West Country Kennels

Melissa Holte

2024-04

I am a first-time dog owner and got a small munsterlander with a very strong “personality.” He’s almost 2, and super smart but he has been such a pain. He doesn’t listen well, he counter surfs, he is a nightmare to walk…Not anymore! He just completed his month session and it feels like he’s a different dog. I cannot say enough good things about West Country Kennels. They trained US on how to continue training him at home. He listens well, sits and looks at me when I stop walking, he seems calmer overall. I only wish we had made the investment sooner — HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend!

Diane Olson

2023-10

We were lucky enough to have found West Country Kennels about five years ago. Their facilities and their expertise are second to none. We have used West Country Kennels for both boarding and training, and we have found their obedience and hunting training methods to be extremely effective for our young dog. Their assessment of our dog’s skill level has been thorough and honest. We feel fortunate to be able to work with Brian and his fabulous team.

Emily Kubat

2024-01

Great place for training your hunting dog! We are very impressed! Great facility and staff, everyone is knowledgeable and friendly!

Paul

2023-05

Brian is great, knowledgeable, and easy to work with, as is his team. Timberland lerned and loved his training. I may have learned a bit as well. 😉

Justin Thill

2023-06

Very disappointed in this facility. Brought out 2 year old German Shepard and they turned us away after he was there for 30 min after driving an hour to get there. Male trainer got “scared” because he walked up behind my dog and he got startled and bark and jumped at him. It was a new environment for my dog and he made his decision based off of 30 min in his kennel because he was jumping to get out. By the time we got back out dog was laying down and relaxed with no signs of issues. Our dog goes to a local dog kennel where the teenage employees have zero issue with our dog but this place was scared to train him. There was also dogs there that we aggressive when we walked by but they stayed. They might be good at hunting dogs but they seem to have zero experience with other breeds. Our dog has never been aggressive to no one and is around 3-4 year olds all the time. The kids own him when they are around so it’s disappointing an experienced trainer turned us away. Worst part is the “main guy” ask if he’s was overreacting after we came back to pick up our pet. Only positive experience was they refunded us the full amount.

Rachel Sovick

2023-06

I was disappointed that they didn’t give my pup a chance. He is a bit anxious and was there for 30 mins. The owner did not even greet my dog. He had us walk him around and due to his anxiousness he jumped and that was it. No one looked at my dog, they put him in a kennel and no one approached him. If you are a trainer I would expect that you would introduce yourself to the animal. We were told to bring him home. Again, after no one tried to attempt to take him out of the kennel. I thought training was for this reason. We were told over the phone that they have had dogs like him before. He is a large dog and due to breed status, he is a German Shepard, I feel that he was not even given an opportunity. We were called back that he was out of control but I walked in to grab him and he was laying down and calm. So I was confused. I would not recommend for any other breed than a “normal” hunting dog. They did seem like it was also not normal for other dogs to be dropped there (ex… was told Shepard’s are handfuls and even they talk to police dogs about them causing problem)

Jeff Keller

2023-05

Fantastic experience...as always. I've had several dogs trained by Brian and Shawn with superior results. The care they provide (Ashley and team included) is second to none.

Tony Flink

2023-05

Brian and his crew did a wonderful board and training for my black lab over the past 2 weeks. He was recommended by my family based on their dogs previous training experience there.

Alissa Piccioli

2021-05

One of the best experiences we have had. From our very first phone call Brian and his staff were absolutely wonderful. Outside of a clean and safe place for our dog- he was cared for and trained. I can’t say enough - Julie our trainer-top notch!! Such skill and patience! Brian gave personal attention to calm my nerves with answering questions and hands on approach. Every staff member reassured us through out our labs training. Our puppy left us as a eight month lab- not listening, mouthing, jumping and no leash control- from day one when we dropped him off, our two week training and then when we picked him up- complete transformation in our dog!- we are excited to work with him at home and see what he can do! Thank you West County Kennels!

Brandon Manzke

2023-05

Sent my dog here for their puppy and intermediate program and couldn’t be more impressed. My dog wanted to stay and live his best life there chasing birds everyday rather than coming back home to us.Shawn did a great job training him up and going through all the new skills he learned with me and answering all my questions. Moving forward, I won’t take my dog anywhere else for training or boarding.I’m really looking forward to getting the dog out this fall and onto some birds.

J N

2023-05

Clean, modern, and friendly kennel. Knowledgeable about hunting breeds a d training. Brian is a great guy to work with on your particular situation.

A P

2024-02

Unlike other places, we don't have to worry about kenneling our dog.

