Blowing Springs Kennel

We boarded or dog with blowing springs a few times, and will never do so again. Our dog is a good natured rescue dog who was a little skittish around strangers at first, but quickly settled in. Months after he settled down, we began boarding him at blowing springs during our vacations. The second time we inquired about training. One of the trainers «worked» with him in front of us which entailed kicking him across the room. We indicated we weren’t interested in that kind of training, and figured he’d be fine to just board. We boarded him one more time and he came home with large welts on his head and face. Now he is extremely aggressive towards men. So much that we can’t have people in our home without locking him up. He has never been like this until we took him to blowing springs. We are working with him to slowly undo the damage. I understand that there are many different effective ways to train a dog, and their method may work for some, but certainly not for our dog.

I brought my dog here for training when she was 1 year old. We had taken 2 months worth of training at PetSmart (puppy and intermediate) with no improvement. The difference in her performance and obedience after just one week at Blowing Springs was night and day. I was so impressed with the results that after 3 years I am still a big believer in the work that they do. They provide helpful, constructive feedback and will work with you to ensure you have the tools you needs to be successful when you take the dog home. They have helped me train a dog that I can take anywhere and is a joy to be around.

Watch out for the bate and switch. I called then and spoke to them about their puppies and told me that they had a few for $ 1,000 and some for $ 2,000. The following day I called and confirmed when I again asked for the address to make sure I imputed it correctly in the my GPS. When I got there after a ²¹⁄₂ hour drive from Atlanta I was told that I had to speak to a different lady and the price was suddenly $ 3,500.
That said, they do have beautiful dogs and the people there are friendly and their training seems great but they could have saved me a long trip for nothing.

In the case you are seeking only to board your dog at Blowing Springs Kennel, the owner will critique your dog and your training of him/​her with little tact and in a somewhat condescending way. In my opinion, he is not professional with customers and in the event I was seeking to spend a lot of money getting my dogs «perfectly trained» by this acclaimed «perfect dog trainer» I would not feel comfortable with his help and arrogant, know it all attitude. The staff there is also not too friendly I might add. Friendly, tactful people makes sales and keep customers — duh!
To add & be clear to Blowing Spring’s comment back — I was not a new customer… my puppy (10 mo old German Shepherd) in addition to my other dog who has stayed there before was new and of course they have tendency toward aggression. The way he was evaluated was a quick walk up to and along a fence with another dog on the other side… He barked and his hair raised but he likely felt defensive being held on leash on the other side of fence. I have no problems with him at off leash dog parks and neutral territory places. I was also «educated» that was not proper as well as for as socializing. However, his inability to be boarded was not what really displeased me — rules are understandable. I also remember from my previous experience feeling talked down to with regards to my other dogs collar and weight — which could have been appreciated but the tact/​manner in which my «truth» or «education» was given was impolite. I am paying you to board my dog not for you or your staff to give me advice in a condescending way on how to raise him — there is a way to do it right, professionally, and sensitively — especially when you are trying to sell your services.