Quail Run Kennels

My husband and I recently adopted our 4-year old pit bull from a shelter. It is very difficult for me to understand why people dislike this breed so much. They are misunderstood and my dog is not an exception. We don’t know the details but that her history is not a positive one. She was rescued from really deplorable conditions. The shelter warned us that she was aggressive towards other dogs. Yet, that didn’t stop us from bringing her home. She is amazing with my 4-year old daughter whether she is in the presence of food, jumps on her, lays on her, and not once has she shown any aggressive reaction. However, we wanted her to be able to socialize with other dogs and finally experience the joys of being a dog herself. She is a part of our family and we wanted to help her any way we can. Honestly, I didn’t know what to make of Don’s 8-week on-leash obedience training course. I was excited and nervous. Her first day of class was pretty intense. We didn’t realize how deep rooted her aggression towards other dogs were. She is 75 pounds of pure muscle and that day her weight doubled. She was so uncontrollable that we had to be excused from class. My heart broke for her and I couldn’t hold back my tears. I thought it was over and that was it. But Don didn’t give up that easily and was determined to help her. The next few weeks of classes were extremely helpful from Don’s fun and comical way of teaching but also his great knowledge and understanding of dogs. A sense of humor is a must for this class! He tells you how it is and does not sugar coat anything. Because of her strength, thanks to Ed, he was always there when I needed him. Thank you so much, Ed! Pat is just as wonderful. I was well aware that a few people were uncomfortable. At times I found it difficult coming to class, as I did feel somewhat ostracized from other dog owners because of her aggression and breed. I do understand seeing her in that state could be terrifying, but Don always made sure she trained from a safe distance. If she got a little out of hand we sat on the side and waited for class to end, as it was only fair to the rest of the clients. Then he would take some time to show us the lesson for that day. Don was so patient with her. Not once did she try to bite or show aggression towards Don, Ed, or me while being corrected. On several occasions he was kind enough to set aside separately to explain what a wonderful and great dog she is, except for that one problem. Realistically, 8 weeks of training will not get rid of her aggression but now we know how to control it. Many people ask why do we even bother? It’s a hard question to answer. I guess only a pit bull lover would understand. Everyone deserves a second chance, even our four-legged companions. She’s a work in progress and we will continue to rehabilitate her using Don’s techniques. We appreciate you educating others and negating the fears of this beautiful breed! You never gave up on her and neither will we. When others doubted us you gave us hope, Don. Thank you so, so much!!!!!!!!! more

I just completed Don's 8 week on-leash beginner's class with my black lab who just turned two. When I signed up for the class, I didn't really expect miracles - just a dog who would be a little easier to manage on a leash. After just 8 weeks, he is like a different dog. We are walking virtually "hands free" in my neighborhood and with almost no resistance at all in public places. Don is an extremely knowledgeable, intuitive, experienced trainer. He trains the humans - not the dog and while he is an assertive leader, he throws in so much humor, he has everyone laughing. This class is like a boot camp/comedy hour mix. Don really makes dog training enjoyable and we could all see the results very quickly. I don't want to forget to also thank his assistants who were supportive and encouraging every step of the way. I loved the one-on-one help that they provided. I will miss going there each Saturday morning but I am looking forward to the next class in September. Thanks so much, Don (and team). You are true motivational leaders! more

My dog was too exuberant and impossible to control. Through consistent positive correction and positive reinforcement he was transformed into fun pet. He is still exuberant, but under control. Quail Run made this happen. THANK YOU QUAIL RUN. more

I took my dog Cooper to Don's on leash course and absolutely loved it! My dog was abused/neglected as a puppy so he is very shy and I was worried about taking him to an obedience course for this reason. Don and his staff instructed me how to handle him and were very accomadating with various temperaments in the class as well. After the first week alone I saw a huge change in my dog both on and off the leash. He went from pulling me down the street to walking right by my side. My 6 year old cousin can even take him for a walk now without a problem. I would recommend Don and his staff to anyone knowing they would be pleased as well. I will definitely be attending the off leash course come September and would not take my dog anywhere else for obedience class. Don has taught my dog to respect me! Thanks Don, Pat and Ed !! more

