I cannot say enough positive comments on the results that Westchester K-9 gave us. My 5 year old lab had become increasingly more reactive towards other dogs, particularly when she was on a leash, over the last 2 years. Her reactivity caused such difficulty for me — I had been dragged to my knees, across the street into traffic, broken a finger, and got a black eye — all because she could not control her reaction to other dogs and I could not control her behavior. I could no longer walk her so, my husband who worked from home during COVID took on that responsibility. In July 2021, we realized that he might be returning to his office in the fall and I had to so something. My neighbors recommended Westchester K-9 and I called Stacy. She listened to our story and offered her professional opinion. I had trepidations having never needed a professional trainer nor boarding program with my other dogs. After our conversations with Stacy, however, we were convinced this path was the best for all of us.
Ella already knew many commands — sit, down, extended stay, wait, retrieval of the newspaper, etc. — but not when another dog was around. Once at camp, the trainers recognized this and quickly focused in on the behavioral issues. Three weeks later, Ella came back a changed dog. With much at-home practice and training and the recommended prong collar, Ella has become a delight to walk on the leash. I am no longer afraid to take her out! She still has her moments (as Stacy said, “You can’t take reactivity out of the dog.”), but I (my entire family) find walking her a much more enjoyable activity.
In our experience, Westchester K-9 provided excellent and professional service.
Ella came back to us happy and calmer. During her stay, the trainers communicated with me by phone and email. Once she was home, we had a home visit, zoom calls and follow up text and Facebook messages. The home visits were amazing and so much insight was provided. Stacy was very responsive to each and every question or concern. It was a very supportive system. I feel confident that Ella’s training was the best option we had and I would not hesitate to recommend Westchester K-9 to anyone in need of help.
– Diane Allen