Hi Michael,
I strongly feel the need to contact you. You see, we had our dog, Doohan,put down last week. He was almost 16 years old and just could not go on anymore.
You probably don’t remember us, but we came to you late in 1998 with our boisterous little Labrador puppy who was ripe for all the lessons in good behaviour. Luckily for us, you had just got a puppy yourself, Kyle, so you decided to run a puppy class. Kyle and Doohan were the same age so it suited us perfectly.
It wasn’t long before we learnt that dog training was as much about teaching us how to train our dog as it was about training our dog. We stayed with you training Doohan for well over 2 years through the birth of our 2 children. We went from your backyard in Croydon to Dixons Creek and then to Norwood in Ringwood. As we progressed, Doohan became the most amazing,well-behaved dog. Everyone would comment when I walked him along the river in Warrandyte just how amazing it was that I could recall him without even seeing him and he would come running through the bush towards me. He would sit or drop until released. He didn’t even eat his food until the command was given – which for a Lab is truly amazing!!
I continued to train Doohan in the manner in which you taught us until about 3 years ago. He started to go deaf and blind and I just figured there was little point. He lived the last few years in a slightly more relaxed manner but at that age could do no real harm.
I just wanted to thank you for your incredible magic, insights and dog whispering tips. Without them we wouldn’t have enjoyed Doohan nearly as much a we did. I have recommended you to many people when they have trouble training their dogs. I hope to be back with you again one day when we take on our next furry bundle.
Kind Regards,
Maree Neil
- Maree Neil
“Dear Michael,
It is with regret that I write these few words. Regret that you are no longer working with us as our obedience trainer at HM Prison Dhurringile.
Let us wind the clock back several years.
We received our first two greyhounds in September 2007 as part of the Prison Pet Partnership (PPP). You arrived one week later to start the obedience training. Prior to your arrival, we were told you were a professional dog trainer and one of only a handful that were able to make it a full time profession. After that very first training session, I had prisoners approach me stating that they had attended obedience classes with their own dog/s for many years and what they had learned on that first training session had more impact on them than what they had received at previous training sessions at their local obedience clubs.
You were able to build rapport with the prisoners immediately, something that is not easily achieved in an environment such as this. Prisoners will generally see through any weakness and work it to their advantage. To my knowledge, the prisoners only had admiration for your stamina, perseverance and ability. Sometimes it was hard work when we had some prisoners on the program who were not 100% committed, but with your knowledge, experience and expertise we were still able to turn out compliant, well-adjusted greyhounds within the six-week timeframe.
As you are aware, I have been involved in the Prison Pet Partnership since its inception and people like you have certainly made my job easy. I love working with people who are passionate in what they do and you are a prime example of someone who is passionate in their vocation. Working with prisoners is not an easy task however, you had them savouring every word you spoke. Both prisoners, staff involved with the PPP and I hold you in very high regard, and you have left some very big boots to fill.
It has been a pleasure to work with you over the last three years. I will miss our conversations and watching Phoenix patiently waiting on the sidelines for your attention. You are living proof of what one can achieve when one sets their mind to a task.
Thankyou for all the work and effort you have poured into this program. Without your input, I am convinced we would not be celebrating the successes we have encountered thus far. We have achieved a milestone of one hundred greyhounds passing through the doors at HM Prison Dhurringile. We may never have achieved this milestone without your dedication, perseverance and love of the job. We have certainly had some fun along the way.
Michael, may I wish you and your business all the success that comes your way. You deserve it. ”
- Roger Jorgensen, Prison Supervisor | HM Prison Dhurringile
Eastern Companion has honestly made a massive difference to our lives. We have taken our Rottweiler there regularly for two and a half years, since she was only 12 weeks old. Michael, the trainer, has so much knowledge to draw on (as do the other trainers who also attend the sessions), and its a friendly and family-oriented … place, with a whole range of dogs (large and small). The approach is all-rounded, designed to prepare the dog for the sorts of situations the dog has to cope with in everyday life. Training includes things like socialisation, where we teach the dog to respond appropriately to objects like vacuum cleaners, motorbikes, skateboards, brooms, other dogs, and even thunder. Then theres also a lot of equipment for the dog to develop confidence with (bridges, barrels, jumps etc.). The obedience training itself is designed for a whole range of circumstances: in the park, at home, at the shops, amid traffic, crossing roads and so on. And, if you have any issues at all with your dog (like barking or jumping up or anything else that youre concerned about, such as behaviour with other dogs), then Michael and the trainers are also able to give personalised attention. As we hadnt had a dog since we were kids, we found our dog quite challenging at the start, and didnt really know what we were doing, so we were really pleased to find somewhere like Eastern Companion.
- Dr Miriam Bankovsky & Dr Sean Bowden
We contacted Michael after speaking to a few different dog trainers and hitting dead ends along the way. Michael was straight forward and very receptive of our questions which was very refreshing. When Michael came to our home, his straight talking, no nonsense manner extended to the way he dealt with our dogs. After discussion and observation of the issues, Michael was able to recommend courses of action and how to execute them. However what we found most helpful and interesting was the explanation that Michael gave for each of the behaviours. He seemed to be acutely aware of what was causing our situation and was able to explain it so that we could also recognise it. What was even better was that it worked! After only a couple of days of training we noticed a difference! We couldn’t have been happier.
We found Michael a pleasure to deal with as he was friendly, to the point, thorough and extremely helpful. We have, and will continue, to recommend him to our friends and family.
Good luck with all your dog training!
Thank you again for your help!”
- Jennelle
Our pup has stayed with Abba a couple of times and she seems to have an absolute blast! Board & train was amazing – great value for a 2 week stay, Michael really knows his stuff & doesn’t overcomplicate things. Thanks guys!
