Palouse River Kennels

Asiya Salim

2024-04

I took my 1 year old Norwegian Elkhound named Stormi to the one month training program and had the best experience with John! Before, Stormi would jump up on people, pull on the leash, bark nonstop, and more. John is an excellent trainer and you can tell that he’s a seasoned professional. He gave weekly updates which included phone calls, pictures, and videos of how Stormi was doing. He taught her to heel (on or off leash), stay, come (in any situation), leave it, the “off” command, “quiet” command, and more! I just got back from my first walk with Stormi back home and wow! She followed all of the commands beautifully and I felt comfortable walking with her off leash and she heeled right at my side! She even behaved when we passed a bunch of cows. She would’ve been uncontrollable before going to work with John. I would recommend him to anybody and it was 100% worth the money.

M Arndt

2024-04

I got my lab puppy as an ESA. She made me more emotional than not. I emailed PRK about her actions, ie: leash pulling on walks, not obeying basic commands, etc. John spent probably an hour talking to me on the phone about her. I was amazed he would take the time to do that as other trainers I've used in the past never did. I signed her up for the month training program but I did board her for a day so John and his staff could be acquainted with her first ... course I had day long appointments and since she liked to chew holes in the furniture to take the stuffing out, I was reluctant to leave her at home. John trained her on the e-collar and she is a totally different puppy. She goes on early morning walks without the e-collar and she continues to do what she was trained to do. Many people have told me she is very calm, obedient, and I've always given them the fact she was trained by a very experienced trainer and where. The biggest dream and goal achieved was to be able to walk her off leash and let her wonder around the yard off leash. John made that dream come true. I am very happy with the results and would highly recommend John, his staff, and PRK for training or boarding their precious fur baby.

Justin C

2023-12

Very easy to work with, very clean and well kept kennels. Boarded my dogs there multiple times. They pay attention to any issues that come up and call me promptly. Good space, fast response times. They book up early around the holidays. Prices are pretty dang reasonable compared to Spokane. Will continue to board here.

Edith

2023-10

We took our GSP/ Lab mix to John so he could help us train our dog with an e collar and work with his recall. We spent 1-2 hours there and our dog was transformed! We can now play fetch with him in parks and know he will bring the ball back without distractions. We can confidently have him off leash and he stays close and is much more aware of us and less distracted. John also worked with “leave it” and it made a huge difference with his reactivity around some other dogs. I highly recommend John. He has lots of dog sense and understanding. It’s definitely worth the money to have such a well behaved dog!!

Sarah Jackman

2024-04

John Sykes at Palouse River Kennels is , without a doubt, the best dog trainer out there. Gauranteed:)

Gwen Anderson

2023-10

My two golden boys (Barney & Hank) have stayed at PRK and they do stellar care! Barney has thunderstorm anxiety and has vet prescribed meds for this issue. The PRK staff are great about treating him with his anti-anxiety meds if a storm comes thru the Palouse when he stays there! We so appreciate John & his professional staff!

Jim Fielder

2019-05

Our Lab/Husky mix Sadie has stayed at Palouse River Kennels several times. Occasionally an over night while we are away and more than once a 3 week stay while we traveled outside the USA. Three days ago we were getting ready to drive to Seattle to visit family, we planned to leave Sadie for an overnight stay. As I was loading her extra bed and food bucket into our pickup the night before we left, Sadie noticed and immediately knew we were headed the next day. Sadie was immediately in the pickup and ready to go, it took bribing with treats to get her back into the house to spend the night. The next morning she waited by the door for her ride out to the kennel. As we left the highway to go to the kennel, she started pacing in the back seat in anticipation to get to the kennel. Then as we started up the hill, the Husky in her started talking and letting me know she was happy. Sadie loves her time here and is always happy and delighted when we return. It's a great feeling to know she likes he surroundings and the staff while we are gone. Sadie is a beloved member of our family and we feel comforted that she has no issues with staying at Palouse River Kennels. The staff are friendly and always welcoming. Their bathing service is excellent too! I highly recommend Palouse River Kennels.

