Canine Country

I had a troubled animal that had suffered years of neglect and abuse that I adopted. This made this beautiful animal incredibly aggressive. I was at the point were I was planning on getting rid of the animal and that was breaking my heart. THANK GOD for Shawn. After only a couple of days of training our dog Frannie's behavior became 180 degrees better! He also taught me how to discipline my dog in a humane yet firm manner which allowed all of us in my family to have a harmonious relationship with the poor beast. Now Frannie is fully integrated into our pack (family) and I couldn't have had this joyous outcome without Shawn's aid. I cannot recommend this gentleman highly enough! more

I am grateful to have met Shawn at Canine Country. I have watched him work with the dogs. He is consistent with what he asks of them. He also shows he cares about each and every one of them. \r \r I am a first time dog owner of a loving and stubborn Lhasa Apso. I have tried other training techniques over the 4 years that we have been together but my dog’s bad behaviors continued through it all. He would decide for himself when he wanted to listen, bark and scratch when left home alone, and run away at any given chance – sometimes right into traffic! I thought that I was just going to have to live with his bad behaviors and it really limited our activities in order to keep him safe. \r \r I have learned about his philosophy and now better understand what my dog needs in order to respect and listen to me. I have implemented Shawn’s training techniques at home. His process really works!\r \r I now take my dog into social settings with people or other dogs safely, can leave him happily at home, and he stays closer to me when not on a leash. We will continue to do the work needed and the progress is wonderful. We are both so much happier!\r \r Thank you Shawn! more

Bad experience. I straight up walked out. There were some other folks with me so I had to wait.....but then we all left and went elsewhere. The place does not pass my tests for my dogs safety (fencing, rules, being able to see where my dog is going to stay, per the owner there have been something like 6 escapes and 1 dog death which it just too many), and the trainer certainly did not pass the scratch and sniff test. Just 'Google' the place and see what others have said if you don't want to take my word for it. My full review is on a well known review website, as are quite a few others....ALL which gave the place 1 star (an all time record?). more

We recently adopted a lab/pit mix from new life animal shelter about 4 months ago. We knew our 1 yr old puppy would need some training, but we had NO clue what we were in for! The intense mouthing, jumping, general craziness, not listening to corrections, everything was a game! He had me in tears of frustration (and pain!) several times!! We knew pretty quickly we would need alot of help to teach us how to work with our new energetic family member ....thankfully, our shelter HIGHLY recommended Shawn's services. They told me his method's were behavioral-focused, and he would be able to work with almost any difficult dog. When I called Canine Country, Shawn answered straight away, and spent 45mins on the phone with me, discussing our issues (already this was WAY beyond my expectations). He was very clear about prices (and offered us a discount since we adopted a shelter dog), and once we decided on the right way to go (i highly recommend the lifetime package - BEST MONEY you will EVER spend- no contest) we took our doggie over to Canine Country to board for 3 days, and be evaluated. After 3 days with Shawn, we saw a different dog...it was unbelievable - he was calm!! no more craziness...like magic. Shawn warned us that a few days at home, he would be back to his old ways (because WE needed the training, of course!). After just one lesson (about 1.5 hrs), we had the tools we needed to get a great start. Shawn called us on his own time a couple days afterwards just to make sure we were doing well, and to see if we had any questions (WHAT other dog trainer would do that...amazing!!) Here we are 2months later, and you would not recognize our puppy! He waits at doors, is calm in his kennel, sits nicely in the back of the car (I NEVER thought that would happen!), and is getting his ""stay"" down like a pro! Bottom line: there is NO way we could have kept our dog without Shawn's help. Shawn prevented one more dog from ending up back at the shelter, because of inexperienced owners. I really felt hopeless about our situation, until I called Canine Country. It will cost you nothing to give Shawn a call, and just talk with him to see if his methods are right for you, and it will be a HUGE relief to you, if your dog has behavioral issues like mine. FINALLY! someone that can really help!! I am a believer, Shawn is nothing if not completely helpful, knowledgeable, and he has your dog's best interests in mind at all times, which is exactly why our shelter sent us to him straight away! more

I have known Shawn Riley for several years, I have taken my dog here for boarding on numerous occasions, plus I am enrolled in the lifetime training course which is a phenomenal value. The knowledge, integrity, and willingness to help is outstanding. Don't take other reviews at face value, getting both sides of the story is imperative! The philosophy is amazing and works wonders. I would recommend this place to everyone. At least call and see what you think. more

Owner used a shock collar on my dog. Abuse left her injured and infected. When my wife picked her up she had to take her straight to the vet. Had to take owner, Shawn Riley, to court to recover vet bills. Pros: If you hate your dog, this is an excellent place. Cons: Having to take your dog straight to the vet is a real drag. more