We needed help as Tutli entered her adolescent phase. At about 9 months, she became very reactive, and this in combination with poor leash behavior made walking her unmanageable, especially as I was pregnant and had a 2 year old at the time. We needed to be in good shape by the time the new baby arrived, and I wanted her to have a good quality of life by being able to join us on family outings.

Everyone in the staff has been great. Very responsive, understanding, and accommodating. I appreciate that Kathleen (and her husband) and Jenny are dog people with great human skills as well. Other training facilities are great with dogs, but are less friendly/communicative/welcoming.

We picked Atlantic K9, first and foremost, for Kathleen’s experience with GSDs. All dogs are different, all breeds are different, and I needed someone who knows GSDs. Secondly for the reviews. And finally, for the expectations. I think a lot of people have unfair expectations around dog training. Another Board and Train promised to send home a remote-controlled dog, and that sounded cruel and is just not what I would ever want. I have a GSD for a reason- I love big, working dogs that do jobs. But I also want to have a pet and family dog. Kathleen and Jenny know how to achieve that balance while respecting the dog/breed and their traits, and mold them into a safe, happy, well-mannered dog. They are clear about the work required to get the results you want. Also, positive only training is great for a lot of dogs I am sure, but there is no way it would have worked with Tut… And it sucks to be shamed for taking the balance approach. 

Tutli is a monstrously huge (90lb lean) female, West German GSD born 4/29/2020. She is a loving, very smart, medium-drive girl. She is also dominant as all hell and just a lot of dog to handle because she is very brave, stubborn, and smart. She has always been leash reactive and has some territorial tendencies. However, now she is my dream dog. All of her GSD traits (protective, barking, guarding, herding) have been molded to family life in a healthy, safe way. She is my walking/running partner (we do about 15-25 miles a week all through downtown Salem, even in October in the crowds and chaos), she is so loving and playful with my kids, but in a respectful, safe way.  All around, she is a great family dog, I couldn’t ask for anything more. But she is still a GSD and I love that about her,  and I know she would protect my family and home if it was ever needed, and I sleep better at night with her in our home.