Stephanie S

2019-05

We have been boarding our dogs here since the kennel first opened, and we have had nothing but great experiences with the owner and staff. This is indeed the best kennel in the area. Our dogs have always been very well cared for and always seem excited when we take them there for boarding. One of our dogs is very elderly, and we are always kept informed on how she is doing while she is boarding. We bought a puppy last year and we were having behavioral issues with the puppy. John worked with her for half an hour and had her trained and responding to commands in no time at all. The owner and staff are always very professional and truly care about the dogs boarding with them. The kennels are kept clean and the dogs are exercised regularly. They always have plenty of water in their kennel and are fed properly per our instructions we leave with the staff. I cannot recommend a better place to leave your dogs!

Amy Browse

2015-05

I know John Sykes, the owner of Palouse River Kennels, on both a professional and personal level, and he is an extremely conscientious and upstanding individual. Palouse River Kennels is an outstanding facility, and I board my dog there frequently. I am a veterinarian, and I trust John's care of my dog without hesitation. If I didn't already live in Palouse, I would drive miles to board my dog with him. He is compassionate toward all animals and is very knowledgeable regarding their care. I know that Palouse River Kennels will continue to be the excellent boarding facility that it is because it is run by an owner with integrity.

K Olson

2015-05

I would like to comment on the review I just found posted about the Palouse River Kennels.The review does not appropriately reflect the professional manner in which John Sykes operates his business. John Sykes went to extraordinary lengths to immediately notify local authorities and neighbors of the missing animal. He even offered, at his own expense, to have the search take place from the air. It is unfortunate that the incident happened, but to make an attempt at damaging a business’ name and the integrity of the owner, is a brutal act.My dogs have been kenneled at John Sykes facility almost once a month in the past year. When I first moved to the area, I tried other kennel facilities and found that my pets were placed in small quarters at a high price, and they were apprehensive to leave my side.At Palouse River Kennels, my dogs feel like it is their second home. They are greeted with compassion from an owner that thoroughly loves animals. It is not just a business for him; the animals are part of his everyday life. When I leave my dogs with John and staff, I am confident of the care – far beyond being fed and watered.If you want a clean, safe, and happy home away from home for your pet, then you will love Palouse River Kennels!

Steve Edburg

2019-05

Clean, friendly and great with pets - you will not find a better kennel. We started boarding our dog with Palouse River Kennels about seven years ago. John has also helped with training over the years for upland game hunting and obedience. He is an excellent trainer and has a unique perspective on training methods from his background in Psychology and falconry. The Kennel has always been clean and our dog has always been excited to see John and staff. We’ve since moved about three hours from the Palouse and have tried a few local Kennels but have left disappointed with each. For extended boarding we plan on making the three-hour one-way trip to Palouse River Kennels. You will not find a better Kennel.

Laurel Bake

2020-05

I just scheduled our annual summer vacation boarding with John at Palouse River Kennels and wanted to hop on and leave a review about why we keep coming back. It is worth every single penny to know our dogs are safe and well-cared-for in such a clean and secure facility. The staff is professional, super easy to work with, and communicative. My only complaint is that my dogs wind up having swankier vacation accommodations than I do. Thank you to PRK for maintaining such a fantastic facility!

P F

2018-05

He gave us outstanding service. They are very knowledgeable of how to take care and train dogs. They were even very patient and good at communicating to us how to apply the training to our everyday life. After the training, we are better able to understand how our doberman thinks and acts as well as deter negative actions. This has helped us build a stronger bond between us and our dog. We are now enjoying our walks everyday! No more pulling and jumping on people! We highly recommend Palouse River Kennels!

