Our new pup Boone had some security and trust issues. Vickey worked hard to peel the layer back and help Boone learn to trust. He is a new pup and very loving and is trusting of his new family. Thank you, Vickey!
Highly recommend Vickey!
Barbara Burnette (Dog-Boone)
Sending your dog to training camp is akin to teaching your child your language. It is not a luxury; it is a necessity. We didn’t speak “dog” and when our dog, Teddy came to us. We had no effective way of communicating. We now enjoy a greater understanding of what it is like to be in the same pack. Our little tribe is more cohesive. We all have a better understanding of what is expected. We speak the same language. Blue Dog Academy (Vickey) came highly recommended to us by a friend who had a challenging canine. It did not disappoint but rather exceeded our expectations.
Sara Pelaez (Dog-Teddy)
Blue Dog Academy is quite simply, doggie paradise. Whether it is swimming in the pond retrieving the bumper, running with the other dogs, laying under a shade tree watching the sheep or chickens or simply basking in the sun in an open field, our girl, Remey, is beyond happy. Vickey and Jack fill Blue Dog with love, respect, and consistent obedience training. There are no harsh words or methods. Most importantly, they have taught us how to communicate with Remey at our home. Remey drops her toy when we say “thank you.” She waits at the gate when we say wait. Remey does not jump on people and she walks on a leash without pulling. She understands the word “no” means to stop her behavior immediately. Simple words for important commands. Remey learned them quickly with her training at Blue Dog Academy. The humans took a little bit longer but Vickey was always there to fine tune our efforts. Thanks to Blue Dog Academy for teaching Remey, and us, how to live our best life together!
Vickey came highly recommended by a trusted friend. I was expecting a new puppy at the start of the New Year and it had been 10 years since I'd been through puppyhood. Vickey patiently answered all of my questions about acclimating my puppy to my two-dog household. In a one-on-one training session, she walked me through the basics of crate training and potty training. We agreed that sending my puppy, Mabel, through training camp was the best idea...and that's what we did. Oh my goodness! Mabel is the sweetest, cutest, most enjoyable pup! I absolutely credit Vickey with helping us all communicate with one another well, get on a schedule and live happily together. Mabel is so well behaved! She is a joy to have around and take everywhere! Thank you, Vickey, for the sweetest little girl in the world! --Kathy and Bryan David
I did a private lessons today with Vickie for our dog Roxie. Roxie is a 12 week old mini sheepadoodle. Vickie worked with Roxie and myself, it was a great experience. Vicki was amazing and the way Roxie responded to her was great! Roxie will be spending 3 weeks with Vickie for training and this gives us the information we need to help support Roxie when she completes her training. Highly recommend Vickie and Blue Dog Academy.
Vickey was so wonderful to work with. We spent about a hour with her. She was so helpful and knowledgeable about training our Hunny. We have signed Hunny up for the 21 day camp. Look forward to sending Hunny to Blue Dog Academy!!
Vickey and I met yesterday and the lesson was life changing. I am beginning to understand that with consistent communication Midnight and I may become safer for all. This is a big shift in our mindsets. Vickey was clear but gentle in her instructions and encouraging. We appreciate her expertise, patience, and confidence in us. We also appreciate her honesty and knowledge of dog training. We look forward to further training by and with her.
Beth Davenport
Chase the german shepherd was a handful until he met Vickey. She gently works with the dogs while the dogs have fun and learn. Our guy has had a complete turnaround.
We took our dog Bleu to Blue Dog Academy specifically to work on leash training. Vickey worked patiently with us and pointed out some inconsistencies with our handling of Bleu. We learned how to better communicate what we wanted him to do by being more direct with our words matched to his actions. We left feeling much more confident in our abilities to recreate these behaviors at home. Vickey has a god given talent and a passion for working with dogs. We were lucky to have found Blue Dog Academy.
Melanie and Bill Haley (Dog - Bleu)
Liz & Marty Elgison (Dog- Rosie)
Vickey welcomed my rescue dog and quickly won his heart. She was just what we needed for a sweet dog that wanted to do the right thing but who’s owner was not the best at teaching him good behavior. Vickey is kind & easy to work with. She truly loves dogs - all dogs! She was clear with me on my responsibility to follow up with the exercises that will continue to reinforce what she taught Red Byron. Wonderful experience for both of us!
Jan Johnson (Dog-Red Byron)
My sweet labradoodle, Rex was having a very hard time with listening. He would jump all over myself and my kids. He would put his paws on the kitchen counter and eat everything that didn't belong to him! After spending 3 long but very rewarding weeks at Vickey's farm, his jumping is completely under control. He no longer chews on everything in sight and listens to me when I tell him to do something. Vickey worked a miracle and our family is greatly appreciative of the love and care you showed to our Rexy Poo!
