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Quail Run Kennels, located in Medford, Long Island, New York, is the premiere boarding kennel for your dog or cat. It is situated on 2 1/2 shaded acres and has been family owned and operated since 1973. If you have never boarded your pet with us before, we would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to our boarding and training facility. It is our intention to supply your pet with the best possible care available in any commercial kennel. We employ qualified, knowledgeable, and caring people, who understand that your pets are dependent upon us for their care.
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The primary staff members at Quail Run have been with the kennel for an average of ten years and are experienced in pet care. Their devotion to their occupation represents many years of knowledge and experience in making your pets' care as comfortable and stress-free as possible. Caring for pets is truly a profession, but not one that can be learned from a book.
How well your pet does during his or her stay at any kennel depends not only upon the kennel environment but also upon his/her attitude towards people, age, past experience with being boarded, and how well he/she responds to being away from a familiar home environment. The majority of pets adjust readily to the kennel routine.
Does your dog jump on people when they come in, drag you down the street when you take him out for a walk, escape out the door and run around the neighborhood ignoring you when you call him? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then you and your dog need obedience classes. Group classes for dog training have an advantage--they teach your dog to ignore distractions around them and pay attention to you.
Reviews (29)
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Blake C.
Jun 30, 2022
I was pulling up the directions for Quail run on Yelp, and to my surprise saw two bad reviews. I have been taking my two dogs Brodie and Cinnamon to them for years, and feel obligated to talk about my experience. I was originally referred to them by my father in law because I have a dog that is a nervous biter, so I needed somewhere that can handle her.

Not only have I never had an issue with Quail Run, but the experience has been pleasant every time. I have brought my dogs to them upwards of 15 times in the last 5 years, and would not trust anyone else with them. The staff is extremely professional, and my wife and I feel at ease when they stay with them. I just picked my dogs up to today, they were bathed and I'm good spirits. I am very grateful for the staff and the kennel as a whole. I will be coming here as long as I live in Long Island.
Tatiana A.
Jun 21, 2022
I have no reason to lie in my review. If my review is a lie, I encourage the owner to ask his patrons to write reviews based on their own experience and maybe he will get some positive ones. My experience is my own and my review is based on what I saw and heard with my own eyes and ears. Respectfully, Tatiana
Beck Magner
Jun 21, 2022
Smokes cigarettes right in your face, very disgusting and disrespectful. No one else wants to get cancer front Our second hand smoke. House reeks of cigarettes
Kenneth Paladino
Apr 17, 2022
I'm in the middle of an 8-week training class with my dog and so far so good. Amazing results. I would give them a try it's worth the money. Check back later. Oh and by the way it seems like I might be the one with the training problem. I think my dog's smarter than me. Lol
Amy Swanson
Apr 12, 2022
Horrible horrible place.picked up our puppy from being in the kennel and he was all chopped up with some random hair cut. We never said cut his hair All they said was we tried to give a bath and he wanted nothing to do with. We never asked for a bath either He smelled like nasty fish He was very mellow and not himself when we got him He's usually very hyper and beyond excited to see us and he wasn't They even said he was very quiet whole time which is unlike our dog too.

He's alway so happy and excited to see anyone. I gave food and even gave a ton more just to see if they would scoop correct amount and they used all the food up so that says they didn't do it correctly. He was sleeping for like 3 days straight after and had diarrhea. Also another dog who went same time came home feeling the same way. We tried asking questions when we dropped him off since it was his first time and they just grabbed him and ran off and told us we had to leave.

We asked to walk him in back or at least see where he would be and they told us no. When we picked him up they didn't allow us to ask questions either they just handed him over and told us to head out We had him groomed after the visit and our groomer goes where in the world was he and who gave him a horrible chopped hair cut? He smells horrible. They told us we have never seen a dog look and smell this bad before.

