Trish R.
Poor Puppy (up dated)
Luca's (six month old 9 lbs. puppy) time with the trainer was less then I expected. I contacted Dogwise Academy because I was having a time issue with being able to house train him. The trainer asked me questions about was he allowed on furniture and we talked about my planning to install a doggy door. I received a few videos of Luca's training and he was doing pretty good with basic commands. The trainer moved locations while Luca was with him. I was not given this information until pick up. I figured it should be okay since Luca seems to travel well. When Luca was dropped off we went over the basic commands and Luca seemed to follow most. But used the house as a bathroom same as before he left. I asked the trainer about it and his response was that he kept him in a create when not training, so he is still not house broken. I am having to deal with this and keep him created when I am at work. The night before drop off I was informed Luca had been bitten by a spider and his back leg was red and swollen a bit. The trainer mentioned that he was planning on clearing some of the brush from his new property the following week. Within a few days the back leg was worse and his front paw also started to swell. I spoke to The trainer and I agreed that a vet visit was in order. I'm in a small town and the vets were not available so I have to drive 90 miles to another city to have him seen. The trainer had said he would cover the vet visit, just call him and he would give his card over the phone. When I got to the Vet Luca had not been bit, but had fox tails imbedded in his feet. The vet said the only way to get them out would be surgery. I tried to call the trainer but no answer so I used the app to ask the DogWise Academy what the plan was. They said they were not responsible and that the trainer never told me he would cover anything. As of today 6/03/2024 I have not heard from the trainer, he hasn't even called to check on Luca. I know the trainer didn't expect a 1300 bill, but he should of replied to me and kept his word to at least help with the bill. So I am still working on house training and I am out a whole lot of money with little to show for it. I love Luca and he deserves to not be in a create all day. I told the trainer my plan was to have Luca trained as a Service dog for PSA. So it was very important to me that the house training happen and the property should have been cleared before the animals arrived. Funny if you give good reports on the trainer they don't have a problem with using their name, but say something not favorable and they flag your review. July 12, 2024 update: After my review Dogwise Academy has reached out and we are currently working to correct some of the issues with Luca's training. I had to housebrake him myself as I could not wait for them and this was not something we could do over a video. I have been able to meet with the trainer in person yesterday and we are working together. Hopefully things will progress well in the near future. UPDATE AUG. 2024 I have been working with the trainer with one in person and a few virtual seasons and have sent videos of me working with Luca. The trainer has been able to give me some good advice over the past few months and things are better. I am looking at a life time of love with my Luca and have managed to get his behavior and training to a manageable state with the help of the trainer.