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March 2024 by Jackie Kutcher
Cannot recommend this place enough. We got our dog from a rescue at 4.5 months old. He was never socialized which we quickly saw gave him lots of issues. My dog has fear aggression and the longer we had him the more scared he got which resulted increased behavior. We live in an apartment complex and we were at the point where if we had heard anybody in the staircase which going up or down with him we would run the other direction either back to out apartment or back outside because his reactions were so bad - lunging snarling etc. We tried regular training, behavioral therapists etc. Nothing seemed to help, finally a year later we decided to look into a boarding training because we realized he needed more than we were able to offer him. Five weeks later our dog came back calm, relaxed and so much more independent. Dropping him off he was so aggressive he needed to be muzzled, five weeks later we picked him up and saw him walking off leash with KB, let KB touch every part of his body and even clip his nails, this never would have been possible before this. He gained so much confidence in himself that we can now go down the staircase if somebody else is coming. We can also now bring him places we never would have been able to before. First choice canine gave us an opportunity to enjoy our dog without all of the stress and worry we were feeling before. After the training we also got training on how to handle him which has given us increased confidence and helped us learn whats best for him. We also had Ashleigh reach out each week with detailed reports about his progress and pictures. She also was very quick to respond if I had any questions and has just been great throughout the entire experience. Truly such a great experience here.
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March 2024 by Kathy Amero
He is the absolute best. This is the second dog we brought to him.
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January 2024 by Joe Carey
After a couple of close calls with other dogs on leash and after years of "managing" our reactive dogs around visitors, we decided to finally seek help. We weren't sure if anything would solve the mess we were in: 2 adults dogs (Annie & Leo) that are reactive to people and other dogs, endless alarm barking, jumping all over visitors, escaping the yard to growl, posture, and bark at neighbors and their leashed dogs. It was chaos - constantly! After our consult with KB, it was apparent that First Choice Canine was more than capable and up to the task. After a 4 week board and train program, we could not believe the results! There we were, watching Annie & Leo sit, down, stay, and heel OFF LEASH and LAYING DOWN NEXT TO OTHER DOGS!! Throughout the program, we received very detailed progress reports and pictures of the dogs during their stay. They took great care to ensure that Leo received his medication and easily accommodated his food allergies. Khaled and his team did a great job educating us on the root causes of Leo & Annie's poor behaviors, and were extremely thorough in teaching us how to continue their new training with consistency and ensure long-term success back at home base. After 3 weeks of being back home, Leo & Annie are like new dogs. Visitors now come and go without being molested by a pair of jumping pooches, neighbors can walk their dogs on the street without assault, and we take them regularly for walks without the fear that they will go after dogs or people. THANK YOU FIRST CHOICE CANINE!!
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January 2024 by Grettel Cruz
Incredible place for dog trainer. My stubborn lazy dog was fully trained. I was in shock to see the result. They trained my second dog as well. She was not easy either cause she is extremely sensitive and easy to scare. They keep classes of maintenance that is really helpful.
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October 2023 by Joe D’Andreti
I took my dogs to First Choice Canine for off and on leash training. Ashleigh is very knowledge, helpful, and great with the dogs. His ability to train not only dogs but you, as a handler, is top tier. If you are looking for dog training look no further - there’s no other place I’d recommend
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September 2023 by Julia Salemme
I sent my dog to First Choice Canine with KB to help with a variety of issues. He was extremely aggressive towards both people and dogs. Nothing I did helped and it was getting the point where I did not confident walking my own dog. I made the tough decision of sending him away for training and the only reason why I felt comfortable doing so was the level of professionalism I witnessed at First Choice Canine. I got my dog back 5 weeks later (after receiving a lot of progress videos and pics) and he was a completely different dog. KB spent plenty of time teaching the new training to me and has continuously provided support since I picked up my dog. I am now able to enjoy walking my dog and taking him places I wouldn’t have been able to previously. I will always recommend this place they truly care about the dogs that they train and seek the best outcome for everyone!
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September 2023 by Ethan Pfenninger
I can't stress enough how much this place has turned things around for both me and my dog.In short, my dog used to be really reactive, especially with other dogs and even people. It got so bad that I couldn't even take him hiking anymore. But just earlier this week, I took him on a crowded trail with lots of dogs, geese, and people. I had him off leash, and he stuck right by my side the whole time. I owe this incredible progress entirely to the work done by First Choice Canine. They've given my dog and me the ability to enjoy these activities together again.If you're struggling, and would love to hear people whisper 'wow that is a really well behaved dog' and don't even think that is possible, give them a call. It is, I promise.
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September 2023 by Brady Ohr
We have taken both of our dogs to KB and his staff for both on and off leash training. We can’t say enough about about how professional and thorough they are in their approach. If you are looking for science based behavioral training for you dog, there is no better place on the Seacoast to go.