No explanation, no giving us a heads up for whatever reason they chopped him up for We will absolutely never return For anyone else who attempts to go here take before pictures and after pics you could be next. I don't know how this company has been in business for so long They should be shut down
Peter S.
Oct 10, 2021
How ironic! When I stopped payment on my check, suddenly Don remembered who I was, and is now suing me for "theft of service". He may be a great dog trainer, but their boarding practices are unacceptable. Both my dogs have ringworm after their stay at QRK and I spent over $1400 in vet bills so far because of the filthy conditions they were housed in.
Nick Nyg
Sep 21, 2021
1 class down and all I can say is I already feel like I am getting my moneys worth. The correction in my Boxers behavior in class was immediately noticeable. I was able to come home and show off to my wife and kids a little of what we have learned already. I'm sure there will be regression issues and they warn patience. But I will be practicing with him and turning this into a family affair.

Next week I plan on have everyone there to watch. I normally would not post after the first week but I honestly don't see how this could go down from here. Barring something crazy happening I would recommend this training to anyone with a puppy. if u have a nutty larger puppy like I do then I would highly recommend it.
Sarah S.
Jun 24, 2021
I absolutely recommend Don Sterling for anyone looking to train their dog or correct undesirable behavior. Mr. Sterling and Patty were so kind, patient, and incredibly knowledgeable with me and my dog. I truly cannot recommend their training enough. I had taken my brother's German shepherd to multiple trainers due to uncontrollable barking at any strangers.

None of the trainers had any answers as to why he was barking and would just give vague solutions to solve it. After about 2 months of no progress I was blessed in finding Quail Run kennels and meeting Mr. Sterling. After explaining my problem on the phone, Mr. Sterling scheduled an appointment immediately and took more than an hour out of his day to help me understand and correct the barking.

The next day I immediately saw progress and improvement in his behavior. At his own pace my dog is able to approach strangers and feel more secure, comfortable, and happy! I learned much more in the wonderful time I spent with Mr. Sterling than I had in all the other general puppy classes combined. I am looking forward to taking the group classes in the spring and can't wait! The property is absolutely stunning and very welcoming. If you have any dog, especially a German Shepherd, this is the place for you! Thank you Mr. Sterling and Patty!
Michelle B.
May 20, 2021
I have a 6 month old goldendoodle who is quite large and has been literally running our household. We were dealing with it until he started showing signs of aggression and resource guarding. I met with Don today and in a matter of moments, my dog was no longer acting out. Don was very good at explaining the difference between training and obedience and invited me to come watch the group classes until I can get my dog into the new classes in September. I am so grateful to have seen the Yelp reviews and will definitely be signing us up for September classes.
Nicole Medina
Apr 28, 2021
We took our 1 year old Husky/Shepherd mix to get trained here. We saw a difference in just one session! Don and Patti are amazing. They know exactly what they are doing. They've been doing this for a long time and I can see why. It is absolutely worth the money to bring your dog here to get trained!
Tyler Short
Nov 28, 2020
Don and Patty are the best in the business. My dog has an abnormal amount of energy, and Mr. Sterling had him sitting calmly in a matter of seconds. He took time out of his day to explain what I need to do as a dog owner to give my dog the greatest chance of success. To anyone with a large, energetic breed I cannot recommend Quail Run Kennel highly enough. If you're frustrated with your dogs behavior Don and Patty will steer you on the right path.
Lori F.
Oct 24, 2020
We are bringing our 9 month old German Shepherd to training and we highly recommending the 8 week course. Don and the Staff are wonderful and our dog loves coming to lessons.
Rachel Camhi
Jun 20, 2020
I highly recommend quail run kennel for training your dog! The instructors are like dog whisperers, and we have learned so much with each class! Before these classes, my dog used to jump around like a kangaroo, was tugging on the leash, and hard to control when walking. After just a few classes, Benny can walk with a loose leash, and no longer lunges or pulls towards other dogs or people.