- Kate Anthony
Dropped off my German Shepherd in for the 3 weeks of training. In the end, we had a very comprehensive handover. Since my dog has been home even before continuing the training he is already so much more calm around the house. Would 100% recommend, Michael explained everything with absolute detail.
- Allister Bayangos-Brandt
We left our 1 year old girl with Abba for two weeks while we were on holidays. We also elected to pay extra for 1:1 obedience training during her stay. She came back happy and much calmer! The team were lovely and kept us informed the whole time. She even went into season for the first time during her stay and the team kept a close eye on her and gave us lots of information to manage it from home.
- Jemma Wight
Highly recommend ABBA kennels, the staff are wonderful. We had our 7 month old Corgi with them for 3 weeks and she had the best time and has come back so happy and very obedient. We also got the 3 week training package that they do with Eastern Companion Dog Training and also highly recommend them as well.
Thank you so much ABBA and Eastern Companion Dog Training for looking after Ruby so well.
- Joline Mead
We were at breaking point with our reactive bulldog Wilma. The three week training program has really helped. It is a big financial investment but the staff and trainers were extremely knowledgeable and professional. Recommend.
- Suzie Norwood
Our Dalmatian Monty had a two week board and train at Abba! He looked so happy in the Facebook photos, and we picked up one very happy pup! We can certainly tell that the staff love the pets in their care, and training with Michael was great; Monty is a pleasure to walk on the lead now, and we are continuing what he and we learned at home! He is already booked in for boarding for a quick 2 nights in July. Very, very happy all round, thank you so much everyone at Abba!
- Debbie Duncan
We just picked up our german shepherd from 3 weeks of boarding and training and are honestly so happy. The training has given us a solid base to help us get the most out of Harlee. But the difference we have seen already in her is amazing and Michael has done a brilliant job and obviously knows what he is doing.
100% cant recommend Michael and the ABBA’s team highly enough!
- Bevan Higgins
I cannot more highly recommend Michael and his staff. We were at wits end with our newly rescued 5yo GSP who was unable to be left alone because he would howl & bark! Kaiser’s anxiety was awful & we thought we would have to return this gorgeous boy we had fell in love with. Kaiser was also a nightmare to walk & control so that was a huge issue as well. We were referred to Abba & were hesitant due to the cost & of course no guarantees it will work!!!
Well after a 3 week boarding/ training at Abba he is a different dog! Walking is a breeze, always a loose lead now& won’t rush out the door- just slow and calm. No howling, just lots of whimpering & crying to test us! Absolutely worth every cent & an amazing job, thanks
- Kathryn Bell
I left my 2 Shiba Inu dogs here for the 14 day training program. I’ve only had them back home for a few hours but the difference is astounding. Communication with the team was excellent and I got frequent photo updates of their well being. I will definitely trust them for boarding whenever I have to travel.
- Monique Branchflower
Great place for my little boy, Teddy. He has become obedient and still enjoys life like a puppy should. Great work by Michael and all the team at ABBA Kennels 👏. He is eager and loves going to ABBA KENNELS each morning. Fantastic place for Day care and for Dog training purposes.
- Richard Mohan
I am extremely happy with my Pets care. My dog attended boarding school training for the 14 days and came back well trained, smelling really lovely. I know due to my dogs breed it can be difficult to train some stubborn behaviours. I am very thankful.
- Melissa Tunney
The staff are lovely, super helpful and caring.
Our pup Henry did the board and train package and he came home a much more settled pup. Since then he has been to doggy day care and comes home full of beans and very happy.
Thank you for looking after Henry so well and for always being happy to answer any questions or concerns, I really appreciate it.
- Mel Murphy
ABBA took great care of our groodle. She also had training and I was amazed with the result. My only complaint is that the office was closed for all of Easter, which meant I had to arrange someone to pick her up as we weren’t back til late on the Thursday before Good Friday, and we didn’t want her to have to stay there til the Tuesday. Highly recommended.
- Susan Bell
We did boarding and training with our dog for 3 weeks. He came back to us happy and healthy. Michael the trainer was great aswel, kept us informed of progress and really did wonder with our American staffy. Would definitely recommend this place.
- Stan Amanatidis
Our dog, Benji is a COVID puppy, have
separation anxiety and have trouble getting along with the other dogs. We boarded Benji for train and care for 3 weeks, while we were on holidays. Michael and Kelly had trained our dog very well and he was given so much attention and love by the carers. Thank you so much for your help!
- Harshi Jayawardane
Myself and Reggie have learned so much. Reggie has come along way with the training he received and I’m so happy with his progress. As for the tips and re-training of myself – it’s been invaluable. The staff are great and I highly recommend the intense training program.
- Kim Hesline
Our dog has been going to Doggy Day Care with training for a couple of months now. We are always greeted in a friendly way and our dog Milly is really excited to go in. She initially went for training and socialisation and we are reaping the rewards of our decision.
- Linda Notman
I sent my 9 month old newfie for 3 weeks boarding and training program.very happy with the outcome.he had behavioral issues such as being very jumpy, pulling the leash, and not being lsitening to any commands easily buy after the training he has becom very calm and controlled.
They hv looked after him really well and i m happy about there sevice.
- Tharanga Wedagedara
Michael greeted us outside the kennel and put our dog at ease straight away,when inside she was introduced to more staff member and was willingly went in with out apprehension,we where then walked through what her time will be spent over the next 14 days .Could not be happier.
When entering you notice how clean the whole environment is,
- John Parkinson
My dogs had a great time. Training was awesome! Very happy with the service