Drew Clements

2021-05

We had a great experience with PRK! 5 years ago John mentored me while I self trained my labrador for hunting. This time around, I was finally in a position to send my Brittany, Remi, to them for their Bird Dog Training program. John was always responsive and timely even in the COVID environment!After Remi completed training, he spent a couple hours working with my wife and myself on pickup day to understand the training and what we need to do.After the summer, we had our follow up tune up and John again worked with me to help the training and to do one more hunting session with birds. It was great to see her work, too bad it was so dang hot that day and she quickly got too warm. We took her out the next day to a game farm (much cooler) and she performed so well! A few puppy mistakes early, but she crushed it after we worked through those! A huge thanks to John and the PRK staff for taking such good care of our pup! Can't wait for the hunting season in 2 weeks!

John Casarez

2018-05

John and Ryan are great trainers, honest, upfront and straight shooters! Very knowledgeable with how to care for and train dogs. They are great people and do great work.My German short haired pointer "Finley" is dialed in and ready to rock for bird hunting. Throughout the whole training they were very attentive on my pup, and followed up with informing me the process throughout the month. Finley had a problem of jumping on people and counters before going in to the kernels. John and Ryan were easily able to correct her of this, all while staying I track with the bird training.John and Ryan also do great work with making sure the training follows through with the owners. To accomplish this, they have great: ATTENTION TO DETAIL, ADVICE, AND FEEDBACK. John and Ryan were able to patiently and intuitively guide my girlfriend and I, through the process of commanding our gsp at the follow up appointment. All of this comes back to them taking great pride in their work.Highly recommend this kennel for any needs you might have with your dog!

Dustin Aherin

2015-05

I have been boarding my dog with Palouse River Kennels and John Sykes for over 5 years now and have been nothing but highly impressed with every aspect of his operation. Everything from the size of the individual kennels which includes individual access to the outdoors, the twice daily moving to the grass exercise yard, and the legitimate passion John and his kennel hand has for these animals is the reason I drive the 100 miles from my house to this kennel when I need boarding. I have boarded my dog for extended periods, sometimes up to a month at a time, without any troubles at all and to this day Clarabell seems to enjoy her time there.I would, and have done so many time, recommend Palouse River Kennels to anyone who loves there canine family member as much as I do mine.

Amber Wicks

2018-05

Last month we took our German Shepherd here for one month of training. The dog we dropped off was NOT the dog we picked up! We were seriously at our breaking point with her, but didn't want to rehome her, and John came to the rescue! She still likes to see how far she can push every now and again but the work he put into to make her a much better dog was worth Every. Single. Penny! I highly recommend him, and we have already signed up our young lab to take the same course. We can't thank him enough, not only for the training, but for taking such wonderful care of our girl. You can tell both him and his staff enjoy what they do, and we very much appreciate every bit of it!!

Tiffany Moler

2016-05

Every time we have to leave our four legged family members we are thrilled to use Palouse River Kennels. John is so great with the dogs, the facility is so clean, and our dogs are always so well taken care of. It really helps when you don't have to worry about their care. I would recommend this kennel to anyone.

darcie k

2020-05

Absolutely brilliant! Our family is so grateful for John and his expertise, skill, patience and understanding of training. We happily drove 6 hours across the state for boarding and training from the best around, and will do it again! John worked wonders with our reactive, strong willed, anxious rescue pup. Hands down 5 stars!

James Hug

2019-05

John of Palouse River Kennels is very professional and passionate about dog training. John trained my American Brittany for upland hunting. I couldn’t have asked for a better service. John really dialed in Lu and developed an excellent upland birddog. She will point, retrieve to hand, whoa, heal, and is whistle/e-collar trained as well. Lu and I racked up 20 hunting days last season. We were able to hunt pheasant, quail, and chukar. Her natural point was solid, but her ability to retrieve was absolutely killer. I hunted along many other experienced dogs and hunters this year, and Lu outshined many of those dogs. She brought nearly all birds to hand (not too bad for a Brittany). Again, John is very professional and works hard to provide a quality service. I highly recommend Palouse River Kennels for all your dog training and boarding needs.

