April's K911 Academy

Elena Hinderlich

2024-02

April is FANTASTIC!! She is knowledgeable, patient and an excellent teacher to both dogs and humans. Our huge rescue pup Django was shy and not socialized and we saw immediate changes in him with just a few classes with April. It was amazing! Now we can take him lots of places with us! I recommend April to whoever needs help training, calming and loving their pup! :)

Michelle Norris

2023-11

Training with April has been life changing. We got a dog who became worse and worse with reactivity and aggression towards dogs, and was terrified of humans. It got to a point where she couldn’t get within 40 feet of a dog without reacting aggressively, and we were afraid to have people over to our house because she would just bark and bark.We did April’s beginner class and by the end of the 7 weeks our dog’s behavior, confidence, and skills have improved SO MUCH, as has our dog parenting skills. We have also been going to April’s Playcare and that has totally changed our girls relationship with other dogs, she LOVES to play with other dogs now and gets excited when we turn onto April’s road.I cannot recommend April enough. She is knowledgeable and caring of both the dogs and the humans she teaches. She holds nothing back, so be prepared to be (politely) taught what you as a dog parent are doing wrong, and how you’re contributing to your dogs behavior.

Melanie Schilling

2024-02

April is amazing! If you are unsure where to take your dog for training, she’s the one! Charlie loves going to play care on Mondays or Thursdays. I trust April 100% with my Charlie.

Myranda Armijo

2021-05

April’s k911 Academy is amazing! She is affordable and takes the time to help you train your furry friend. We did beginners class and my pup learned all that April promised she would learn. We are now taking intermediate class and I love how much my puppy is growing. I highly recommend April for dog training, doggy day care, and over night stays. April is amazing!

Mary Jansen

2023-12

Best place in Dona Ana County to train your new puppy, nipper, bite issue, active, or just to earn your respect back from your dog. It's always good to have a refresher course. Stop bad habits before they start. I never write reviews, but April works wonders!

Stephanie Tellez

2023-10

My Rottweiler was attacked by a dog and it caused fear aggression towards other dogs. April has worked miracles and Omari is a much happier dog. The "pup tapping" and "OMG" are amazing tools and I now use them all the time for myself and all of my other dogs....it has even helped one of my horses. Omari (the big guy in the picture) would have never been able to lay next to Ranger without April and her help.

Emily Shields

2023-08

I recently brought my pit mix in for a grumpy dog eval. She had been having worsening leash aggression to the point where I was afraid to take her on walks. I read the reviews about Aprils academy and experience and was not disappointed! She is extremely knowledgeable and cares so much about helping dogs in our community. Her free workshop is great and I’ve built so much confidence already with my pup. She has been going to play care while I’m in school and is getting along with everyone and coming out of her shell! I feel very safe leaving my dog there and know that April takes excellent care of her space. The play area is always clean, there’s plenty of fresh water and toys!

Jennifer Hickey

2019-05

April is an amazing dog trainer. I have lived in Las Cruces for many years and have thoroughly enjoyed all of her classes as she has taught several of my dogs not only the basics of obedience, but things that make life simpler on a daily basis like teaching a dog to "wait" one of the best things I have ever taught my dogs. I use it every day. She teaches a lot about dog behavior which is an important component of dog training that gets left out of many basic dog obedience classes (I have taken many classes over the years from several trainers). April is outstanding at reading dog behavior and getting into the pyche of a dog to reveal the real issues beneath the negative behaviors which many times are fear. She is not abusive, and uses a lot of positive reinforcement in her classes making it fun for everyone. She is the closest thing you are going to find to Cesar Milan in Las Cruces and she has saved many a dog by helping owners and dogs work through their issues together. After all, when we add a dog to our home it should be a lifelong commitment, although it can be very challenging when adopting a dog that comes with their own baggage that you just know how to deal with. Before taking that dog back to the shelter, or finding him or her another home...call April. She has been a life saver and comes highly recommended!!!

James Egnaczak

2022-05

We have been going to April for the last 7 years. Not only did we take several classes she has boarded our dogs for us and kept them for doggy day care. We have learned so much and appreciate her. Anytime we have an issue I can call and get advice.

Lei Ford

2023-06

I had a great experience in the basic obedience class. My rescue German Shepherd was very nervous and hyperactive and he has improved a lot, follows commands and is a lot calmer in public. Very good techniques for meeting other dogs and how to help with their anxiety. I recommend this for all dogs no matter what you want to improve with them.

Vic Treez

2023-10

Miss April has been a huge blessing in getting our sweet girl back to normal. After moving to New Mexico and being involved in a car accident, we lost our leadership role with our pack and they started showing aggressive behavior. Meeting and learning from April has given us knowledge and tools in training Maya to be the dog we know she's capable of being.

Ellie Hill

2023-05

I took my 1.5 year old rescue to April because he had social anxiety that manifested as aggression.We attended the 7 week long beginner class after going to the grumpy dog workshop, my pup has significantly progressed! Her methods work,she teaches you how to read your dog's body language and how to become a better owner too. Her classes go beyond the 1 exact hour you would get with any other trainer.I could tell April legitimately cares about dogs by the quality of each training class.

