his rescue, I knew expert assistance was needed in training this wonderful but very assertive animal.

When I mentioned my need to another dog owner whom I had met in New York’s Central Park, he immediately said that the trainer I needed was Jennifer Broome. Although she was a three and one half hour drive from New York he was adamant that she was the only one who could provide him with the kind of training that Hamilton so obviously needed.

I knew within the first ten minutes of meeting her that my problems were about to be remedied. Hamilton stayed with her for an extended four week boot camp and was trained on leash, off leash and then with an electronic collar. He returned to me the same joyful, wonderful dog but one who now walked without pulling his leash, sat patiently when I met a friend and wanted to chat, played enthusiastically off leash by himself and with other dogs and even came immediately when called. I truly could not have asked for any more!

Additionally it is a pleasure working with Jennifer. She was able to provide and communicate excellent insights into my dog’s temperament and matched appropriate training techniques for him to respond to. She is exceptionally responsive to the concerns of an owner and answered my numerous questions via e-mails promptly and thoroughly.

Since his initial stay, Hamilton again boarded at Quinebaug Kennels for two months when I had to undergo foot surgery. For this extended period, I was regularly forwarded photos and videos of him as he romped in the snow, played with other dogs and curled up for a nap. If and when the need arises again, I would not consider letting Hamilton board anywhere else.
Carrie Alexander, NYC

"Dear Jennifer: as you advertised, Dakota came home tired but happy."

We are thoroughly pleased with the results of your "Boot Camp" program. Her behavior is so much improved over what we left you with two weeks ago. She has been home for three days and has only attempted to jump up on anyone twice! She knew immediately that it would be followed by an ear pull. We each have spent time with her reinforcing what she learned with you. I can't tell you how enjoyable our morning walk is now that she walks with me and doesn't pull. The kids feel like they can control her now so they aren't afraid of taking her out. Thank you again for your time and effort. We look forward to our next vacation so that Dakota can come romp in the fields with her friends Sassy and Valley Girl.
Robin, Steve, Sarah and John William Bojorquez

Amazing!

Jennifer:

Just writing to say how amazing Makai has been since coming back from your training. I was able to go on a 7 mile hike today with him and Jack (chocolate lab) off leash. They both had a great time and were able to run and chase birds and came back to me immediately upon being called. Near the end, I had Makai heel the final mile home and he did perfect. I will tell everyone about the amazing job that you and your staff did. Right now both of them are passed out on the floor happy as can be! Hope you have a happy holiday and great new year! Any new dog that I will ever get is going to you for training, and anyone that I know will hear me talk about the amazing job that you did!

Thanks, Cliff Luce

Jennifer Broome
Phone: 1-860-546-2116
265 North Society Road
Canterbury, CT 06331
email: Quinebaug Kennels
Fax: 860-546-9502

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We believe a tired dog is a happy dog