Spring Valley Kennel

Ellen Langrehr

2024-04

Linda and Sean are experienced hunting dog trainers. They were recommended to assist me with my 4 year old retriever who exhibited undesirable and potentially life threatening behaviors despite years of positive reinforcement training. These behaviors included bolting out of the car or house with no response to a recall. With a major change in my living situation looming, I was desperate for help to modify her behavior. If that had been unsuccessful, I planned to re-home her. I enrolled my dog in Linda and Sean’s 10 day “Boot Camp” training during which they addressed her lack of impulse control and willful, dominant streak. The use of a stimulation training collar was included. On pick up, my dog had a solid recall. Dominant behavior was reduced. I learned how to continue her training at home, including appropriate use of the stimulation collar. Linda offered follow up visits at their kennel or my home if I had questions or concerns. During the past 3 weeks, my dog’s response to the stimulation collar coupled with positive reinforcement for desirable behavior has been remarkable! She no longer bolts, her attention span has increased, counter surfing is significantly reduced and she continues to demonstrate a brisk recall. Additionally, she is less anxious and more relaxed. And she will be my companion as I start a new phase of my life. Thank you, Linda and Sean!

Cindy Sweet

2024-04

We had an amazing experience with Spring Valley Kennels. Our golden retriever puppy (13 months) was out of control and we were considering rehoming her. The 10 day boot camp with Linda was the answer! The e collar training is working great to help her walk, listen, follow instructions and stop ruining our home! I would recommend Spring Valley Kennel for all of your dog’s needs. The customer service was outstanding and they went above and beyond what was expected. I am so pleased with the service I received from them.

Michaela

2023-08

I brought my dog here for the first time to be Kenneled over a long weekend, as the place I normally take him was full and Spring Valley was recommended to me. There was nothing particularly wrong with the kennel, but I was not impressed with the service, and left feeling disappointed. It started with dropping my dog off on a Thursday afternoon, I had never been here before as mentioned and I had to drive up and down the road a few times as there is no sign posted at all stating where spring valley is, I had to rely on trying to see the address numbers on the mailboxes. Even once I pulled up to the building, there's no sign until you are about to walk in the door. There was a young man at the front desk who didn't really even bother greeting me, and just overall seemed like he didn't even want to be there. He looked up, and I stated I was there to drop my dog off for the weekend. He asked a couple basic questions, then said he would take him back. I stood there for a couple minutes as I wasn't sure if he needed anything else, and when he came back he just looked at me and said "that's all I need". The weekend of course passed without incident, but I went to pick my dog up Sunday morning, and was then informed that the facility only takes cash. The receptionist pointed out that there is a sign posted, as well as an atm, however, being a first time customer and not necessarily having time to look at all the various signs on the already cluttered counter, this was missed. As someone who works in customer service, it takes two extra seconds for the worker to inform the client at check in that only cash is accepted, and I'm sure many people would appreciate being told that. I've had my dog for six years and have taken him to a few different kennels. Having only been satisfied with a couple, I'm always nervous with taking him somewhere new. However, upon pick up, I was given absolutely no information on how he did, anything that happened, etc. Every other kennel I've taken him to has always given me a basic run down, especially after the dog's first visit, on how everything went. Especially with it having been an exceptionally hot weekend, knowing that he stayed hydrated and didn't stay outside for extended periods of time wouldve been appreciated in knowing. I got him home and started unpacking his food, and noticed that there was a LOT left. I always tend to send extra with him, just in case, but this seemed excessive. It's likely he didn't eat all of his meals in their entirety, but again, that's something that should be reported to me. Overall, as stated above, I was just not impressed and didn't feel like my dog was all that important to the staff that I interacted with.