Iowa Born

2023-05

Gracie, my 6 month old Australian Shepard, just graduated from beginner/puppy training. We really enjoyed the classes. Gracie is smart and learns quickly. Honestly, I was the one who really needed April’s training. April does a great job explaining and demonstrating how to do the training then it was up to me and Gracie to work together. Dog socialization is key and it was the first thing we learned. Check it out; you will be surprised at how much you and your pup will learn.

k borden

2023-06

My Zelle, a mixed Rottweiler and Blue Heeler, has been a bit much for me since I got her 4 months ago as a puppy. Since I've taken training from April I feel much more confident to train her. She is a headstrong, anxious pup but with April's help I think I can bond with Zelle and help her to overcome her fear and anxiety.

Marizabella Aceves

2023-05

I am the owner of a shy/anxious/ reactive 4 year old border collie. I found April on Facebook in 2021, when I was looking to help my dog be more comfortable in social settings. I came to April's free workshop then signed up for the Beginner's Obedience class. She provided me the appropriate tools to help my dog become more confident and trust me as his pack leader. She has educated me about how my actions can affect my dog's reactions. During class she provided the opportunity for the dogs to socialize safely with the other dogs and owners and we worked on obedience. It has been well over a year since I have attended this course and I still use all the tools and techniques she gave me to help my dog. Before this class, if I wanted to introduce my dog to a person, it would've taken weeks, with a muzzle, for him to warm up to them. Now, it ranges from a few minutes to a couple hours, sometimes with a muzzle (situation-dependent). I have felt comfortable enough to travel with him and walk him in busy cities, and even introduce him to younger children (~9 years old). We still have a long way to go, but April has given us the push in the right direction. Thank you!

Jazmine Olayo

2022-05

We loved Miss April and her class! We just graduated from puppy/beginner and will return for intermediate. We learned so much in just 7 weeks. My once very scared and aggressive pitbull is now more social and calm going out in public! He feels more comfortable and so do I. She teaches some awesome stuff in class about basic obedience, food, and tricks! Thank you Miss April for everything you've done for Diesel and I! Everyone needs to take at least one of her classes. It is well worth it!

Sara

2023-05

Search no longer! You have found the woman for the job! If you have a grumpy, aggressive, big and disobedient dog, Aprils k911 academy is for you! After failing out of other dog training classes with people who were afraid to take on a big and aggressive dogs like my German Shepherd I called April on a whim and she was able to get me into class at the very same day! She has incredible skill and understanding of these dogs and will give you the necessary tools to make your grumpy dog into a happy and obedient dog. I'm so satisfied with my experience I'm planning to take another course and also take advantage of her play care program.

Rebecca Valdez

2021-05

This review is far overdue! This past summer, we had April help us train two of our dogs--our new puppy and a very reactive and aggressive older dog that we rescued. Let me just say that if you have a dog with any bad habits or issues, you NEED to get training with April. Your dog's issues WILL get fixed if you follow her methods. If you have a puppy that you want to get started right, you NEED to get training with April. She helped us get on the right path with both our dogs right away, and her methods continue to work for us. She is professional, attentive, and responsive to every one of her customer's needs. In fact, we had such a great experience with her that we hope to do additional training with her again as soon as we are able.

Julie Hennessy

2022-05

April is amazing with fearful dogs. I took my dog to see April as he was very reactive and given his size this was dangerous for us as we have many reactive dogs in our area but most are small. April worked with him on socialization and helped him overcome his fears. He is able to attend her day care and go to family events now which require dog interactions.She showed us how he was really afraid and not aggressive and by showing him consistent rules he could learn to accept other animals. After one months its like we have a whole new dog!

Carlene Thayer

2021-05

April's K911 Academy is a great place to take your puppies or grown dogs. She is very knowledgeable and caring with all the dogs, frankly they love her! We started with her puppy class and utilized her doggy day care. My puppies were afraid and skittish. They are doing great now and part of what helped them after class was doggy day care for the socialization and learning to get along with other dogs. Honesty, I can not express in words how great her knowledge and training is. I highly recommend you try it out!

Cynthia Ohrazda

2021-05

I recently adopted a dog from the shelter. She lacks confidence and was showing some unwanted behaviors and some fear which showed up as aggression. I was very fortunate to find April. My dog Margeaux and I have been attending the Grumpy Dog classes which have provided clear instruction and tools that I can use to become more relaxed and confident in the way that I handle Margeaux which helps her be more relaxed and confident. I have also been taking Margeaux to April’s daycare where Margeaux can interact safely with other dogs and receive ongoing training. In a very short time I’ve seen huge results and I couldn’t be happier. I find April to be very calm, professional, kind, understanding and wise. I love her techniques. I highly recommend this amazing lady and her academy. She will make a difference in the lives of dogs and their owners. I personally think every dog and their owners would benefit from April’s training. April is a blessing 🐶🐶💕💕

Shelby Miller

2023-05

My dog has always had horrible anxiety which led to aggressive behaviors towards other dogs and even humans. I was really weary about going to a group class like April suggested, but it turned out to be the best decision I have made for my dog and I. April is an amazing training who truly cares about dogs. I have spent so much dang money on trainers who have told me my dog just needed to “grow up” but April actually helped. Don’t go to any other trainer in cruces !! Big thanks to April because I’m able to take my dog out and around town like I have always wanted.