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August 2023 by Amy P
The entire team and experience at First Choice Canine is first class. Every staff member we have worked with is kind, professional, and focused on educating not only the dogs, but more importantly the owners. The facility is very clean and well equipped. We have had two pups with completely different needs trained here and results for both were better than expected. We love our dogs as family members and would not trust them with just anyone. We highly recommend First Choice Canine.
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July 2023 by Kerry Scala
My dog Arya attended the board and train program. She’s a 3 year old black lab who is a sensitive girl, with some anxiety. It was hard sending her away for the 5 weeks but it was well worth it. We got weekly progress updates with pictures. She is so much more confident now and much calmer. It’s so much more enjoyable taking her on walks now. Even our neighbors have commented on the huge change! Wish I had done this sooner. The ‘human’ training sessions were extremely helpful. In the future, we plan on taking advantage of the monthly sessions to reinforce the training. KB and the team were great- highly recommend.
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July 2023 by sheila sedler
I can’t even begin to explain how pleased I am with the training at First Choice Canine with KB and his crew! I have a working dog training for USAR work and his training is totally on point. Every detail was handled with the utmost professionalism. I highly recommend KB and First Choice Canine to anyone who wants top-notch training and impeccable care for their dog.
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June 2023 by Colleen Boyle
I got Sunny at a pet store in Florida and it was obvious he hadn't had any training. He didn't follow commands, chewed on everything in sight, ran in to a busy street and had absolutely no potting training. He needed thorough, intense training, NOW!Four weeks is a long time, and I missed him terribly, but it was absolutely worth the wait. People walking by us and mentioned how well he walks with me; no barking at dogs or jumping up on people. I can leave my closet doors open (no more ruined slippers) and almost 100% potty trained. He still need some reinforcement from me but I am amazed how receptivehe is to command.KB, you're a miracle worker and thank you for your patients with me. I recommend you and your team to everyone.
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May 2023 by Ashley Nelson
Our golden retriever puppy, Kemba, spent two weeks with KB & his team for the on-leash obedience program. We were nervous to leave our dog while we were away traveling, but KB made me feel so comfortable from the very initial consult meeting. KB took the time to go over all of the training plans in detail and answered every pesky question I had. The facility is immaculate.Throughout the program, Ashleigh kept in constant contact with us, sending updates every few days and pictures - and I was so pleased to see Kemba enjoying himself at "school!" We appreciated the excellent communication and customer service so much! Ashleigh is absolutely lovely to work with.As for Kemba, we are thrilled with the progress he made in two short weeks! He is now a pleasure to take a walk with on the leash. He is also more engaged with us and has learned some better listening skills. The First Choice team started helping us curb some of the rambunctious puppy behaviors and laid a foundation that my family can continue to work on at home.In addition to the training for Kemba, I honestly feel that KB helped me become a better dog owner as well! During the debriefing meetings, KB explained everything I need to know about staying consistent with the training, and how to continue helping Kemba become the best version of himself. I found this so fascinating and helpful for me to understand his breed better and learn the different training techniques. I really appreciated the time and effort KB put into this with me.Thank you so much to the entire First Choice Canine team! We are truly grateful for you.
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February 2023 by Karen Belden
Khaled has xtensive knowledge of canine behavior and unequaled ability to convey information and commands in understandable language to us. He has Intuitive abilities with each canine he encounters to know what he or she needs to learn and what the best way to teach will be for that individual. Khaled has a calm confident manor. This is my second dog I have brought for training and both of my dogs love coming to training classes here.The Facility is very clean and spacious. There are always multiple dogs but never any barking or ruckus going on anytime that I have been there.Staff are all very passionate and caring with animals.I cannot give them a high enough review. They are superb in every way, and I recommend them to any and all who need help with their dogs.
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November 2022 by Rachel Schneider
KB and the team at First Choice Canine are truly fantastic. I did their board and train program for my 4 year pit/lab mix. I had adopted my dog Sienna without all the info about her upbringing- she suffered from separation anxiety and severe aggression towards other dogs. I had tried so many trainers to try to handle her dog aggression, and she would have short improvements with the classes only to slide backwards once we were outside of the training environment. Walks were becoming incredibly stressful for both her and me. I was nervous to invest the money into a board and train program, and also nervous about trusting someone to take care of my dog for 5 weeks. It was the best thing I could have done for her. When I picked her up and as I have continued the training KB taught me, she is a completely different dog. She is so much more calm, and this training has truly improved and changed her life. I am so thankful that this team could help the dog I love so much live a life that is less stressful. I would have never thought these changes were possible and cannot recommend them enough. They are empathetic, extremely attentive to their dogs, and I trust them entirely to take care of my dog well. KB got to the root of Sienna's anxieties and aggression which the other trainers I had tried weren't able to do. If you are on the fence, I highly recommend booking a consultation with them. I drive almost 2 hours for every training session with them, and it is totally worth it. THANK YOU First Choice Canine!