Ellen Kratz

2023-05

WOW!! I can't believe that this is my dog! Flo just returned from Boot camp and I am so happy with all that she learned! For me the best part is she heels and doesn't walk me any longer and I can actually have people over at my house. Our family is so much happier having an 80 pound puppy that listens! I highly recommend Spring Valley Kennels!! Linda and Sean are amazing! Their staff is wonderful too! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

Erin Swenson

2020-05

We sent our 1 year old yellow lab rescue to the 10 day bootcamp. We could not be more impressed and happy with the results. It was money so well spent. I cannot believe what a difference there is with our dog. We are happier dog owners and I truly believe we have a happier dog as well. We learned so much from Spring Valley Kennel and recommend the bootcamp to all frustrated dog owners. We get so many compliments on how well behaved and obedient our sweet dog is.

Raquel Martin

2023-05

I was convinced our dog Minnie would never be trained and I’d lose my mind with two kids under 2. But I was in complete shock when we brought her home and she seemed like a brand new dog! Linda trained Minnie with such compassion and love which was important for a dog that was neglected and abused. Minnie now comes when she’s told, no longer barks at people walking by or walking up and doesn’t jump when guests arrive. Linda did a great job explaining how to utilize the e-collar for her to continue her good behaviors. Linda sent us updates and videos periodically which helped us be reassured that Minnie didn’t think we abandoned her. We liked them so much and we’re so impressed that we plan to make the hour hike to send her to doggy daycare a few times a week and will absolutely be using them for future kenneling. We’re forever grateful for Linda and Sean’s work and I would HIGHLY recommend them for anyone who needs their pup trained but don’t have the time to do it themselves.

Todd Fritz

2023-05

I highly recommend Spring Valley Kennel as a place to board and train your dogs. Sean and Linda operate a top quality facility. We’ve been kenneling our pets at Spring Valley Kennel for the past 13 years. Sean, Linda and their staff have provided excellent care for our dogs over the years. They are true professionals who have deep experience based on many years raising and training dogs. We trust them to care for our pets and know they are in good hands while they are there.

Katie Cardin

2024-04

My dog loves it here...both puppy day care and sleepovers. Highly recommend.

Jake Bryant

2023-05

We were almost at our wit’s end with our lovable but headstrong Rottweiler, Dottie, when we took her to Spring Valley Kennel for training “boot camp”. Dottie has been an excitable dog since we took her in at a year and a half, and while we came a long way with her on our own, there were still some issues we needed help with. She wound up staying a full 2 weeks while Sean and Linda worked with her on a range of obedience training. Their method is no-nonsense, stressing the need to exert dominance over your dog to maintain control at all times. And yet, they do this (and have taught us to do this) with a firm “tough love” consistency that doesn’t feel at all to be a negative experience for the dog. We were nervous about getting into shock collar training, but truly for a strong willed animal, I’m convinced this is the only way to gain confidence that your animal will listen and respond to you in critical situations. And Dottie seems generally happier after we made this switch. She knows what to expect from us and what we expect from her. It does require persistence, and we still spend time every day with her training. But what is especially fun is using the techniques Sean and Linda imparted to teach her new things. If you have a stubborn or strong-willed animal that you’re just not 100% comfortable with, I recommend you give Spring Valley Kennel a call to inquire about their boot camp program.

Gary Peterson

2023-05

Very experienced, professional staff in a beautiful facility. Our little spaniel learned so much in the 10 day boot camp and then we as his parents were taught to reinforce his new learning patterns. We highly recommend the professional and caring staff at Spring Valley Kennels and Training.

Amanda Koch

2023-05

We tried boarding my Border Collie at this place on a weekend when most boarding facilities in the Madison area were booked due to a large event in town. Thankfully, they had last-minute availability. The folks I spoke with on the phone and dealt with in person were all very nice. Unfortunately though, I was just not impressed with the care I believe my dog received. I took her potty upon picking her up and she peed so long, as if she hadn’t been relieved in a very long time. Her bed was also soaked with urine - she is never one to urinate on her bed. Then I was given back a bag of her food when I had given clear instructions to “keep her bowl full” (since she stayed two full days and eats late at night, she would have otherwise eaten both of these bags). These clues lead me to believe she was underfed and under-relieved. I had also paid for two play sessions but did not receive any report as to how they went, or just in general, how she fared with boarding. Last, please note that this place does NOT accept debit or credit cards - they are cash or check only. No one verbally told us this and we had to read it on a sign dated 2018 as we were dropping off. There is indeed a stark difference between “no frills” and poor service, and while I’m totally fine with the former, I’m not okay with the latter - especially when it comes to my dog’s care. Needless to say, we won’t be coming back to this place. I hope this feedback from a customer is considered by the kennel operators.

