Knallhart Kennels & Training Academy

Chelsey took a dog with food aggression, whom couldn't stop bullying other dogs off there food dishes, couldn't stop his nose to the ground run all over the yard for hours. My dog is now a therapy dog, whom is calm, well mannered, and holds commands. Reactivity is down and the food aggression is managed to what your basic expectations for a dog would be. Best money I have spent for the 8 week dog boarded training. Will definitely recommend and use Chelsey again.

I brought my severely dog-reactive Whippet to Knallhart after two years of limited progress with other training approaches. I’ll admit, I was initially apprehensive about leaving him for an eight-week board-and-train program—especially one that used methods unfamiliar to me. However, from our very first interaction, Chelsey immediately put my mind at ease. She was completely transparent about the training process and took the time to thoroughly explain my dog’s behavior and how they would address it. Throughout his time in the academy, we also did hands-on lessons so I could learn alongside him and feel prepared to maintain his progress at home. The results have been incredible. His severe reactivity has decreased to the point of being nearly nonexistent around unfamiliar dogs, and I feel far more confident and capable as his handler. Chelsey has continued to provide in-person lessons and regular check-ins since his return home, which has made the transition seamless and ensured his continued success. I’m beyond grateful for Knallhart and for Chelsey’s exceptional skill, professionalism, and kindness. I couldn’t recommend them more highly. Truly a 10/10 experience!

Appreciate the care she took of our dogs and the progress the dogs made. Great working to make sure my kids are part of the learning and training. Attentive to our specific concerns and areas of focus.

We reached out to Chelsey for help with our insecure and dog reactive dog, Penny. Chelsey responded quickly and instantly put me at ease. She was confident that Penny would be able to learn the skills she needed to learn life is not so scary. Penny went to Knallhart for the 8 week board and train program. We took advantage of the financing that was offered for the fee, that was huge for us. Week one we joined a group class at Knallhart and trained with a group of strange dogs and humans and Penny did great! She was very nervous but she wasn't reactive. It was so amazing to see that change is such a short time. In the weeks that followed I got updates, pictures and videos of Penny, including her walks with goats! I spent the time Penny was gone doing my homework, reading books and watching videos that Chelsey assigned. We trained at a dog park sitting while dogs came in and out of the dog park, Penny just sat there content. No reactivity. There was also a dog that was not on a leash in the parking lot that came right up to her and she didn't react. The last week we joined a community pack walk. Penny walked for a few miles in a huge group of strange dogs and she did wonderful. Penny came home with a whole new set of skills and tools. I also learned a ton about how I handle situations. That was not the end of training for Penny. We have Chelsey in our back pocket for any concerns for the rest of Penny's life. That is huge! I already have a meeting scheduled for a new situation that has come up. I highly recommend Chelsey and Knallhart. Chelsey is a kind, energetic, smart human who knows her dogs!!

We loved working with Chelsey & team at Knallhart Kennels & Training Academy! We stumbled into adopting a 2-year old dog, but realized she needed some obedience training to seamlessly integrate with our existing family of two young kids and an older (bossy) dog. Using a combination of a board & train program, as well as in-home training, our dogs now love each other and know their limits on how to behave. Would highly recommend Chelsey & team - they’re 100% worth the investment, which will pay dividends for years!

Give your dog and yourself the best gift possible by booking with Knallhart right now!! Finding the right training program is tough and it took me months of research to find the right fit after moving to Iowa City. My basset hound Bahn had already been through a basic training program elsewhere and he’s always been the most loving dog. But he needed to work on his manners and I needed to learn how to help him. Chelsey is an absolute genius with her program and you won’t be able to find a more intelligent, compassionate, kind and hardworking human being to care for your dog. She helped Bahn overcome his leash pulling and jumping on people and built a program that worked for him and for me. She accommodated all his health needs and derpy behavior to refine his emotional energy output into something that keeps him calm, happy, and even more pleasant to be around. She not only helped Bahn, but her human homework protocol also helped me more than I ever expected. I was worried that the training would change Bahn’s personality and remove his quirky traits that I find so endearing, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! He’s just as big of a goofball as ever but now we have the mechanisms to channel his energy safely and effectively. This was the best investment I’ve ever made and we’re planning to go back to get Bahn certified as a therapy dog. Definitely a 10/10 experience across the board.

TLDR: Amazing trainer and company that can train any dog. I rescued a pittie pup from a shelter that had a pit bull ban and was euthanizing pits for just being pits. A shelter worker hid her and basically threw her our the back to me with no adoption papers, no shots, nothing. It became apparent day 1 that this pup (now named Josie) had not be exposed to much in her short life. She was afraid of the grass, her bowl, a leaf that blew by, everything. I then realized she was deaf. This adorable girl was insecure and reactive. Pulling on her leash barking constantly. I started reaching our to trainers because I knew she was a good dog but she had just never learned to be a dog. Immediately many trainers refused to work with her when they heard reactive, deaf, pitbull. I probably called 25 trainers and either was declined service or never heard back from them after several follow ups. Then I came across Knallhart. The reviews were amazing. Could this be the place for Josie? I was apprehensive because it was a train and board program but my girl needed some direction that I couldn't give her.5 minutes into talking with Chelsey I was put at ease. Not only was she unphased by my pittie pup, she had no issue with her being deaf and reactive as well. She assured me she had worked with all kinds of cases and this would not be their first deaf pup. Chelsey and her team took care of Josie like she was their own caring, teaching, training, and nurturing this sweet girl. They kept me updated regularly with a few photos and a weekly report card that was detailed. I'm so happy I took the leap and put my trust in knallhart Josie is home now and she is the happiest, kind, polite dog who walks like a champion on her leash. Not only did they teach Josie but they taught me all about dog psychology, training tools and techniques, and plenty of homework that backed up this wonderful training program. Now that she's graduated they give life time support and training, they have refresher graduate classes held weekly. The team was never bothered by texts or calls, it's encouraged. If you have a question or concern they make sure its taken care of. I would 100% reccomend Chelsey and her team at Knallhart to anyone looking for a quality ethical trainer who customizes training to each dog. I could not be happier and more proud of Josie. *EDIT* It's been a little over a year since Josie graduated Knallhart Academy and Josie amazes me almost everyday. She has learned boundaries and impulse control so well she's allowed out in the backyard without a lead and only her e collar on. Even if there are distractions like kids, other dogs, squirrels Josie stays within her boundaries. I have joined in on several classes held by Chelsey in public on or the Gusta family farm to continue building a bond and training in different situations. With all her training Josie has become a confident well behaved dog. I'm able to travel with her, take her into public situations like a farmers market and Josie behaves and stays right next to me no pulling or barking. She greets children so very gently, and knows the correct way to greet other dogs out and about.