David and Diane Olson

2018-05

Brian and his team have done a fantastic job with our 11 month old puppy. Our puppy has been to West Country Kennels three times in his young life ... both for training and for boarding. We are more impressed each time.West Country Kennels makes it a priority to tune into each individual dog’s needs and abilities while listening to the owner’s goals and concerns. They treat both the dogs and the owners with the greatest respect. Their dedication and skill produce wonderful results. It is comforting to know that we can leave our pup in such capable hands. Thanks so very much!

Joe Ginsburg

2022-05

We love West Country Kennels! We’ve sent our Red Lab here for the past two years for hunting classes and he’s done really well out in the field. He’s able to retrieve ducks and geese very well because of his training. Our family has now sent 5 dogs here and we are always happy with the service. Highly recommend!!

B Jacob 1

2021-05

Awesome place! Clean and roomy. Brian is a top notch trainer with a highly experienced friendly staff. You can trust them with your dog who will have a highly enjoyable experience. And the best thing is you will have a great trained dog upon return

Philip Cenzano

2021-05

This place is great! The facility is very clean and modern, with a drinking station in every kennel, that lets the dogs drink as they want. I had my wirehair there for training and am very pleased with the results. Brian and his staff are friendly and very knowledgeable. I highly recommend, they are too notch!

Tim Hall

2018-05

Brian and his crew have the best kennel and training facilities around the twin cities. Awesome new kennels with all the modern features. They've gone through great lengths to make every detail count here. Would highly recommend and look forward to working with WCK in the future.

Colter Johnson

2016-05

Using West Country Kennels was the best decision I made regarding my 1.5 year old Red Lab. Drake didnt listen well and had no idea what he was doing in the field. Now, he is like a whole new dog. His on and off leash obedience is tremendously better. When I went to pick him up I got to observe him retrieving ducks from the water like a champ and did even better in the field. I would recommend them to anyone looking to have their dog trained. Brian did an outstanding job. Best decision I ever made.

John Ryan

2017-05

Brian does a great job with your dog. He trained our first dog 10 years ago and our second is in training with him now. His experience and excitement about training is only eclipsed by his true caring and compassionate for each dog that stays with him.

DeAnne Latterell

2021-05

Brian and his team are amazing and really love dogs. We would not hesitate to recommend West Country kennels and Will continue to use them for boarding and training.

Deneen Schoenke

2021-05

Brought my Labs Lexi & Bella what a huge difference after Julia's training. They came home all nice and clean.. what a bonus.. Can't wait for a vacation and take them again for another two week course. So worth it!

Samantha Orsburne

2021-05

Stayed there this last weekend with our 2 dogs. Very professional and very nice facility! It seems like they have quite a bit of space. Worth the drive and worth the price for boarding. Will definitely be coming back to board my dogs again.

Margaret Petersen

2017-05

Our Brittany, Molly, was breaking our hearts, and was a "submit" key away from becoming a rescue dog again. She is the sweetest girl, but a runner who knew the meaning of "come", and always chose not to. Molly McNaughty was never able to be let off her leash and was out the door like a bullet every chance she got. We spent hours walking and driving around after her. It was worrisome, exasperating and embarrassing. We were done. And then a neighbor told us about West Country Kennels. The thorough transformation the skilled staff at West Country achieved was life-changing. Molly now walks on her leash nicely, but, much more importantly, she comes when whistled for or called - immediately. She has the run of our six acre woods, exploring and hunting as she was born to, and is a very happy girl. We are thrilled and grateful. Can't thank you enough West Country trainers. We now have the perfect dog.

Dick Kellor

2024-04

Great staff and facilities.Training is tops.

Scott Binion

2022-05

Absolutely impressed with West Country Kennels! Two weeks of training done and so much improvement with my chocolate lab, Skye! Looking forward to see how she is once the whole 6 week course is complete. Highly recommend!!!

Denis Froehling

2023-05

I would not hesitate to use these guys again. They are all passionate about dogs which means alot to when leaving a loved one in someone else's care.

Melinda Bialke

2021-05

Fantastic! And our dog was well taken care of and trained when she got home!!! We did the 4 week training on leash and collar (she is a whole new dog!).

Chris Cass

2021-05

Brian and his crew are great to deal with you can tell they truly care about the dogs. Boarding and training with a professional yet caring touch. Priceless !!!!

Joseph Presseller

2022-05

All the things you would want for your dog - professional staff that is attentive to your needs, clean and organized kennel runs, daily exercise and field work, and a beautiful setting an hour away from Minneapolis.

Jay Woodall

2022-05

This place is the best bird and gun classes for dogs they did a great job with my black lab pup I was really amazing and there awesome people out there they have lots of experience and they keep you informed on the progress iam very excited to go hunting with her thanks west county kennel