Glenn Gornie

2023-05

I've been to several kennels over the years and spring valley is by far the best. Shawn and Linda have literally made us feel like family. We have two dogs and one of them is very difficult to trim his nails but Shawn does it with ease. Amazing people amazing facility. Love them

Jason Thomas

2023-05

Sean and Linda at Spring Valley Kennel are wonderful with dogs of any kind. In 2010 I was lucky enough to get a german shorthair pup from one of Sean’s litters and I have been happily using their services ever since. My newest GSP is currently training for her natural ability test with Sean’s assistance and when boarding is needed this is the only kennel I’ll use. They have demonstrated their proficiency at Training many times and have 8 of their own versatile champions to show for it. I highly recommend each and every one the services they provide.

Brenda Moore Fritz

2023-05

Outstanding service and a very knowledgeable facility for the care of our pampered German short haired pointers as well as our little tea cup pup. Mobius, Maximus and Odie were cared for extremely well. We also have found the staff helpful for training tips and tricks. The staff is always friendly and very helpful. The facility is very clean and the staff have a genuine love for their clients. We highly recommend the services offered at Spring Valley Kennel. Brenda

Rachel Lawler

2020-05

We sent our 1 1/2 yr old black lab to their 10 day boot camp as he was in desperate need of obedience and manner training. When we got to pick him up, he was a completely different dog!!! It was super nice and convenient to spend an hour with him and the trainer learning the commands and how to continue to work with him to stay on top of his training. You can definitely tell they love what they do, and that your dog isn’t just a number. They spend as much time as they need to with them to make sure they come back home knowing all the commands and are better behaved!

Debbie Olinger

2020-05

Our 9 month old black lab was out of control. We decided to send her to the 10 day boot camp, really just hoping she would learn a few manners and some basic obedience. We were amazed at the progress Sean and Linda were able to achieve in such a short time. She's truly a different dog!! Not only did they train our pup, they took time to train us as well. That's such an important step. Thanks to Spring Valley Kennel--

penny morrison

2023-05

We had our 3 dogs kenneled from Saturday until Wednesday with the original intention that our large German shepherd had a large kennel separate from our husky and rat terrier as the German shepherd is very active and has a tendency to bull doze over our 12lb dog. When we got to the kennel, all 3 dogs were together, in one kennel. My little one was flinching and yelping when we held her in the car.When my boyfriend made the appointment for the dogs originally they asked about switching the German shepherd’s kennel to reserve space for other dogsand he said it was fine as long as she was separate. But that wasn’t the case. So they overbooked and couldn’t navigate that forcing us to pay for TWO kennels. We know what kennel we will NOT use in the future!!

Chris Zimmerman

2014-05

We have been taking our 2 huskies there for the last 3 years. The facilities are always clean and staff is great with out dogs. If you are looking for a kennel that will take good care of your dogs this is the place. The outdoor runs attached to the kennels are perfect in the summer so the dogs can be outside on their own. We have tried all the kennels in Madison with all the bells and whistle, Spring Valley is by far the best for value and care.

Laura Lieven

2021-05

The training bootcamp was perfect. Linda and Sean worked with me at the end of camp to help me learn how to train my dog. I have so much more confidence knowing I'm in control of my dog, and don't have to worry about how he will react when on a walk.Thanks for giving us a better relationship with our dog!

