Testimonials
What people are saying about their experience with Black Oaks Kennels
​​Lisa has truly been the best I could’ve hoped for when it comes to kenneling and dog training. I first sent my German Shepherd puppy to her bootcamp in the spring, and the results were amazing. From the very beginning, Lisa was incredibly communicative and supportive. She sent me multiple videos showing exactly how she was working with my dog, and she included helpful tips so I could continue the training at home. It gave me a lot of confidence and made me feel like I was part of the process.
Since that initial training, my puppy has gone back to stay with Lisa for several overnight boarding sessions whenever I’ve had to travel for work or go on vacation. It’s such a relief knowing my dog is in a place that’s not only safe and well-run but also familiar and a place she loves. Each time I pick her up, she seems happy, and even better behaved than before.
Thanks to Lisa’s training, my dog now has really solid obedience skills. She can sit, stay, go to place, come when called, wait patiently at doors, and has excellent crate manners. These are things that make everyday life so much easier, especially when we’re out in public or visiting friends and family.
Having a local kennel and dog trainer like Lisa has made all the difference. It’s been one of the most helpful and worthwhile investments I’ve made for both my dog and my own peace of mind. I recommend her to anyone looking for reliable boarding or professional training. She genuinely cares about the dogs she works with, and it shows. The puppy boot camp, over night boarding and training are all so so worth it!!
E.Kinney - Artie
September 2025
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I wish I had switched to Black Oaks Kennels sooner! My boy is very anxious when I leave him. Other kennels just did not take the kind of care I thought should be taken. Lisa was amazing with my dog and I will not be leaving him anywhere else in the future! Her kennel is very clean and the outside play area was inviting and looked like the doggies would have a lot of fun! Don't hesitate to board at Black Oaks - you won't be disappointed!
Lisa Jarvis - Jackson
October 2025
Welcome and wonderful vacation "home" for our pup. Black Oak Kennels is situated in a rural area and the dogs are welcomed to a large play area with obstacles, water, shade, and lots of places to run or rest. The kennel is well lit, ventilated, air conditioned, and comfy for all size dogs. But the best part of Black Oaks is Lisa, the owner. She's a master trainer of dogs with all sorts of certifications. Our first experience with Lisa was a combination of boarding and helping our dog be less reactive because she had been rejected by our local Bay Area boarding facilities. Lisa connected easily with our girl and brought out her best qualities. She educated us on how to reinforce the training and how to assess environments that would be most comfortable for our dog. Our dog has stayed with Lisa and Black Oaks many times since then and is always enthusiastic to see Lisa and enjoys her vacations at Black Oaks. Lisa communicates well with us when we are out of town and sends us photos of our happy girl. Cannot say enough good things about Black Oaks Kennels.
Joelle Kaufman - Lola
August 2024
Thelma and Louise have used Black Oaks Kennels for over 2 years. Lisa is accommodating, flexible, and extremely professional. While we were away in Europe, Lisa sent pictures and updates almost daily about our fur babies. She treats our dogs like they are part of her family. Lisa even has better chew toys for our dogs than we do!
I always feel at ease when our dogs are at Black Oaks Kennels
Shadow Myth - Thelma and Louise
August 2024
​My dog Murphy and I had a wonderful experience with Lisa and her husband Jeff during our obedience training classes. Murphy also boards there when and if needed.
Murphy progressed nicely in the five weeks of training. He also did some one on one training with them while boarded. Just recently Murphy passed his CGC and CGCA. Also received a ribbon for Novice Tricks.
I’m so grateful for them and look forward to more classes soon!
I highly recommend Black Oak.
Peggy McConnaughay - Murphy
January 20, 2024
We sent our precious (mischievous) 6 month old Bruno to black oak kennels 3 week training program, we wanted to focus on recall, basic commands, stay, off leash, public outings without barking, dog sniffing, people sniffing, etc.
Lisa had just had foot surgery so Jeff took the lead with Bruno, the bond they made together was truly something to write home about, Lisa kept us constantly updated through group text with photos and videos of Bruno’s progress, going out in public, going to local events, home training and also lots of fun! This is was such a relief and a must for us to receive so many updates as we are natural worriers about our babies, we didn’t worry for one moment, we knew Bruno was in amazing, caring, kind and loving hands the whole time. He learned so much and we will continue to work with him to receive his cgc’s and become a service dog for veteran ptsd. Thank you so much Lisa and Jeff!
Josh Szlash - Bruno
September 2023
I have a fear reactive dog that we rescued. Lisa has been working with us for a few months and the improvement has been tremendous! We can walk through most stores with no melt downs. She even passed her CGC. It was a long road, but Lisa never gave up on us.
This past week, both my dogs spent a week being boarded while we were out of town, and now my fearful dog loves Lisa and her husband Jeff (like gives them hugs and kisses loves). I was worried that we would never be able to leave Harlow because of her fear, but with Lisa’s help she has blossomed. I can’t recommend Lisa enough!
Rebeca Pearce Norman - Harlow
July 2023
We boarded Rascal with Lisa at Black Oak Kennels during our vacation. He received training and much attention. Very impressed with improved behaviors and Lisa’s follow-up and continual support.
Dale Nettles - Rascal
July 2022
Just picked our dog up from 9 days at Black Oaks Kennels.
Lisa is amazing, very friendly and a great communicator. She sent pictures and videos throughout his stay. Brody loved his time there and will definitely be going back. Thank you!
Julia Coke Lampe - Brody
July 2022
​We had an outstanding experience at Black Oak Kennel and Lisa McClelland. Our 8 month puppy Chris is an energetic, intelligent border collie/black lab mix. She is hard to control, jumping up, lungeing on walks, and chewing on the leash. She is a recuse and has lots of potential. We were in need of expert help! Lisa came to the resue! Lisa is the Dog Wisperer…loves dogs, very knowledgeable, professional, can read a dogs behavior and correct it in a loving firm way that the dog understands and responds to. Chris spent a week at puppy training camp and that was money well spent! Chris came home calm, ready to respond to commands, stays off the furniture, walks calming around the neighborhood, no longer jumps up, sleeps well through the night and we all look forward to kayaking with Chris. Thank you Lisa and look forward to working with you monthly to keep her training going.
Linda Line - Chris
June 2021