Positive K-9

05/05/2008 Posted by enbudd

I must say I wasn't sure what to expect from our first training experience (also our first dog), but I was beyond pleased with the services of Positive K-9. The grounds and facilities are absolutely breath taking. I have never been a fan of boarding, but this is seriously a paradise for dogs! Upon arriving I was immediately put at ease by the serene environment and can only imagine that all dogs visiting feel the same way. Melissa was a dream. She was thoughtful, educating and personable in our consultation and was very honest that we would only need one session to accomplish our goals. This display of business ethics really impressed me, as she easily could have "raked us over the coals" by recommending unnecessary time with her team. And she was right! After one lesson my dog has been utterly changed. She listens, comes when called, and has calmed down tremedously. She no longer jumps on our guests, or makes visitors unomfortable with her unbridled, puppy energy. Everyone that visits our house has noticed the over night change and is very impressed by the efficiency in Melissa's training. I highly recommend Melissa's services and would not second guess recommending any of my friends and family to Positive K-9. It is well worth the wait and the money!

Pros: Honesty, integrity of the trainer; Beauty of the location; Care for their craft

Cons: Long wait to get in

04/01/2008 Posted by LindaReid62

We have used both the training and boarding services, and are always delighted with the results. What is really important is that when we are pulling in the parking lot our dogs can not wait to get out of the car to go in! When we arrive to pick them up they are happy to see us,but would be just as happy stay there and play. THANK YOU for giving our "kids" a great place to stay. Your business is very much loved and respected in the community.

03/27/2008 Posted by annmason

My dog was trained by Melissa when he was just a year old. Everything about Positive K-9 and Creekside Resort is just fabulous. Therefore when I read the diatribe by Jose Whoever, not a real name I don't think, I was somewhere past furious. If he has a problem, why can't he address it with Melissa or Rob? What is the point of writing this? Oh wait, could it be because none of it is true? Jose, stand up like a man (or woman), speak your piece using name that could be responded to. Obviously your mother didn't take YOU to Melissa for training. She should have. Toby has starred in the Rochester Children's Theatre production of Wizard of Oz, playing to a packed house for every performance. He is now a certified therapy dog, TDI, is a hospice volunteer and also visits the elderly at nursing homes. He came with a sweet temperament, and Melissa took that raw material and turned him into the perfect dog. I visited lots of places before choosing Melissa. She out-Cesars Cesar! And the facility is clean, well staffed, offers frequent walks and outdoor play times, is in a beautiful and safe setting, and is just completely wonderful. But go see for yourself. Tell them Toby sent you. Pros: Great training, great atmosphere, great people Cons: Absolutely NONE.

03/25/2008 Posted by RichPappert

My wife and I just had our third Cocker Spanial trained by Positive K9. We have known Melissa and her staff for over a decade. We have referred neighbors, co-workers, and other family members to Melissa over the years for training as well as boarding. It is a one of a kind facility! We would trust no one else with our dogs. As for the comments from the "client' who was not satisfied with the results. Sounds a bit shady to us. My family and I have been to the facility dozens of times [some unannounced ] -not only have we found it to be spotless inside and out .Melissa is always hard at work with her training dogs. At the end of each residency program there is a very detailed, and through demonstration of your dogs training done right before your very eyes. Each time we have picked our dogs up from this program we bring our video camera to tape this lesson, because it is AMAZING to see the metamorphosis. We have watched Melissa be a teacher to dogs and a mentor to their families. There is simply no way to "mislead" any owner with this training. It sad to see a review such as that about a business who's kindness and knowledge has saved countless dogs over the years.My experience was phenomenal, and remains so. As they say,the pleasure has been distinctly all mine.

Pros: The only training your dog will ever need!

Cons: none

03/19/2008 Posted by JacknBella

Dobermans are very energetic, loyal, loving dogs. I knew this because I spent time researching the breed and selecting a breeder. What I didn't know was my "training" of them was exactly the opposite training that they needed! When I decided to bring a second Doberman into my house, I thought, " this time the dog will be better, I know more now". Well, again, another mistake. I tried many trainers in the area and nothing helped my 1-year-old Bella. I was going out of mind everyday, that is until Melissa and Positive K-9. She stayed at Creekside resort for training with Melissa for 2 weeks. Before training Bella ran our household. I never thought I would be the type of person to consider putting a dog up for adoption, but I was running out of hope. Melissa changed all of that. She not only taught Bella her place "in our pack" she also spent time teaching us our "place" as the "pack leaders". Bella is not a new dog-she is just a better member of the family. Melissa has been great after her training as well, answering questions and seeing us for our follow-up lessons. She has helped us ensure Bella's success. Along with Bella's amazing training- we also had a few lessons with our dog Jack. He needed what I would call "refresher training". Melissa trained Jack and us on an e-collar. It was an immediate improvement-IMMEDIATE! Jack listened and in turn Jack was awarded the freedom that dogs so desperately need and deserve. The collar is a lifesaver and Jack is getting so great at listening he won't need to wear it much longer. Now we can go to the park, let our dogs be dogs, and not have to panic every minute of the day that our dogs might not listen and have an accident. We are so much happier and Jack and Bella are now too-they get to run, play, jump, swim, and be happy dogs! I can't say enough about Melissa, Rob, and the staff at Creekside. Don't waste money on group classes like we did-come here and get the personal attention you and your dog need!

Pros: personal service, caring, professional, dogs get A TON of activity!