Jeremy

2021-05

One of my dogs is reactive to people and the other is aggressive to other dogs. We spoke on the phone for a long time about my dogs and I never felt rushed through my concerns. We finally were able to meet for a consultation and the dogs stayed for doggy daycare, and I already feel so much more confident in handling my dogs!! By the time we left she was petting my people aggressive dog, and my dog aggressive dog was running around without a muzzle with all the other dogs. April gave us so many tools and rules to work with and can easily apply in our daily lives, and I can't wait to work with her more and continue to make progress with my dogs! I have worked with many great trainers and dog lovers to help my dogs, but we made more progress in one day with my dogs aggressive tendencies with April, than we had in all the time before.*editing to add*It has been about 3 weeks since meeting with April and incorporating her methods into our life, and I'm now walking my dogs together past other dogs barking and pulling on the leash at us, with NO PULLING OR BARKING from my dogs!!! Something I hardly thought would be possible. Also, they are so much more confident and CALM around the house and yard! We will be boarding them with April and taking her obedience class, and I can't wait to see just how much better we will all be soon! April you are a life saver!!

Denise B

2021-05

April was a lifesaver for my aggressive dog. She wasn’t shy around him and even when my dog showed aggression towards her initially she showed us how to respond and what cues to look for. Most importantly, she showed us how to change his behavior and introduce people to him. I used her teaching techniques with my other dogs and much to my surprise, my “dumb dog” was able to learn simple things like sit, wait, stay and more. This is a dog we though had the intellect of a rock. And she learned it in one day! We’d tried to teach her for 8 years! I highly recommend April. She was quick to respond with any questions. Absolutely awesome. And best she has a doggy daycare! I can’t say enough positive things about my experience with April.

Tamara Weed

2019-05

I have taken two of my dogs to April for obedience training. April is excellent with dogs AND the owners, who are the ones that benefit even more from the training than the dogs do. I have also taken one of my dogs to her day care and it's simply amazing to see how well behaved the dogs are and how much good the interaction is for the dogs. I highly recommend Aprils K911 Academy to anyone who needs help with their dogs, or simply needs a doggy day care. Why leave your dog at home to be bored when they could be having a blast with April?

Jim Hammelev

2022-05

Updating my original review of 2 years ago as Aprils K911 Academy continues to be 5 star. My wife and I have brought four (4) of our dogs to April's obedience training classes and day board over the last 12 years without incident. We trust our dogs to her completely. All of the dogs were rescues, with two having behavioral issues that April has helped us correct, literally saving their lives. Prior to finding April we went to two other trainers in Las Cruces and she has been far superior, especially in her handling of dogs with behavioral issues.

melissa sanders

2021-05

April is wonderful! We have only been to the evacuation and we start class tomorrow. My husband and I own two dogs, one is not very friendly and the other one loves everyone. Chippers (the not so friendly one) ended up loving April (he really has never liked anyone) AND he actually played and got along with other dogs which he has NEVER done. I would recommend anyone to April , she is truly the best.

Penny Baca

2022-05

April's K911 Academy is a great place to take your grumpy dog for a few workshop on how to overcome your grumpyness. I have taken 2 of my dogs to this workshop more than once. Not only do the dogs learn but so do the owners. I took my bully twice because she liked it so much. Now when she is around other dogs she knows how to meet and greet the right way.April's obedience classes are awesome. As a dog owner you learn so much. Because of what you learn in the classes you have a wonderful life with your fur baby.April also has private trainings. She comes to your house, sees your dog in its own environment and teaches you how to teach your dog. I have done this with my dogs. April taught me the tools to use and now the success of failure that treats on me.My girls both absolutely love April's doggy daycare. They know when I turn on to her street long before I get to her driveway. They can't wait to get out of the car and run full speed to the gate and start playing with their old friends and make new friends. I wish my work schedule allowed me to take them more often.I wholehearted trust my dogs in April's care and will continue to use her services. She is awesome as a dog trainer and a a person.

Isabelle Gallegos

2022-05

April was very helpful to when it came to helping me with my dog! She showed me the right way to be the pack leader to help my dog with his social skills. April has always ensured that my dog was safe at day care and she was always very responsive to show me how my dog has been doing. Thank you April for all you have done for me and my dog and we will continue to go to her for more training!

kate ralston

2022-05

I took my furbaby, Seamus, to the free workshop and the 7 week course. He is an anxious boy with a less than great past and we are trying to find ways to build his confidence. Well April certainly did that! I could barely get him into the building for the first class but by the last he was not only volunteering to be the example dog but he was so comfortable in class that he was rolling over wanting belly rubs! He still has a bit of work to do but we will definitely be going back to April's!