I brought my dog, Dusty to Quail Run a couple of times for boarding. Don knew right away that he was a very good dog, but he had no training and was completely crazy on a leash. So we signed up for the 8 week class. By the end he was so well trained that my 4 year old can walk him down the street while the leash just hangs loosely from his collar. What an amazing change in a short amount of time! more

We're very happy that our friend referred us to Don's class. The training that happens is as much (if not more!) for the handler as well as for the dog. We saw a big improvement in our dog, who is "obnoxioulsly happy." So, so happy we took this class, and looking forward to more. Don, Pat, and Ed were wonderful with us, and really "got" our dog. Can't say enough good things about it--loved this class! Thanks for a great experience. more

Excellent dog training course. Not only does the dog learn but the handler learns as well. The 8 week course is the best way to have a well trained dog. more

My dog Allan and I are about to complete the 8 week on lead obedience course. I can't say enough good things about Quail Run, Don and his staff, they are knowledgable and attentive. They are quick to notice if you are having trouble with your dog during class and help you individually with seemingly endless patience. During this course, the bond between me and my dog has strengthened and (among other things) I can now walk him without being dragged down the street! Don is an amazing instructor and keeps the class entertaining. If you are serious about obedience training and can laugh at yourself, this is the course for you. more

I have four dogs Two are very old and deaf/blind. The next is a young very smart and naughty (watches Ceasar Milan to get ideas) Jack Russell and finally my fourth "Jack"ie, a medium/large rescue who came with some serious issues. The care given for each individual at the boarding is evident from the moment you show up until you pick up your happy pups at the end. The staff is incredible. Now the training. Literally it had changed Jackies life. She is becoming a dog who can accept the things that overwhelmed her. I get constant compliments on what a well trained dog she is from strangers. I feel so proud of us both and it is all because of Don's incredible insight into each dog. He has a basic program that is modified to work for individual problems. I cannot say enough good things. Even if you have a great dog that you want to have better communication with and raise the bar to awesome, sign up for classes at Quail Run. My only wish is that I had found them sooner! more

If your dog is anything like mine jumping all over everyone, bolting out the door, wasn't exactly warmed welcomed at my parents house due to his lack of obidence then Quail Run is for you. i rescued an 8 month old golden doodle who was not yet trained. I could't even walk my dog without him pulling me all over the place, his leash would wrap around my feet and yes, I have fallen down. I have made every excusefor his bad behavior whenever he pulled me towards the people he wanted to greet stating that he was "just a puppy." or "he gets so excited when he meets people" When I came across a man who had a dog younger then mine walking so beautifully at his side. My dog jumped all over everyone including this man and after a brief chat this man turned to leave. He then dropped his dogs leash on the ground , looked over his shoulder and shouted to me "Quail Run!" I immediatly called Quail Run expecting to pay any amount of money to have my dog walk like his.! I was surpirsed at how affordable Dons training is and I signed my boy up for the next available class. Don and his crew trained us, not our dog. With their expertise and instruction we learned that a dog needs constant training to learn what is expected of them. I will be honest at times Quail Run was hard to take and being an overly sensitive without children of my own, I treat my dog as if he were a little boy and not a pet. I admit that I did not correct my dog the way I was taught. For that I paid because My dog walks, behaves, & listens to my husband and not me. My husband never ever stops training him. Always did what ever Don and the crew expected of him. I am proud to say my boy just graduated the second advance class. I now know that correcting the dogs unacceptable behavior properly,immediately and consistancy has proven highly effective and our life with our boy who is not yet 2 years old has improved dramatically. We will all live Happily ever after thanks to Don & Quail Run. I highly recommend Quail Run! more

