Marx's Lehigh Valley Dog Training Center

Review: We were told to make a list of things we would like addressed during our one time visit which would then be followed by "included lifetime training classes" and Monday therapy dog training sessions. The list was no where near addressed (3 out of 20) and the correction method was extreme compared to the problems being addressed (the breed of dog has a high pain sensitivity and the dog herself is mild mannered with NO aggressive behavior). The dog was left with bruising on the neck which has since healed with no lasting effects, thankfully. We were made to pay BEFORE the training began and hard sold a prong collar for an additional fee which both my husband and I made comment we were uncomfortable with. She then spent the majority of the time answering calls and texts or smoking. The follow up training was no actual training, just an opportunity for the owner to have lunch then do work on a promotional video, there was absolutely no training done. When I asked for training advice I was brushed off with little regard so the owner could go back to her personal conversation during the lunch prior to a training session. The exact question was "how can I help my dog relax and where should she sit?" which was responded with "just put her out of the way".

We emailed the owner requesting a partial refund because we felt bad about her financial situation as explained by her other trainers on staff and other customers. She responded by saying that I told her the problems were addressed why would I want a refund? The owner is very aggressive in her confrontation as witnessed in person so we chose to only contact her via email for our records to hopefully avoid a shouting match. She has not responded to our response that she did not address all issues requested.Desired Settlement: A partial refund. We were charged $420 for an inferior service. We would gladly send her back the prong collar and would like $375 back. We will not be attending any of the "free" training sessions on Sundays nor will we be attending any of the therapy dog training sessions.

Review: I was looking for a trainer for my dog. I spoke with the owner of Lehigh Valley Dog Training, [redacted], on the phone for a good 20 minutes about what training methods she utilizes to train dogs. I made it very clear that I would not do anything that hurt my dog in any way. She said she knew of a 'hold' for the dog, that imitates the way the mother dog holds it to teach it right from wrong. And that it did not hurt the dog. I was very hesitant, and asked if we could have an in-home, personal consultation before I bought her package, so she could tell me more about what she does. (She wasn't explaining to me HOW she trains. I wanted to see and get more information before using her services.) She said she could not do that.

The package I was interested in was for one in-home training session, and unlimited group sessions with other dogs. I let her come to my home, paid her with a check, and then she revealed the truth about how she trains. She uses a PRONG COLLAR to pinch the dog's neck into submission. I made it clear that I was very uncomfortable with this. But, I listened to her, and watched as she made my 15 pound Malti-Poo puppy cry several times by pulling on the Prong Collar. When she left, and I was sick with regret. I could and would NEVER use that collar on my dog!

I emailed her and told her that I will not be attending any of her classes that I paid for, and felt that I was misled - as a "HOLD" is much different than a PRONG COLLAR. I asked for any of the $300 I paid her back. She did not even have the decency to respond to my email and went ahead and cashed my check. I am asking for $100 of the $300 I paid her, as I am not using any further services, and she was misleading in her explanation of services.Desired Settlement: I think this business was misleading and owes me at least 1/3 of what I paid ($100 of the $300). As, I am not using their services.