Below are just a few of the comments submitted by those who are
familiar with John Walker's training program...
To tell you how wonderful my experience with John Walker has been,
I have to tell you about a prior bad experience with another trainer. I entrusted my lab, Zoey, to a trainer, who
I will not name, in Grand Junction, TN, prior to her 1st birthday. Zoey was with this trainer for just over five
months. I got her back from this trainer just prior to duck season. Her first time out, she was exposed to
a very controlled hunting situation, only one gun shooting, etc. The small amount of gunfire appeared to bother
her, and when I cast her out to retrieve birds, she refused to go. I became completely disheartened, when on a
trip to Stuttgart, AR, she swam to get away when sent after ducks still flopping in the water within feet of her.
I was sure that I had myself an expensive "Frisbee dog".Upon a friend's suggestion, I gave John Walker a call. We
had an extensive conversation about the issue I was having. He gave good input and was honestly concerned about
Zoey. As a true professional, he had me address the issue with the other trainer, who took her back for about
three weeks (during this time, John contacted me for updates on Zoey) with no change; he still charged me, though.
I was certain my dog was ruined, but John was sure that he could help, and he has.To date, John has taken Zoey back through all of her basics,
including correctly force-fetching her, and is beginning more advanced handling with her. During last spring's
hunt tests, she passed 3 out of 4 attempts under John's training and control. In fact, this week, I saw Zoey
complete her most difficult double retrieve to date. She is beginning to handle very well to hand signals and
whistles, and will soon be handling on cold blinds.Thanks to John, I am looking forward to dove and duck season with
Zoey. I must tell you again what a great job he has done--imagine the sick feeling you would have if your
expensive pup, with months of expensive training under her belt, ran with dread while hunting. Also imagine how
happy, relieved, and proud you would be if she now headed out enthusiastically with head held high on her way to a
retrieve.
If you are looking for a trainer for your dog, John Walker of
Cedar Grove Kennels is your trainer. --Scott Gray (Client)
...I train with John on a weekly basis, once or twice a week. John takes
very good care of his dogs and treats all of them fairly in their training. He works very hard at it.
---Lorie Jolly (Field Trialer for 12 Years and Owner of AFC CFTCH Rosehill's Mr. Speaker MH
and Fellow Trainer)
...I cannot say enough good things about John and his training
ability. It is my opinion that there is not a better trainer in Tennessee and his professionalism and knowledge
are superlative. Ellie (my lab) and I have exceeded everything that we set out to achieve and I count the days
to duck season. ---Michael Weaver (Client)
...John knows that training the dog is only part of his job. He also
spends time with the owner, instructing them on how to handle the dog. John includes in his training a plan
for transitioning the owner into the position of handler...John's dogs also walk to the line with their heads held
high. While the dogs show respect for John, they do not show any fear of him.
---Stanley Hodgin (Client)
...I saw John with dogs at all levels. I have no
reservations about his knowledge into the workings of a dog's mind, how to present new concepts to the dog, his
personal integrity, honesty, and concern for the health and well-being of all his charges. I look forward
to a long relationship with John. He is totally committed to his love of dogs and their training. He's
a cut above and a real professional in everything he does. You could not do better than to align yourself
with John Walker. ---Hunt Cleveland (Client)
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