We still have a hard time believing the transformation of our dogs. We have 2 rescues who were very well behaved with everything other than interacting with the outside world. They had leash aggression issues and didn't like strangers in our house. It was a very stressful task to walk them or have company over. However, working with Robert for a very short amount of time totally changed our dogs. Walking them is now FUN! Fun for us and fun for them. I remember thinking we could never take them off leash and now they are off leash all the time. Even at crowded events. It’s just not an issue anymore. They also now accept visitors to our house which is a huge relief. This is some of the best money and time we have ever spent. Plus, the continuing education classes on Saturdays are a wonderful way to continue working with your dogs and practicing. Robert is wonderful with dogs - he makes the training fun for you and for them. We can't recommend him highly enough. We wish we had done this program years ago. Erin O.
We used the board-and-train program and I can honestly say I never believed my dog could be so well trained! We had done basic dog training before this program, and my one year old Basenji mix was great indoors. The problem was that as soon as we went outside, we would basically stop existing as far as she was concerned. With almost no attention span, a stubborn streak, and a bad tendency to pull really hard on her leash, taking her on walks was an exhausting ordeal and sometimes even dangerous when she'd escape her harness. Robert took her for two weeks and we got back an amazing, well-behaved puppy who can sit still in the presence of squirrels (this is HUGE for her--squirrels are her kryptonite) and actually listen while outside. He did a wonderful job training her, and took great care of her in the two weeks she was with him. My pup has so much more freedom to explore and play when we're on walks because I know she will respond when I call her. She heels beautifully (without a leash!), comes when called, and is generally much more pleasant to hang out with outdoors. Now I look forward to going on walks with her instead of dreading them, and feel comfortable taking her out in public with me, knowing she'll behave herself. Robert's training has opened up a whole new level of companionship that I can have with my dog, and I couldn't be happier with the results. I will definitely be recommending this service to my friends with dogs!! Kelsey C.
When my husband and I got our rescue pit/lab mix Francy, we didn't know all of what we would be getting into with her. Francy was unpredictable, excitable, and strong-willed ( and strong!). She would nip with intention (ouch), she was difficult to walk and pretty much out of control. We tried another trainer who kept warning us that this dog could be a danger to others ( we have small nephews and many visitors) and to our cat. It was a terrible conversation we had when we were trying to decide whether to bring her back to the shelter and we called the shelter to ask for more time and then we called Robert. We decided on the board and train and when she was ready to come home I have to admit I was nervous. Thanksgiving was coming up and the house would be full with kids and older folks and even another dog - it was a real test. Francy came back from working with Robert with all of her joyful personality but with an entirely new set of skills and confidence. She listens and responds, plays with other dogs well, is great with all kinds of people and with new experiences and is pretty much the most fantastic dog ever. She is still strong-willed but I can walk her now without worrying about running into other dog or people and we can keep her safe because she listens and responds to us. I am glad we decided to contact Robert. He is great with our dog and she is always happy to see him so I know they had some fun mixed in with the training. He has also been a great help and resource for us- answering all of our questions no matter how odd they may be. I appreciate the continued support and am glad we are able to give Francy a good structured home without all the stress and misunderstanding. Thank you Robert! Jaki C.
When I first got Max, my Jack Russell, I thought I could do this all on my own. After Max turned from a young pup to an adult male, and began lunging at every dog on the sidewalk, magically escaping from his leash and running away, and becoming extremely possessive of "his" things, I knew I was wrong. I was unhappy and Max had fewer chances to go outside to be a dog because I was afraid of what he'd do. Max was stubborn and resolute. Robert taught me how to get through to Max and show him how he'd have more fun if he actually listened to me. Max couldn't walk on a leash properly before. Now I walk him without a leash. He's a natural-born hunter but, now, instead of losing Max forever as he chases a squirrel into the woods, he looks to me before I let him run off and always comes back when called. While visiting family for the holidays, my family was shocked to see this new version of Max. Robert helped me actually get closer to Max. Robert showed me how to convey to Max what I want. Max has thrived on that structure. Because I now have the ability to communicate correct behavior with Max, I can take him places I was originally afraid to go before--I don't have to leave him home every time I go somewhere. What means the most to me is Max is still HAPPY while also following directions. I really do owe all of these improvements to Robert and "Hank". Brian L.
