Hal Wheeler School For Dogs

Les Elfenbein

2024-01

Hal Wheeler's is the best! I wholeheartedly recommend this pet care facility without hesitation. I trust them with every aspect of care for our guy; from day care, to overnight boarding, training and finally grooming. Mike and his team are experts in every aspect and treat my guy as if he were their own. In addition, I like the fact that they are selective about the breeds that they will take; and that all of the dogs have separate kennels within the facility. I highly recommend Mike and the "Hal Wheeler's team"!

William Clark

2024-03

Our German Shepherd who is 6 years old has been trained by Mike and has been boarded at Hals since she was 1 year old. Mike and his staff are extremely professional, nice, and caring to the dogs that are brought there. When we go away and unfortunately can't bring her with us there is not a single other kennel that I would entertain bringing her to except for Hals. When it comes to our dog Layla we want to know that when we are not with her, she is with people that we have complete trust in to take care of her the way we would at home. That is why we will always use Hals and no one else.

Mary Ann DeCarlo

2024-03

My dog had been to Hal Wheelers a few times for grooming but today was my first time dropping her off. My experience was awful. Mike is defensive and hostile. He spoke down to me, cut me off and belittled me for not knowing the proper grooming terminology. I left shaking and my biggest thought was if he could treat me this way how would he treat my dog?I was a small business owner for 17 years and have never left a review for anyone or anything before. However I felt like my experience needed to be known before other pet parents dropped their fur-babies into his care. I couldn’t have been more polite or nicer when requesting they leave my dog’s hair a little longer on top and to not give her a traditional schnauzer beard. Mike got extremely defensive and basically lost it on me saying she always gets a terrier cut, that he breeds schnauzers and has had dogs at Westminster. Then he started blaming my dog because she’s a mix and her fur is difficult. I wasn’t challenging his expertise, complaining or even being rude. I just wanted a bit of a different cut for her. Nothing fancy or complicated, just a little off the sides and longer on top. I tried to deescalate the situation and even apologized if there was a miscommunication but he just kept attacking. I wasn’t just uncomfortable. He made me feel unsafe and I ended up walking out with my fur-baby.My take away is that Mike is clearly in need of therapy and I wouldn’t trust him for a second with my dog.

Joseph Neville

2024-03

I have been going to Hal Wheeler's for years. Very professional and staff is exellent. My Rosie has been staying for years when I'm away on business or vacation. She was also trained at Hal Wheeler's and the outcome was amazing. Mike knows what he is doing and will always be honest with a client. Amazing place and I'm so happy I found Hal Wheelers when I did!!

Kristin McFall

2024-03

Hal wheelers is the only place we have trusted for boarding and grooming over the last 25 years. Mike and his staff have ALWAYS been nothing but professional and accommodating with our animals. Mike has been a trusted professional member of the community over the years. I have referred many friends and business associates to Hal Wheeler’s for all the services they provide and have gotten only positive feedback from them. I will certainly continue making referrals

Robin Gibson

2024-03

My dogs love staying atHal Wheelers. They get played with and they get attention throughout the day. No other dog business around has the experience and knowledge that this staff has. Great job! Thank you Mike.

Stephen Berge

2024-03

The staff is the best at Hal Wheeler's and my dogs always look great when they leave!!! They are very caring to all my dogs needs and take their time helping me make the best choices for my fur babies!

Lora Furbert

2023-11

We have trained all three of our dogs at Hal Wheelers School for Dogs and we have been totally satisfied with our results. First we had our Labrador, Prince, then Shadow our first Shepard, and our current German Shepard, Loki! Their training was excellent, my dogs listen and respond and walk on leash without distraction. I highly recommend Mike and his staff!!

David Gershman

2024-01

Love this place for boarding my dog as well as grooming. They are very reasonably priced. Mike the owner knows his stuff and has been in business for over 50 years…

Mike m

2024-03

We can’t thank Mike and his team enough for the excellent care they have provided to our animals. Everyone there is always friendly, professional and happy to answer any questions you may have.

Anthony Tucci

2021-05

Mike has so much dog experience, years of training and knowing all breeds. The staff is very professional and caring. I train and board my dogs at Hal Wheelers. My dogs are happy and clean when I pick them up. The training is second to none! I dont like leaving my dogs anywhere but I trust Mike and his staff. I highly recommend.