Jessica Trotter (Dog-Rex)
Blue Dog Academy is wonderful!! I was about to give up training our new dog until I found this place!! Vickey not only trained Bear, but helped me know what to do once we got home!! Highly recommend!!
Ann Wingate (dog - Bear)
Our 1 yr old Layla girl was in training with Vickey for a month. Wow! What a change in Layla. Vickey has a wonderful loving spirit in her work and for all her dogs. I’ve never met anyone like her. Layla is doing great at home, but Vickey is now her 2nd mama. Don’t hesitate about using Blue Dog Academy. It’s such a blessing to have this business in Hall Co.
Marlene & Jerry Buck (dog - Layla)
My corgi, Louie just graduated with honors from the Blue Dog Academy! He is right at a year old and was in desperate need of training. He is transformed! He’s so much calmer and is responding so well to the commands Vickey taught him. Upon “graduation” Vickey taught me and both my children how to easily communicate with him so we can easily maintain his success. My family couldn’t be more pleased with Blue Dog Academy and Vickey Russell. I highly recommend her! She’s a miracle worker:)
Caroline Randolph (Dog - Louie)
When we found Vickey, we hit the jackpot. We were in the process of getting ready for a move and knew that we wanted Mack to be trained, but also needed a place where he would be safe during the transition. A friend recommended that I call Vickey and from the first phone call I knew that she was like no one that I had ever met. Our biggest issue with Mack was that he would get so excited that he would want to jump on you. Vickey taught Mack to sit, down, come, not jump and to jump into the back of my car. He was a changed dog when I picked him up. From that moment on Vickey as been Mack's girlfriend. All I have to do is say, "you want to go see Vickey?" and he immediately goes to my car to get in. Vickey not only trained Mack but she also trained me. I was making mistakes with him that I didn't even know I was making. She helped me realize what I needed to do to keep Mack safe and to get him to do what he needed to do.
I could go on for days about Vickey. She has been a Godsend for us as a trainer and as a great friend. We consider her part of our family. We are so thankful that she came into our lives. I do and would highly recommend her to anyone for training. We love you, Vickey!
Beth Martin (Dog - Mack)
Our dog Friday went to graduate school at Blue Dog Academy about 9 years ago and graduated with honors. She enjoys regular visits to meet old friends and especially Vickey. It is her second home.
Carlyle Cox (Dog - Friday)
Six years ago, we first met Vickey when she trained our new puppy. She is amazing. She really understands dog psychology and was able to explain behavioral issues and training ideas in a way that made sense. Really, she trains pet owners just as much as she trains dogs! We’ve been bringing Dixon back to her several times a year. She keeps him in line, and he loves coming to Blue Dog Academy. When I first met Vickey, what blew my mind the most was this: there are no leashes at Vickey’s place. She’ll have 10 dogs out on a run through the woods and fields, and no one bolts off. I asked her how this could possibly be, and she replied, “Why would they run off? Their pack is here, and they want to stay with their pack.” Vickey has a natural authority and leadership that dogs just respond to. And she’s pretty awesome with people too.
Amy Bussler (Dog - Dixon)
I have been training with Vickey for about a year. Or perhaps I should say Vickey has been trying to train me! Yes, she trains people as well as dogs. I don't know how she has the patience to deal with humans. I know it would be much easier for her to just take our dogs and finish them for us. I think I am an especially challenging case for her. My mind has been set in one direction for 56 years but she has challenged that. When I say I "I am uncoordinated and have been all my life so I can't do that move," She says..."well you are going to learn to be coordinated". "When I said " I cant take my dog off leash here she will run away," She said, " You ARE going to teach her a solid recall" (and I did). And then there is the "energy" she teaches. I never thought about the meaning of "energy" when training a dog before, or in life! With all that being said I must talk about my shelter dog, Billy. After training with Vickey with my other dog I mentioned to her my shelter dog. I told her I could not train him. He had no connection with me and I told her he was too feral and untrainable. She came back with "no dog is untrainable" I decided to take her up on that challenge and left him with her for two weeks. What a difference two weeks made, and what progress we are making now! I am learning that the word "can't" is not in her vocabulary. She is a spectacular teacher for dogs as well as people.
Lisas Nichol (Dogs - Lotta and Billy)
I first met Vickey about 12 years ago when I needed help training my border collie to be a therapy dog. I knew from the beginning what a caring person she was. After my sweet Charlie passed away, my children gave me a puppy (Border Collie) Scout. I immediately called Vickey and we started "manners" training right away. Vickey mentioned that I might be interested when Scout got old enough to train in agility. I had never even been to an agility trial. I took her advice and when Scout become "of age" we started training. Since then, this has become a major portion of my life. I thoroughly enjoy going to the trials, but most importantly, participating in agility training gives Scout and me a purpose. She and I have become best friends and partners while training and participating in agility. Agility has kept me active and definitely healthier over the years. Vickey is an unbelievable trainer and one of the most honest and caring people I have ever know.