Robert was our third dog trainer. The other two were not successful; one was clearly afraid of Desi, our rescued Rottie. We always thought that Desi's problems (caused by early trauma and abuse) were purely aggression: leash aggression, aggression toward other people and dogs, you name it. We couldn't have anyone over to our house and going for walks was a nightmare. We called The Dog Farmer out of desperation - either this would work or we would have to consider drastic measures (re-homing her - not a great possibility - or even putting her to sleep, which would have broken our hearts).
Robert met Desi confidently, firmly and fearlessly and immediately shifted our thinking. Desi was not so much overtly aggressive as anxious and possessive of us. He began training us to deal with these things and the change was rapid and profound. Robert is our Miracle Man. More people than I can name have said "Wow, she's a different dog" and they're right. Desi is much more relaxed now, easy to manage, a real joy. We can have people over to our house with no problem. We can walk her and know we're in charge and can handle anything. I look forward to meeting other dogs on walks, since it gives us the opportunity to practice our skills. Desi feels proud of herself after these encounters, it's clear.
Robert changed our lives. We will be forever grateful. Heather L.
I used the board and train program for my 11 month old labradoodle. She is a sweet dog but very stubborn with a bad habit of jumping and nipping at my 8 year old daughter. I tired the traditional 6 week training classes and while she learned to sit and follow some basic commands, nothing was working for the jumping and nipping. After a few conversations with Robert by phone I decided to give this a try. Sophie spent 2 weeks with Robert and when I arrived to pick her up...I was amazed at the change in her behavior. She has been home for over a month and she continues to improve each day. I am so happy with the work Robert did with her. Sophie is so much calmer and has much more freedom now that she listens and follows commands. Robert has done just as much work with me to make sure that I understand how to manage her behavior. I traveled a distance for Sophie to work with Robert and even though we are not able to have follow up visits at out home, Robert has been very generous with his time in the form of phone calls and emails. I have no hesitation in recommending The Dog Farmer. Sophie and our whole family are very appreciative of Robert's patience and expertise. Emma B.
Robert did an excellent job training my 7 month old lab. Prior to working with Robert, our dog was a complete mess. He was such a problem that my vet actually suggested getting rid of him (not kidding). After working with my pup for 2 weeks, I was astounded when he returned home completely obedient, focused and such a joy to be around. Robert is a seriously good trainer and people marvel at how well behaved my dog is now. Jim K.
Robert was an amazing trainer and so patient to work with. He helped me with my four year old dog with leash aggression and greeting skills. He provided such clear direction on what I needed to change in my behavior and disciplines to ensure the training would continue and improve. It has been an amazing transformation to see and has opened a whole new world for us. I can now take my dog into all sorts of settings where I used to avoid. I just can't say enough about how it just made walking my dog in any environment a joy! Incredible difference and it has continued to improve over time. His support after training and the amazing Saturday morning dog meet up walks are such a great opportunity to keep up the work and distractions and exposure. Paula B.
I truly cannot recommend the Dog Farmer enough! I began working with Robert one on one in April 2021 for my then 5 month old Cavapoo puppy suffering from separation anxiety and had incredible results. I was doing a lot of things wrong as a pet owner (enabling my dog’s clingy nature, responding to all of his barking, giving him way too much attention and freedom, etc.) I obviously had no idea, and Robert was never once judgmental in his education of how to be a better owner. I kid you not, after Robert left my house after our initial consultation (he left my dog in his crate, which he HATED at the time because it meant he was alone), my dog was silent in his crate. I was shocked and finally began to have hope about him getting better. Not only did we tackle things related to separation anxiety, but we trained my dog to stop pulling his leash on walks, helped build his confidence, practiced “come”, and so much more. My dog is now 8 months old and has made such incredible strides, all thanks to Robert. Not only is he a great dog trainer, but he is personable and professional. He was always timely, and adapted to my needs with my dog at every step of the way. If you are looking for a dog trainer, look no further. You will not find better than this!! Both my dog and I are so grateful for him! Julia D.