Angel Roman

2023-11

Don’t take your dogs here. My dog was rejected because he was too big and also he too much to handle. Than why are you training dogs. My dog needs help and they turns us away. Some older man with his coffee was by the desk, didn’t want to come up to my dog. He told me his girls won’t be able to handle my dog because he’s too demanding and big. Horrible people work there. All I wanted if my dog to get help. Please don’t go here. If I can give a zero star rating I would.

Janet Hubert

2023-05

The best groomers, boarding, training in NJ. My dogs pull me up the stairs to go for grooming. They are always pleasant and professional. 20 years now we have been customers. I never have to worry about my 🐶

Maritza Watkins

2023-05

My dog spent sixteen (16) days staying with Hal Wheeler. The staff was very professional and attentive to my dog. I called to check on her, and they answered the phone immediately (not an answering machine) and provided my dog's status. My dog returned home very relaxed. Friendly service is a great place to board your dog long term.

Stefanie H

2023-05

It’s extremely disappointing and frustrating that Hal Wheeler’s had accepted our frenchie for over 5 years for boarding and now suddenly they “won’t accept the breed”. Sure, some frenchies may have issues but mine has never once had a problem at the facility. She has stayed there countless times and we always got glowing report cards/feedback at the end of each stay. Apparently it’s an “insurance issue” but why isn’t this an issue at other facilities? Clearly they are choosing to make these limitations on certain breeds. It’s a shame because I’m positive that they are losing a lot of business because of this and they have certainly disgruntled many previously happy customers. Shame on them…

Brian Stellingwerf

2023-05

Love taking my dog to Hal Wheeler for her haircut - the atmosphere is great for my very scared puppy and they do a wonderful job with her haircuts! Highly recommend - they are extremely accommodating, even with me scheduling just the day prior for a haircut.

jesse V

2023-05

Update: As you can see this business owner doesn't have any class to respond to a review. It is quite pathetic that a person who allegedly trains dogs won't board a pit bull mix. If they are unable to babysit one of the most common known household pets than you probably should avoid their bargain "34.95 boarding special" they have advertised outside their property. You are better off finding a reputable and professional place to board or train your petWon't take my dog breed and won't do a meet and greet (boxer/lab). Must not be capable of what they claim they are. Not much else to say other than that the gentleman who answered the phone wasn't friendly and seemed bothered about a potential new customer.

K. M. Long

2023-05

I am confused and disappointed. We had always boarded our dogs here all through their lives. We have also boarded our cats here. When we adopted (only1 dog now) Jasper who is a 7 year old, 70 pound lab mix with heinz 57 heritage, we began boarding him at another provider because they provide open play, and Jasper does very well with that. Jasper is a terrific dog. He gets along well with other dogs, and people. He lived with our bossy Aussie mix until she died and he has lived with several cats. He shares the couch at night with our cat and us.We were hoping to board him with Hal Wheeler for a short 3 day weekend. I brought Jasper up to meet with Mike for an evaluation, at their request.Jasper was rejected - "not a good fit", "I don't want him here". I was shocked. I asked Mike for an explanation. None was given..."not a good fit". Mike was not very helpful to me, and not very personable.There are lots of other good places we can board, and that will accept Jasper for the great dog he is. We will not be returning to Hal Wheeler and that is a disappointment, because we used them for so many years. Something has changed at Hal Wheeler?

Noah Kim

2023-05

Don't go here if your pet has to take medication. They don't want any part of that. "Policy has changed." - HalI've boarded my dog here once before, for about a week, with zero issues. While I was there the first time, I had a conversation with the owner, Hal, and we talked about how my dog had to take medication for his anxiety, and that they had no problems with that, especially after meeting with my dog. I called today to book for boarding, and Hal said, "I don't want to take your dog, who has to take medication". Oh well. It is your business. How unfortunate.