Cons: have to book in advance because there is such a demand for training/boarding

03/17/2008 Posted by JeanineCurisso

I can never thank you all enough for complete transformation with our recent rescue dog. We still can not believe that this is the dog we brought to you ten days ago. We were so upset at the thought of having to return this dog to the shelter.Melissa and her staff gave US the training and the confidence to make this work. As for "Josesmith23" - We interviewed several local trainers ,and did quite a bit of homework. We talked to dozens of people[who went through this program], as well as our Vet. We never heard one comment that supports your claims. [Also,the employee shirt that you spoke of-perhaps he was a visitor because every time we have been there the staff is in uniform.] Melissa is very clear about making sure owners understand that Positive K9 builds a foundation for you to continue at home. We will forever sing her praises!

Pros: Lifetime of free private lessons!

Cons: We were on a waiting list to get in.[worth it!]

03/15/2008 Posted by rmaher12

Having just read the response from "Joe Smith" I felt compelled to respond. With regard to cleanliness, especially, I have visited every single boarding facility including the new chain hotel and would not even consider taking my dog anywhere else. I have had Melissa and Brian train 2 of my dogs and would recommend them highly. I have been thoroughly impressed during my interactions with the assistant that "Mr Smith" refers to. Brian's resume includes dozens of awards for winning field trial competitions with his champion Labrador retriever Bree as well as years of practical behavioral training. Even a brief conversation with him will show this. Brian knows dogs! As a part of the Positive K-9's board to train program "Mr Smith" should realize that he has a lifetime of private lessons to correct any issues that may need work. That is precisely why I chose them. " A big act" as "Mr Smith" refers to it could not be ,again, farther from the truth. The facility rightly boasts 7 acres of field and trail walks in addition to a 1/2 acre "Fenced" in area where my dogs safely play when they board. The bottom line for me is that my dogs are my life. In choosing a trainer I am fortunate to have the ability to send them anywhere in the world. I chose Positive K-9 and the results have been outstanding. They have changed my life. In the event that "Mr Smith" has issues with the services that have been provided I suggest that he take them up directly with the staff of positive K-9 directly, they have always gotten back to me. They even brush up their training when they board at no charge. Melissa, Brian and the Resort staff are consummate professionals that have devoted their lives to the training and caring of our family members. I am confident "Mr Smith" that were you to contact them directly it would be far more productive rather than to lurk on the internet. I will not travel lest my beloved four legged friends are in their care! That says a lot about the big picture...

Pros: Attentive and caring staff! Especially Crystal! Playtime included in price

Cons: Need to book far in advance as they seem to always be booked.

08/17/2007 Posted by rottiesrule

We found Positive K-9 on the internet, and set up an appt., hoping to get some control of our 2 large rottweilers. Our first impression of Melissa and her facilities was “WOW”. Both are breath-taking. After the initial consult, my husband and I were both amazed to see the immediate change in our dogs after a couple of minutes with Mellissa. Her ability to not only communicate with our dogs but also with us, led us to a better understanding of what is needed to ensure a healthy, happy relationship for us and our dogs. Melissa was kind and gentle, with both the dogs and us. Like Ceasar Milan, she believes in the “Exercise, Discipline, then Affection” guidelines. We left knowing that we needed to provide an appropriate amount of exercise, and calm, assertive leadership. We were both on the same page, and anxious to start working as a team to make our pets the best they could be. It was reassuring knowing that Mellissa was only a phone call away. Her training worked – wonderfully! We returned a few weeks later for a second session, and I’m not sure who was more excited as we drove down the driveway – us or the dogs. We all viewed Mellissa as a wonderful friend. Our dogs no longer bring us frustration, but much joy. They are very well behaved. Melissa’s pure love and dedication for dogs is enormous. We feel so privileged to have had the chance to be mentored by Melissa. When we go away, we board our dogs at Creekside Resort, the affiliated doggy B & B run by Rob. He is also wonderful, and we leave, knowing that our dogs are enjoying the vacation as much as we are.

07/12/2007 Posted by sweetbella

Melissa was great with our dogs. We had not been to training before with previous dogs, but thought it would be a good idea to start out on the right foot with our two new pups. I couldn't believe how quickly and how well the dogs responded. I feel like we just saved ourselves years of frustration in only the first couple of weeks! Very highly recommended.

Pros: caring, gifted dog training

Cons: absolutely none at all

07/04/2007 Posted by abmarina

My wife and I have owned Bulldogs for over 25 years.We have always brought our dogs as young pup's to a traditional group class for socialization.We enrolled "William" in a puppy class,and were shocked at how out of control he was in the presence of other dogs and even people.The trainer became frustrated with how disruptive and aggressive our dog was in the class,and had suggested that we seek training elsewhere.After making several phone calls,we were invited to join another group class.The trainer assured us that he would be more then able to manage "Wiliam's" behaviors/tantrums.After only 2 classes we were asked to leave.We were told that" William" was one of the most difficult dog's that they had ever seen.What made this situtation so frustrating for us is that we were willing to do what ever we were told to help him,however no one had any answers as to how to help us. By this time he had become aggressive with us,as well as our cats.Our vet's office had givin us the information to contact Melissa ,the owner of Positive K9.After evaluating "William" [and us],she felt that the best option was to have "William" Stay with her at her lovely Dog Resort for a few weeks for some intensive training.It was the best thing we could have ever done for him.the results were truly amazing.He is calm,focused,and a joy to be around.She cares so much about her work and it shows.We have a life time of free lessons with her,so that she can continue to work with us.We will never forget how she changed our lives.A thousand thanks to you Melissa!!!!!!!

Pros: The best we have ever seen!

Cons: A bit of a wait,but now we know why.