The results are amazing, people have even asked if our dog is a service dog in public! Also, the instructors have a great sense of humor, and are incredibly knowledgeable. I will definitely be signing up for off leash training next!
Brittni S.
May 31, 2020
WE LOVE QUAIL RUN! we brought our mini golden doodle here and within 1 class he was sitting on walks. We tried for over a year and never got him to sit. Its a great class and enjoyable. Highly recommend the class.
Brian Bradley
May 27, 2020
We have gone to Quail Run for our dog training for over 30 years. Don Sterling and Patty are awesome. From beginner to advanced off leash training it's the best. If you like good old fashioned no nonsense training this it the place. We had one dog that we thought we would never get under control and they helped us turn him into a great family pet.
Kate T.
Mar 27, 2020
Don is absolutely wonderful! If you have a large breed dog he is the person to go to with any questions! We took our Rottie to training when he was 1 1/2 and it was wonderful he teaches you how to control the dog and if we did not do that training I as a smaller woman would not be able to walk my 100lb dog. 5 years later our dog was having behavioral issues I was worried about and sent Don an email asking for advice.

Within a half hour of sending the email he gave us a call and we had a meeting later that day. He has endless knowledge about dogs and dog training he has been doing this for 50 years! If you are prepared to take the advice he gives you and use the tools he teaches you to control your dog you will see a huge difference!
Phyllis L.
Nov 30, 2019
Don and his training team are excellent. Our adopted lab had had no training and was 16 months BIG and goofy when we got him. This group training was extremely effective and had him under control with just a few lessons. I did not expect group training to be this good, having used private training in the past, but it was excellent. You always feel that you and your dog are under the trainers' watchful eye even as part of a group. I highly recommend this class.
Matt S.
May 18, 2019
My wife and I Just finished training with our dog with Quail run. It was an absolute amazing experience and my dog learned how to be obedient. This training may not be for everyone if you are afraid to correct your dog the proper way. I would recommend anyone who wants their dog to learn the proper obedience training to come here.
Greg L.
Feb 27, 2019
My dog Dash was recently boarded there for five nights. The price was right and better than any place around and the most important part is that Mr. and Mrs. Sterling took great care of my pet. If you're looking for a place to board your pet while you're away or whatever the reason, be sure to check out Quail Run Kennels.
Janine S.
Oct 22, 2018
Very local and convenient. Great prices.just wish it didnt smell like cigarette smoke when u first wall into the office.
Erik B.
Aug 11, 2018
This place is awesome. Everyone is friendly. My dog loves it so much he begs to stay. My dog triton always looks well fed and happy.
Kyle L.
May 27, 2018
I doubted the amount of obedience that could be instilled within my dog. I'm very happy to report that I was wrong. After only 8 weeks my dog is night and day different then when we had first started. The trainers were very nice, the place was nice, the other dog owners were nice. All around a great atmosphere, and I will be returning for the "level 2 no leash" training sessions in the fall, even though it is not needed. I cannot recommend Quail Run highly enough for obedience training!
Amanda S.
May 27, 2018
Such an amazing obedience course! Don and all the other instructors were amazing. In just 8 weeks, my 10 month old golden retriever became much more obedient to my boyfriend and I. Not only did my puppy learn how to listen to us, we learned so many skills on how to correct our dogs behavior. Being a high energy dog and considering how young he is; the class was very useful and we can't wait to continue what we learned in class on our own and bring him everywhere this upcoming summer! Thank you Don and everyone for all your kindness and for all your help. You are all amazing and I will definitely recommend this class to all my fellow dog owner friends :
Mer S.
Apr 12, 2018
JUST DON'T Having been told by this kennel that my dogs would never be left with or be in contact with any other dogs, I left my two dogs here and I went on vacation. The day I got back I called to say I was on my way to pick up my animals. I was told by the owner that my mini poodle was bitten by another dog but it was a "small laceration" and he was at the Urgent Care getting stitched up.

First of all. WHAT? Why was he near any other dogs? Secondly. WHAT? Which Urgent Care?! I arrived at Urgent Care to find out my dog had literally been malled by a Labrador retriever. The explanation I was given by QR " it was the fault of an inexperienced employee". Ummm. You put the employee in the kennel with the dogs. Your fault QR! My dog was literally in ribbons.

