Verified Company
The years have blessed me with lots of experience with giant breeds, training, dog obedience trails and fun matches. Fast forward to my advancing age, military injuries and one of the strongest pups in the world, S. African Boerboel/Mastiff and I know I need help. Although my pup is perfect on our land, living up to his breeds expectations, he a giant Marmaduke in social settings, a real challenge to control him from meeting and greeting everyone. His size and strength makes him intimidating to strangers.
I bring my pup to interview the owner of Tactical K9 who explained that my dog would spend the day training and only be in the crate they provide during the staffs lunch and from 6pm until 6am. There was no other staff during this visit and all dogs in his care were in crates.
A few days before drop off for the 3 weeks of training in Tactical K9’s care I contacted him to secure a drop off time. He preferred I bring my dog early for him to have time to acclimate with the crate and staff. I delivered my dog at the time agreed (even sent a text an hour prior reminding him) only to find the owner in his pickup truck preparing to leave, saying he “forgot” and its fine to just put my dog in a crate that he would be back in 15 minutes. I declined as my dog has never been in a crate and said I would wait in my car w/my dog until he returns. 25 Minutes later he returns with takeout food and a small child. Again there is no other staff present and all other dogs are in crates and only addressed as “be quiet!, be quiet” as we bring in my dog and his supplies. My nagging feelings begin, but I have a plane to catch for the southern hemisphere and no other options at this late date. The owner does assure me that training videos will be sent via Whatsapp every 5 days. I look forward to the 5 training videos that never really materialized except for 2 only demonstrating things my dog could already do. Again, my dogs problem was approaching strangers for pet-athons in social settings, not walking past/playing with barn animals. After a few weeks of him not responding to my requests for the videos my daughter gets involved demanding proof of life videos at a minimum to prevent her from driving down from VA.
We agree on pickup time via Whatsapp just prior to my stateside return to include my training on the E-collar. He is not there, 2 women and a small child where in the driveway and mentioned he would be returning. Again all dogs were in crates. He arrives late, tells one of the women to walk the crated dogs and explains the e-collar to me. When I ask questions for clarification his responses are curt “You need to pay attention”. Additionally he takes 2 phone calls during our appt. Finally he says he will bring out my dog approx 20 feet from me and I can approach only if my dog remains stable by him. Wrong answer for a Mastiff! Instead of allowing for a meet and greet after 3 weeks absence to allow him to calm himself at seeing me he continually beeps/raises the infliction of discomfort on my dog until he is writhing on the ground rubbing the source of his pain. The trainer was only prepared with a prong collar and e-collar to inflict discomfort. No treats for potential good behavior. I’d had enough and took my dog at which he says “take your dog, if your not going to listen to me”. Nope buddy, I am ashamed that I listened to you as long as I did! His last words to me were, “don’t forget your have 3 additional trainings, if you want”. Are you kidding me? Bottom line, I don’t believe my dog was out of the crate long enough to fulfill the training promised, and if he was then the e-collar was used as a crutch for lazy training.
Reply from Tactical K9 Co
2025.10.17
Kate, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. However, there are several inaccuracies that must be addressed.
You were informed that dogs are crated overnight (8 PM–6 AM), during staff breaks, and between training sessions — this structure ensures safety and focus.
Your claim that we “forgot” your dog at drop-off is false; we did not immediately recognize you because we had only met once months prior. Dogs are given quiet commands as part of training for calmness and control.
At your evaluation, you stated excitement around strangers was the only issue, yet your dog dragged you toward livestock — showing lack of control that required focused training.
Your board-and-train lasted three weeks with updates every five days. The longest gap was six days, and your daughter even praised the videos as “phenomenal.”
You requested an early pickup, and we accommodated you at 6 PM Wednesday. When you arrived early, dogs had just eaten and were beginning evening potty rotations.
During your e-collar session, you appeared disengaged and attempted to skip steps. Proper handling order is vital for safe use. At no point was your dog shocked “into pain” — the collar was used minimally as a communication tool, not punishment.
Treats were phased out because your dog had advanced to verbal praise and affection for obedience. When he jumped and tore your shirt, you were asked to remain calm and follow safety instructions — when you refused to follow instructions you were then asked told to leave.
You also misquoted our statement about follow-up training. You and Mondo still have free lifetime refresher sessions available.
By the end of training, Mondo was performing all commands reliably and safely. We stand behind our program, methods, and results, and remain open to helping you succeed through your lifetime follow-ups.
— Tactical K9 LLC