Dave Kreuser

2019-05

These guys are simply the best. They know what they are doing, and they take great care. Although we only board our dog 3 or 4 times per year, a few of the employees know my dog by name. And it's not like they just look at the schedule for the day to anticipate the name...I did an unanticipated unannounced emergency boarding pop-in. An employee said..."Teddy! I didn't know you were coming to visit!" Wow!!. And yes, they took Teddy with open arms with an unscheduled board. Simply the best.

Alayna Rose

2016-05

I love taking my dog here and she loves it too! I always leave with a happy, tired pup which is what I am looking for. This is definitely a top notch facility with expert caregivers. However, my leash has been misplaced more than once upon pick up however, I have always gotten it back on later trips. Will definitely continue to utilize this asset to the Blue Mounds area.

Pat Chesmore

2024-02

Very good with the dogs. Our dogs always appear happy.

Brian Ruchti

2017-05

Picked up my 6mo/8lb puppy and she had a shock/bark collar on her. Never received a call from owners or staff asking if it was ok to put one on her. In fact, it was never discussed as an option. Staff was trying to get my dog in the outside kennel with a leash in one hand and talking on a cell phone with the other, while trying to hold her with his foot. She just barked and yelped in pain. I asked the worker who put it on her, and he just shrugged and said it was on her when he got there. Talked with Linda the next morning and she apologized for not calling us first, but not for putting the collar on our puppy. Linda told me Sean put it on her because they felt she was under stress because she was barking. When I picked her up, he was not there, so I am not sure how long she had it on unsupervised. I will never recommend or use this place again. In finding a new kennel, my first question is if they use a bark collar. Most are shocked that a kennel would even have one at all.*Edit* After reading Sean's response there is clearly some misunderstanding. I had asked about possible training with another dog, that is not mine, but was bringing along with me to daily board. Linda showed me a shock collar that may work for the other larger dog, but I never agreed to it for that dog or mine. Not once did we talk about formal training for my dog or set anything up for another dog. I was not on board with using a bark collar on what they consider nuisance barking. If the dog was an issue, they should have called me, not decide to just put a collar on it. Linda said the employee was on the phone due to an issue with the credit card reader, not my dog being agressive.

Linnette Mathys

2023-05

Great boarding experience!! My dog is a solo dog and I never have any anxiety leaving Miracle in their capable hands.

Randi Smith

2021-05

Bootcamp was exactly what our doggo KJ needed. And Linda was exactly what my daughter and I needed! She went above and beyond to provide us with the right corrective tools and instill confidence in all of us for more peaceful neighborhood dog walks. Thank you Linda!

Dave Northouse

2023-05

Been taking our dogs here for years. The staff is always great and the dogs love it. On our 2nd generation of dogs going here.

Matt Oliver

2020-05

Sean and Kieler were fantastic to work with. Sean responded to my late text (9:30pm) within minutes of me making it. He gathered as much info as he could about my hunt scenario and quickly decided to give it a go. He and Kieler arrived promptly the next morning and away we went. Once on last blood Kieler was able to get himself locked on and track was on. We eventually found my buck 6 to 8 hundred yards from a point we had stopped looking. I’m confident without the services offered by Spring Valley I would have had little, to no chance of recovering my deer. I will without hesitation call Sean again for my difficult deer recoveries.Matt O (Stoughton)

Henry

2019-05

Save your money if you want to hire these folks for deer tracking...we hired Sean and his "prized" mountain hound for tracking a deer. From the minute Shawn got out of the truck it was, "well the frost is still pretty thick on the ground" to "the blood has a weird tint to it" and it's hard to track small amounts of blood...basically setting the stage for disappointment within the first 2 minutes to cover his rear end for a pathetic result that he seemed to know was going to happen. Seriously a bad mistake on our part for hiring this guy. If you shoot a deer this season and need a tracking dog do yourself a favor and look elsewhere.

Tabitha Ramminger

2021-05

We drive almost an hour to put our dogs here! Our dogs have behavior challenges with strangers and this kennel is absolutely amazing with them!!!

Stephen McKeon

2021-05

Absolutely satisfied... Dogs visited spring valley kennel over vacation for a couple weeks and dogs were so happy... Thank you!