Marilyn Rogers (Dog - Scout)
My Lab Lulu has been a regular at Doggy Day Camp since she was a puppy - almost 5 years now as well as my Great Pyrenees, Beau, since we rescued him 3 years ago. Vickey also trained Lulu and came to my house to work with Beau to help him adjust to his new home. My dogs absolutely adore Vickey and so do I! She is incredible with them. She is Lulu’s favorite person in the world! I have never seen anyone with such a natural connection with animals. The dogs just respond to her and love being around her. Vickey has taught me so much about communicating with my dogs too and that has helped me enormously. Beau and Lulu stay with Vickey periodically and it gives me such peace of mind to know that they are safe and happy in a place they love with someone they adore. We always call Vickey’s place Nirvana for Dogs! We are all so lucky to have Vickey in our lives and also to call her a friend.
Katherine Mielcuszny (Dogs - Lulu & Beau)
Vickey became part of our life when I took mine and my daughter's golden retriever named Titus for her to train. That was the beginning of a special relationship with Vic. I also have a 13-year-old golden named Eliza. Over the last 4 or so years, she has just been my friend and my dogs favorite human. I always have a place to send my dogs and not worry. Vickey is always there for my dogs and so many other lucky dog owners. When Titus goes to spend time at Blue Dog Academy, he likes to walk in woods and swim. He is a big boy and he works off a lot of energy there! On top of the perfect place for dogs, the farm is simply beautiful! A lot of pastures with sheep and beautiful views... peaceful .... except of course for a lot of running, barking dogs and visiting owners picking up or letting off!
Blue Dog Academy is a big part of our life.
Jane Watkins (Dogs - Titus and Eliza)
I consider Vickey Russell my dog whisperer. I recommend her to all my friends who have gotten a new puppy or have a young dog with behavior issues. My experience is her advice is always spot-on. I've known Vickey for approximately a year when she started working with my then 4-month-old Labrador Retriever, Honey. Honey recently started Agility training at Blue Dog Academy. Because of training with Vickey, Honey is a well-behaved, delightful 85 pound, year old Labrador. Above all else, Honey's love for "Miss Vickey" matters the most to me.
Cheryl Usher (Dog - Honey)
Our dogs have been trained on many occasions at Blue Dog Academy, and they are always excited when arriving at the farm! Vickey’s understanding of canine behavior is amazing and how she relays her knowledge to us, the owners, so we can reinforce obedience at home makes our dogs much better behaved!
Betsy Adams (Dogs - Honey and Beau)
I “rescued” a 9-month-old Weimaraner with social problems as well as no particular obedience skills. We had heard of Blue Dog Academy through a friend who had taken their dog with great results. We went for a one-hour session and couldn’t believe the difference in Sadie! Immediately, Sadie was interested and attentive to Vickie’s voice and body language. I’m sure I learned a lot more than Sadie and it has made all the difference in continuing her training at home. Thank you, Vickie and Blue Dog Academy for your specific training tuned to our needs. Your grounds and facilities are beautiful as is your heart for our furry family.
Lewis Vester (Dog - Sadie)
Vickey trained Otter last year when he was a puppy as well as Oliver who we lost last year at the age of 5. We have been working with Vickey for 6 plus years. Oliver loved Vickey so much & anytime he went out to the farm it was a treat for him. I never, ever felt guilty about leaving him as he thought of it like going to camp! Vickey loved him like one of her own dogs. I am having the same experience with Otter. He loves her as well & responds in such a positive way. Her training begins with the dog but then continues with teaching & reinforcing the "parent" which is actually the harder the part of the training!! I have recommended Vickey to many people & will continue to do so. All of our experiences have been positive & rewarding.
Dena Manzo (Dogs - Otter & Oliver)
We took Poppy to Vickey when he was a puppy. He was a really hyper, nervous little guy who wasn’t fond of paying attention. One of the first things she did was request that we take him off the leash and put him on the ground. My husband and I looked at one another with alarm. Although we expected a wild chase in order to get him back, we did as she requested. To our amazement, Poppy went to her immediately when she called him. Over the years I have learned that Vickey understands how dogs think. She is able to train without using harsh methods. She is gentle with animals and finds it truly delightful watching them and engaging with them. After training with her, Poppy became much less nervous because, in my opinion, he finally understood what was being communicated to him. She taught us how to communicate with him as well. Poppy adores Vickey and loves staying with her when we are away. He romps around the farm with her, and I enjoy hearing about his adventures. I routinely recommend her to people. She’s wonderful, and we are grateful to have found her.
Carla Abshire (Dog - Poppy)