The Vet said he would likely not survive. What the Heck happened to "small laceration?!" Thankfully, after 4 surgeries, several courses of antibiotics for necrosis and sepsis a month in the hospital and a $4000! bill, he was released. Call me crazy but I went back to QR to attempt boarding again (lightening doesn't strike the same place twice, right)?

When I requested (apologetically and admittedly due to my own fears) that my pets be handled by the employee I was familiar with and trusted, rather than someone I'd never seen before, I was reprimanded by the employee that she'd "worked here long enough!" I again said it's not personal and I'm just gun shy after the incident and felt more comfortable with the employee I knew and therefore trusted.

She was still unsympathetic, stated that I insulted her and then she became rude. Later on I received a call from the owner. He called to say I'd insulted his employee by asking for someone else to handle my pets. WHAT?! How about "we understand your concern after what had happened and we are happy to make you and your pets comfortable in any way we can.

Thank you for trusting us with your pets." NOPE. Apparently, that's not how Quail Run does business. No customers come first philosophy here. Incidentally, the entire month my pet was in the hospital, I never once received a phone call from the owner (nor any other QR employee)asking how my dog was or even if had survived. Bye bye Quail Run. IN RESPONSE TO DON'S POST (below).

I never implied I paid the $4000. I merely stated that was the cost. That however is irrelevant. You were not there when I picked up my dogs on my last visit so it is impossible for you to comment with "facts". I never demanded anything. In the years you've known me that has never been my demeanor. I requested politely and your employee looked like she was going to cry.

I then assured her that it wasn't personal. I politely asked for Pat. When I was told Pat was unavailable I acquiesced and said "ok but I'm nervous, please be very careful with him". She then said "never mind, I'm getting Pat". Again, I said "it's ok just be very careful" and she said "no, I'm getting Pat". Incidentally there were No other customers in the waiting area.

None whatsoever! Pat got my dogs. She said next time she wouldn't be able to leave what she was doing and I'd have to let the other woman retrieve my dogs. Then she and I said goodbye. I said goodbye to the other woman and she chose not to respond. Again, as you were not there (you were outdoors in a training session) it is impossible for you to comment accurately regarding what transpired.

Nor can Pat know how the conversation went before she arrived. However, since you've both known me for a few years, you can infer that my actions were polite and mindful, as they have always been. Even after my dog was malled. My issue here is your follow up phone call, apparently to reprimand me for requesting a familiar handler which led to your employees hurt feelings.

Your employee made Me (the customer) uncomfortable and your response was inappropriate. Furthermore, you were so quick to pick up the phone in this situation, yet, I query, where was the phone call when my dog was hospitalized for a month? I will be sharing this discourse with every Vet/ groomer and pet owner I know. I never had to request that Pat handle my dogs because Pat was the only person I'd ever encountered (other than Don) in all my visits.

There is a reason some people choose to work with animals rather than humans as they have a difficult time interacting with other people. This woman's reaction and Don's response exemplify this phenomenon.
Symone F.
Oct 14, 2017
Don Sterling is an amazing dog trainer! We have been having dominance problems with our dog for awhile and we tried an assessment by another trainer previously but it was not very helpful. Don had our dog sitting on command and behaving within and hour. He showed us a technique that our dog responded to right away when everything else had failed. He was also honest with us and told us that this type of dog should not live in the same house as a baby.

As a result, the dog is going to live with a relative. Don is very knowledgeable about dog in general and can give an assessment on any dog. And if the dog is trainable--Don is the trainer for you. He is so pleasant to speak with and you can tell he absolutely loves what he does. Our next dog is definitely going to be trained with Don.
Michelle L.
May 21, 2017
I cannot put into words how helpful Don and his training classes have helped my family. We rescued our dog Lola 2 years ago and she was very anxious which then turned into aggression towards other dogs on leash and off leash. We tried several dog training classes and nothing worked until a friend suggested Don's training at quail run kennel. He met with us for an evaluation and corrected my dogs behavior on the spot, we saw an instant improvement based on what he showed us & I mean INSTANT.