D Foley

2019-05

I’ve boarded my dogs here and left assured that they were well taken care of. Their staff is very welcoming and friendly.I’ve also had my dog trained here, being he is a 200 lb English mastiff, I needed to be able to control him. Mike helped me to train my dog to be one of the most well behaved / trained dogs I’ve ever owned. I get compliments on his behavior when we’re on walks all the time.I would HIGHLY recommend boarding or training your dog here. They are by far the best around!Thanks Hal Wheelers!! 👍

Elmas Poshka

2022-05

I am an honest and practical person. So if you value that, my advice is such: if Mike likes you and your dog, you’ll have no problems. His fee is very expensive but his groomer does a good job. If after 4 years, he no longer wants you as a client because he thinks your 9 lb little mean dog is too much trouble, do expect problems. I was not warned that he would basically refuse his tech to handle my dog anymore despite her doing so for all of his life. This has put us in a very bad position since it’s hard to find a good groomer that will take a difficult dog at this time of year. I’ve been a responsible owner and always made sure he was sedated to make sure that he was harmless to anyone, especially after one bad incident at the hands of Hal Wheelers. But he was definitely rude and unprofessional to tell us he wouldn’t allow his tech to handle him anymore because he couldn’t risk her getting bit, which he has never done to her in all the 4 years that we paid him his expensive fees. He didn’t even have the decency to return my call so I could ask for a one time goodbye grooming since he needed it so badly. He had his front receptionist handle the “situation “. Very unprofessional judgement and disappointed to be handled so poorly.And NO Mike, he not menace to society. He’s a scared little dog who was doing well with his tech..I was always asking how he was..and was never told he had bitten anyone or that your tech was afraid of him. You saw him scared and upset ONCE because your shampoo caused ulcers in his corneas (cost me $500 in vet bills) and you determined he was a ticking time bomb. Even his vet thought your reaction was unjustified. You are just a JERK.

Piera Accumanno

2023-06

Hal Wheeler's is the best kennel in NJ. Roomy suites for each pet, options for additional one on one pet playtime, and a super clean environment makes it an enjoyable experience for every pet.

Ryan Woodman

2023-05

Worst experience of my life at a boarding facility. The receptionist gave us the looks like oh we have some brown people here with their German shepherd. Then the boss who is extremely grumpy walks in and in 5 seconds says we can’t keep your dog . Again giving us that male Karen vibes cause we don’t look like them . Horrible people and I’m glad we were rejected I would hate my dog staying there for even 5 minutes . Wasted our entire morning with these useless staff

Siobhan Wolohan-Diss

2021-05

Always a great experience going to Hal Wheelers. We signed up for training our dog Charlie, who, is a very skid-dish dog from her background, she is a rescue, now she goes on the leash and sits and stays and walks with us. Mike and his team are excellent. We highly recommend Hal Wheelers!

Christian Campos

2023-05

I tried to get my dog trained there….. as soon as I got inside with my puppy which at the time was 3 months old I was interrupted by the secretary or whomever she was to tell me that they could take my dog because of the breed, then I asked her if she knows the breed and she replied that she didn’t know but they couldn’t take it because the insurance didn’t allow it.The I told her that my dog wasn’t a pit bull but she said they couldn’t take him.Save yourself sometime and don’t bother going there.

jaclyn Walker

2023-05

Best boarding and training for our GSD. Trust them unequivocally, Mikes the best! Thank you Hal Wheeler for always being there for us!

Donna Pazos

2023-07

Hal Wheelers is the best! They take great care of your dog and are helpful and caring. My dog loves going there.

Daria Scott

2019-05

I have been nothing but pleased with my experiences here. It’s easy to make appointments, I know my dog will be well taken care of, and the staff is super helpful. I also like that I can walk my dog into Hal Wheelers knowing that it’s a safe atmosphere and there won’t be any aggressive dogs around.Notice all the negative reviews come from pit bull owners. I’d bring my dog here for the simple fact that they DONT accept pits. 😉

Susanna De Bel

2018-05

So happy with Hal Wheeler School for dogs! I am a first time dog owner and I was very apprehensive about trying to train my puppy and worried about the transition. I have an odd work schedule so I couldn't do the group sessions. We have done 1 on 1 sessions that work with my schedule and I can't say how helpful it has been! My puppy still has plenty to learn, but the tools and methods I have learned have helped so much. I always get compliments about how well behaved she is, but if I hadn't found this place I'm sure she would have been wild. Thank you so much! I am telling all my friends to try the obedience school here. It really is such a great investment.

Akshay Deshpande

2022-05

Great place for boarding dogs. We boarded our Husky here for a week when we went on a vacation this summer. Also had her groomed here. We were very happy with their services. Definitely recommend to other pet owners.