We have been bringing our dog here for many, many years and have never had a problem of any type. They are all truly animal lovers. We have highly recommended Quail Run to our family & friends who all feel the same. Our dog is getting on in age and they totally respect that aspect.. On our last trip even though the dog is excited about seeing us she still needed to say good-bye to Don. more

This was the first time we had to board our puppy and was very worried about getting her the care we give her. We were recommended by someone who worked at the Quail Run. We checked out the facility a week before we had to board Saratoga. They gave us a tour and answered all our questions. We were able to call an check on Saratoga while we were away. When we went to pick up Saratoga she was very happy, and Don showed us how to get her to stop jumping-I think we will need to take the training class (we have to be trained). more

My girlfriend and I have two dogs each and we want to merge them but she has small dogs and I have medium to large size dogs. The problem is my bigger dogs are very aggressive towards other dogs and as much as my dogs and I love each other Don made it clear that my dogs do not recognize my authority. Within minutes Don had helped me get my dogs respect and when we tried to merge the dogs for first time right in front of Don my dog was aggressive for a second and almost instantly was calm there is work to be done. But Don is a pro and showed instant results I am signing them up for obedience classes with him and my girlfriend as well maybe she can be trained too lol just kidding Don is the man!! Thank You more

I have used Quail Run for boarding and for Training. Don is the "dog whisperer". I have a New Foundland puppy who is "obnoxiously good natured" and difficult to control. Don was able to get him under control in under a minute without raising his voice. He spent time with my husband and I teaching us how to work with him, to make him obedient. We need more work, but i'm amazed at what a difference that short amount of time made. I highly recommend Quail Run. more

We have been using Quail Run for their training and kennel services since 2000. We have trained a German Shepherd, a Golden Retriiever and now a Chocolate Lab. They have all boarded at Quail Run and I wouldn't leave my pets anywhere else. Don is a kind, knowledgeable trainer who will give you honest, and effective information. Pat is wonderful with the dogs and is always willing to give suggestions and answer any questions. I have nothing but praise for these people and their facility! more

Don made himself avaliable to me,my hubby and our girl Luna he spent 2 hrs with us and did not charge us a penny. He listened to our concerns and gave us direction as to how to correct and what we may be doing wrong. He is Kind,Gentle,Assertive and Most of all Respectful to us and the Dog. I have 100 % confidence that he truly understands Dog behavior and look forward to Obidence training with him and his staff as well as boarding Luna. Don Thank you so much for caring enough to want to help us and ask for nothing in return you reputaition is ourstanding and I know no why. See you in March! Kent and Lisa Tyner. more

After several efforts, we finally called Don. Very honest and ernest about Quail. We are totally happy. Every time our dog arrives, he jumps out willing and happily. We trust everyone there is doing all promised and more. Everyone is just wonderful and a pleasure to deal with. Our dog comes home well fed (obviously), good health and clean. Since its a Kennel with separate spaces, it promotes safety and a healthy stay. We highly recommend. more

I have been coming to this kennel since 1991 for either dog training and/or or boarding. This is a clean, well kept professionally run kennel unlike some that I've seen. Don, Pat are very knowledgeable trainers/ dog people and are willing to answer questions. All of the staff seem friendly and genuinely seem to like dogs. My dog Cody walks right in and greets everyone and always seems happy to stay there. If you want you can bring your own food, or shampoo and they will use that instead of theirs. ( One of my dogs has dry skin so I prefer to use my own shampoo). more

great people and great care for your dog or cat more

Excellent!!! Would never attend any other dog obedience class after having been through this one!! Don Sterling and his team are second to none and their love of dogs is the driving force behind their high standards for dog training success. It was a pleasure for both myself and my dog. And I am confident that my dog will obey me, even in the most difficult of situations. Thank you Don, Patty and Ed, for peace of mind!!!\r Jessica Forti more