Now after 6 weeks of his training classes I can control my dog a lot easier. His training methods provide the results that you see on tv on shows like Cesar Milan. I 100% urge you to meet with don if your dog is causing you some headaches. Because my dog is a lot happier and so are we! Thanks Don and Pat!
Alan E.
Dec 03, 2016
My wife and I are physicians and have some knowledge about service dogs for individuals afflicted with neurologic disorders. We liked Don Sterling from the moment we spoke to him on the phone and then met with him. After working with several dog trainers without success (to address very rambunctious and difficult behaviors), and feeling guilty that we were at fault and doing something wrong, Don put us immediately at ease, and made us feel so relieved about what was really going on.

At no cost, he volunteered to meet with our dog and he showed us invaluable techniques that were immediately helpful. We could see from our dog's response that Don has a special ability to connect with canines and truly understands how to train them. We subsequently enrolled our dog in the amazing 3 month training course which was transformational in our dog's behavior.

Thanks to the training of Don and his superb team, we have a good quality of life restored, can really enjoy our dog and feel that the dog is at much lower risk now for safety problems. On a personal level, we have greatly enjoyed getting to know Mr. Sterling and talking about politics and the world. He is fun to see every time we have a chance to meet.

We were also moved by the story how Don took it upon himself to adopt a very challenging dog that was impossible for the prior owner to manage and dedicate his efforts and resources to giving this dog a good life. We would also like to comment about the kennel and feel compelled to provide an alternative perspective to the single negative review posted by another reviewer.

We regret that reviewer sites like Yelp do not offer external validation of contentions in reviews and we frankly found none of the negative items cited in that review. Our dog has stayed at the kennel on several occasions. The kennel in our opinion has unique positive aspects that make it far superior to caging an animal in the typical veterinarian office.

The grounds are beautiful and the dogs get unusually large personal space to romp around. The staff is caring and dedicated. We have witnessed for ourselves plenty of shady spots on the grounds. If you are looking for answers for caring for your dog, look no further than Quail Run. We highly recommend both the kennel and the extraordinary training courses. Thank you Don for your dedication and your expertise training and taking care of these beloved animals.
Lynette Z.
Jul 26, 2016
With ALL of their kennels outdoors (And some hours in full sun) there's no place for your dog to hide in the shade. The entire kennel is concrete, which has given my dog a rash on his stomach so bad that all of his hair fell out on his chest and stomach. My dog was returned to me skinny and unhappy. It was clear that my dog ate very LITTLE there.

They never paid attention to him like they promised they would. I understand they have a lot of dogs to care for and they can't give my dog undivided attention, but my dog is vested to human interaction. They clearly didn't spend more then 10 minutes a day with him. They always tell you that you dog is doing fine when you call up to check up on your dog.

Sure he's doing fine, because they don't want to tell you he's not eating and losing weight and is unhappy. So they lie to you. Only for you to find out the truth when you pick your dog up. He was so skinny that one year we picked him up, I could see his ribs. The next year wasn't so bad. But the first year should have been a real warning sign, but I overlooked it since I hadn't been away from him since I brought him home.

They wanted to charge extra for giving him a walk on a daily basis. And when we picked him up each time (He stayed there in 2014 and 2015 for about a week and a half each time) they ended up somehow charging us an extra day even though we picked him up the day we said we would before the time posted (between 10am and Noon) that said if we don't pick him up we'd be charged an extra day.

We STILL got charged an extra day. The first time we left him there we weren't informed that they are closed on Wednesdays and we tried to pick him up and no one picked up the phone. The second time we said we'd pick him on Thursday, yet still, we were charged an extra day. They always seem to charge their customers an extra day somehow just to get extra money out of you.

And they always give you a hard time when you call them out on what they do. They double talk and confuse you. By then you're so frustrated that you just want to pay them and get out. It's a basically cash only business as well. They accept checks. But would prefer cash. No credit cards. Will never come back here again.
Jean H.
Nov 16, 2015
Great staff! Very friendly and helpful. Perfect for big dogs. My dog is over 100 pounds rescues and is scared of anyone he meets. The staff got alone great with him. My brother also takes his rescues here as well. Cost is very reasonable.