Tami Southern

2019-05

We have been using Palouse River Kennels for our Great Dane since she was only about a year old, she is now almost 9. John has always been so good with Macie, and us. She gets excited the instant she we turn down the dirt road that leads to the kennel. John has always gone out of his way to make her stays comfortable. We've had to extend her stay last minute some times, and John has always accommodated our request. Macie loves John and his staff! Now that she is older, she is on medications, and has a more strict eating schedule. The staff makes sure she takes her meds, and eats at the appropriate times for her sometimes sensitive tummy. This is the only place I would trust to take my girl to. So happy to have facilities like this close to home, and that care so much about our four legged family member.

Benjamin Richardson

2020-05

Our dog is very pampered and so I was initially worried she would not have a good time, but she had such a great time. She was taken on a lot of great walks and she even got a bath before she we picked her up. The staff was so nice and caring with our gal. They even sent us pictures and periodic updates on how she was doing. Highly recommend.

Bethany Richards

2020-05

The first boarding experience for both my dog and me and could not have been HAPPIER! Twice daily individual dog play time - my pup doesn’t even get that on a normal day at home! Super clean facility and friendly team members. Sad to be leaving the Palouse and this wonderful facility behind!

Paige Stephens

2018-05

Hands down the best trainer I've ever got to meet and work with! He trained our pup in hunting and obedience in a short time with such successful results. He takes the time to train the dog while creating a bond with them to make them feel comfortable, I'm so happy with our results of our dog. Thank you John and Ryan!

Jason W. Barnes

2015-05

Palouse River Kennels lost my dog. They didn't even post flyers to help look for her -- "sorry" they said. We finally got her back after 15 days of our own extensive effort, and lots of money spent. She came back nearly starved to death with $500 of vet bills to clean out the maggots infesting her wounds. Leave your dog with someone more responsible instead, like the 7-year-old next door.

Ray Mcculloh

2023-05

Your dog will be well taken care of at this facility, the kennels are very clean and the staff are very professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. I will be using the services at Palouse River Kennels next time I go on vacation.

Sandra Rumney

2018-05

Our dog Spartacus had never been to a dog kennel before and he is not very good with change. Spartacus and I looked at different kennels and he chose the Palouse River Kennels. As soon as we got out of the car, he walked right up to Ryan to be petted. Throughout the walk, Spartacus kept wanting Ryan to pet him. That told me this was the place. I couldn't have been happier. Spartacus is a very old dog and doesn't always eat well. When we came to pick him up 10 days later, he had gained weight and was in very good spirits. There is not question in my mind that Spartacus was treated with love and respect. Thank you for taking such good care of our dear friend Spartacus.

Corina Ritter

2019-05

Literally the only place I will take our dogs. The peace of mind knowing they're so well cared for is worth every penny. The facility is immaculate and secure. I never have to worry about getting a call about one of our pups going MIA or something happening with another dog. The staff is friendly and accommodating and we have always had seamless drop offs and pick ups!

Jeff Igielski

2019-05

John and all the staff here are caring and knowledgeable, I am impressed and pleased and our dog Baxter feels safe and at home with them when we have to travel and can't take him along - Only praises from us for the great care; and remarkable obedience training we have experienced - 5 stars solid!

Sandy Rehman

2018-05

I would give them zero stars if I could. We did not have a good experience at all. When we picked our dog up she was panting so hard and when we gave her water she drank almost half a bottle. She peed for about 20 seconds when 5-8 seconds is usually the norm. To me she was either not comfortable going there or was not taken out to be given the chance to go. She pooped twice as much as she usually does which indicates again, she either was not comfortable going there or was not given the chance. When we got there and were shown where she was to sleep, the entire area reeked of urine and poop. There is no one onsite for most of the day and all night long. When we wanted to return to pick her up, no one was there at 3:00 in the afternoon. We left message on vm and received a call back and were told we had to wait until 4:30 to pick her up. I strongly do not recommend this kennel.